Athlon Sports and U-Sports: The Premier Destination for College Fantasy Sports

Athlon Sports and U-Sports have joined forces to become the ultimate college fantasy destination. Athlon is the industry leader in preseason college football coverage and the place to go for in-season college fantasy information. U-Sports is entering its 14th season as the leader in college fantasy sports contests. This partnership has created the one-stop destination for all of your college fantasy needs.

The college football season at Athlon Sports doesn’t stop with the magazine. In fact, it’s just beginning. No matter if you are a college fantasy veteran or interested in checking out the hobby, Athlon has you covered.

The same features that made U-Sports the premier college fantasy contest are back, including the ability for each league to choose its talent pool, make waiver wire transactions or trades each week and set your own scoring system. Just like any offense in college football, there will be a few new wrinkles for 2009. Owners will see a revamped playoff system and have the ability to participate in total point leagues – in addition to the standard head-to-head setting.

The best part about participating in any fantasy league? The draft. Owners have the ability to participate in a live draft before the season kicks off. Once the season gets going, owners can take advantage of in-game scoring, along with player updates throughout the week to keep you informed on the latest news and notes.

Athlon Sports is now your in-season destination for the best college fantasy football coverage and provider of college fantasy sports.

Here’s what to expect each week during the regular season to help your college fantasy football lineup at AthlonSports.com -

Start or sit advice
Weekly positional rankings
Waiver wire advice
News and notes
Weekly recaps
Weekly podcasts

Don’t forget to check AthlonSports.com throughout the offseason for updated draft rankings, player profiles, strategy pieces and plenty more to start your college fantasy dynasty in 2009.

Looking ahead to 2009

There’s no substitute for a proven quarterback. Having a steady, senior leadership presence in the huddle is often the difference between winning a national title or finishing in fifth place in the conference. The same can be said for college fantasy football.

Quarterbacks dominated the top of the final rankings last year, with eight of the top 10 players taking snaps from center. Rice’s Chase Clement led all college players with 434 fantasy points, with Houston’s Case Keenum checking in at second. Michigan State running back Javon Ringer and Rice tight end James Casey were the only skill players inside of the top 10.

Even with Clement, Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell and Tulsa’s David Johnson out of eligibility, quarterbacks should dominate the top of draft. Keenum is the top returning player by fantasy points from last season and tops Athlon Sports’ first top 200 release. Although running backs tend to dominate the top of the draft in NFL fantasy leagues, quarterbacks are usually valued more in college.

After pounding his way for 17 touchdowns last season, Oregon’s LeGarrette Blount is the No. 1 fantasy back going into the preseason. Blount should see a few more carries his way, especially with Jeremiah Johnson out of eligibility. Although most standard leagues require three starters at running back, it’s not a particularly top-heavy year at this position.

Receivers are the most difficult position to peg every year and outside of Oklahoma State’s Dez Bryant and Kansas’ Dezmon Briscoe, there is a lot of uncertainty. The SMU duo of Aldrick Robinson and Emmanuel Sanders should post plenty of fantasy points and Jordan Shipley should be a great value in all league formats. However, there are several top 50 receivers in the middle rounds that have boom-or-bust potential.

Coming this week

Tuesday: Quarterback and Kicker rankings
Wednesday: Running Back and team defense rankings
Thursday: Wide Receiver and Tight End rankings
Friday: Top 200 for 2009

Coming later this summer

Player profiles
Sleepers
Position battles
Strategy features
Mock draft
Freshmen/JUCO reports
Keeper watch

Check out u-sports.athlonsports.com for more information on college fantasy leagues for the 2009 season.

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