2006 FOFC Alma Mater Fantasy Football (Time to set lineups!)

[QuikSand]

2006 FOFC Alma Mater Football League

OWNERS, PLEASE GET YOUR PLAYERS AND SET YOPUR LINEUPS

We’ll give this a try again… it seemed like a fairly low-investment enterprise last season, to me.

Core concept – manage a fantasy football team including only players from the college of your choice. You get free reign to all those players, and nobody else. That’s it. (The school doesn’t necessarily have to be your own alma mater, but it is probably more fun to root for players from a school you at least support…)

Here’s a thread on last year’s effort, if you want some background:

http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=40685

Last year, the late season emergence of Larry Johnson (perhaps coupled with the disappearance of Donovan McNabb) propelled Penn State to victory. Congrats to JeeberD on the win.

I have reinstated the same settings as last year, with one alteration – instead of using playoffs, I’ve set it up to just be a season-long league table, with the long-term winner finishing on top. With a league involving such little strategy for the short term, it just seems fairer to make long term results count more. If there is a consensus to change this or anything else about the rules, I’m willing to follow the majority.

For this year – we will start signups with people who are returning from last year with the same school. If you played last year, and want to play again, please use the following information to sign up:


Setting Value
League ID#: 154496
League Name: FOFC Alma Mater Football
Password: maximum
Draft Type: Autopick Draft
Max Teams: 20
Scoring Type: Head-to-Head
Start Scoring on: Week 1
Can't Cut List Provider: None
Max Moves: No maximum
Max Trades: No trades allowed
Trade Reject Time: 0
Trade End Date: November 17, 2006
Trade Review: Commissioner
Waiver Time: No waivers
Post Draft Players: Free Agents
Playoffs: None
Roster Positions: QB, WR, WR, RB, RB, TE, K, D, D, D, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN
Stat Categories: Passing Yards (50 yards per point)Passing Touchdowns (6)Interceptions (-2)Rushing Yards (20 yards per point)Rushing Touchdowns (6)Reception Yards (20 yards per point)Reception Touchdowns (6)Return Touchdowns (6)2-Point Conversions (2)Fumbles Lost (-2)Offensive Fumble Return TD (6)Field Goals 0-19 Yards (3)Field Goals 20-29 Yards (3)Field Goals 30-39 Yards (3)Field Goals 40-49 Yards (4)Field Goals 50+ Yards (5)Field Goals Missed 0-19 Yards (-1)Field Goals Missed 20-29 Yards (-1)Field Goals Missed 30-39 Yards (-1)Field Goals Missed 40-49 Yards (0)Field Goals Missed 50+ Yards (0)Point After Attempt Made (1)Point After Attempt Missed (-1)Tackle Solo (0.5)Sack (3)Interception (2)Fumble Force (2)Fumble Recovery (2)Touchdown (6)Safety (2)Pass Defended (1)Block Kick (2)
Fractional Points: No
Negative Points: Yes


It will be helpful if you can enter your pre-draft rankings, and assign high values to the players from your selected school.

With that – I’m glad to get the ball rolling… I’ll claim Syracuse.

[rafini]

I'll take Penn State

[digamma]

Giving Rocky Top another run.

[Huckleberry]

I'll take Texas if sachmo doesn't return to take them.

[Butter]

I'll take Ohio State if Bearcat### doesn't return as well.

[QuikSand]

Last year, the late season emergence of Larry Johnson (perhaps coupled with the disappearance of Donovan McNabb) propelled Penn State to victory. Congrats to JeeberD on the win.

...

For this year – we will start signups with people who are returning from last year with the same school. If you played last year, and want to play again, please use the following information to sign up:

I'll take Penn State

*sigh*

[TLK]

I'm back with USC. It should be fun with them this year.

[primelord]

*sigh*

At least he didn't ask if he needed a sleeping bag.

[Klinglerware]

I was Miami-FL last year--not sure if I'll stay on yet. They are an interesting team--I was very successful with great skill position and defensive players, and without a QB. Much like how Miami-FL does it in real life (great D, speed at the skill positions, and without a comparably great QB)...

[Swaggs]

I'll give it another try this season.

Hopefully Mark Bulger can stay healthy and Chris Henry can stay out of prison.

[Swaggs]

Guess I should add as West Virginia.

[dacman]

I was Auburn last year, but would like to switch it up. I'll determine my final college choice later.

[Franklinnoble]

Do you have a complete list of schools and last year's owners?

[rkmsuf]

Do you have a complete list of schools and last year's owners?


http://www.digitalstadium.org/smf/index.php?board=17.0

[Swaggs]

http://www.digitalstadium.org/smf/index.php?board=17.0

Wow... talk about threadkillers. Franklin is responsible for the deaths of like 95% of the posts over there.

[rkmsuf]

I'll take VT again.

[Bearcat729]

I'll take Ohio State if Bearcat### doesn't return as well.


I'm going to return but not as Ohio State. Just not enough Offensive players from tOSU in the NFL to make the game fun.

I'll wait to see what teams decide to return before picking a team

[Lathum]

I would like in if there is a spot.

[Lathum]

dola-
is there a deadline for returning teams?

[JeeberD]

I'll attempt to defend my title with the Nittany Lions...

[Silver Owl]

I'll take Virginia again.

[Sublime 2]

I think i had Wash. or Wash St. last year, either one, i'm back.

[Lathum]

I would like Florida state if they are available

[Bee]

*sigh*

I think you should give him Syracuse to teach him a lesson. :D

[digamma]

Anyone else having trouble getting into the league on yahoo?

[MacroGuru]

Florida State is back....

[Lathum]

Florida State is back....
damn, wanted them

[Franklinnoble]

I'd take Miami, just for all the Redskins players. But it's probably unavailable...

[Toddzilla]

I'll take VT again.Drat - I was hoping to guide my alma mater this year. At least the Hokies are in good hands - I'll be rooting for you, rkmsuf.

Sol-A-Rex Sol-A-Rah!

[Swaggs]

Bump... in case anyone missed this the first time around.

[sterlingice]

I'll keep with Notre Dame again, tho my team is weakened without Bettis and I'm still lacking a QB. Strong defense, decent recievers, and Julius Jones will lead the team again

SI

[Klinglerware]

I'd take Miami, just for all the Redskins players. But it's probably unavailable...

I think I will bow out of this season, so I guess Miami-FL is up for grabs...

[Swaggs]

I'll keep with Notre Dame again, tho my team is weakened without Bettis and I'm still lacking a QB. Strong defense, decent recievers, and Julius Jones will lead the team again

SI

If you hold onto ND past this season, you should have a QB. :)

[DanGarion]

Is Tennessee isn't taken, I'd probably take them.

[sterlingice]

If you hold onto ND past this season, you should have a QB. :)

I'm kindof holding onto that hope :)

Either that or Ron Pawlus or Rick Mirer come back from whatever South Pacific Island football league they're playing in or car dealership they're running or drugs they're dealing or whatever they're up to :)

SI

[Franklinnoble]

I think I will bow out of this season, so I guess Miami-FL is up for grabs...

Sweeeet.... I'll take it. :D

[Franklinnoble]

Is there a good page to see all the NFL players from a particular school?

[JeeberD]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/college?letter=m

[Franklinnoble]

So, Ken Dorsey is the only active QB from Miami?

Somebody page Vinny Testaverde... and can I get an extra running back or two on my team?

[sterlingice]

can I get an extra running back or two on my team?

Sure, you can have as many as can fit on your roster. You can only start 2, tho :)

SI

[QuikSand]

Okay - we'll keep it to returning owners until the beginning of the week, and then open it up to anyone else who wants to claim a school.

[Wasabiak]

I'll play again. I was Florida last year.

[Bearcat729]

Since I don't want to use Ohio State this season I'll take Auburn.

[QuikSand]

Looks like we are sitting on 13 teams right now... anyone else who wants in, sign up and claim a team, then post here.

[Butter]

Since Bearcat729 picked Auburn, I'm clear to sign up as Ohio State then?

[DanGarion]

I'll take Tenn. :)

[Lathum]

I saw there was no michagin so I snagged them

[hahnkim]

i'm in with UCLA... Anyone seen Cade McNown?

[digamma]

I'll take Tenn. :)

Sorry. I already have them. (See "Rocky Top" post above.)

[DanGarion]

Sorry. I already have them. (See "Rocky Top" post above.)

Um. ok, didn't know that was a nickname for them. Oh well.

[rkmsuf]

can't log into the site

[cthomer5000]

If it's not a detriment to the league (and i dont think it is since it's points only), i'll trot out Rutgers 2-3 offensive players as a team.

[QuikSand]

I think we stand at 15 teams right now... still some slots for anyone who might want to play. No need to use your personal alma mater -- any school will do.

[cthomer5000]

I just want to be clear I'm not going to screw things up here... If head-to-head wins count, I could cause some imbalance if we there are more or less teams than the amount it would take so that everyone plays everyone exactly once.

I guess 18 teams would be the ideal # here?

[QuikSand]

I have it set up for 20 teams (the maximum) but we can contract if need be. This isn't exactly a heavy time commitment, so I expect we can fill to 20. Don't sweat it about dragging the league... but I also wouldn't set your hopes too high with Rutgers.

[cthomer5000]

I also wouldn't set your hopes too high with Rutgers.

1 win would be amazing.

[digamma]

1 win would be amazing.

Last year, I think Georgia Tech ended up winning 4 games behind only defensive players, Dez White and Joe Burns.

[cthomer5000]

Are individual defensive players part of the roster? Gary Brackett could be a big help to me in that area.

[digamma]

Are individual defensive players part of the roster? Gary Brackett could be a big help to me in that area.

3 defensive players, from what I recall.

[QuikSand]

Re-posted for reference...

Setting Value
League ID#: 154496
League Name: FOFC Alma Mater Football
Password: maximum
Draft Type: Autopick Draft
Max Teams: 20
Scoring Type: Head-to-Head
Start Scoring on: Week 1
Can't Cut List Provider: None
Max Moves: No maximum
Max Trades: No trades allowed
Trade Reject Time: 0
Trade End Date: November 17, 2006
Trade Review: Commissioner
Waiver Time: No waivers
Post Draft Players: Free Agents
Playoffs: None

Roster Positions: QB, WR, WR, RB, RB, TE, K, D, D, D, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN

Stat Categories: Passing Yards (50 yards per point)Passing Touchdowns (6)Interceptions (-2)Rushing Yards (20 yards per point)Rushing Touchdowns (6)Reception Yards (20 yards per point)Reception Touchdowns (6)Return Touchdowns (6)2-Point Conversions (2)Fumbles Lost (-2)Offensive Fumble Return TD (6)Field Goals 0-19 Yards (3)Field Goals 20-29 Yards (3)Field Goals 30-39 Yards (3)Field Goals 40-49 Yards (4)Field Goals 50+ Yards (5)Field Goals Missed 0-19 Yards (-1)Field Goals Missed 20-29 Yards (-1)Field Goals Missed 30-39 Yards (-1)Field Goals Missed 40-49 Yards (0)Field Goals Missed 50+ Yards (0)Point After Attempt Made (1)Point After Attempt Missed (-1)Tackle Solo (0.5)Sack (3)Interception (2)Fumble Force (2)Fumble Recovery (2)Touchdown (6)Safety (2)Pass Defended (1)Block Kick (2)
Fractional Points: No
Negative Points: Yes

Yes, you get to start three individual defensive players from any position.

[Lathum]

when/how do we draft, pick our players etc...

[Huckleberry]

Autodraft - set your draft list ahead of time

I just signed up with Texas. There are currently 16 teams.

[digamma]

we ran the draft and then used the free agent system to drop players who aren't from your school and pick up players who are.

[QuikSand]

We have four more slots open, so anyone who would like to play, claim a team and sign up.

Current owners, please log in to your team, and set your draft preferences -- this shouldn't be a time consuming task, but it will save everyone time if you do so.

[QuikSand]

For lazy would-be owners, here are the currently claimed schools:

Rank Team W-L-T Pct Pts Streak Waiver Moves
- Washington 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Florida Gators 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Notre Dame Domers 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Auburn Tigers 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- UCLA All Stars 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Texas Longhorns 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- RutgersMcMahonsmiths 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Rocky Top Tennessee 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Florida State 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- West Virginia 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- USC 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Purdue 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Michagin 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Penn State 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Virginia 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Syracuse Just Orange 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -

Off the top of my head... Virginia Tech? Wisconsin? North Carolina? Oklahoma?

[rkmsuf]

For lazy would-be owners, here are the currently claimed schools:

Rank Team W-L-T Pct Pts Streak Waiver Moves
- Washington 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Florida Gators 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Notre Dame Domers 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Auburn Tigers 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- UCLA All Stars 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Texas Longhorns 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- RutgersMcMahonsmiths 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Rocky Top Tennessee 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Florida State 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- West Virginia 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- USC 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Purdue 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Michagin 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Penn State 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Virginia 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -
- Syracuse Just Orange 0-0-0 .000 0 - - -

Off the top of my head... Virginia Tech? Wisconsin? North Carolina? Oklahoma?

Everytime I try the league ID and password on page 1 I get an error.

So for the 20th time, "I can't get into the site".

[cthomer5000]

All 6 RU players that yahoo has listed are in my rankings. Hopefully a few of the guys fighting for roster spots make it so i can beef up my roster later.

[QuikSand]

Everytime I try the league ID and password on page 1 I get an error.

So for the 20th time, "I can't get into the site".

You see this as my problem. I see this as Darwinism.


Okay, more seriously, what exactly can I do to help you? It's yahoo fantasy football. You have the league number and the password, all the infomration that managed to get everyone else into the league. What other assistance can I offer?

[QuikSand]

VaTech is claimed -- we'll do our best to get the smurf back in.

[cthomer5000]

Ohio State would be good.

[QuikSand]

Okay, rkmsuf:

http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com
league # is 154496
password was posted earlier

[rkmsuf]

You see this as my problem. I see this as Darwinism.


Okay, more seriously, what exactly can I do to help you? It's yahoo fantasy football. You have the league number and the password, all the infomration that managed to get everyone else into the league. What other assistance can I offer?

I guess nothing. I type in 154496 and maximum and I get the log in error page.

There was a problem
There was a temporary problem with the server. Please try again shortly. (Error #115)
The password is incorrect. (Error #109)
The league is not in pre-draft mode. (Error #209)
This league is full. (Error #221)



I have a team of scientists working the problem as we speak.

[QuikSand]

Ohio State would be good.

Wow, can't believe they are unclaimed, and that I missed them. Obvious one to me... not a power like they once were (in this regard) but still ought to be competitive.

[Butter]

Actually I asked to claim them twice, but no one ever responded to my questions.

It's ok, as I am not going to have the time to pay attention to this anyway.

[QuikSand]

Actually I asked to claim them twice, but no one ever responded to my questions.

It's ok, as I am not going to have the time to pay attention to this anyway.

Did you try to sign up for the league? Have you gotten error messages as well? Or did you not get that far?

[digamma]

Everytime I try the league ID and password on page 1 I get an error.

So for the 20th time, "I can't get into the site".

Make sure you are clicking on the free fantasy football link and not the pay version on Yahoo.

[rkmsuf]

All set now. I was doing the internet wrong.

[QuikSand]

It's a bunch of tubes, you see.

[Toddzilla]

League is now full

[QuikSand]

Anyone who wants to play, but can't get in for whatever reason, send me a PM with an email address, and I will invite you. Worked for one so far.

We have 17 teams claimed, and three open, but I'll hold OSU for Butter for now.

[cthomer5000]

Wow, can't believe they are unclaimed, and that I missed them. Obvious one to me... not a power like they once were (in this regard) but still ought to be competitive. I hadn't really thought too much about specifics, but now i wonder if they're nothing but WRs in the league really. Well, i'm sure some defenders of note, but they don't have the Eddie George they used to, and I can't think of any QB who can be expected to actually get playing time.

[QuikSand]

OSU has never had a QB, but in this framework, they once had about as fearsome a QB-less roster as you could imagine, with Eddie George, Robert Smith, Joey Galloway, Cris Carter, and a handful of other solid skill players in the mix. Bobby Hoying was a banchwarmer at that point, I recall, and they always have plenty of defensive players.

Now, I guess you get Galloway, a few lesser reveivers, maybe a finge player or two at RB, and a kicker (not to be underestimated, that) to go with a solid defense. Team still should be fairly competitive.

[Butter]

We have 17 teams claimed, and three open, but I'll hold OSU for Butter for now.

Thanks, but no need. Someone else can have them, or not as the case may be.

[sterlingice]

I've set up my list for Notre Dame

SI

[QuikSand]

We need to add or lose one team, to get to an even number - we have 17. Please disregard the message above that the league is full, it never was. Any takers?

I want to run the draft soon so we can get rosters in order. This is going to be a pain, I can tell already.

[QuikSand]

Surely someone can step up and take Wisconsin!?!?

[cthomer5000]

Worst case, you can axe Rutgers. Mike McMahon getting cut by the Vikings was a pretty big blow to any potential points late in the seaosn... shit, i thought he could honestly end up starting at some point given their QB situation.

[QuikSand]

Sorry, ct -- had to axe Rutgers, we just need to get this going, and have to have en even number of teams.

I have run the non-draft, and we now all have empty rosters. I have sent emails to everyong, but PLEASE go in and set up your roster by picking up the free agent players who belong to your and your school. Leave other slots empty - don't just go pick up a player because he didn't go to anyone else's school.

Any questions, post them here.

[QuikSand]

Here's a link to the tool from EAPN to find a list of your players:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/college

[Wasabiak]

After having all Gator players on top of my list, the only player now on my roster is Rex Grossman. Then I tried to add the rest of the Florida players to my roster, but the website won't add them. Is there a waiver period set before the requested players get added to rosters?

edit--nevermind......I guess you have to click "add player" 3 times. Geez.

[sterlingice]

I'll update my team tomorrow night, hopefully.

SI

[cthomer5000]

Saints cut Jay Bellamy... further weakening what would have already been a crap Rutgers squad.

[QuikSand]

Sorry abou that Wasabiak -- there were so few teams who had actually set their preferences, I had to run an "external draft" where I assigned one player to each team and went from there. Otherwise, many of your Gators would have been spread around on other teams, and you wouldn't haev been able to get them until they were cut by their owners (the ones who didn't bother to set their preferences).

Sorry, this was the best I could do. At least now, all your Gators ought to be free agents, for you to pick up at your leisure.

[sterlingice]

Notre Dame is set :)

SI

[JeeberD]

Penn State's lineup is set and now we're hoping and praying that Kerry Collins somehow gets the start at QB for the Titans...

[QuikSand]

Last call to get lineups set. At last check, Texas and Washington had not done so.

[Huckleberry]

My apologies. Will be on it.

[Wasabiak]

Sorry abou that Wasabiak -- there were so few teams who had actually set their preferences, I had to run an "external draft" where I assigned one player to each team and went from there. Otherwise, many of your Gators would have been spread around on other teams, and you wouldn't haev been able to get them until they were cut by their owners (the ones who didn't bother to set their preferences).

Sorry, this was the best I could do. At least now, all your Gators ought to be free agents, for you to pick up at your leisure.

Ah, no problemo.

My kickerless Gators start the season with a win. Yea! Now we get our hated in-state rivals.

[Wasabiak]

The Gators start 2-0, thanks to Rex Grossman. Unfortunately, we have lost Kearse for the year. A somewhat suspect (and kickerless) squad 2 weeks ago, has suddenly turned into the team to beat in the FOFC-AMFL.

[MacroGuru]

The Gators start 2-0, thanks to Rex Grossman. Unfortunately, we have lost Kearse for the year. A somewhat suspect (and kickerless) squad 2 weeks ago, has suddenly turned into the team to beat in the FOFC-AMFL.

Sucks that Brad Johnson isn't throwing a lot up in Minn...oh and I don't have a TE.

[sterlingice]

"Waah. I don't have a kicker. I don't have a TE."

Some of us don't even have a QB for pete's sake

SI

[Wasabiak]

"Waah. I don't have a kicker. I don't have a TE."

Some of us don't even have a QB for pete's sake

SI

Hahaha........Sounds like someone didn't do their homework before joining the league. :D

[sterlingice]

Hahaha........Sounds like someone didn't do their homework before joining the league. :D

Not all of us picked a team to bandwagon to victory, I'm pretty sure quite a few in the league have a rooting interest for the team we picked. Even without a QB, I'm still going to be in the top half of the league in scoring but sitting at 0-2 after a pair of tough matchups.

SI

[Sublime 2]

Ouch! Def. thought I set my lineup before the season started...turns out haven't had anyone in my starting lineups, and only corey dillon on my team.

[Wasabiak]

Not all of us picked a team to bandwagon to victory, I'm pretty sure quite a few in the league have a rooting interest for the team we picked. Even without a QB, I'm still going to be in the top half of the league in scoring but sitting at 0-2 after a pair of tough matchups.

SI

Yeah.

FWIW, if Grossman goes down, I don't have a QB either. Take a look at the available Florida players.........I hardly think I picked them "to bandwagon to victory", heheh. :rolleyes:

[JeeberD]

Woohoo, we're pitching a shutout against the Huskies! YEAH!




Oh, wait...
Ouch! Def. thought I set my lineup before the season started...turns out haven't had anyone in my starting lineups, and only corey dillon on my team.

[digamma]

The Gators start 2-0, thanks to Rex Grossman. Unfortunately, we have lost Kearse for the year. A somewhat suspect (and kickerless) squad 2 weeks ago, has suddenly turned into the team to beat in the FOFC-AMFL.

FOFC post jinx strikes again.

[QuikSand]

One cool thing about this league is most of us have at least a few total "prayer" guys out there each week... getting a TD catch this week from the immortal David Tyree actually means something to us over here!

[Swaggs]

Man, it would be nice if Jerry Porter and the Raiders could patch things up sooner, rather than later. I already have no RB, but without Porter I am pretty much running a three man team with Bulger, Chris Henry, and Vanderjagt.

You guys are going to be in trouble when Steve Slaton turns pro, though. :)

[JeeberD]

Who woulda thunk that Michael Robinson would have more than filled Larry Johnson's shoes during KC's bye week?!?

[sterlingice]

One cool thing about this league is most of us have at least a few total "prayer" guys out there each week... getting a TD catch this week from the immortal David Tyree actually means something to us over here!

Or Notre Dame MVP John Carney :)

SI

[digamma]

Thanks to Peyton, I wrapped up the league title this weekend (actually would have clinched without Manning's big night last night).

A few thoughts on year 2:

-I liked the idea of there being no play-off in the league. After all, it was "alma mater" football. But, as it played out, it probably ended up being a bit less exciting than a traditional fantasy football play-off situation.

-I wonder how someone would have done with TCU this year. In looking at the free agent pool, LT scored 287 points over the course of the season (more than Washington scored in our league). Add in a few well timed defensive points and the Horned Frogs could have won several games.

-Last year we talked about ways to make this more competitive or viable on a larger scale. One idea was some sort of handicap based on the team chosen--Tennessee, for example, would have its score multiplied by .9 each week, or something to that effect. Another was to have a two or three round draft of colleges so people could field a complete team. Any thoughts of re-visiting that.

-Finally, getting back to my first point. As opposed to a play-off, what if we organized mini bowl games for the final week of the season? We could have the BCS championship game between the top two teams, and then select the other bowl match-ups either based on the standings or tied loosely to how the real bowls select--Pac Ten vs. Big Ten in the "Rose Bowl," SEC team in the "Sugar" and so on down the line. We will have the scores since everyone is playing a regular season game in the last week. Just an idea. Alternatively, I'm happy to rest on my laurels and all that goes with this prestigious championship.

[digamma]

the standings through week 14, btw...

<TABLE class=gametable id=standingstable cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR class=selected><TD class="first rank">1.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=stephenvenable&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=stephenvenable)</TD><TD class=team>Rocky Top Tennessee (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/9)</TD><TD>14-1-0</TD><TD>.933</TD><TD>665.00</TD><TD>W-11</TD><TD>8</TD><TD class=last>21</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">2.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=jeeberd&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=jeeberd)</TD><TD class=team>Penn State (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/7)</TD><TD>10-5-0</TD><TD>.667</TD><TD>543.50</TD><TD>W-1</TD><TD>10</TD><TD class=last>19</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">3.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=lathum85&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=lathum85)</TD><TD class=team>Michagin (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/5)</TD><TD>10-5-0</TD><TD>.667</TD><TD>538.50</TD><TD>W-1</TD><TD>12</TD><TD class=last>11</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">4.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=mjsyahoo&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=mjsyahoo)</TD><TD class=team>Syracuse Just Orange (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/1)</TD><TD>10-5-0</TD><TD>.667</TD><TD>537.50</TD><TD>L-1</TD><TD>16</TD><TD class=last>15</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">5.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=mosabiak&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=mosabiak)</TD><TD class=team>Florida Gators (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/11)</TD><TD>10-5-0</TD><TD>.667</TD><TD>531.50</TD><TD>L-1</TD><TD>6</TD><TD class=last>19</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">6.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=rkmsuf&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=rkmsuf)</TD><TD class=team>Virginia Tech (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/17)</TD><TD>8-7-0</TD><TD>.533</TD><TD>479.00</TD><TD>W-1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD class=last>15</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">7.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=dclark94&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=dclark94)</TD><TD class=team>Purdue (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/4)</TD><TD>8-7-0</TD><TD>.533</TD><TD>367.00</TD><TD>L-1</TD><TD>13</TD><TD class=last>13</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">8.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=macroguru&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=macroguru)</TD><TD class=team>Florida State (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/8)</TD><TD>7-7-1</TD><TD>.500</TD><TD>515.00</TD><TD>L-1</TD><TD>9</TD><TD class=last>15</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">9.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=mcmanus_tim44321&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=mcmanus_tim44321)</TD><TD class=team>Virginia (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/6)</TD><TD>7-8-0</TD><TD>.467</TD><TD>474.00</TD><TD>W-2</TD><TD>11</TD><TD class=last>13</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">10.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=bearcatootp&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=bearcatootp)</TD><TD class=team>Auburn Tigers (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/13)</TD><TD>7-8-0</TD><TD>.467</TD><TD>378.50</TD><TD>W-1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD class=last>15</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">11.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=kboro14&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=kboro14)</TD><TD class=team>USC (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/2)</TD><TD>6-9-0</TD><TD>.400</TD><TD>453.50</TD><TD>L-2</TD><TD>15</TD><TD class=last>15</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">12.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=huck78705&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=huck78705)</TD><TD class=team>Texas Longhorns (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/16)</TD><TD>6-9-0</TD><TD>.400</TD><TD>447.00</TD><TD>W-1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD class=last>16</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">13.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=charlie_swa&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=charlie_swa)</TD><TD class=team>West Virginia (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/3)</TD><TD>6-9-0</TD><TD>.400</TD><TD>407.00</TD><TD>L-1</TD><TD>14</TD><TD class=last>12</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">14.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=rocket34&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=rocket34)</TD><TD class=team>Notre Dame Domers (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/10)</TD><TD>4-10-1</TD><TD>.300</TD><TD>353.50</TD><TD>L-4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD class=last>17</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">15.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=provostj1985&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=provostj1985)</TD><TD class=team>Washington (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/12)</TD><TD>4-11-0</TD><TD>.267</TD><TD>261.50</TD><TD>L-2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD class=last>10</TD></TR><TR><TD class="first rank">16.</TD><TD class=im>http://opium1.msg.vip.sp1.yahoo.com/online?u=hahnis&m=g&q= (ymsgr:im?to=hahnis)</TD><TD class=team>UCLA All Stars (http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/154496/14)</TD><TD>2-13-0</TD><TD>.133</TD><TD>371.50</TD><TD>W-2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD class=last>16</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Swaggs]

I don't so much mind that some teams are stacked, but I would like to see some "flex" (I don't know if that is a fantasy term b/c I don't play much, but I am referring to spots that can be manned by different positions) roster spots next season. If my team has three good WRs (they don't, but if...), I'd rather use three WRs and 1 RB, rather than two WRs, 1 good RB, and 1 crap RB.

[JeeberD]

I'm happy with being in second for the majority of the year with LJ having a "Down" second half of the season and with Kerry Collins not doing anything at all for me...

[sterlingice]

I think an ideal way to improve balance in the game would be to have a smaller pool of teams (ie go with the ~14ish who end up returning next season) and then have two teams per "team".

Basically, we could have a draft every year that goes backwards based on the previous season's finish (ie you finished in last, you are first to pick your second team).

That way you have two teams but it's really one team plus a supplement and it balances out the fact that some teams are crazily more talented and this could at least bridge the gap a little.

The one thing you really can't do is have a snake draft each year because everyone kindof wants to keep the same team- or at least there seem to be a substantial enough number of teams who want to use their teams for sentimental reasons rather than just picking who they think is best.

SI

[QuikSand]

Thanks to Peyton, I wrapped up the league title this weekend (actually would have clinched without Manning's big night last night).

A few thoughts on year 2:

-I liked the idea of there being no play-off in the league. After all, it was "alma mater" football. But, as it played out, it probably ended up being a bit less exciting than a traditional fantasy football play-off situation.

-I wonder how someone would have done with TCU this year. In looking at the free agent pool, LT scored 287 points over the course of the season (more than Washington scored in our league). Add in a few well timed defensive points and the Horned Frogs could have won several games.

-Last year we talked about ways to make this more competitive or viable on a larger scale. One idea was some sort of handicap based on the team chosen--Tennessee, for example, would have its score multiplied by .9 each week, or something to that effect. Another was to have a two or three round draft of colleges so people could field a complete team. Any thoughts of re-visiting that.

-Finally, getting back to my first point. As opposed to a play-off, what if we organized mini bowl games for the final week of the season? We could have the BCS championship game between the top two teams, and then select the other bowl match-ups either based on the standings or tied loosely to how the real bowls select--Pac Ten vs. Big Ten in the "Rose Bowl," SEC team in the "Sugar" and so on down the line. We will have the scores since everyone is playing a regular season game in the last week. Just an idea. Alternatively, I'm happy to rest on my laurels and all that goes with this prestigious championship.


Congratulations on the win, digamma.

While I enjoy playing this, I most definitely do not have the patience nor commitment to add a lot of work to it for future renewals. I'd be fine with some team-weighted modified scoring system, "bowl" games or playoffs, or most anything else... but I'm simply not willing to do a lot of manual scoring overrides, etc. So, whatever we could do with a free league that manages itself would suit me fine.