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Razorback73 · 06-29-2017, 03:30 PM

This is my second effort on posting a dynasty. I started one with New Mexico in the spring, but computer problems made it difficult to post and to do the things I wanted to do with the dynasty reporting. I'm starting over here with a coach-based dynasty rather than one centered around a particular school this time.

This dynasty will start after the conclusion of the 2016 season. I simmed the 2016 season using rosters from last year, then used the editor to update coaches after the coaching carousel to reflect the upcoming 2017 season. Juniors who declared early for the draft in real life were edited to be seniors prior to simming the 2016 season, so they're all out of the game. There may have been a few juniors who declared in-game but not in reality; I didn't go through the effort to identify who they were or add them back in. That shouldn't affect too many teams, as the top-rated juniors for the most part actually had gone on to the NFL draft.

This is a coach mode dynasty, although I will use player lock and simply play the calls rather than actually using coach mode. I like the freedom available in motioning a running back out of the backfield, something I'm unable to do in true coach mode. I'll call the plays on offense and let the guys carry out their responsibilities. On defense, I'll generally sim and watch the play to keep stats more realistic. I may on occasion take over the playcalling on defense in critical situations. Kicking will be simmed in order to actually have missed field goals and even extra points. Punting will generally be simmed, but I will control punting if we are trying to pin the other team deep, as the ball tends to find the end zone every single time when I sim punting from 50 yards or less to the end zone.

Rosters are, for the most part, accurate, although there will be some transfers made after the 2016 season that didn't actually happen. Recruits for the 2016 season are not the real guys, so the realism of the rosters will take a bit of a hit with the February 2017 signing class.

I plan to run a four-team playoff starting with the 2017 season. As a result, we're stuck with the teams in the game -- no TeamBuilder teams. I'm going to keep Idaho and New Mexico State in the Sun Belt in the place of Appalachian State and Georgia Southern.

Without further ado, we will soon be introduced to first-time head coach Kevin Baker.

Razorback73 · 06-29-2017, 06:51 PM

Kevin Baker named head football coach

January 12, 2017

Kevin Baker was introduced as the head coach of the UTEP Miners football team in a press conference earlier today. He comes to El Paso from Oklahoma State University where he's served as defensive coordinator for the past four years. The hire marks a quick end to the coaching search that comes as former head coach and UTEP alum Sean Kugler left the program after four years to serve as offensive line coach and assistant head coach of the Buffalo Bills.

In his introduction of Coach Baker, athletic director Bob Stull said "We moved quickly to identify potential head coaches as soon as Coach Kugler let me know he was considering a move to the NFL. In our search, Coach Baker's name kept coming to the top. He has been one of the top coordinators in the country and has moved up the ranks rapidly, and after my discussion with Coach Gundy at Oklahoma State, I felt confident that Coach Baker is ready for the next step in his career as a head coach."

Baker has served at Oklahoma State since 2013 and the defense has shown steady gains since his arrival. Before his tenure with the Cowboys, he put in two successful seasons with June Jones at SMU. While just 36 years old, he brings 12 years of full-time coaching experience to the table, with all but three of those years spent in the state of Texas.

"It's great to be in El Paso, one of the best cities in Texas, if not the country, and I look forward to leading this team to new heights. While interviewing with Bob and the search committee, I came away impressed with the commitment to excellence at UTEP. I know that we can build a consistent winner here, and we will challenge each year for the conference title and build a winner that brings national attention to the university."

Coach Baker's optimism will hopefully both rub off on the UTEP fan base and bring on-the-field results, as the Miners struggled to a 4-8 season in 2016, with just one bowl bid in the last six years. Kugler leaves after four seasons with an 18-31 record and 11-21 in Conference USA play.

Razorback73 · 06-29-2017, 07:17 PM

Miners top off transfer additions with 15-man class
February 1, 2017

Head coach Kevin Baker pulled together a small recruiting class in time for national signing day, with 15 athletes signing letters of intent to play for UTEP this fall. The signing class completes the roster that has seen five students transfer from other programs already. The class is ranked #100 nationally, but is actually 5th in Conference USA. Coach Baker secured the commitments of a four-star recruit and five three-star recruits since coming on board just three weeks ago, a good sign for things to come. With a full recruiting cycle ahead of him, we look forward to the difference a year makes.

UTEP Miners Recruiting - 2016
NAME	POS	CLASS	HOMETOWN	HT	WT	CALIBER
Eric Miller	OLB	HS	La Habra, CA	6'5"	209
Antonio Burnette	DT	HS	Angleton, TX	6'3"	270
Louis Malloy	G	HS	Donna, TX	6'5"	290
Buck Nugent	WR	HS	Aldine, TX	5'11"	185
Jeff Dawson	DE	HS	Leawood, KS	6'3"	230
Josh Hunter	CB	HS	Robstown, TX	6'1"	184
Blake Louis	G	HS	Del City, OK	6'3"	305
Marcel Warren	CB	HS	Canyon Lake, TX	5'10"	197
Michael Campbell	WR	HS	Port Lavaca, TX	6'2"	213
John Davis	OLB	HS	Seagoville, TX	6'0"	230
George Johnson	OT	HS	Jonesboro, LA	6'4"	278
Victor Luke	DE	HS	Bay City, TX	6'0"	267
Nick Johnson	K	HS	Alvin, TX	5'11"	187
Sean Swan	DE	HS	Longview, TX	6'5"	277
Dustin Johnson	MLB	JUCO Jr	Brenham, TX	6'2"	229

Transfer players:
LT J.J. Nwigwe (BYU) Sophomore, 6'5" 278 from Rockwall TX. Rated 80 overall
SS Jordan Williams (Toledo) Freshman 5'8" 161 from Plainview, TX. Rated 66 overall
LG Brian Webb (Tulane) Freshman (RS) 6'0" 298 from New Orleans, LA. Rated 66 overall
WR Chris Johnson (Tulane) Freshman 6'2" 185 from New Orleans, LA. Rated 67 overall
TE Tyler Lamm (UL-Monroe) Freshman 6'4" 230 from New Orleans, LA. Rated 62 overall
Each of these players will redshirt in the 2017 season. Nwigwe and Webb will have two remaining years of eligibility; Williams, Johnson, and Lamm will each have three years remaining.

Razorback73 · 06-29-2017, 07:39 PM

UTEP Miners Depth Chart - 2017
Regular Offense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
WR	Tyler Batson (SR) 81	Elliott Oldham (SR) 77	Terry Juniel (JR) 73
TE	Sterling Napier (SR) 73	Kristopher Christian (JR) 61
LT	Jerrod Brooks (JR) 75	Chris Thomas (SR) 74
LG	Will Hernandez (SR) 94	Christopher Misaalefua (JR) 71
C	Erik Ramirez (SR) 77	Derron Gatewood (JR) 75
RG	Derek Elmendorff (SR) 78	Christopher Misaalefua (JR) 71
RT	Chris Thomas (SR) 74	Chance Bishop (SO) 68
WR	Warren Redix (JR) 80	Eddie Sinegal (SO) 74	Richie Rodriguez (FR) 66
QB	Zack Greenlee (SR) 80	Ryan Metz (JR) 74
FB	Kristopher Christian (JR) 69
HB	Treyvon Hughes (JR) 77	T.K. Powell (JR) 76	Quardraiz Wadley (FR) 71	Walter Dawn (FR) 70
Base 3-3-5 Defense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
LDE	Mike Sota (SO) 76	Keith Sullivan (SO) 72
NT	Sky Logan (SR) 81	Tiano Tialavea (SO) 66	Antonio Burnette (FR) 67
RDE	Stephen Forester (SO) 76	Gene Hopkins (SO) 70
LOLB	Lawrence Montegut (SR) 78	Eric Miller (FR) 68)
MLB	Alvin Jones (SR) 90	Justen Tatum (JR) 71	Dustin Johnson (SO) 65
ROLB	Luke Elsner (SR) 74	Kolbi McGary (FR) 66
CB	Kalon Beverly (JR) 81	Jerrell Brown (SO) 69
SS	Jaylen Harris (SO) 71	Mookie Carlile (JR) 74
FS	Michael Lewis (JR) 89	Joseph Pickney (FR) 70
SS	Devin Cockrell (SR) 88	Adrian Hynson (JR) 74
CB	Nik Needham (JR) 80	Jaylen Harris (SO) 71
Special Teams
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
K	Nick Johnson (FR) 67
P	Alan Luna (SR) 93
PR	Walter Dawn (FR) 92	Quardraiz Wadley (FR) 91
KR	Walter Dawn (FR) 92	Quardraiz Wadley (FR) 91

Razorback73 · 06-29-2017, 09:25 PM

Pre-season Top 25

NCAA Football Rankings - AP Top 25 - Updated: Aug 22, 2017
RK	TEAM (VOTES)	W	L	POINTS
1	Alabama
2	Ohio State
3	Florida State
4	LSU
5	Oklahoma
6	Clemson
7	USC
8	Penn State
9	Auburn
10	Michigan
11	Wisconsin
12	Stanford
13	Washington
14	Louisville
15	Florida
16	Texas
17	Notre Dame
18	Miami
19	Texas A&M
20	Georgia
21	TCU
22	Oklahoma State
23	Oregon
24	Tennessee
25	Virginia Tech

Conference USA predictions

Conference USA Conference Standings - Updated: Aug 22, 2017
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	STRK
EASTERN DIVISION
Middle Tennessee
Western Kentucky
Old Dominion
FAU
FIU
Marshall
WESTERN DIVISION
Southern Miss
Louisiana Tech
UTSA
North Texas
Rice
UTEP
UAB

UTEP is ranked 123rd of 126 teams by SBNation

Razorback73 · 06-30-2017, 11:40 AM

I should've mentioned, 2017 in the dynasty is taking place in the 2014 schedule in the game. I did not reschedule games to reflect reality, so teams are following the 2014 games that were scheduled in the game. So no Bama-FSU to look forward to in week 1, I'm sorry to say.

Razorback73 · 06-30-2017, 12:01 PM

Top 25

Results

#1 Alabama 27, West Virginia 7

#3 Florida State 42, #22 Oklahoma State 35 (OT)

#7 USC 17, Fresno State 7

Temple 34, #8 Penn State 31

Washington State 31, #11 Wisconsin 27

#13 Washington 33, Hawaii 10

#15 Florida 35, Idaho 9

#16 Texas 38, North Texas 10

#17 Notre Dame 42, #25 Virginia Tech 21

#20 Georgia 42, Ole Miss 0

Kansas State 34, #24 Tennessee 27

Conference USA

Results

FAU 28, Nebraska 17

FIU 42, UCF 20

Miami (OH) 28, Marshall 16

Texas 38, North Texas 10

Houston 30, UTSA 14

UAB 34, Troy 16

Western Kentucky 38, Bowling Green 17

Holy cow. Lane Kiffin's gonna be insufferable after that one. And welcome back, UAB! Their roster is probably a little stronger in game than it should be (and Troy is likely a little worse than reality), but a good win in their first game back over a quality team.

Razorback73 · 06-30-2017, 12:49 PM

NCAA Football Rankings - AP Top 25 - Updated: Aug 27, 2017
RK	LW	TEAM (VOTES)	W	L	POINTS
1	1	Alabama (39)	1	0	1503
2	2	Ohio State (21)	0	0	1437
3	3	Florida State (1)	1	0	1384
4	4	LSU	0	0	1310
5	5	Oklahoma	0	0	1249
6	6	Clemson	0	0	1188
7	7	USC	1	0	1128
8	9	Auburn	0	0	1013
9	10	Michigan	0	0	956
10	12	Stanford	0	0	847
11	13	Washington	1	0	810
12	14	Louisville	0	0	743
13	15	Florida	1	0	692
14	16	Texas	1	0	643
15	17	Notre Dame	1	0	596
16	18	Miami	0	0	547
17	19	Texas A&M	0	0	501
18	20	Georgia	1	0	498
19	11	Wisconsin	0	1	413
20	21	TCU	0	0	412
21	8	Penn State	0	1	406
22	NR	Washington State	1	0	378
23	23	Oregon	0	0	327
24	NR	NC State	1	0	183
25	22	Oklahoma State	0	1	178

Dropped out: #24 Tennessee, #25 Virginia Tech
Also receiving votes: South Carolina 121, Kansas State 108, Boise State 100, Temple 86, Georgia Tech 34, Virginia Tech 16, Arkansas 2

06-30-2017, 11:40 AM	#6
Razorback73 Rookie OVR: 0 Join Date: Jul 2012	Re: Always Rising: The Coaching Career of Kevin Baker I should've mentioned, 2017 in the dynasty is taking place in the 2014 schedule in the game. I did not reschedule games to reflect reality, so teams are following the 2014 games that were scheduled in the game. So no Bama-FSU to look forward to in week 1, I'm sorry to say.

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06-29-2017, 03:30 PM	#1
Razorback73 Rookie OVR: 0 Join Date: Jul 2012	Always Rising: The Coaching Career of Kevin Baker This is my second effort on posting a dynasty. I started one with New Mexico in the spring, but computer problems made it difficult to post and to do the things I wanted to do with the dynasty reporting. I'm starting over here with a coach-based dynasty rather than one centered around a particular school this time. This dynasty will start after the conclusion of the 2016 season. I simmed the 2016 season using rosters from last year, then used the editor to update coaches after the coaching carousel to reflect the upcoming 2017 season. Juniors who declared early for the draft in real life were edited to be seniors prior to simming the 2016 season, so they're all out of the game. There may have been a few juniors who declared in-game but not in reality; I didn't go through the effort to identify who they were or add them back in. That shouldn't affect too many teams, as the top-rated juniors for the most part actually had gone on to the NFL draft. This is a coach mode dynasty, although I will use player lock and simply play the calls rather than actually using coach mode. I like the freedom available in motioning a running back out of the backfield, something I'm unable to do in true coach mode. I'll call the plays on offense and let the guys carry out their responsibilities. On defense, I'll generally sim and watch the play to keep stats more realistic. I may on occasion take over the playcalling on defense in critical situations. Kicking will be simmed in order to actually have missed field goals and even extra points. Punting will generally be simmed, but I will control punting if we are trying to pin the other team deep, as the ball tends to find the end zone every single time when I sim punting from 50 yards or less to the end zone. Rosters are, for the most part, accurate, although there will be some transfers made after the 2016 season that didn't actually happen. Recruits for the 2016 season are not the real guys, so the realism of the rosters will take a bit of a hit with the February 2017 signing class. I plan to run a four-team playoff starting with the 2017 season. As a result, we're stuck with the teams in the game -- no TeamBuilder teams. I'm going to keep Idaho and New Mexico State in the Sun Belt in the place of Appalachian State and Georgia Southern. Without further ado, we will soon be introduced to first-time head coach Kevin Baker. 0rangez4u and thesportsguru11 like this. Last edited by Razorback73; 06-29-2017 at 03:44 PM.

06-29-2017, 06:51 PM	#2
Razorback73 Rookie OVR: 0 Join Date: Jul 2012	UTEP press conference Kevin Baker named head football coach January 12, 2017 Kevin Baker was introduced as the head coach of the UTEP Miners football team in a press conference earlier today. He comes to El Paso from Oklahoma State University where he's served as defensive coordinator for the past four years. The hire marks a quick end to the coaching search that comes as former head coach and UTEP alum Sean Kugler left the program after four years to serve as offensive line coach and assistant head coach of the Buffalo Bills. In his introduction of Coach Baker, athletic director Bob Stull said "We moved quickly to identify potential head coaches as soon as Coach Kugler let me know he was considering a move to the NFL. In our search, Coach Baker's name kept coming to the top. He has been one of the top coordinators in the country and has moved up the ranks rapidly, and after my discussion with Coach Gundy at Oklahoma State, I felt confident that Coach Baker is ready for the next step in his career as a head coach." Baker has served at Oklahoma State since 2013 and the defense has shown steady gains since his arrival. Before his tenure with the Cowboys, he put in two successful seasons with June Jones at SMU. While just 36 years old, he brings 12 years of full-time coaching experience to the table, with all but three of those years spent in the state of Texas. "It's great to be in El Paso, one of the best cities in Texas, if not the country, and I look forward to leading this team to new heights. While interviewing with Bob and the search committee, I came away impressed with the commitment to excellence at UTEP. I know that we can build a consistent winner here, and we will challenge each year for the conference title and build a winner that brings national attention to the university." Coach Baker's optimism will hopefully both rub off on the UTEP fan base and bring on-the-field results, as the Miners struggled to a 4-8 season in 2016, with just one bowl bid in the last six years. Kugler leaves after four seasons with an 18-31 record and 11-21 in Conference USA play. 0rangez4u and TheOtherPotterGuy like this. Last edited by Razorback73; 06-29-2017 at 06:54 PM.

More Links

Always Rising: The Coaching Career of Kevin Baker