The Ladder 2017 - Player Cuts - Deadline is 7/6 (Sun) at 11 p.m. EST

[Eaglesfan27]

We played Stanford in the rain and cold and it was a turnover filled game, but our CB had 3 picks to preserve a 24-16 win.

[Kodos]

Welcome to Week 6!
Remember to visit dynasty.easports.com to publish your own stories.

=============== #3 USC Trojans (4-0) ===============
Last week, USC won 24-16 against Stanford (2-3).
This week, the Trojans travel to Ann Arbor to face the Michigan Wolverines (1-2).
In recruiting news, the following USC targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) K Steve Tate has committed to USC
- (****) LOLB Trevor Alfred has committed to USC
- (*****) LG Ryan Sanders has committed to Michigan
- (*****) RE Adrian Boone has committed to USC
- (*****) LT Thomas Gore has committed to USC
- (*****) RG Terrence Gunn has committed to Texas


=============== #4 Rice Owls (4-0) ===============
Last week, Rice won 49-30 against Kansas (0-3).
This week, the Owls travel to Dallas to face the SMU Mustangs (4-1).
In recruiting news, the following Rice targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) K Steve Tate has committed to USC
- (***) K Sam Holmes has committed to Rice
- (*****) LG Ryan Sanders has committed to Michigan
- (****) LOLB Brent Williams has committed to Rice
- (*****) LG Robert Booker has committed to Notre Dame
- (*****) RE Adrian Boone has committed to USC


=============== #13 Indiana Hoosiers (4-1) ===============
Last week, Indiana won 49-12 against Purdue (2-1).
This week, the Hoosiers will host #11 Oregon (2-2).
In recruiting news, the following Indiana targets have announced their decisions:
- (***) P Dwayne Gordon has committed to Indiana
- (*****) LG Robert Booker has committed to Notre Dame


=============== #16 South Florida Bulls (3-0) ===============
Last week, South Florida won 31-24 against Virginia Tech (2-2).
This week, the Bulls will host Miami (2-2).
In recruiting news, the following South Florida targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) C Luke Parham has committed to Auburn


=============== #23 Duke Blue Devils (3-0) ===============
Last week the Blue Devils were idle.
This week, the Blue Devils will host Nebraska (1-3).
In recruiting news, the following Duke targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) RT Mike Jackson has committed to Florida State
- (*****) HB Roman Johnson has committed to Georgia
- (****) DT Matt Cook has committed to Duke


=============== #24 UTSA Roadrunners (4-0) ===============
Last week, UTSA won 37-27 against Oklahoma State (2-2).
This week, the Roadrunners will host Oklahoma (3-1).
In recruiting news, the following UTSA targets have announced their decisions:
- (***) RG Nick Ferguson has committed to Cal


=============== Florida Atlantic Owls (4-0) ===============
Last week, Florida Atlantic won 37-6 against North Texas (1-3).
This week, the Owls travel to Houston to face the Houston Cougars (2-1).
In recruiting news, the following Florida Atlantic targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) HB Roman Johnson has committed to Georgia
- (****) C Luke Parham has committed to Auburn
- (*****) WR Eric Singleton has committed to Alabama

=============== Buffalo Bulls (4-1) ===============
Last week, Buffalo won 45-38 against BYU (1-3).
This week, the Bulls travel to Fairbanks to face the Fairbanks Northstars (1-1).
In recruiting news, the following Buffalo targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) HB Roman Johnson has committed to Georgia
- (*****) LT Thomas Gore has committed to USC

[Julio Riddols]

Originally Posted by Kodos

We're on to Week 6.

Sweet, now to see how our recruiting visits went.

[Julio Riddols]

What a nail biter this week. Numerous times we looked like we might have a shot to pull away, but Oklahoma came back and put themselves ahead with about 2 minutes left. We forced a punt, but our punt returner muffed it and we had to burn our timeouts, so we managed to get a stop and keep one time out, then they missed a FG and gave us field position down 2. We moved the ball methodically down near FG range and decided to go for a play action kill shot.

Our WR drops it going in and now it's 3rd and 10. We once again go play action, this time just looking for a first down to our TE. Well, our QB sees a WR running down the middle in the slot and drills him for the game clencher. Thought we might drop one, but we managed to avoid the reaper for another day and I think our toughest opponents are out of the way now.

Now if some guys would just sign...

Edit: I just realized how hard this is to read. I had too much to type and couldn't get my thoughts down fast enough, apparently.

[Eaglesfan27]

In the rain in Michigan, our offense struggled early and struggled even worse when our best WR went down in the 1st quarter. We were down at halftime 14-10. We had drops, slipping WR's, and fumbles in the 1st half. However, in the 2nd half, Thurman made a few big plays with his legs, had a few big throws, and we took control of the game early in the 4th. 27-14 win in which our sophomore CB had 3 picks that were key to keeping them off the board more.

[chesapeake]

We just took Nebraska out to the woodshed for a good, old-fashioned whuppin'. It feels good to do that to an SEC opponent. My rush defense is far too porous for Duke to be a credible contender for the SEC championship; but I don't feel that we'll be on the edge of relegation all year like we were last season.

[Kodos]

Does anyone else have trouble not running it up against their chief rival?

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Does anyone else have trouble not running it up against their chief rival?

Yes. I want to crush UCLA anytime I play them.

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Does anyone else have trouble not running it up against their chief rival?

I want to crush any team I play. But RUTS against Utah or Utah State for me would be sweet.

Although whenever we play the in game Rival, I want to RUTS as well.

[Kodos]

Good, so I don't need to feel bad for airing it out in the 4th quarter against Purdue.

[gstelmack]

Did they stop airing it out against you?

I can't wait until I get back to a point where this is even an issue, however...

[Kodos]

They never really aired it out. They stuck with the run for most of the game.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by Kodos

They never really aired it out. They stuck with the run for most of the game.

So, we found the AI bug - if the run is working, pass, if not, run.

[MacroGuru]

We barely pulled off a win against Fairbanks. I remember this team at the beginning being my nemesis along with Bowling Green.

I couldn't get my passing attack going and because of that they were able to stop my run game.

Defensively I couldn't stop their QB at times and several times my LB's and DB's bounced off their WR's, QB and RB.

The fact I was able to pick off 3 passes and stuff the screens helped me pull out the win.

Last thing...I hate playing at their place, the damn smurf turf hurts my eyes!

[Kodos]

The Northstars are a gritty squad. It comes from living in the frozen tundra.

[gstelmack]

The story of the first half against Miami was us scoring TDs, and them kicking or missing FGs. 21-6 at the half. The third quarter didn't have much offense, until they pulled one of those 3-play / 70-yardish drives. We did get a FG, then they got another TD, but we stopped the 2-point conversion. We pulled out one last TD drive, and our defense's third pick of the day stopped their last chance. 31-19.

[CU Tiger]

0-2 today losing in both the pyramid and ladder dynasty

Just had nothing for houston.
They took the opening KO 107
Had a P6

Their QB was 17-18

It was really a crappy day all around for FAU.

[Kodos]

Welcome to Week 7!

This week, it's our turn to be embarrassed by EF27's Trojans. Hopefully we can put in a decent showing... At least we got our first ever 5-star recruit this week.


=============== #2 USC Trojans (5-0) ===============
Last week, USC won 27-14 against Michigan (1-3).
This week, the Trojans will host #12 Indiana (5-1).
In recruiting news, the following USC targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) WR Eric Garrett has committed to Michigan


=============== #3 Rice Owls (5-0) ===============
Last week, Rice won 47-10 against SMU (4-2).
This week, the Owls will host #23 Florida State (2-3).
In recruiting news, the following Rice targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) WR Eric Garrett has committed to Michigan
- (*****) RG Ryan Thomas has committed to Auburn
- (****) ROLB Cedric Craig has committed to Nebraska
- (****) CB Patrick Lowe has committed to TCU


=============== #10 South Florida Bulls (4-0) ===============
Last week, South Florida won 31-19 against Miami (2-3).
This week, the Bulls travel to Bowling Green to face the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-1).


=============== #12 Indiana Hoosiers (5-1) ===============
Last week, Indiana won 34-24 against Oregon (2-3).
This week, the Hoosiers travel to Los Angeles to face the #2 USC Trojans (5-0).
In recruiting news, the following Indiana targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) WR James Godfrey has committed to Indiana
- (****) LOLB Eddie Walker has committed to Nebraska
- (***) CB James Nicholas has committed to Indiana


=============== #16 Duke Blue Devils (4-0) ===============
Last week, Duke won 45-17 against Nebraska (1-4).
This week, the Blue Devils will host #9 Alabama (4-2).



=============== #21 UTSA Roadrunners (5-0) ===============
Last week, UTSA won 29-25 against Oklahoma (3-2).
This week, the Roadrunners travel to Waco to face the Baylor Bears (4-0).


=============== Buffalo Bulls (5-1) ===============
Last week, Buffalo won 17-14 against Fairbanks (1-2).
This week, the Bulls travel to Honolulu to face the Hawai'i Warriors (1-3).
In recruiting news, the following Buffalo targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) WR James Godfrey has committed to Indiana
- (***) RT David Wilson has committed to Buffalo
- (*****) RG Ryan Thomas has committed to Auburn


=============== Florida Atlantic Owls (4-1) ===============
Last week, Florida Atlantic lost 45-35 against Houston (3-1).
This week, the Owls will host Texas Tech (1-3).
In recruiting news, the following Florida Atlantic targets have announced their decisions:
- (***) RT Anthony Moss has committed to Louisville
- (***) C Kyle Turner has committed to NC State
- (****) TE Patrick Cooper has committed to Florida

[Kodos]

What days and times are good for you, EF?

[MacroGuru]

Sweet, the Bulls get some fun in the sun @ Hawaii!

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Kodos

What days and times are good for you, EF?

The best time for me would be anytime during the day on Monday. I'm at the beginning my 7 days in a row on right now and I'm off for a week starting Monday. However, if you can't do a day game on Monday (I know it is difficult for most), my next best option would be around 9 eastern on Thursday or Sunday night.

[Julio Riddols]

The score won't reflect it, but we beat Baylor's ass. It was a total drubbing where their scores almost exclusively came off scrambling jump balls. Their QB is terrible though, and we were up 38-10 with our backups in when Baylor made their late run.

Now if I could just get some recruits. I don't get why they won't just sign with me.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

The best time for me would be anytime during the day on Monday. I'm at the beginning my 7 days in a row on right now and I'm off for a week starting Monday. However, if you can't do a day game on Monday (I know it is difficult for most), my next best option would be around 9 eastern on Thursday or Sunday night.

Sunday night is probably our best option.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Sunday night is probably our best option.

Ok. Sounds like a plan. I get my girl to bed about 8:00 or 8:30... so by 9PM Eastern, I should be go to go. I can do as late as 10:30 PM for a start time if that works better.

[Kodos]

Let's aim for 9. Leaves time to watch The Walking Dead afterward.

[gstelmack]

My A- offense decided not to show up to play Western Kentucky's C- defense. We had a few bad picks, and couldn't do much consistently. We did manage a couple of long FGs, and one early TD drive, but not much else.

Luckily my defense DID show up. They started by knocking the Hilltopper's QB out of the game, and then got FOUR pick-6s, including 2 in the final minute of the first half. That was that. 48-14.

I'm not sure why I even have a FB on my roster, given that when I use him for a lead blocker, and he goes through the hole, he runs right past the LB headed into my backfield to plant my RB. I may stop signing FBs and go completely single back from now on...

[Julio Riddols]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

My A- offense decided not to show up to play Western Kentucky's C- defense. We had a few bad picks, and couldn't do much consistently. We did manage a couple of long FGs, and one early TD drive, but not much else.

Luckily my defense DID show up. They started by knocking the Hilltopper's QB out of the game, and then got FOUR pick-6s, including 2 in the final minute of the first half. That was that. 48-14.

I'm not sure why I even have a FB on my roster, given that when I use him for a lead blocker, and he goes through the hole, he runs right past the LB headed into my backfield to plant my RB. I may stop signing FBs and go completely single back from now on...

I have a similar view of fullbacks, but I generally use mine as a second running back and H-back type so I recruit the more athletic ones that can catch. I feel like I get good contributions from them, especially on 3rd and medium plays.

[chesapeake]

I have mixed success with my FB. My memory tells me that he tends to block better on edge runs than up the middle, but he does, on occasion, block the MLB. But he is just as likely to run past him.

I had a crazy game last night against Alabama. As usual, I couldn't stop the run, but since he wasn't a running QB, when he passed he wouldn't come out of the pocket, no matter how good the coverage was, choosing instead to try and force balls in. And I needed every one of the 5 picks he threw to keep up. I hit a long bomb with about 50 seconds left to take a 48-44 lead and got my only 3rd (and 4th) down stops of the game on his next possession to come back and win from as many as 17 points down.

Does anyone else's QB fumble every time he runs and isn't able to slide? I ran 4 times this game and fumbled both times I couldn't get down in time. The week before I was also 2 for 2 on fumbles when I couldn't get the slide in. He's a beast in the pocket, though. He gets sacked a lot, and no matter what position he is in back there he finds a way to grip the ball. But when he gets past the line of scrimmage, he must have a gene that causes his hands to shrink 10-20%. Very frustrating.

[Kodos]

Yes, I fumble if I don't get out of bounds. (How do you slide?)

[chesapeake]

Tap X. It doesn't always work.

[gstelmack]

I have two QBs who are both near equal ratings (89 and 90). The 89 rated player is a better thrower, especially deep, but the 90 rated one is a MUCH better runner. I use the 90 rated one simply because he rarely fumbles on scrambles or sacks, where the carry rating on the 89 rated one is so low he was costing me games, even though my passing game was much stronger with him in there (completion percentage and yards). The turnovers on fumbles were killing me.

So, if you don't want to fumble, get a QB with a decent CARRY rating.

[chesapeake]

Good point.

It is a little ludicrous, the extreme to which it is taken. Sure, a pocket passer probably should fumble more; but to have them fumble just about every time they are tackled when they've crossed the line of scrimmage is silly.

[Julio Riddols]

I've always been partial to pocket QB's for this reason. I always had a shit time finding a scrambler that wouldn't put it on the ground a million times a season, and they really suck at throwing screen passes too. If you try and throw a screen with a scrambler, he will likely just try and scramble and get creamed. Of course I coach my games except when I play you guys, so I guess I might see things a bit differently there.

[CU Tiger]

My QB is a converted Athlete with a laser arm and very fast.

However every time he is tackled on a scramble, or a sack he turns dark red and comes out of the game for a minimum of one play.

This week he was injured and will miss the next 4 weeks with a bruised elbow...things looked way bad when the 2nd string QB dislocated his shoulder but was able to return (I didnt mix those 2 up...4 weeks bruised elbow: separated shoulder 1 series)

Back to the ratings my Athlete QB is very accurate however if I am moving at all I have to stop for a solid 1 count before passing or the ball will literally go 5 years and fall on the ground. My back up isnt nearly as good a runner but can throw the ball on a full run as accurate as nestled in the pocket.

[CU Tiger]

Dola Post

Had a major bug this week. Held the CPU on 3rd and 26 and he attempted a FG. The FG was way short and landed on about the 3...I was in FG block return but my deep man failed to catch it.

The CPU retained the ball 1st and 10...but it flipped the field. That drive turned into his only TD of the game. That bug nearly caused me to rage quit...but the realism of losing my stud QB for a while made me not...as weird as that may sound.

[Kodos]

Welp, as expected, EF27 dominated us for most of the game. They were about to go up 28-0 in the fourth when a fumble saved us some pain. From there, we got a late score followed by a recovered onside kick to make him a little nervous. In the end, the better team still won 21-14, but at least the score looked respectable. But make no mistake, this was an ass-kicking. He was gentlemanly and ran a lot in the second half to avoid running it up. One tip for future opponents: Don't try throwing over the middle on him. His defense picked off about 4 of those on me. GG, EF. Sorry we couldn't make it interesting over the whole game. You're just on a different level than us.

[Eaglesfan27]

You made me a lot nervous. Momentum was on your side and I was scared you were going to recover that last onside kick and tie the game up. Good game where we got a few big breaks to take the early lead.

We also got a 4 star WR with speed out of Indiana. So, this was a very good week for us. We are all set to advance.

[Julio Riddols]

I'm hoping we can go undefeated and somehow get a shot at a national title in the process. Then I can see what it is like to be drubbed thoroughly.

[Kodos]

Welcome to Week 8!


=============== #2 USC Trojans (6-0) ===============
Last week, USC won 21-14 against Indiana (5-2).
This week, the Trojans travel to Seattle to face the #9 Washington Huskies (3-1).
In recruiting news, the following USC targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) WR Brennan Mitchell has committed to USC
- (****) LG Rian Booth has committed to Clemson
- (****) TE Chris McBride has committed to USC
- (****) WR Sam Culver has committed to USC


=============== #3 Rice Owls (6-0) ===============
Last week, Rice won 49-10 against Florida State (2-4).
This week, the Owls are idle.
In recruiting news, the following Rice targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) WR Brett Smith has committed to Rice
- (****) P Greg Anderson has committed to Rice
- (*****) RG Jonathan Kirby has committed to Clemson
- (****) WR Sam Culver has committed to USC


=============== #6 South Florida Bulls (5-0) ===============
Last week, South Florida won 48-14 against Western Kentucky (2-2).
This week, the Bulls travel to San Luis Obispo to face the San Luis Obispo Burn (3-3).
In recruiting news, the following South Florida targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) RE Johnny Maddox has committed to Indiana


=============== #10 Duke Blue Devils (5-0) ===============
Last week, Duke won 48-44 against Alabama (4-3).
This week, the Blue Devils travel to College Station to face the #12 Texas A&M Aggies (2-2).
In recruiting news, the following Duke targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) CB Doug Burton has committed to Georgia
- (*****) RG Jonathan Kirby has committed to Clemson


=============== #14 Indiana Hoosiers (5-2) ===============
Last week, Indiana lost 21-14 against USC (6-0).
This week, the Hoosiers travel to Ann Arbor to face the Michigan Wolverines (1-4).
In recruiting news, the following Indiana targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) WR James Godfrey has committed to Indiana
- (****) RG Michael Dorsey has committed to Indiana
- (****) RE Johnny Maddox has committed to Indiana
- (****) CB Nate Cronin has committed to Indiana
- (***) CB James Nicholas has committed to Indiana


=============== #15 UTSA Roadrunners (6-0) ===============
Last week, UTSA won 38-31 against Baylor (4-1).
This week, the Roadrunners travel to Tulsa to face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (2-4).
In recruiting news, the following UTSA targets have announced their decisions:
- (***) C Stephen Simpson has committed to Nebraska
- (***) TE Kevin Williams has committed to Tulsa


=============== Buffalo Bulls (6-1) ===============
Last week, Buffalo won 49-16 against Hawai'i (1-4).
This week, the Bulls travel to Bowling Green to face the Bowling Green Falcons (2-3).
In recruiting news, the following Buffalo targets have announced their decisions:
- (***) RT David Wilson has committed to Buffalo
- (****) DT Larry Minor has committed to Connecticut
- (****) CB Kyle Powers has committed to Buffalo


=============== Florida Atlantic Owls (5-1) ===============
Last week, Florida Atlantic won 35-17 against Texas Tech (1-4).
This week, the Owls travel to Knoxville to face the Tennessee Volunteers (2-4).
In recruiting news, the following Florida Atlantic targets have announced their decisions:
- (***) SS Heath Harris has committed to Florida Atlantic

[MacroGuru]

Ahh hell, Bowling Green, my nemesis.

I played the subs for the entire 2nd half of the Hawaii game. If I can get on the pony and RUTS against Bowling Green I will.

I wont be able to get to the game until tomorrow.

[Eaglesfan27]

So excited to get the TE. He has great size (6'6 250) and he is plus 9 on my scouting for an overall of 81 to start. He has excellent trucking and break tackle ability for a freshman. I think he is going to be a monster part of our offense in the future. The two WR's should be very good contributors as well.

[gstelmack]

Crap, the DE went to Indiana.

[Kodos]

[Julio Riddols]

SIGN WITH ME YOU FUCKS

[Julio Riddols]

Campus PR is currently putting a positive spin on their head coach's recent comments, hoping to save face.. Assuming there is any face to save.

[Julio Riddols]

Seriously though.. Why can't a 15th ranked team in Texas pull down a single recruit yet? How do I reeeeeach these keeeedz?

[gstelmack]

The 6th ranked team in Florida has only pulled in 3 so far...

[chesapeake]

I have 8 guys that are going to sign with me -- I'm up on the by 700-1100 points and have been for a while, but none of these chumps will pull the trigger and commit! Very frustrating.

Maybe this week's road beating of TAMU will get some of them to commit. Usually my team struggles on the road, but we scored TDs on every possession in the first half en route to an easy 42-14 victory. Frankly, I should have won by more. Duke was credited with 6 passes defensed, at least 4 of which were right into the hands of my defenders. At least 1 or 2 of those should have been interceptions.

[Eaglesfan27]

WR Dukes Ray set the tone early in the game as he took the opening kickoff 102 yards for a TD. He then had a 80 yard amazing catch for another TD to give us a big early lead that led to a 24-6 halftime lead. We finished the game with a 31-13 win over #9 Washington.

[Julio Riddols]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

The 6th ranked team in Florida has only pulled in 3 so far...

Maybe I'm not the only one then. Join me in mutual recruiting misery. I've decided to just openly throw money at them.