Feature Dynasties

Sunday, January 9, 2011

ORLANDO SURGES PAST NUGGETS

An offensive explosion combined with solid second half defense adds up to a double-digit victory for Orlando, winning 105-90 over the hot Denver Nuggets. Denver had a six point lead at halftime. But Orlando scored 58 points in the second half and held the Nuggets to just 37 points.


Happel stepping up the "D" blocking a Melo shot

Brian Happel put on another stellar performance for the Magic, dropping in 36 points. He also grabbed 15 rebounds and hit 3 of 4 from long distance. Dwight Howard had a spectacular all-around game, nearly putting together a triple double. Howard finished with 20 points, 14
rebounds and 7 assists. Orlando Point Guard Gilbert Arenas had a good offensive showing. He scored 25 points on 9-22 shooting, including 3 three-point bombs.


One of Happel's 3 three-pointers, as Carmelo Anthony can only watch

Carmelo Anthony was the top player for the Nuggets, pouring in 34 points and swiping 10 boards. Denver just couldn't get much going shooting the ball, hitting on just 37% of their field goal attempts.


Brian Happel grabbing one of his 15 rebounds, including 12 on the defensive end.

Happel was happy with his team's performance on both sides of the ball, "It's so rewarding to see what this team can do when we're all on the same page. And, a win like this is a huge confidence boost, so let's hope we can carry that right into our next game." And, they'll need that confidence for their next matchup. The Magic welcome their rivals the Miami Heat to Orlando for a Sunday night battle. A win could help Orlando's chances at grabbing the number one seed in the Eastern Conference.

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Mar 16, 2012 - Den at Orl
TEAM	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Denver Nuggets (45-23)	28	25	16	21	90
Orlando Magic (46-22)	27	20	28	30	105

Denver Nuggets
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
C. Billups	33	2-9	1-3	2-2	2	5	2	0	2	7
J.R. Smith	35	4-22	2-10	4-4	5	2	1	0	1	14
C. Anthony	41	13-31	2-6	6-8	10	2	1	1	0	34
A. Jamison	35	5-7	1-2	0-0	6	3	3	1	1	11
Nene	36	2-3	0-0	0-0	6	0	1	1	0	4
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
T. Prince	8	0-3	0-1	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	0
L. Jennings	4	1-2	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	2
C. Andersen	6	0-1	0-0	0-0	4	0	0	0	0	0
D. Stephens	10	2-3	1-1	1-2	1	0	0	0	1	6
B. Wallace	8	1-1	0-0	0-0	1	1	0	0	0	2
A. Harrington	13	2-5	2-4	0-0	3	0	0	0	0	6
T. Lawson	16	2-3	0-0	0-0	2	3	0	0	0	4
TEAM TOTALS		34-90	9-27	13-16	41	17	8	3	5	90

Orlando Magic
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Gilbert Arenas	37	9-22	3-9	4-4	4	5	2	0	4	25
John Salmons	33	4-10	0-2	0-0	8	2	0	0	0	8
Brian Happel	45	15-22	3-4	3-3	15	1	1	1	2	36
Brandon Bass	38	5-14	0-0	0-0	6	2	0	0	0	10
Dwight Howard	38	9-13	0-0	2-2	14	7	0	2	3	20
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Jameer Nelson	20	0-5	0-4	0-0	1	4	0	0	1	0
Marcin Gortat	10	0-0	0-0	1-2	6	0	0	0	0	1
Mack Bledsoe	8	0-4	0-1	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	0
DeJuan Blair	7	0-0	0-0	0-0	1	0	1	0	0	0
Ryan Anderson	2	0-0	0-0	0-0	2	0	0	0	0	0
Quentin Richardson	2	0-0	0-0	2-2	0	0	0	0	0	2
Chris Duhon	5	1-2	1-2	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	3
TEAM TOTALS		43-92	7-22	12-13	58	22	4	3	10	105

Dynasty: Hapshoops32

The Thunder are silenced, as Orlando picks up another win over a Western Conference foe, beating Oklahoma City at home 98-91.


Happel was able to reverse a tough start, scoring 21 of his 30 points in the 2nd half.

This was a close one throughout. However, the Magic used a 14-6 run in the third quarter to jump ahead, and they never trailed the rest of the way. Kevin Durant went off for the Thunder, scoring 46 points. However, star forward Brian Happel stepped up with a big game as well, scoring 30 points and pulling in 12 rebounds. Happel also swatted away 3 Oklahoma City shots.


Orlando's defense played well early, including this early dismissal of Durant by Happel.

Brandon Bass also came up huge, scoring 22 points on 11-17 shooting, while also grabbing 11 rebounds. Dwight Howard was the third Magic player to collect a double (11 points, 11 rebounds). Gilbert Arenas continues to struggle shooting the basketball, making just 7 of 22 shots from the field, including an ugly 1-10 behind the three-point line.


Happel's 3 early in the 2nd half sparked the offense to 33 points in the third.

Orlando held the Thunder to just 39% shooting. Up next for the Magic, a date with Denver. The Nuggets are hot as well, winning 8 out of their last 10 games.

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Mar 12, 2012 - OKC at ORL
TEAM	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Oklahoma City Thunder (30-36)	29	14	26	22	91
Orlando Magic (45-22)	30	12	33	23	98

Oklahoma City Thunder
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
R. Westbrook	37	3-11	0-1	4-4	6	6	0	0	1	10
J. Harden	39	6-16	2-6	0-0	6	5	1	0	1	14
K. Durant	47	18-40	6-12	4-4	13	3	1	0	2	46
J. Green	42	4-9	0-2	4-4	9	0	1	1	0	12
C. Aldrich	13	0-2	0-0	0-0	5	0	0	0	0	0
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
M. Conley	12	0-3	0-0	0-0	1	1	1	0	1	0
D.J. White	2	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
C. Schneider	31	2-4	0-0	0-2	4	4	2	1	0	4
E. Maynor	12	1-4	0-2	1-2	2	4	0	0	0	3
D. Cook	2	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
T. Sefolosha	6	0-0	0-0	0-0	2	0	0	0	0	0
S. Ibaka	4	1-1	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	1	2
TEAM TOTALS		35-90	8-23	13-16	48	24	6	2	6	91

Orlando Magic
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Gilbert Arenas	43	7-22	1-10	2-3	7	5	1	1	3	17
John Salmons	38	4-13	2-5	2-2	5	0	0	0	0	12
Brian Happel	42	13-22	2-4	2-2	12	2	0	3	0	30
Brandon Bass	38	11-17	0-0	0-0	11	3	1	1	1	22
Dwight Howard	38	5-9	0-0	1-2	11	5	2	1	2	11
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Jameer Nelson	17	0-4	0-3	0-0	6	8	0	0	1	0
Marcin Gortat	8	0-2	0-0	2-2	1	0	0	1	0	2
Mack Bledsoe	7	2-5	0-2	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	4
DeJuan Blair	7	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Ryan Anderson	6	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Quentin Richardson	2	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chris Duhon	DNP
TEAM TOTALS		42-94	5-24	9-11	54	23	4	7	7	98

Dynasty: Hapshoops32

Memphis, TN -- #24 Colorado State shut out the Memphis Tigers 26-0 at the liberty bowl today. The CSU offense couldn't get much going all game, but their defense was outstanding in limiting the Tigers offense to 116 yards total offense.

The Rams were led by Brandon McKnight who tallied 3 tackles for a loss with 1 sack, to increase his NCAA leading sack total to 13. SS Keith Harper scored a defensive TD when he picked off a pass and ran 29 yards uncontested for the TD.


Harper celebrating on his interception return

The offense was lead by QB Pete Thomas who threw for 203 yards on 16 of 28 passing for one TD and two interceptions. Thomas did manage to become the school career TD passing record holder with his TD pass to Gill in the 2nd quarter.


Thomas passing for his school record 50th career TD

On the ground Chris Nwoke had only 35 yards on 22 touches, however Tony Drake came in as a change of pace guy and ran for 80 yards on 8 carries. Drake looks like he might overtake Nwoke for the starting HB if he continues his strong performances, and shows off his ability to turn short gains into long gains with a missed tackle.

Pete Kontodiakos was 4 for 4 on field goal attempts and also kicked 2 extra points, to be named player of the game.


Kontodiakos celebrating a field goal in the 3rd quarter

Memphis fill in QB Will Gilchrist was 14 of 22 for 133 yards and one interception on the day. The Memphis defense was the strong suit for their team and they were lead by Jr MLB Fred Harvey who totaled 10 tackles, with two for a loss. DE Devin Clark and CB Todd Washington both intercepted a pass.

CSU coach Drew Gill commented after the game,"I don't think this was our strongest performance, but we did manage to get the job done. We came in prepared that they were having to start their backup QB, so we blitzed and got him under pressure constantly so he wouldn't have enough time to find an ope man. Worked perfectly as our pressure also ate their running game to as we pushed the pocket back, and also applied pressure to the outside so they couldn't turn the edge either."

Dynasty: gilla

Orlando Magic forward Brian Happel was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for March 4-10.


Player of the Week Brian Happel connecting on 3rd quarter buzzer-beater

Happel averaged 42.7 points per game and 14.0 rebounds per game for the week. He also shot 65.5% from the field and connected on 44.4% from behind the arc.

Dynasty: Hapshoops32

The Magic go on the road and blow out another opponent, beating Indiana 113-92. Orlando used a 21-6 run in the first quarter to get out to an 11 point lead and never look back.


Happel flying high during a 113-92 blowout at Indiana

Star forward Brian Happel had a double-double by halftime, ultimately pouring in a game high 42 points and pulling down 15 rebounds. Dwight Howard also put on a solid performance, hitting 11-14 from the floor en-route to 25 points and 9 rebounds.


The SWAT team called out on Darren Collison. Happel finished with 2 blocks.

Up next for Orlando: the second half of a back-to-back, playing Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Amway Arena in Orlando.

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Mar 11, 2012 - ORL at IND
TEAM	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Orlando Magic (44-22)	32	26	20	35	113
Indiana Pacers (31-33)	21	23	23	25	92

Orlando Magic
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Gilbert Arenas	33	1-8	0-2	1-2	5	6	0	0	2	3
John Salmons	37	6-17	3-6	0-3	6	4	0	0	2	15
Brian Happel	42	19-24	2-2	2-2	15	3	1	2	2	42
Brandon Bass	32	3-14	0-0	0-0	7	1	1	0	0	6
Dwight Howard	33	11-14	0-0	3-4	9	2	1	0	0	25
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Jameer Nelson	16	3-5	2-2	0-0	2	3	3	0	2	8
Marcin Gortat	15	2-2	0-0	3-4	2	2	0	0	0	7
Mack Bledsoe	8	1-4	1-3	0-0	4	0	1	0	0	3
DeJuan Blair	9	1-1	0-0	0-0	2	1	0	0	1	2
Ryan Anderson	8	0-2	0-2	2-2	3	0	0	0	0	2
Quentin Richardson	4	0-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chris Duhon	3	0-1	0-1	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		47-93	8-18	11-17	55	23	7	2	9	113

Indiana Pacers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Darren Collison	38	3-6	0-1	0-0	2	11	1	0	3	6
Richard Hamilton	37	9-20	0-0	0-0	5	2	0	0	1	18
Danny Granger	34	4-15	2-8	8-8	7	1	0	0	3	18
Tyler Hansbrough	21	4-10	0-0	2-2	4	0	1	0	0	10
Roy Hibbert	34	5-9	0-0	3-4	5	0	0	2	0	13
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Dahntay Jones	19	4-9	0-0	0-0	3	0	0	1	0	8
Channing Frye	7	1-2	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	2
Robin Lopez	7	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Bradley Ball	13	1-2	0-0	0-0	5	2	0	0	1	2
Andres Nocioni	4	0-1	0-1	0-0	0	2	0	0	0	0
Paul George	20	6-10	3-4	0-0	4	3	2	0	2	15
T.J. Ford	6	0-0	0-0	0-0	1	2	1	0	1	0
TEAM TOTALS		37-84	5-14	13-14	36	23	5	3	11	92

Dynasty: Hapshoops32

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NBA League Leaders - Updated: Mar 8, 2012
Points Per Game		PPG	Offensive Rebounds Per Game		ORPG
	1" target="_blank">http://dynasties.operationsports.com...ng"></td><td>1. Brian Happel	31.6		1" target="_blank">http://dynasties.operationsports.com...ng"></td><td>1. Brian Happel	5.1
	2. Kobe Bryant	30.9		2. David Lee	3.0
	3. Kevin Durant	27.3		3. Tim Duncan	3.0
	4. Derrick Rose	27.2		4. Pau Gasol	2.9
	5. LeBron James	27.1		5. Brook Lopez	2.9
Rebounds Per Game		RPG	Assists Per Game		APG
	1" target="_blank">http://dynasties.operationsports.com...ng"></td><td>1. Brian Happel	14.6		1" target="_blank">http://dynasties.operationsports.com...ng"></td><td>1. Rajon Rondo	10.3
	2. Dwight Howard	13.5		2. Chris Paul	9.6
	3. David Lee	12.0		3. Jason Kidd	9.6
	4. Kevin Durant	11.2		4. Deron Williams	9.5
	5. Tim Duncan	11.1		5. John Wall	8.4
Field Goal Percentage		FG%	3 Point Percentage		3PT%
	1" target="_blank">http://dynasties.operationsports.com...ng"></td><td>1. Brian Happel	.634		1" target="_blank">http://dynasties.operationsports.com...ng"></td><td>1. Rodrigue Beaubois	.484
	2. Derrick Rose	.557		2. Brian Happel	.462
	3. Carl Landry	.546		3. Gerald Wallace	.454
	4. Carlos Boozer	.544		4. Marcus Thornton	.451
	5. David Lee	.539		5. Raymond Felton	.445
Free Throw Percentage		FT%
	1" target="_blank">http://dynasties.operationsports.com...ng"></td><td>1. Brian Happel	.954		1" target="_blank">http://dynasties.operationsports.com...ng"></td><td>1.
	2. Paul George	.948		2.
	3. Kevin Durant	.915		3.
	4. Steve Nash	.912		4.
	5. Chauncey Billups	.911		5.

Dynasty: Hapshoops32

A look at the player stats for the Orlando Magic as of March 8, 2012:

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Orlando Magic Stats - 2012
Player	GP	MIN	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	TPG	FPG
Brian Happel	65	42.7	31.6	14.6	3.6	0.5	0.8	1.8	0.9
Gilbert Arenas	64	34.0	16.2	4.1	6.0	1.4	0.0	2.4	2.2
Dwight Howard	65	38.6	15.4	13.5	3.6	1.1	2.3	1.1	2.2
John Salmons	62	33.6	10.5	3.6	2.1	1.3	0.2	1.0	1.6
Brandon Bass	65	29.6	8.9	4.8	1.5	0.6	0.4	0.7	1.4
Jameer Nelson	65	28.6	7.9	2.5	4.9	0.7	0.0	2.2	1.1
DeJuan Blair	63	16.1	5.7	5.2	0.6	0.3	0.4	0.7	2.5
Mack Bledsoe	64	8.4	2.6	1.1	0.4	0.3	0.0	0.4	1.0
Ryan Anderson	65	5.7	1.9	1.1	0.1	0.2	0.0	0.1	0.3
Marcin Gortat	65	11.1	1.7	2.9	0.3	0.2	0.6	0.4	0.6
Chris Duhon	64	6.4	1.6	0.5	0.8	0.2	0.0	0.3	0.2
Quentin Richardson	63	3.6	0.0	0.4	0.0	0.1	0.0	0.2	0.2

Dynasty: Hapshoops32

The Suns get burned in Orlando, as the Magic blow past Phoenix 112-89. Orlando got off to a hot start, outscoring the Suns 34-15 in the first quarter and never really looked back. Magic star forward Brian Happel posted huge numbers, scoring 52 points and pulling down 11 rebounds for his 100th double-double of his career. Up next for Happel and Orlando - a trip to Indiana to play the Pacers in the first of a back-to-back.

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Mar 8, 2012 - PHX at ORL
TEAM	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Phoenix Suns (19-46)	15	22	33	19	89
Orlando Magic (43-22)	34	19	38	21	112

Phoenix Suns
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Z. Randolph	33	10-14	1-1	0-0	4	0	3	0	2	21
S. Kramer	25	6-19	1-3	2-2	5	0	1	1	0	15
J. Childress	37	4-9	1-4	2-5	2	5	2	1	0	11
S. Nash	36	4-10	1-2	2-2	5	9	0	0	2	11
H. Warrick	28	4-8	0-0	0-0	4	0	3	1	0	8
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
J. Richardson	17	4-8	2-6	0-0	1	1	2	0	0	10
U. Schroeder	17	1-4	0-0	2-2	3	1	0	0	0	4
T. McGrady	18	2-11	0-6	0-0	1	0	1	1	0	4
H. Turkoglu	10	1-2	0-1	1-1	1	0	0	0	1	3
G. Dragic	5	1-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	1	2
E. Clark	6	0-1	0-0	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	0
J. Dudley	16	0-2	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	1	0
TEAM TOTALS		37-89	6-23	9-12	27	16	12	4	7	89

Orlando Magic
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Gilbert Arenas	30	3-12	0-3	0-0	2	8	2	0	1	6
John Salmons	31	1-5	1-2	3-3	2	3	0	0	1	6
Brian Happel	42	23-27	3-4	3-3	11	3	0	1	1	52
Brandon Bass	34	10-16	0-0	0-0	5	4	0	0	2	20
Dwight Howard	34	6-9	0-1	1-2	13	5	2	3	2	13
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Jameer Nelson	21	1-2	1-2	3-3	3	3	0	0	3	6
Mack Bledsoe	13	2-6	0-1	0-0	1	1	0	1	0	4
Ryan Anderson	6	1-2	1-1	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	3
DeJuan Blair	8	1-1	0-0	0-0	2	0	0	0	0	2
Quentin Richardson	3	0-2	0-0	0-0	0	0	1	0	0	0
Chris Duhon	7	0-1	0-0	0-0	2	0	0	0	2	0
Marcin Gortat	18	0-2	0-1	0-0	7	2	0	1	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		48-85	6-15	10-11	49	29	5	6	14	112

Dynasty: Hapshoops32

So here goes nothing... I'm going to start following the career of my "My Player" from NBA 2K11 here... Hopefully, anyone out there reading this will follow along at least from time to time. Please let me know any thoughts you may have. I sort of did this on another website - but I don't think anyone ever read it, so I was basically doing it for myself lol. Hopefully, this generates a little interest/feedback. I know I like to look at some of these kinds of things other players generate. So - without any more delay - here are the basics:

Brian Happel
All-around Small Forward
6'6" 220 pounds
21 Years Old (2nd year pro)
School: Syracuse
Drafted: 2010 Round 1, Pick 29 (Orlando)
Overall Rating: 99
Position Rank: 1st
Overall Rank: 1st
Status: Starter

Obviously, I'm already deep into my second season with my career We'll see how this goes!

Dynasty: Hapshoops32

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Fort Collins, CO -- #25 Colorado State had an easy time taking down UNLV 63-17 in the rain.

CSU managed to eat up the clock with long drives all game long, as they had only two turnovers and no punts in the game. The Rams ended up with a time of possession more then double UNLV total.


Thomas getting hit out of boards after a scramble to get a 13yd first down

CSU was led by Sr QB Pete Thomas, who had another strong game throwing for 256 yards on 14 of 21 passing for 4 TD and one interception. "I feel like I'm really clicking with the receivers lately. I'm feeling extremely comfortable both in the pocket and to the outside when I scramble, I'm finding that it opens guys up as their man leaves to chase me while our guy sits there wide open."

Starting HB Chris Nwoke may start having to look over his shoulder at competition for carries, as Tony Drake filled in for the majority of the game while Nwoke was nursing a sore shoulder to run for 170 yards and 3 TD. Nwoke did manage 46 yards and a TD in the little action he saw. Gordon King added another goalline bullrush TD, cementing his status as the teams Power Back.


Gill catching a low TD pass

Andrew Gill lead the receivers with 117 yards and a TD. Touchdowns were also caught by Sophmore Taylor Pino, FB Joe Brown, and Freshman Derrcik Rhodes."Coach had put up a printoff off the internet where a couple members of their secondary had commented that 'There was no way we'd be able to do anything against them, and that they were going to shut us down.' That proved to be more than enough motivation for us out there today, I think we proved who the better unit was out on the field." Gill commented about the teams performance.

Freshman LB Dan McKenzie had a beautiful interception off a bobbled pass where he just reached into the receivers arms and stole the ball away."Next time they will learn to hold on tight." McKenzie said.

UNLV was led by their Jr QB Taylor Barnhill, who was 13 of 21 passing for 139 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

"We've be able to point a lot of points up on the board this season, and the defense isn't letting us down either. Having an experienced quality quarterback means everything in the college game, and I think we're living proff of that."CSU coach Drew Gill commented.

Dynasty: gilla

Fort Collins, CO -- #16 BYU was embarrassed today as they head home from Hughes Field with a 65-7 loss.

Colorado State seized control early in the first quarter and had ran away to a 35-0 lead at halftime. CSU decided to run the ball to eat up the clock in the second half however, once the 4th quarter hit and they brought on the 2nd team offense and defense, they scored another 30 in the quarter to make this a laugher.

CSU had a 398-200 total offense advantage in the game, and had 17 first downs to 7 for BYU. CSU didn't allow a turnover in the game compared to 3 for BYU, and CSU also held BYU to zero rushing yards in the game.


Thomas embarrassed the BYU defense all day.

Sr QB Pete Thomas was 14 for 19 for 219 yards and 3 touchdowns on the day, backup Nico Ranieri also threw for a TD. "I never thought in my wildest dreams that the final score would be so one sided, especially with the way Heap has been throwing the ball for them this year. To be able to outduel the leading conference player of the year candidate feels awesome."Thomas mentioned after the game.

Starting HB Chris Nwoke had 58 yards and 1 touchdown, before feeling the affects of some hard hits and sitting a couple drives out. Tony Drake stepped in and ran for 72 yards and 3 TDs. True Freshman Gordon King also added a TD on a goalline dive. "I asked Chris if he was seeing anything about the defense, and he mentioned they were being over aggressive, so we could use that aggainst them. So I slowed down a little until I hit the line of scrimage and then hit the turbo boosters."Drake said.


King celebrating his TD in the 4th quarter

TE Matt Weems caught 5 passes for 67 yards and a score, while Jr WR Bernard Blake had 2 touchdowns and 57 yards, backup TE Jameson Gann also caught a TD pass.

The CSU defense was again lead by standout Freshman Brandon McKnight who added 2 more sacks to his season total, one was in the endzone for a safety, the other he managed to knock the ball loose and recover the fumble for the Rams. "McKnight is playing like a kid who is possessed. I've never seen such a dominant player on the defensive side of the ball." CSU coach Drew Gill said.

For BYU, QB Jake Heaps was 14 of 19 passing for 174 yards and one touchdown. HB Josh Quezada caught the screen pass and ran 80 yards for the TD in the 3rd quarter.

Dynasty: gilla

Friday, January 7, 2011

Salt Lake City, UT -- Utah and Colorado State had a hard faught game today, with the Utes coming out on top 35-32, thanks to a couple of big missed tackles by the Rams defense.


Burton pushes TJ Brown to the ground on his way to a 70 yard TD run.

Utah was lead by Sr QB Griff Robles who was 17 of 24 passing for 351 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was aided by HB Beau Burton who ran for 119 yards and 1 TD. The receiving corps wasnèt lead by All-American Ken Scott but instead by Jr Terrell Reese who had 3 touchdown catches and 115 yards.

CSU QB Pete Thomas did not have a bad day either as he was 19 of 33 passing for 347 yards and 2 touchdowns, with two interceptions. Chris Nwoke added two touchdowns on the ground and 59 yards rushing.

Utah looks like a strong contender for the Non-Automatic BCS bowl bid. While CSU looks like a high enough caliber team to make it into the top 25 by the end of the year.

Dynasty: gilla

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Fort Collins, CO -- Freshman DE Brandon McKnight came in fir the injured Kharyee Marshall and set a new NCAA record with 8 sacks in one game. He also added a forced fumble on one sack.


McKnight telling TCU QB Pachall to just stay down after his 8th sack of the game.

Marshall fell halfway through the 1st quarter and went for Xrays and looks to be out for 1-2 months, however McKnight came in and probably did enough in one game to earn an All-American berth and a MWC defensive player of the year. Upto this point of the season McKnight has only seen spot duty and garbage time in big wins, however after this performance, you can expect to see him on the field for every play over the next 3 or 4 years.

"Brandon was a monster out there today. Everytime he came to the sidelines he had this harsh look in his eyes. I'm glad that I wasn't the opposing QB today, after taking that much punishment." CSU QB Pete Thomas commented.

TCU QB Casey Pachall was a solid 11 of 24 passing for 324 yards and 2 touchdowns, however after the game he wasn't very optimistic,"I'm not looking forward to the next few days as that DE didn't just take me down, he really threw me into the ground, My calf is already all bruised. I'm hopeful I'll be OK in time to play next week."

Colorado State was motivated by the performance of McKnight to come out on top with a 39-17 win.

Thomas was a solid 18 of 30 passing for 317 yards and 2 TDs, while throwing 1 interception. Chris Nwoke and Tony Drake both scored rushing touchdowns, while Andrew Gill and Derrick Phodes had the receiving TDs.
TCU WR Nick Linton had 175 yards and 2 TDs to lead the Frogs.

"I hope that Marshall has a speedy recovery as he transfered to CSU to get good playing time and provide strong leadership to the younger teammates. After sitting out a year, going down for the majority of the season is a big letdown for him. However, he did give Brandon his congrats and they shared a big hug when Brandon came to the sidelines after setting the NCAA record sack."CSU Coach Drew Gill commented.

Dynasty: gilla

20.6.2010:
We receive good news on the morning of match day when Stefani Miglioranzi agrees to our previous contract offer. We confirm the deal on our end and finalize the signing, bringing in The Dons first transfer signing of the year. The signing puts us almost $200 per week over our salary budget until we can off load striker Jabo Ibrehre.

I evaluate the squad's fitness prior to the match and am happy to note that the majority of the squad appear to be match fit. New trialist Carlos Merino and backups Adam Chicksen, Stuart Searle, and Willy Gueret need more match practice while striker Sam Baldock and Luke Chadwick are showing signs of tire.

The pre-season has now proven that Luke Chadwick will not be able to keep up with three day match schedules, so will need to alternate starts in weeks where The Dons have more than one match. I elect to start Jemal Johnson at right wing for the third time and leave Chadwick on the bench. Carlos Merino will start his first trial match in midfield as our primary playmaker and newly signed Stefani Miglioranzi will join him in our midfield defensive role. Jermaine Easter and Angelo Balanta will start out front while the rest of the line-up will remain the same as last week.

20.6.2010 - MK Dons Starting Eleven - 4-4-2
Player	Position
David Martin	Goalkeeper
Dan Woodards	Right Back
Sean O'Hanlon	Center Back
Mathias Doumbe	Center Back
Dean Lewington	Left Back
Stephen Gleeson	Right Winger
Carlos Merino	Central Midfielder
Stefani Miglioranzi	Central Midfielder
Jemal Johnson	Left Winger
Jermaine Easter	Right Striker
Angelo Balanta	Left Striker

Match Day:
"There's not much difference between these two teams and it could go right down to the wire. If I had to pick a winner I think I'd plump for an MK Dons victory."
- BBC Stoke

Despite BBC Stoke's quote, most of the media gave Port Vale the 6-4 odds to win with an MK Dons win at 13-8 and draw odds at 2-1. Jon Moss returns again as our referee for this friendly match. The papers peg trialist Carlos Merino as our key man while defender Lee Collins earns the nod for Port Vale.

There are no signs of complacency pre match and the squad appears to be gelling more as a result of our match preparations. I ask the team to continue to try to impress me and to stick to our counter attacking strategy before we head out onto the pitch.

First Half:
The first half starts off flashy for The Dons as we create three attacking opportunities in the first ten minutes, one being a superb long range shot by Jermaine Easter that is barely gathered up by Port Vale keeper Chris Martin. Jemal Johnson trips striker Sean Rigg and receives a yellow card warning in the thirteens minute. A 17th clever Port Vale attack slips passed Sean O'Hanlon and Mathias Doumbe but is struck off target by Port striker Geoff Horsfield.

Port Vale does earn the early 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute when midfielder Anthony Griffith knocks in a free kick that bounces off of Dons goalkeeper David Martin. MK Dons trialist comes painfully close to equalizing off of a deep free kick when he curves the ball beyond the Port Vale keeper's reach only to see it bounce off of the crossbar and out of play in the minutes prior to the end of the first half.

Half Time:
At half-time I tell the team that they need to show more more and that their current level of play is not good enough. The squad is failing to take advantage of their attakcing opportunities and often chooses to fire the ball from long range.

I instruct the players to try to work the ball down the flanks more in the second half, particularly to Luke Chadwick who I substitute in at left wing for the yellow carded Jemal Johnson. I bring Mark Carrington in to midfield for Stefani Miglioranzi and Sam Baldock in for striker Angelo Balanta. Assistant Coach John Gorman suggests that the squad mark Port Vale midfielder Anthony Griffith more tightly and I concur.

Second Half:
Port Vale increase their lead to 2-0 in the 61st minute after midfielder and captain Tommy Fraser slips a close range shot passed Dons keeper David Martin. During the pause, I switch in Daniel Powell at right wing in place of Stephen Gleeson though I change that later in the 79th minute and move Powell over to replace a tired Jermaine Easter at striker while bringing in Luke Howell to fill the vacant right winger position. Dan Woodards is hurt and treated on the sidelines in the 90th minute and in the 3rd minute of extra time Sam Baldock collects a well placed through pass and strikes the back of the net from the edge of the box. The final half comes to a close with Port Vale taking the win 2-1.

Full Time:
I let the team know that their performance is not good enough, though I spare Sam Baldock the same sentiment. As predicted by the club scout, the back line was punished whenever they pushed forward and I make a note to take better action instructing them to drop deeper against similar threats in the future. The squad's only goal came after I began instructing the squad to work the ball into the box and avoid long shots, something that I will try again in our next match to see if it improves our shot accuracy.

Dan Woodards shakes off his knock and appears no worse for wear, which comes as a relief. Trialist Carlos Merino had an average match though I hope to see an improvement in the next friendly if I am to be tempted by his high asking price.

VS.

Jul 20, 2010 - MK Dons vs Port Vale
TEAM	1	2	SCORE
MK Dons ()	0	1	1
Port Vale ()	1	2	2

Team Stats Comparison
MK Dons		Port Vale
1	Goals	2
9	Shots	7
3	Shots on Target	3
65%	Tackles	71%
13	Fouls	13
1	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	0
33%	Shot Accuracy	42%
80&	Passing Percentage	70%

Match Summary
MK Dons	Port Vale
93' Goal - Sam Baldock	22' Goal - Anthony Griffith
13' Yellow Card - Jemal Johnson	61' Goal - Tommy Fraser
Man of the Match: Anthony Griffith (Port Vale)

"I'm surprised at ths result to be honest. I expected a close game with the most likely winners being MK Dons, so for Port Vale to win is really something."
- BBC Stoke

Our next match is 4 days away against Blue Square Premier side Wrexham on Saturday, July 24th at The Racecourse Ground. It is the second to last pre-season friendly match, so I intend on using these last two matches to lock down my starting eleven, remaining seven substitution rotation, and primary reserve squad. I will also evaluate which players, if any, should be off-loaded based upon the squad decisions.

My only other goal is to come to a decision on whether I wish to pursue trialist Carlos Merino after his performance in the next match. Merino will have to play up to the high price his agent is demanding if he is to win me over.

Dynasty: Joby21

18.7.2010
Next match is Tuesday against Port Vale. I continue to have staff instruct the squad in drills that would focus on their blending as a team so they can develop more chemistry before the start of the season.

30 year old Carlos Merino joins us on trial today and we get a closer look at him as he trains with the team. His strengths appear to be in his technique, especially when striking the ball, though he appears to be poor in the air. The central midfielder also isn't likely to improve in the future though appears to currently fit what we want for a midfield play-maker.

Initial talks with agent Gonzalo Hita show that Carlos Merino would demand a two year contract at $5,000 a year, a price a bit too high given the fact that we may already be adding Stefani Miglioranzi to midfield and may be bringing Stephen Gleeson back to that position if our loan goes through on Bristol City reservist Pat Hoban. I elect to continue with the trial anyway, as Merino may prove to be indispensable in the next few pre-season games.

Our groundskeeper checks in to see if I want to make any changes to the current field dimensions. npower League 1 regulations state that the field must be at least 101m long and 64m wide. stadium:mk is currently 101m long and 70m wide, which I elect to keep due to our need to play to the flanks during counter attacks.

stadium:mk - Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

We receive some bids on reservist striker Jabo Ibehre, who I had transfer listed and offered out with a $20,000 asking price prior. npower League 2 side Morecambe offer a deal totaling $15,500, with $3,500 up front and another $12,000 over 24 months. Blue Square Premier side York offers a deal worth $20,000, with $4,000 coming immediately and $16,000 over 24 months. I elect to accept both bids. The York deal was slightly higher but for a team in a lesser competition, so I elect to give both sides the chance to negotiate with the striker.

A season ticket sale update comes in later in the afternoon. As of today, the club has sold 4,902 season tickets for the upcoming season and the board expects the club to sell another 1,600 season tickets in the following week, bringing the total number of season ticket holders to around 6,500. Pat Hoban rejects our loan bid. I instruct assistant coach John Gorman to compile another loan report for the right midfielder position with the backup plan of sticking with Stephen Gleeson should no good candidates come up.

Club scout Jordan Bryant provides a scouting report on upcoming friendly opponent Port Vale. His report states that the npower League 2 side is likely to field a 4-4-2 formation. The field at Vale Park is long and should favor a direct passing game. We should be careful of pushing our defenders up during counter attacks as we will create a lot of space to exploit behind us for quicker players to take advantage of. Bryant singles out Port Vale striker Marc Richards as an imposing threat in the upcoming match.

Dynasty: Joby21

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