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

[chesapeake]

After a slow start, our running game kicked into high gear and we beat up on ECU 42-16. I think my defense is going to have some problems when I hit the conference part of my schedule. Although I recruit for speed on D, they seemed a little slow in this game.

[MacroGuru]

Hey guys, I don't know where we are at as far as advancing. I won't be available from the 19th to the 24th as I will be in Utah...Just wanted to give the heads up.

[Kodos]

EF27 is out of town this week, so we're in a hold pattern for now. We can definitely hold for you if we need to when you are out of town. Real life takes priority over pretend football. Really sorry to hear about your Mom. You've had more than your share of heartache these past few years. My sincere condolences go out to you and your family.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Kodos

EF27 is out of town this week, so we're in a hold pattern for now. We can definitely hold for you if we need to when you are out of town. Real life takes priority over pretend football. Really sorry to hear about your Mom. You've had more than your share of heartache these past few years. My sincere condolences go out to you and your family.

Yeah, I have internet access down here but no game access. I should have planned better and had the bye week for week 2. I won't get my game in until Sunday or Monday. I'll echo what Kodos said. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

[MacroGuru]

Thanks guy, truly appreciated.

[gstelmack]

I am back in town (2 days after expected) and should get my recruiting done tonight.

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks for waiting. We beat UCLA 52-7 to start the season. Thurman, finally the undisputed starter, had a great game with 270 yards passing and accounting for 5 TD's, 4 through the air. We are all set to advance.

[Kodos]

Welcome to Week 3!


=============== #5 USC Trojans (1-0) ===============
Last week, USC won 52-7 against UCLA (0-1).
This week, the Trojans travel to Kent to face the Kent State Golden Flashes (1-0).
In recruiting news, the following USC targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) ROLB Jimmy Johnson has committed to USC
- (****) FS Donta Romero has committed to USC
- (****) HB Courtney Slater has committed to USC
- (*****) WR Jonathan Jefferson has committed to USC


=============== #7 Rice Owls (1-0) ===============
Last week, Rice won 56-28 against Georgia (0-1).
This week, the Owls travel to Manhattan to face the Kansas State Wildcats (1-0).
In recruiting news, the following Rice targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) TE Paul Nugent has committed to Rice
- (****) RE Shawn Briggs has committed to Rice


=============== #21 Indiana Hoosiers (1-1) ===============
Last week, Indiana lost 20-17 against Notre Dame (2-0).
This week, the Hoosiers travel to Stanford to face the Stanford Cardinal (1-1).


=============== UTSA Roadrunners (2-0) ===============
Last week, UTSA won 38-23 against Arizona (0-1).
This week, the Roadrunners are idle.


=============== Duke Blue Devils (1-0) ===============
Last week, Duke won 42-16 against ECU (0-1).
This week, the Blue Devils will host Oregon State (0-0).
In recruiting news, the following Duke targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) CB Daniel Little has committed to Duke


=============== Florida Atlantic Owls (1-0) ===============
Last week, Florida Atlantic won 33-22 against Ole Miss (0-1).
This week, the Owls travel to Troy to face the Troy Trojans (1-0).
In recruiting news, the following Florida Atlantic targets have announced their decisions:
- (***) LT Bryant Humphrey has committed to Kentucky


=============== Buffalo Bulls (1-1) ===============
Last week, Buffalo won 45-24 against Mid Tenn State (0-1).
This week, the Bulls will host New Mexico State (0-1).
In recruiting news, the following Buffalo targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) QB Kevin Slater has committed to Buffalo


=============== South Florida Bulls (0-0) ===============
Last week the Bulls were idle.
This week, the Bulls will host #23 UCF (0-0).
In recruiting news, the following South Florida targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) CB Jarod Kirkpatrick has committed to South Florida
- (****) MLB Charlie Davis has committed to South Florida

[gstelmack]

28-14 win over UCF that was more of a slugfest than I wanted. We won the 2nd and 4th quarters, including a nice pounding drive for the icing TD late in the 4th. Our young WRs lack a true #1, and that's hurting, but our TEs came up big, and we got the runs we needed.

[CU Tiger]

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

We won..but if not for 2 90+ KR TDs we wouldnt have.

Couple quick thoughts.
- Is everyone seeing the "Is coaching his 1st game" at the beginning of every week?

Regarding sliders...
For me running is...maybe too easy. Where as passing is a challenge. If I have time to pass no one is open. This game I literally got 9 yards every single time I ran the ball out of a shotgun set. It reached the point where I felt like I was cheesing to run the ball and forced myself to try and pass and nearly lost the game doing so. I like to run the ball...a lot. And maybe this was just a D that was coming after the pass (they did lined up in 3-3-5 nickel every down)

But for me and my play style running could be nerfed a touch but passing is...i dont know needs tweaking. Not sure how you get that...though I suspect that playing with the PI settings would lead to some windows. Right now Im seeing either wide open busts or no way to get a ball in there. All my WR are rated in the 80s overall FWIW.

(Not asking the sliders to be tweaked to suit me, just giving more detailed thoughts since I know they are under consideration)

Is this meant for the Pyramid? I have trouble passing there, but no problem here in the Ladder, aside from a lot of interceptions.

[MacroGuru]

I will try and squeeze my game in tomorrow night. If not, it will have to wait a week until I get back.

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Is this meant for the Pyramid? I have trouble passing there, but no problem here in the Ladder, aside from a lot of interceptions.

Yes
oops not sure what happened.
Sorry.

[Eaglesfan27]

We took care of Kent State with almost 300 yards passing from our QB and over 150 yards on the ground by our stable of backs. 59-7 win as we gave up a garbage time TD in the 4th.

[CU Tiger]

FAU handles rival Troy 49-21...we gave up all 3 scores after going up 42-0...

Then after the game as I type this I get "The upload process did not complete successfully."

I hope my game is recorded on the server...as my team had an amazing 14 sacks and I want credit for them all

[chesapeake]

I played a terrible, terrible game but managed to score late and get a win at home. It was one of those games where you have to hit the opponent's RB at least 3 times to bring him down. I'm glad this one is in the rear view mirror.

Does the game usually say you had multiple restarts when you only had one? I had to go do something else shortly after the opening kickoff and ended up not coming back until much later, after the xbox had already put itself to sleep.

[Kodos]

I dunno. I don't have any worries about cheaters in the Ladder.

[gstelmack]

I've had a couple of restarts, usually due to kids interrupting me. My one questionable one was I was down big and decided to super-sim the remainder, but hit the wrong menu item, and it exited me back out. I redid the match but super-simmed the whole thing, and luckily still lost, so it didn't impact results.

[Julio Riddols]

Power brick died, but should have a new one soon. Just a heads up, since that might not be the whole problem. Hopefully its just the brick.

[cartman]

Doesn't look like I'll be able to get my game in today either. I'll be home late tonight, so I'll get it done tomorrow.

[Kodos]

Thanks for the heads up.

[MacroGuru]

Gents, I am still in Utah, I lost my grandma on Thurs, so we had my moms stuff on Saturday and my grandmas stuff today and tomorrow. I get back home on Thurs.

[chesapeake]

My condolences to you and your family, MG.

[Kodos]

Wow. The hits keep coming. Very sorry to hear this, Macro. You have my condolences.

[CU Tiger]

Macro,
So sorry man.
Condolences to you and the family.

[Eaglesfan27]

Macro,

I am so sorry to hear of your losses. My sincere condolences.

[MacroGuru]

Just got home from my trip. I am hammered, I will play the game tomorrow evening.

[Julio Riddols]

Should have my new brick by Monday at the latest, but i have a bye for week 3, so I shouldn't be holding anything up when it comes time to advance. I already recruited.

I'm extra stoked because we picked up a projector and a screen along with the power brick so I will be playing on a 100 inch screen when I do get back up and running.

[Julio Riddols]

Also damn, Macro. A time when that quote in your signature really carries some extra meaning.. I hope your grief can find its way out along with the hangover tomorrow.

[MacroGuru]

Done...we won, but I found out both of my controllers are broke. So now I need to buy a new one tomorrow

[Kodos]

Welcome to Week 4!

=============== #4 USC Trojans (2-0) ===============
Last week, USC won 59-7 against Kent State (1-1).
This week, the Trojans will host Penn State (2-1).
In recruiting news, the following USC targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) ROLB Jimmy Johnson has committed to USC
- (****) FS Donta Romero has committed to USC
- (****) LE David Warren has committed to USC
- (****) HB Courtney Slater has committed to USC
- (*****) WR Jonathan Jefferson has committed to USC


=============== #7 Rice Owls (2-0) ===============
Last week, Rice won 28-0 against Kansas State (1-1).
This week, the Owls travel to Auburn to face the #1 Auburn Tigers (2-0).
In recruiting news, the following Rice targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) HB Andrew Martin has committed to Alabama
- (****) TE Paul Nugent has committed to Rice
- (****) DT James Collins has committed to Rice
- (****) RE Shawn Briggs has committed to Rice


=============== #19 Indiana Hoosiers (2-1) ===============
Last week, Indiana won 24-17 against Stanford (1-2).
This week, the Hoosiers travel to Pittsburgh to face the Pittsburgh Panthers (1-0).
In recruiting news, the following Indiana targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) HB Andrew Martin has committed to Alabama


=============== #25 South Florida Bulls (1-0) ===============
Last week, South Florida won 28-14 against UCF (0-1).
This week, the Bulls travel to College Park to face the Maryland Terrapins
(1-1).
In recruiting news, the following South Florida targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) CB Jarod Kirkpatrick has committed to South Florida
- (****) HB John Woods has committed to South Florida
- (****) MLB Charlie Davis has committed to South Florida

=============== Buffalo Bulls (2-1) ===============
Last week, Buffalo won 52-35 against New Mexico State (0-2).
This week, the Bulls will host #21 TCU (2-1).
In recruiting news, the following Buffalo targets have announced their decisions:
- (***) CB Steve Nash has committed to Buffalo
- (***) C Brandon Allen has committed to Buffalo
- (****) QB Kevin Slater has committed to Buffalo

=============== Duke Blue Devils (2-0) ===============
Last week, Duke won 35-28 against Oregon State (0-1).
This week, the Blue Devils travel to Monroe to face the UL Monroe Warhawks (0-2).
In recruiting news, the following Duke targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) CB Daniel Little has committed to Duke

=============== Florida Atlantic Owls (2-0) ===============
Last week, Florida Atlantic won 49-21 against Troy (1-1).
This week, the Owls will host Arkansas State (2-1).
In recruiting news, the following Florida Atlantic targets have announced their decisions:
- (***) SS Victor Whitlock has committed to Miami

=============== UTSA Roadrunners (2-0) ===============
Last week the Roadrunners were idle.
This week, the Roadrunners travel to Fort Collins to face the Colorado State Rams (1-0).
In recruiting news, the following UTSA targets have announced their decisions:
- (***) CB Steve Nash has committed to Buffalo

[gstelmack]

My game with Maryland had everything I hate about NCAA football wrapped up in one nice neat package: QB breaking tackles on scrambles, super-jumping LB interception (which almost never happens, but happened here on a TE seam route that was headed for 6), untouched muffed punt to hand them a short field, facemask penalties on 2 separate big defensive stops to keep drives alive, a DL breaking through the line only to get sucked back 2 yards to the line of scrimmage because he tapped the heel of a Guard, DBs in perfect position to defend a pass jumping out of the way at the last second, and the stupid "are you sure you want to exit? all unsaved progress will be lost?" dialog at the end of the game when it's going to save anyway.

Luckily we got a pick-6 and stuffed their 2 point conversion with 50 seconds left (and recovered the onside kick) to hold on for a 28-26 win.

[MacroGuru]

We took #21 TCU out behind the woodshed and played our most complete game so far. My QB Roland went on a roll completing 15/15 passes before his first bad throw.

Our defense clamped down with 2 pick sixes. Overall, it was a great dominating game.

[Eaglesfan27]

Penn State's defense gave us trouble today with no separation for our receivers except for 1 play. They took a 14-0 lead and were in it until the end when they threw a hail mary that was caught... but out of the back of the end zone. We barely held on for a 27-21 thrilling win.

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Penn State's defense gave us trouble today with no separation for our receivers except for 1 play. They took a 14-0 lead and were in it until the end when they threw a hail mary that was caught... but out of the back of the end zone. We barely held on for a 27-21 thrilling win.

I don't feel so bad losing to them by 3 then...

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by MacroGuru

I don't feel so bad losing to them by 3 then...

Yeah, there was something about them that was very difficult for us. Our QB ended up 11 of 28 passing. We had a really hard time moving the ball and if it wasn't for his running ability and our defense making a few big stops, we would have lost the game.

[CU Tiger]

We managed to somehow simultaneously win by 22 and have the game be a white knuckle affair all the way to the final gun.

Threw 4 interceptions (1 of the super man LB variety)

Had a weird deal Ive never experienced before

My starting DE must ahve been sick or something because several plays as soon as the ball was snapped with me controlling him he couldnt move. He finished the game with 0 tackles. I subbed him out multiple times and he would always be back in next play...

Strange

In recruiting news we secured a commitment from a target TE who is just ok but about all we can hope for right now.

Had a total of 11 recruits in to watch this game...really hopeful that 2 of them pull the trigger.

[Julio Riddols]

We got by Colorado State with a good defensive performance. Our offense was shaky at best for the game, maybe partially to me getting used to the huge screen I am playing on now. For whatever reason I found it hard to focus on strategic planning with the spectacle unfolding before me. I highly recommend anyone looking for entertainment upgrades to look into a projector and a screen instead of a TV. Nothing beats watching movies/playing games on a 100" screen and my budget setup only ran 500 bucks. You could go full HD for less than 1000. After that, you won't ever need a movie theater again to truly experience a film.

[gstelmack]

If I had 100" of wall space to project on, I might. Instead I have to live with my 55" plasma...

[chesapeake]

My defense had a rough day at the office, giving up 20 points to a pretty pathetic ULL team. This does not augur well for my SEC schedule, which begins next week. I had a very tough time bringing down his QB when he started to scramble. Fortunately, the offense came to play, scoring 65 points.

[Julio Riddols]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

If I had 100" of wall space to project on, I might. Instead I have to live with my 55" plasma...

I managed to find a motorized screen that hangs from our ceiling for 75 dollars.. Even though it takes up the entire wall on one side of the room, it also makes me feel like I have my own theater. Forza has been the most fun so far, changing the cam to in car almost makes me feel like I am really on the road.

It is certainly a long way from the 13" I remember playing on during my Tech School days.

[Kodos]

I will probably not be able to hit the deadline. I should be able to play my game tomorrow morning.

[Kodos]

Sorry for the continued delay. Never had a chance today. Hopefully tomorrow night.

[Kodos]

Welcome to Week 5!

Time for the annual Purdue crushing!


=============== #3 USC Trojans (3-0) ===============
Last week, USC won 27-21 against Penn State (2-2).
This week, the Trojans travel to Stanford to face the Stanford Cardinal (2-2).
In recruiting news, the following USC targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) DT Ryan Miller has committed to Rice
- (****) LE Jake Smith has committed to USC


=============== #4 Rice Owls (3-0) ===============
Last week, Rice won 20-17 against Auburn (2-1).
This week, the Owls will host Kansas (0-2).
In recruiting news, the following Rice targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) HB Joe Williams has committed to Georgia
- (****) DT Ryan Miller has committed to Rice
- (****) RG George Abrams has committed to TCU
- (*****) FS Marcus Johnson has committed to LSU


=============== #16 Indiana Hoosiers (3-1) ===============
Last week, Indiana won 28-16 against Pittsburgh (1-1).
This week, the Hoosiers will host Purdue (2-0).
In recruiting news, the following Indiana targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) HB Joe Williams has committed to Georgia
- (****) DT Kyle Wynn has committed to Notre Dame


=============== #22 South Florida Bulls (2-0) ===============
Last week, South Florida won 28-26 against Maryland (1-2).
This week, the Bulls travel to Blacksburg to face the #19 Virginia Tech Hokies (2-1).


=============== #25 Duke Blue Devils (3-0) ===============
Last week, Duke won 65-20 against UL Monroe (0-3).
This week, the Blue Devils are idle.
In recruiting news, the following Duke targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) WR Leon McGill has committed to Alabama
- (****) DT Tony Hicks has committed to Baylor


=============== Florida Atlantic Owls (3-0) ===============
Last week, Florida Atlantic won 49-28 against Arkansas State (2-2).
This week, the Owls travel to Denton to face the North Texas Mean Green (1-2).
In recruiting news, the following Florida Atlantic targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) C Scott Stanley has committed to Alabama
- (***) TE Terence Whitworth has committed to Florida Atlantic
- (***) CB Chad Garcia has committed to Florida Atlantic


=============== UTSA Roadrunners (3-0) ===============
Last week, UTSA won 20-14 against Colorado State (1-1).
This week, the Roadrunners will host Oklahoma State (2-1).
In recruiting news, the following UTSA targets have announced their decisions:
- (***) WR Derrick Holmes has committed to San Diego State


=============== Buffalo Bulls (3-1) ===============
Last week, Buffalo won 52-7 against TCU (2-2).
This week, the Bulls will host BYU (1-2).
In recruiting news, the following Buffalo targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) WR Leon McGill has committed to Alabama
- (****) DT Tony Hicks has committed to Baylor

[CU Tiger]

Woot!

Really stoked to land Cb Garcia away from Duke...he scouted as a +13 78 OVR 3 * for me.

[MacroGuru]

We pulled off the win against BYU. My defense this season is nothing like it was last season AND I know I am going up against better talent.

Recruiting is starting to worry me, I am not landing talent and players. I need to badly.

I need this pipeline built up for the next few seasons.

[Julio Riddols]

Oklahoma State had us on our heels early, but we adjusted to their no huddle and forced some mistakes to give ourselves enough cushion to coast to a 37-27 win. Nice to get a convincing win over a high level team and open our conference schedule with a W. I hope to see a few of the 10 guys I had at the game sign with us.

[gstelmack]

Travelled to Virginia Tech this week. They took the opening drive for a TD, methodically marching down field. We went 3-and-out, they drove some but we got a stop, then we methodically went down the field to tie it up. Both TD drives had fourth down conversions to keep them alive.

We trade interceptions - my TE blows past the DB playing short zone, but the DB turns and jumps to pick the ball off (video is part of the highlights for the game on the site), but their QB throws a prayer on their drive to give us the ball back. We kept our juggernaut moving with another long TD drive to go up 14-7 with 22 seconds left in the half. Kick off, touchback, 75 yard TD run right up the gut when my play call had 2 safeties and a CB in deep zone. Everyone charged the line and overran the cutback.

It was a sign of things to come. It wasn't so much that we couldn't tackle their RBs, as that we couldn't lay a hand on them to tackle them. It was like watching Barry Sanders. They could plow into the line, in the face of blitzing linebackers, and come out the other side actually UNTOUCHED.

My offense did keep rolling, and we managed to hold them to a FG, so we were up 21-17 at the end of the third. We are driving in the fourth, when a TE wide open in the endzone drops the TD catch, so we have to kick a FG, 24-17. Another sign of things to come.

They manage another methodical drive to tie the game up at 24 with 2:05 left. My receivers continue the trend set by the TE, and drop 2 passes, forcing us to punt. They return it to the 50, their QB fumbles but a lineman recovers and advances it 5 yards anyway (2 fumbles by the QB, both recovered by VaTech). 2nd-and-5, 1 minute left, we rush 7, QB flings it up, CB steps in front and returns it for the pick-6.

Defense swarms them after the kickoff, we kneel 3 times and escape with a 31-24 win.

I may have a heart-attack this season, what with the CPU pretending it's going to cheat to win, but letting me escape anyway. Twice now this season...

[chesapeake]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

Woot!

Really stoked to land Cb Garcia away from Duke...he scouted as a +13 78 OVR 3 * for me.

Sounds like you got one over on me. Congrats! I got an insta-commit on a good CB week 1, so I haven't scouted anyone else at that position.

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by chesapeake

Sounds like you got one over on me. Congrats! I got an insta-commit on a good CB week 1, so I haven't scouted anyone else at that position.

he kept you as #2 throughout but we were really sweating it because his top 3 you favored me on every pitch...glad he was not a priority.

We won a fun game against North Texas.

In the first half they ran the option at will and were carving me up but continued to bog down in the red zone...a pair of missed field goals by me and it was a game nearing half. But NT QB threw 2 INTs and we took a 21-6 lead into half and then pulled away.

11 Sacks for my Defense.

I wish NT would have kept running the ball it would have been a fun game as I am not sure I could stop their option consistently.