The Ladder 2015 Season Thread

[Kodos]

Welcome to the preseason! It's time to set up your new recruiting boards, redshirt players, adjust your depth charts, and work on your out of conference schedule.

Here are the OOC teams on each team's schedule. As always, no FCS teams are allowed on our schedules. Please suggest a team or teams that you would like to add to or drop from your schedule.

Buffalo - FCS, Connecticut, North Texas, Wake Forest, FCS, Wyoming
Duke - ECU, Florida Atlantic, UTSA
Florida Atlantic - FCS, Duke, FCS, Louisville, Minnesota, FIU
Indiana - Western Michigan, Ohio State, Kansas
Maryland - Temple, West Virginia, Florida State
Rice - Rutgers, Memphis, Texas State
South Florida - FCS, Bowling Green, Western Kentucky
USC - FCS, Fresno State, Washington State
UTSA - UTEP, North Texas, Memphis, Houston, Mid Tenn State, Fairbanks, Colorado State, Duke, Tulane, Western Kentucky, ECU, Texas State

[Julio Riddols]

I want to drop North Texas, Memphis and Houston for the highest ranked available opponent for those weeks.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'll take anyone in the top 25 for my FCS game.

[Kodos]

From Macro (for my reference when I'm doing this in-game):

I think I have two FCS schools on my schedule. I would like to swap them out with the following

1) BYU @ BYU

2) University of Miami @Miami

I would also like to know if I am playing in Ohio and Michigan in my regular season games, if not, I need to schedule to OOC games to teams in those states.

[CU Tiger]

If Troy is available either date Ill take a competitive match up there.
Otherwise Ill take the scrubbiest scrub team I can schedule...we are still woefully under talented.

[gstelmack]

Preferred opponents to replace my single FCS team, pick the first one available:

@ UCF
Miami
Florida State

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Preferred opponents:

@ UCF
Miami
Florida State

Do you want to replace all of your OOC's, or is this just the order of preference for the FCS team?

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Do you want to replace all of your OOC's, or is this just the order of preference for the FCS team?

Order of preference for the single FCS game. Once my roster improves I'll start improving my OOC schedule...

[chesapeake]

Who are my road games against this season?

[Kodos]

I'll check on your questions tonight, guys.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Julio Riddols

I want to drop North Texas, Memphis and Houston for the highest ranked available opponent for those weeks.

#2 Notre Dame
#4 Ohio State
#1 Oklahoma

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I'll take anyone in the top 25 for my FCS game.

#19 UCLA

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Kodos

From Macro (for my reference when I'm doing this in-game):

I think I have two FCS schools on my schedule. I would like to swap them out with the following

1) BYU @ BYU

2) University of Miami @Miami

I would also like to know if I am playing in Ohio and Michigan in my regular season games, if not, I need to schedule to OOC games to teams in those states.

at BYU
at Miami
You are at Central Michigan and at Miami of Ohio, so you are all set.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

If Troy is available either date Ill take a competitive match up there.
Otherwise Ill take the scrubbiest scrub team I can schedule...we are still woefully under talented.

Troy is on your schedule already (they're in your conference ).

UMass
Toledo

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Preferred opponents to replace my single FCS team, pick the first one available:

@ UCF
Miami
Florida State

Couldn't get UCF in any of your unlocked weeks. You have Miami in in Week 3 (they are in your conference). Was able to swap in Florida State in week 8.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by chesapeake

Who are my road games against this season?

Week 6 at UCF
7 at USF
9 at UTSA
10 at Miami
12 at Virginia Tech
13 at Georgia Tech

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Couldn't get UCF in any of your unlocked weeks. You have Miami in in Week 3 (they are in your conference). Was able to swap in Florida State in week 8.

Thanks!

[MacroGuru]

I am back to posting now. I thank you for the schedule changes and I can't wait.

[Kodos]

Me too. Rarin' to go!

[chesapeake]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Week 6 at UCF
7 at USF
9 at UTSA
10 at Miami
12 at Virginia Tech
13 at Georgia Tech

I need a road game @ Rutgers and one @ Middle Tennessee. Stupid promises!

[Julio Riddols]

Originally Posted by Kodos

#2 Notre Dame
#4 Ohio State
#1 Oklahoma

Heck yeah, that'll be a fun little gauntlet for our freshmen to run.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Julio Riddols

Heck yeah, that'll be a fun little gauntlet for our freshmen to run.

They were all in a row, but I rejiggered things so that they're spaced out a bit.

[Kodos]

If anyone would like a showdown with the Hoosiers, just let me know.

[Kodos]

We're ready to roll!

Nobody has a game, just recruiting. Let's knock it out quick and move on to the games!

=============== Indiana Hoosiers (0-0) ===============
This week, the Hoosiers are idle.

=============== South Florida Bulls (0-0) ===============
This week, the Bulls are idle.

=============== Buffalo Bulls (0-0) ===============
This week, the Bulls are idle.

=============== Rice Owls (0-0) ===============
This week, the Owls are idle.

=============== #23 Maryland Terrapins (0-0) ===============
This week, the Terrapins are idle.

=============== Duke Blue Devils (0-0) ===============
This week, the Blue Devils are idle.

=============== USC Trojans (0-0) ===============
This week, the Trojans are idle.

=============== Florida Atlantic Owls (0-0) ===============
This week, the Owls are idle.

=============== UTSA Roadrunners (0-0) ===============
This week, the Roadrunners are idle.

[MacroGuru]

I should have mine complete tonight.

[Julio Riddols]

Hitting the recruiting trail now.

[MacroGuru]

Done...

[CU Tiger]

Done..and signed two targets week one.
A three star OT my scout thinks is under rated....and a FB...he's cannon fodder but we had to sign a FB in this class so we got it out of the way.

[Eaglesfan27]

Super busy week... Does the website recruiting work ok?

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Super busy week... Does the website recruiting work ok?

It has for me. I've had two cases where I "lost" a call, where the website had an error after I picked the length of the call and I lost the time without gaining any points, but I used it nearly exclusively last season, especially on bye weeks.

[Kodos]

I pretty much use the website exclusively for recruiting. Once in a while it will drop a call, but not that often.

[Eaglesfan27]

Great. Working an insane 10 shifts in a row. Just did my recruiting at work on my ipad. Got a 4 star tackle to instant commit. Nice start to our class. USC is all set.

[cartman]

Hey Kodos,

Just a heads up for when you set the deadline this week. I've got another business trip this week that I'm heading to the airport for in a bit, and won't be home until Sunday.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by cartman

Hey Kodos,

Just a heads up for when you set the deadline this week. I've got another business trip this week that I'm heading to the airport for in a bit, and won't be home until Sunday.

Advancing now, just in case you have time before you go. Otherwise, I'll set a deadline for Monday 5/6.

[Eaglesfan27]

Love the web recruiting!

[Kodos]

We're on to Week 2, which features actual games!

=============== #21 Maryland Terrapins (0-0) ===============
Last week the Terrapins were idle.
This week, the Terrapins will host Temple (0-0).
In recruiting news, the following Maryland targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) WR Chad Johnson has committed to Florida State
- (****) QB Lamar Ingraham has committed to Maryland


=============== Indiana Hoosiers (0-0) ===============
Last week the Hoosiers were idle.
This week, the Hoosiers will host Kentucky (1-0).


=============== South Florida Bulls (0-0) ===============
Last week the Bulls were idle.
This week, the Bulls travel to Greenville to face the ECU Pirates (0-0).


=============== Buffalo Bulls (0-0) ===============
Last week the Bulls were idle.
This week, the Bulls travel to Provo to face the BYU Cougars (0-0).
In recruiting news, the following Buffalo targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) WR Chad Johnson has committed to Florida State
- (****) LT Frank James has committed to Florida
- (***) LG Tyler Hall has committed to Tennessee


=============== Rice Owls (0-0) ===============
Last week the Owls were idle.
This week, the Owls are idle.


=============== Duke Blue Devils (0-0) ===============
Last week the Blue Devils were idle.
This week, the Blue Devils are idle.
In recruiting news, the following Duke targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) CB Scott Mobley has committed to Stanford
- (****) RG Charles Watson has committed to Florida State


=============== USC Trojans (0-0) ===============
Last week the Trojans were idle.
This week, the Trojans travel to Pasadena to face the #17 UCLA Bruins (0-0).
In recruiting news, the following USC targets have announced their decisions:
- (****) CB Scott Mobley has committed to Stanford
- (****) RT Alex Harris has committed to USC


=============== Florida Atlantic Owls (0-0) ===============
Last week the Owls were idle.
This week, the Owls travel to Toledo to face the Toledo Rockets (0-0).
In recruiting news, the following Florida Atlantic targets have announced their decisions:
- (***) LE Brandon Robertson has committed to Miami
- (****) LE Mike Rowe has committed to Georgia Tech
- (***) MLB Steve Smith has committed to Minnesota
- (*****) WR Chad Johnson has committed to Florida State
- (***) LT Matt Peterson has committed to Florida Atlantic
- (*) FB Josh Alexander has committed to Florida Atlantic


=============== UTSA Roadrunners (0-0) ===============
Last week the Roadrunners were idle.
This week, the Roadrunners will host UTEP (0-0).

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by cartman

Hey Kodos,

Just a heads up for when you set the deadline this week. I've got another business trip this week that I'm heading to the airport for in a bit, and won't be home until Sunday.

As fate would have it, you have a bye week. So you can do the recruiting on the web if you have access to the interwebs.

[cartman]

Nevermind. I'll get my recruiting done online since I don't have a game this week.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Kodos

=============== #21 Maryland Terrapins (0-0) ===============
Last week the Terrapins were idle.
This week, the Terrapins will host Temple (0-0).
In recruiting news, the following Maryland targets have announced their decisions:
- (*****) WR Chad Johnson has committed to Florida State

No Ocho Cinco for you!

[CU Tiger]

Holy shit...this season begins just like last ends.
Its not even frustrating as much as its funny at this point.

We lose 66 to 21 to TOLEDO...

Guys has anyone ever experienced anything similar? I ahev a dynasty with the same sliders Ive been "practicin" on with a team builder team, and while Im not undefeated Im legitimately competitive against lesser competition. In this game I had 2 long TD passes called back because of holding. Then late in the game, twice with the offense in goal line run up the middle run it out and my defense in 4-3 Base 2 under man they run up the middle for 60+ and 40+ yards breaking dozensof tackles along the way. Its almost like some kind of kill come back code is in constant effect. I sacked the QB he fumbled and the FB picked it up and sprinted for a 22 yard first down. Then on multpipl plays I was in Dime coverage key on pas spotlight the right WR and they throw into double coverage for a long gain....its just over and over again. The entire game is crazy. Ive played something like 20 seasons at this point and several online dynastys and this one stands out above the rest as absoluely crazy.

Again Ill ask has anyone experienced anything similar? I swear I am not clueless when it comes to this game, well at least not any where but here, lol.

Im having fun and not planning on quitting or anything, but its crazy just how bad this team plays. Oh yeah, EVERY single TD or 1st down we had the player was injured on the play. 9 for 9 Injured. Another crazy oddity.

[gstelmack]

Not sure I've seen anything that nuts, other than talent differences can have a major impact. But I haven't compared your roster to Toledo's: if your defense is poor at tackling and they have a RB with good trucking or elusiveness, I could see those runs. I'm not seeing anything quite like that with my team, but my defensive talent is average and I've definitely had the CPU moving the ball and scoring against me reasonably well.

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

Holy shit...this season begins just like last ends.
Its not even frustrating as much as its funny at this point.

We lose 66 to 21 to TOLEDO...

Guys has anyone ever experienced anything similar? I ahev a dynasty with the same sliders Ive been "practicin" on with a team builder team, and while Im not undefeated Im legitimately competitive against lesser competition. In this game I had 2 long TD passes called back because of holding. Then late in the game, twice with the offense in goal line run up the middle run it out and my defense in 4-3 Base 2 under man they run up the middle for 60+ and 40+ yards breaking dozensof tackles along the way. Its almost like some kind of kill come back code is in constant effect. I sacked the QB he fumbled and the FB picked it up and sprinted for a 22 yard first down. Then on multpipl plays I was in Dime coverage key on pas spotlight the right WR and they throw into double coverage for a long gain....its just over and over again. The entire game is crazy. Ive played something like 20 seasons at this point and several online dynastys and this one stands out above the rest as absoluely crazy.

Again Ill ask has anyone experienced anything similar? I swear I am not clueless when it comes to this game, well at least not any where but here, lol.

Im having fun and not planning on quitting or anything, but its crazy just how bad this team plays. Oh yeah, EVERY single TD or 1st down we had the player was injured on the play. 9 for 9 Injured. Another crazy oddity.

My first two seasons were that rough. My linemen looked like they were on roller skates, my best RB kept getting hurt and one season my starting QB went down to injury. I just hung in there and started to get 3 star recruits, and they have helped me get to a bowl game and its just gotta be a constant build.

[Julio Riddols]

We also had some wild stuff happen in our loss to UTEP. Up 35-14 with 4 minutes left and lost in OT. My starting RB disappeared from the game in the second half but I don't remember him getting hurt. From there our offense died and that did us in. I'm going into our week 3 game pissed about this loss.

[Eaglesfan27]

Our freshman running QB didn't start but he had 3 rushing TD's as we took care of UCLA 35-17. If they had stuck with their early run heavy offense and didn't have a few fumbles, we would have more trouble with them.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

If they had stuck with their early run heavy offense...

I think we can safely assume this by now for most games against the AI. They just don't stick with the run enough, although that gives us the most fits generally.

I should get my game in tonight.

[Kodos]

I plan to play tonight as well.

[MacroGuru]

Comeback win for us against BYU, 58-34. The defense went on lockdown in the 4th Qtr with 2 pick sixes and a long bomb for a touchdown.

He was running all over me and I was doing the same. I then went away from the run to get some passing going and that opened it up for me.

I did lose my starting HB for the game and my starting QB for a qtr.

[gstelmack]

Ugh Ugh Ugh Ugh Ugh. Got a pair of turnovers in the first half and a long TD just before halftime to build a lead. Maintained it through the third quarter, but my shaky defense got tired from their no huddle attack and could not stop them in the fourth. Lost by 1, I should have gone for 2 after one late TD, we kicked 2 FGs, and had a costly strip-sack fumble with 16 seconds left on their 39 close to FG range for our studly kicker. So close.

[Kodos]

Last night I ended up redoing my custom playbook and then setting up my subs. Maybe I can play tonight...

[Kodos]

I was winning 42-7 in the 4th when it went to a gamebreak and froze.