Happy Thanksgiving! After you enjoy some NFL action on Thursday, we have a special Friday slate of college football with games all day long. So break out the leftovers, sit back and watch your lineups stay green! This Friday schedule will oddly span multiple conferences that usually aren’t on the same slate together. We’ve got the regular Power 5 schools from the Big Ten, Big 12, etc. - but then we have some lower-tier conferences to make things interesting. Note that the UAB-Southern Miss game is postponed, so don’t roster anyone from that matchup. Also, this playbook covers the DraftKings main slate kicking off at 12 pm ET. Gobble Gobble! 

THE SLATE (betting odds via DK Sportsbook as of 11/25): 

  • 12 pm ET -- Iowa State (-1) @ Texas -- 56.5 o/u
  • 12 pm ET -- Massachusetts @ Liberty (-37) -- 56 o/u
  • 1 pm ET -- Nebraska @ Iowa (-13.5) -- 53.5 o/u
  • 3:30 pm ET -- UCF (-24.5) @ South Florida -- 67.5 o/u
  • 3:30 pm ET -- Notre Dame (-5) @ North Carolina -- 68 o/u
  • 4 pm ET -- Central Michigan (-7) @ Eastern Michigan -- 59.5 o/u
  • 4 pm ET -- Wyoming (-16.5) @ UNLV -- 52 o/u
  • 4:30 pm ET -- Stanford @ California (-1.5) -- 52.5 o/u

Highest Team Totals (per DK Sportsbook Odds)

  1. Liberty -- 46.5 points vs. Massachusetts
  2. UCF -- 46 points @ South Florida
  3. Notre Dame -- 36.5 points @ North Carolina
  4. Wyoming -- 34.25 points @ UNLV
  5. Iowa -- 33.5 points vs. Nebraska
  6. Central Michigan -- 33.25 points @ Eastern Michigan
  7. North Carolina -- 31.5 points vs. Notre Dame
  8. Iowa State -- 28.75 points @ Texas
  9. ?Texas -- 27.75 points vs. Iowa State

Quarterbacks

Quarterbacks
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Dillon GabrielUCFUSF920033.18  
The UCF offense is already among the highest-scoring in the nation and now it gets to face one of the worst defenses in all of college football. Not to mention Dillon Gabriel and Co. will be looking to bounce back in a big way in this rivalry matchup following last week’s close loss to Cincinnati. The price tag is hefty for UCF’s QB, but Gabriel has a DFS ceiling as high as anyone’s when he’s at his best. The sophomore leads the country in passing yards this season and is sporting a ridiculous 26:3 TD:INT ratio through eight games. He can easily dominate in this favorable matchup and is the ideal GPP or cash QB1 on this slate. There’s been talk that McKenzie Milton could see time at QB this week in his final collegiate game - but that would only be in a blowout situation for UCF where Gabriel had already likely done plenty of damage.
Sam EhlingerUTISU900034.38  
With Liberty’s Malik Willis ($10,300) being way too expensive on this slate, people will likely be choosing between Dillon Gabriel and Sam Ehlinger as their top QB in the expensive range. Ehlinger headlines a Texas offense that’s in a must-win scenario this weekend vs. Iowa State if the Longhorns want any chance at the Big 12 title. Although he’s been held to under 200 passing yards in back-to-back games, Ehlinger always has the potential to smash the DFS slate because he’s the top playmaker on his offense. He can get it done through the air with his 22:5 TD:INT ratio - or on the ground with his seven rushing TDs through seven games. This matchup with Iowa State could end up in a back-and-forth offensive shootout and Ehlinger would be the QB to have if that’s the case.
Preston HutchinsonEMUCMU860031.73  
Obviously it’s tough to trust a MAC quarterback on a slate with so many other high-powered offenses, but there’s clear upside for Preston Hutchinson right now. First off, this matchup vs. Central Michigan should be very DFS-friendly with a one-score spread, high point total and two subpar defenses. Then there’s the fact that Eastern Michigan usually rolls out a pass-heavy attack with Hutchinson taking on a ton of responsibility to keep the offense rolling. He’s averaging 34 pass attempts, 245 passing yards and 31.7 DK points per game through three weeks and will face a CMU defense that’s allowing 261 pass yards and nearly three passing TDs per outing. Plus, Hutchinson has rushing upside that was on full display two weeks ago when he ran for 104 yards and three scores. He’s a great GPP pivot if you’re not going with Gabriel or Ehlinger as your QB1.
Ian BookNDUNC730024.14  
Although Ian Book is tough to predict week-to-week, he’s really priced down from what he’s been doing the last two games and is a top QB value on this slate. The Notre Dame gunslinger put up 310 passing yards and 25 DK points in a tough matchup vs. Clemson two weeks ago and then answered that with 38 DK points and dual-threat production last game vs. Boston College. The rushing is certainly a plus as Book has rushed for 40 or more yards in each of the last six games. He’ll likely be leaned on to make plays both through the air and on the ground in this high-scoring game vs. UNC that could end up being a back-and-forth, offensive battle. He’s a great Super-Flex in GPP’s.
Brock PurdyISUUT670020.1  
As long as Purdy is priced below 7k in favorable matchups, he should be strongly considered on every slate as an elite value option for cash or GPP contests. He’s put up 21 or more DK points in three straight games and has tossed three TDs in back-to-back outings. Purdy and this Iowa State offense will have to score a lot in this matchup with Texas that could easily turn into a back-and-forth high-scoring battle. Because he’s so affordable, you can definitely pair up Purdy and Ehlinger in the same lineup and still fit in Breece Hall to get maximum exposure to one of the better games on the slate.

Also Consider: 

  • Malik Willis - Liberty ($10,300) - GPP
  • Sam Howell - North Carolina ($8,700) - GPP/Cash
  • Chase Garbers - California ($6,300) - Cash
  • Max Gilliam - UNLV ($5,700) - GPP

Running Backs

Running Backs
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Breece HallISUUT890032.46  
Honestly, there’s not much more explanation needed for Breece Hall that hasn’t already been said in these playbooks all season. He’s the bell cow back for Iowa State and is pretty much automatic for 30-35 DK points because of his dominant rushing production every time out. Hall’s 1,169 rushing yards this season are tops in college football as he’s racked up at least 130 yards and multiple TDs in six of the last seven games - and put up 185 rushing yards and a score in the lone “outlier.” He’ll likely be leaned on heavily once again in this high-scoring game with Texas as he’s emerged as one of the only matchup-proof DFS stud backs in the country. You can lock him into cash or GPP and not think twice about it.
Xazavian ValladayWYOUNLV790027.1  
Although he plays for lesser-known Wyoming, there’s no doubt that Valladay is truly one of the top DFS RBs this season. Valladay is a workhorse back in his offense - averaging 31 total touches and 157 total yards per game through three games - and he’ll definitely be leaned on again this week. Wyoming is a two-touchdown favorite over UNLV and Valladay should smash in a favorable matchup - UNLV’s defense is allowing 213 rushing yards and nearly three rushing TDs per game so far. While some may shy away from rostering him compared to other stud RBs on this slate, Valladay makes for a fantastic low-owned cash or GPP option.
Kobe LewisCMUEMU740024.3  
Like Valladay above, CMU’s Kobe Lewis may go a bit overlooked on this slate with so many other stud RBs on higher-profile teams priced above him. However, he deserves to be mentioned right with any of those guys as potentially being the top overall DFS play on this slate. Lewis has racked up 100+ rushing yards and multiple scores in two of three games so far as Central Michigan’s lead back who’s coming off a 1,000-yard season a year ago. He’s a high-volume back who should see plenty of touches this week in an offense that’s been leaning on the run game a lot. Lewis will benefit from not only playing in a high-scoring, offensive battle, but he’s also facing an EMU defense that’s getting torched on the ground thus far - allowing 235 rushing yards and multiple rush TDs per game through three weeks. He’s a great cash or GPP RB if you can fit in two or three high-priced guys.
Tyler GoodsonIOWANEB640021.2  
With Iowa’s passing attack being shaky this season, the offense is leaning on the rushing duo of Tyler Goodson and Mekhi Sargent ($5700). Both Sargent and Goodson have six rushing scores apiece already - but it’s Goodson who’s still the lead back with more guaranteed volume in closer games. He’s seen 20 carries in back-to-back weeks and has 333 rushing yards and five TDs over the last three games alone - with two 100-yard efforts in there. He and Sargent are both fantastic plays this week with the Hawkeyes being two-touchdown favorites against a Nebraska defense that’s giving up 223 rushing yards per game so far. We should see a heavy dose of both with Goodson being the better cash game play - due to his more consistent carry volume - and Sargent as the GPP option because of his TD scoring trend.
Greg McCraeUCFUSF530015.3  
It may be odd to see McCrae priced above Otis Anderson ($4900) now, but that’s the stark reality of who’s been the better DFS play for much of this season in the UCF backfield. McCrae may trail Anderson in both total carries and rushing yards so far, but it’s the former who’s scored eight times compared to Anderson’s four. He’s now scored in all but one game this season as the top goal-line back for UCF’s high-scoring offense. Plus, McCrae has two 100-yard games this year compared to only one for Anderson. Their rushing stats are about even overall but McCrae has consistently been the better option game-to-game - with his knack for finding the end zone as a big reason why. Both backs will have success against a South Florida defense that’s allowing over 200 rushing yards per game - and UCF could lean on the run more in what should be a blowout win. Both are GPP’s options, though, because they take away production from each other.

Also Consider: 

  • Kyren Williams - Notre Dame ($8,300) - Cash
  • Austin Jones - Stanford ($7,000) - GPP
  • Joshua Mack - Liberty ($6,200) - GPP/Cash
  • Mekhi Sargent - Iowa ($5,700) - GPP
  • Lew Nichols III - Central Michigan ($5,000) - GPP
  • Otis Anderson - UCF ($4,900) - GPP/Cash
  • ?Trey Smith - Wyoming ($4,200) - GPP/Cash

Wide Receivers

Wide Recievers
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Marlon WilliamsUCFUSF810031.99  
If we like Dillon Gabriel on this slate, then why not look at his stud WR either as a one-off or expensive pairing? Marlon Williams’ 71 receptions, 1,039 receiving yards and 10 TDs lead the team by a notable margin as he’s clearly the top target for Gabriel in this high-scoring offense. He’s now scored multiple TDs in three of the last four games - giving him smash play potential on a slate without many top-tier wideouts to choose from. UCF should score plenty in this favorable matchup and likely blowout over South Florida, so the upside is surely there for any core pieces of the offense. If you’re paying up at WR, Williams is the guy to lock in over anyone else in the expensive range - cash or GPP.
Kalil PimpletonCMUEMU750023.43  
DraftKings has maybe overreacted a bit making Pimpleton the second most-expensive WR on this slate a week after he was $5300 on a MAC-only slate. Still, it’s hard to ignore his legit upside as one of the core pieces on an offense that should be in a back-and-forth offensive battle. Pimpleton has yet to post a dominant receiving stat line in three games so far, but his usage last week as a rusher is very encouraging. Central Michigan clearly wants to get him the ball as much as possible and his 108 rushing yards and three rushing scores on seven attempts are evidence of that. He’s one of the top playmakers in the MAC and can easily have a big game - as a receiver or rusher - against this Eastern Michigan defense. Because he’s priced way up, consider him only for GPP - but he could be a nice low-owned option in tournaments.
Xavier HutchinsonISUUT590014.98  
This playbook may seem a little Iowa State-heavy, but it’s just so hard to ignore how potentially high-scoring this matchup with Texas could turn into. Plus, the Cyclones’ offensive production is mostly limited to a few featured players - and Hutchinson is definitely one of those as the team’s top wideout. He’s caught three TDs over the last four games and went over 100 receiving yards for the first time last week. It’s no coincidence that Hutchinsin’s game logs have been better lately as QB Brock Purdy has improved as a passer too. The duo will likely pair up for plenty of production in a game they will have to keep pace on the scoreboard with Texas.
 NEBIOWA550011.8  
We told you about Robinson last week because of the Nebraska coaching staff’s willingness to get him the ball more often - whether as a receiver or rusher. Well, he ended up benefiting from Cornhuskers’ starting RB Dedrick Mills sitting out as Robinson put up 17 DK points with his 120 total yards and 13 total touches. He’s definitely the best athlete on the offense - and one of the best in the Big Ten - and Nebraska should continue to keep him highly involved in every game moving forward. With Mills’ status still up in the air, Robinson likely operates as both the top WR and lead back once again for the Huskers which should keep his DFS floor fairly high. Still, this is a GPP only option because of the tougher matchup vs. Iowa. The price is still very affordable, though, and we should take advantage before he moves into the 6k range.
Hassan BeydounEMUCMU540018.8  
We mentioned earlier how Eastern Michigan QB Preston Hutchinson is a great GPP play because of his passing upside and potential for lots of production in this offensive-focused matchup. Hutchinson’s top target right now is Beydoun, who’s posted some high-volume stat lines in his two healthy games. Beydoun has put up eight and nine receptions, respectively, in those two outings as Hutchinson looks his way very often as the possession receiver in the EMU offense. He’s a solid cash game play with this floor - and he’s got upside for even more if he can find the end zone for the first time this season in this favorable matchup.
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Jake SmithUTISU510013.72  
If you’re familiar with these playbooks, you know we’re big fans of Jake Smith. He’s the slot WR in a Longhorns’ offense that loves to funnel receptions to the slot. QB Sam Ehlinger targets Smith - and whoever is playing the slot - more often than other receivers for fast, easy completions in this quick-strike offense. This season has been an up-and-down one for Smith, who’s battled injuries, but he’s been pretty consistent and trustworthy when healthy. He’s put up 15 or more DK points and caught a TD in three of his four healthy games so far. There’s some cash floor here with Smith and he’s still really affordable compared to others priced above him.
Charlie KolarISUUT450011.37  
For better or worse, all Charlie Kolar does is score touchdowns and he needs to always be in consideration because of that upside. The Iowa State tight end led the team in receiving TDs last year (7) and he’s now scored in three straight games to give him four in eight outings this season. Kolar sometimes only catches two or three passes a game, but it’s his knack to find the end zone that cannot be ignored. He’s clearly a top red zone target for QB Brock Purdy and we can bank on Kolar having a big role in this matchup vs. Texas where scoring could be plentiful on both sides. He’s put up double-digit DK points in all but one game so far and he’s right on the fringe of being cash viable at sub-5k. Kolar is solid in cash or GPP as a one-off or paired with Purdy.
Javon McKinleyNDUNC430010.41  
Admittedly, it’s been tough to predict and/or trust any Notre Dame pass-catchers this season because QB Ian Book likes to spread it around a lot and the Irish offense goes run-heavy at times. Still, the price tag on McKinley is a bit too cheap for the receiving floor he’s providing recently. He’s now caught five passes in three straight with 90+ receiving yards in two of those games. McKinley has benefited from Braden Lenzy being out lately and although there’s a chance Lenzy plays - we can still count on production from McKinley this week. He’ll likely see plenty of targets in a higher-scoring matchup with UNC.

Also Consider: 

  • Dyami Brown - North Carolina ($7,200) - GPP
  • Jaylon Robinson - UCF ($6,100) - GPP
  • Tanner Knue - Eastern Michigan ($5,200) - GPP
  • Quian Williams - Eastern Michigan ($5,000) - Cash/GPP
  • Tre Nixon - UCF ($5,000) - Cash/GPP
  • Jake Tongues - California ($4,700) - Cash
  • Brennan Eagles - Texas ($4,200) - GPP/Cash
  • Michael Mayer - Notre Dame ($3,500) - GPP

Example Lineups
(These are examples of what can be made with the Playbook and aren't intended for plug-and-play)

DK Cash
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
QBSam EhlingerUTISU34.4$9,000
PivotDillon GabrielUCFUSF33.2$9,200
RBBreece HallISUUT32.5$8,900
PivotKobe LewisCMUEMU24.3$7,400
RBTyler GoodsonIOWANEB21.2$6,400
Pivot     
WRHassan BeydounEMUCMU18.8$5,400
Pivot     
WRJake SmithUTISU13.7$5,100
Pivot     
WRJavon McKinleyNDUNC10.4$4,300
Pivot     
FLEXBrennan EaglesUTISU11.4$4,200
PivotGreg McCraeUCFUSF15.3$5,300
S-FLEXBrock PurdyISUUT20.1$6,700
Pivot     
      
DK GPP
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
QBPreston HutchinsonEMUCMU31.7$8,600
Pivot     
RBKobe LewisCMUEMU24.3$7,400
PivotJoshua MackLIBUMASS12.8$6,200
RBXazavian ValladayWYOUNLV27.1$7,900
Pivot     
WRQuian WilliamsEMUCMU10.6$4,900
Pivot     
WRCharlie KolarISUUT11.4$4,500
Pivot     
WRMichael MayerNDUNC7.2$3,500
Pivot NEBIOWA11.8$5,500
FLEXMekhi SargentIOWANEB14.1$5,700
PivotOtis AndersonUCFUSF13.2$4,900
S-FLEXIan BookNDUNC24.1$7,300
Pivot