Yale Bulldogs (NCAA Football 07)

[superjames1992]

Alright, I'm back again. I've decided to move to NCAA Football 07 for a dynasty this year as I have been enjoying that a bit more during my testing. I'm going to be moving Yale into FBS football for the 2006 season, replacing Temple, who had recently been kicked out of the Big East during conference realignment following the 2004 season (they would later reenter what was the Big East as the American Athletic Conference some years later).

I picked Yale because they have a unique stadium, unlike most FCS teams in this game. Also, while terrible, they aren't as bad as some of the FCS teams in the game, so while I don't expect to win any games against FBS competition in my first year, hopefully the games at least won't be 100-0. A lot of the FCS teams in this game have no speed anywhere on defense, which makes it really, really hard to stop big plays. Yale lacks team speed, as well, of course, but it's not quite as lacking as most FCS teams.

From what I recall, the players on the FCS rosters from NCAA Football 07 were current as of the 2003 season, so they are a few years out of date. As such, I just automatically renamed the roster, so all of these players are fictional. Additionally, I do not have a roster file for this game, so aside from manually renaming some of the top quarterbacks (Brady Quinn, Matt Leinart, etc.), running backs (Adrian Peterson, etc.), etc. from the day, I am rolling with automatically renamed rosters. The guys at the top of the Heisman lists should mostly have their correct names, at least for this season.

I'm playing this on the original Xbox console. I've turned off coach contracts since I expect I will be losing a lot of games and I don't want to get unreasonably fired.

Stylistically, this will be similar to my NCAA Football dynasties of the past (such as my NCAA Football 2004 WVU dynasty). It will be a minimalist style without graphics, as I'm not generally a big graphics guy and I like going with this style for older games, as it's appropriate for the times! My style is mostly based on theaub's excellent New York Vipers dynasty from NCAA Football 07 that he posted on this site many, many years ago (it's a good dynasty I recommend checking out).

As I am replacing Temple with Yale, I am just going to use their schedule of the first season, with the exception of switching out their game at Penn State on November 11 with a game at Harvard. I plan to continue to play a home/away series with Harvard each season, though as my team (hopefully) improves, the talent gap between us and the Crimson may become large. As we are replacing Temple, we will be an FBS Independent, and so our schedule will be fully customizable in the future. I would eventually like to get invited to a conference, but that may be a far future goal depending on how much we struggle.

I have some recruiting rules in mind, but I'll have to see how it goes, in practice. I plan to only recruit players that are up to 1* above my team's prestige (so in my case now, as a 1* program I could recruit 1* and 2* recruits). Additionally, given Yale's academic standards, I plan to only recruit players who have A-/A/A+ awareness. I may have to modify these house rules depending on how hard it is to find players that fit these criteria, but that's my plan for now.

I created a new coach named Lee Williamson, who will be guiding the Bulldogs into their FBS adventure. I plan to run a fairly balanced offense, though I imagine I will have to lean more heavily towards the pass initially because I can't imagine the offensive line will be good enough to run block with any consistency.

So, without further ado, I will get on posting...

[superjames1992]

Reserved for sliders/settings.

[superjames1992]

Yale Bulldogs Season Recaps

2006
Record: 1-11
Final Ranking: Unranked
Bowl Game: N/A
Award Winners: None
Passing Leader: Jeff McNamara (222/415, 2531 Yds, 14 TD, 13 Int, 53% Comp, 109.6 Rat)
Rushing Leader: Thomas Moore (131 Car, 347 Yds, 2.6 YPC, 3 TD)
Receiving Leader: Tyson Brewer (57 Rec, 701 Yds, 12.2 Avg, 2 TD)
Defensive Leaders: Sean McFadden (78 tackles), Chad Roberts (11 TFL), Chad Roberts (5 sacks), Jeremy Ruud (2 interceptions), Sean McFadden (11 forced fumbles), Sean McFadden (3 fumble recoveries)
Synopsis: The Bulldogs' first season as an FBS member went about as expected. Their closest game of the year against FBS competition was against Bowling Green, when they lost by 21 points (L 17-38). Otherwise, they were soundly beaten in their 10 other games against FBS competition. The highlight of the year was their 45-14 beatdown of FCS member and rival Harvard.

Season Schedule
8/31 - at Buffalo (4-8) - L 0-45
9/9 - #2 Louisville (12-1) - L 3-45
9/16 - at Minnesota (3-9) - L 13-37
9/23 - at Western Michigan (12-2) - L 6-37
9/30 - at Vanderbilt (2-10) - L 17-44
10/7 - Kent State (8-5) - L 7-58
10/12 - Clemson (4-8) - L 6-62
10/21 - at Northern Illinois (7-6) - L 21-52
10/28 - Bowling Green (4-8) - L 17-38
11/4 - Central Michigan (5-7) - L 22-45
11/11 - at Harvard (FCS) - W 45-14
11/18 - at Navy (10-3) - L 3-56

Final Record: 1-11
Bowl Game Results: CLICK HERE
End of Season Review: CLICK HERE

2007
Record: 4-8
Final Ranking: Unranked
Bowl Game: N/A
Award Winners: None
Passing Leader: Nate Ellerbee (180/343, 1768 Yds, 12 TD, 9 Int, 52% Comp, 102.1 Rat)
Rushing Leader: Thomas Moore (197 Car, 891 Yds, 4.5 YPC, 8 TD)
Receiving Leader: Thomas Moore (49 Rec, 490 Yds, 10.0 Avg, 2 TD)
Defensive Leaders: Chad Roberts (78 tackles), Kyle Hawthorne (11 TFL), Robert Carty (2 sacks), Jeremy Ruud (2 interceptions), Chad Roberts (6 forced fumbles), Chad Roberts/Robert Carty (3 fumble recoveries)
Synopsis: Yale made unexpected strides in their second season in FBS. With better offensive line play, Thomas Kearney starred as a multidimensional player, leading the Bulldogs in rushing (891 yards) and receiving (490 yards), scoring 10 touchdowns overall. The Bulldogs notched their first win against an FBS opponent in week three in a 45-13 drubbing of East Carolina. They started out the season 1-6, nevertheless, but came on strong at the end of the season, winning three of their last five games to finish 4-8, with wins over Florida International, San Jose State, and Harvard to finish the year.

Season Schedule
9/1 - Navy (11-2) - L 14-27
9/8 - at Kentucky (4-8) - L 3-48
9/15 - at East Carolina (4-8) - W 45-13
9/22 - at Arkansas State (11-2) - L 0-45
9/29 - at NC State (9-4) - L 0-38
10/6 - Army (3-9) - L 20-27
10/13 - at Oregon State (4-8) - L 3-73
10/27 - Florida International (4-8) - W 35-23
11/3 - at Florida Atlantic (3-9) - L 6-35
11/10 - San Jose State (1-11) - W 42-28
11/24 - at Kansas State (5-7) - L 10-42
12/1 - Harvard (FCS) - W 35-28

Final Record: 4-8
Bowl Game Overview: CLICK HERE
End of Season Review: CLICK HERE

2008
Record: 2-10
Final Ranking: Unranked
Bowl Game: N/A
Award Winners: None
Passing Leader: Cory Holt (119/217, 1332 Yds, 6 TD, 8 Int, 54% Comp, 108.2 Rat)
Rushing Leader: Robbie Payne (123 Car, 490 Yds, 3.9 Avg, 1 TD)
Receiving Leader: Michael Singleton (45 Rec, 708 Yds, 15.7 Avg, 4 TD)
Defensive Leaders: Kelvin Jones/Kyle Hawthorne (71 tackles), Kelvin Jones (10 TFL), Mark Steele (4 sacks), Kyle Hawthorne (3 interceptions), Kelvin Jones (5 forced fumbles), Lawrence Ridgeway (3 fumble recoveries)
Synopsis: After improving to 4-8 in their second season in FBS, Yale stepped back to 2-10 in their third season. Virginia Tech transfer quarterback Cory Holt underperformed and eventually was lost for the season to an injury, and Yale had trouble doing much on offense, finishing 118th in offensive yardage and 109th in scoring offense. Yale finished the season on a high note with a 62-0 shutout against Harvard, but their only win against FBS competition came on September 13th at home against 4-8 Miami (OH).

Season Schedule
9/4 - at Arkansas State (9-4) L 14-34
9/13 - Miami (OH) (4-8) W 30-13
9/20 - at San Jose State (3-9) L 21-48
9/27 - Connecticut (3-9) L 13-40
10/4 - at Army (1-11) L 14-45
10/11 - at Boston College (9-4) L 14-26
10/18 - Nevada (6-6) L 17-49
10/25 - Duke (8-5) L 7-20
11/8 - #21 Notre Dame (10-2) L 14-34
11/15 - Akron (6-6) L 7-66
11/22 - at Navy (6-6) L 17-30
11/29 - at Harvard (FCS) W 62-0

Final Record: 2-10
Bowl Game Overview: CLICK HERE
End of Season Review: CLICK HERE

2009
Record: 6-6
Final Ranking: Unranked
Bowl Game: N/A
Award Winners: None
Passing Leader: Nate Ellerbee (255/413, 2871 Yds, 19 TD, 13 Int, 61% Comp, 129.0 Rat)
Rushing Leader: Robbie Payne (205 Car, 890 Yds, 4.3 Avg, 7 TD)
Receiving Leader: Mason Jones (68 Rec, 922 Yds, 13.5 Avg, 5 TD)
Defensive Leaders: Kelvin Jones (62 tackles), Kelvin Jones (8 TFL), Mark Steele (6 sacks), Chase Callahan (4 interceptions), Kelvin Jones (5 forced fumbles), Kelvin Jones/Marcus Rust/Johnnie Lester (2 fumble recoveries)
Synopsis: Yale exceeded expectations in season four, finishing with a .500 record at 6-6. The Bulldogs were bowl eligible, but were not selected for a bowl. Their biggest win of the season came in week three against in-state rival Connecticut, a game the Bulldogs won 31-28. Their win against the Huskies was Yale's first win against a BCS Conference opponent since moving up to FBS. Yale started the season 4-1 before losing four games in a row, and five of their last eight overall. Offensively, the Bulldogs played much better, especially in the passing game, where Nate Ellerbee gave them solid, if unspectacular play at quarterback in his final season, and Mason Jones gave them a go-to receiver, nearly surpassing 1,000 yards on the season.

Season Schedule
9/5 - Boston College (5-7) - L 10-42
9/12 - Central Michigan (7-5) - W 24-14
9/19 - at Connecticut (5-7) - W 31-28
9/22 - at San Diego State (6-7) - W 31-14
10/3 - Middle Tennessee State (2-10) - W 45-42
10/7 - at Arkansas (9-4) - L 24-48
10/17 - at UL Monroe (3-9) - L 26-38
10/24 - at #3 LSU (12-1) - L 10-23
11/14 - Marshall (3-9) - W 23-21
11/21 - at Georgia (6-6) - L 3-34
11/29 - Harvard (FCS) - W 40-7
12/5 - Brigham Young (3-9) - L 10-42

Final Record: 6-6
Bowl Game Overview: CLICK HERE
End of Season Review: CLICK HERE

2010
Record: 5-7
Final Ranking: Unranked
Bowl Game: N/A
Award Winners: None
Passing Leader: David Bryant (157/242, 1989 Yds, 15 TD, 10 Int, 64% Comp, 146.1 Rat)
Rushing Leader: Robbie Payne (189 Car, 794 Yds, 4.2 Avg, 9 TD)
Receiving Leader: Mason Jones (101 Rec, 1600 Yds, 15.8 Avg, 14 TD)
Defensive Leaders: Kelvin Jones (65 tackles), Kelvin Jones (11 TFL), Mark Steele (7 sacks), Kevin Robinson (3 interceptions), Kelvin Jones (5 forced fumbles), Marcus Rust/Sean Maxey (2 fumble recoveries)
Synopsis: After a 6-6 season in 2009, there were some hopes Yale could make a push towards a bowl game in 2010, but it wasn't to be, despite a 2-0 start and another win over Connecticut. Yale was 4-3 after beating Middle Tennessee State on October 16th, but they succumbed to four losses in a row against a rough lineup of Memphis, UTEP, No. 18 Texas, and Iowa down the stretch before finishing the season on a high note with a 45-22 win against Harvard. The Bulldogs struggled to find a dependable quarterback during the season, though true freshman David Bryant eventually won the job and will likely be Yale's quarterback going forward. More notably, after a solid season last year, Mason Jones broke out in 2010, winning First Team All-American honors and totaling 1,600 yards and 14 touchdowns during his junior season.

Season Schedule
9/4 - at UL Lafayette (5-7) - W 34-31
911 - Connecticut (2-10) - W 30-17
9/18 - at Tulane (4-8) - L 12-31
9/25 - East Carolina (4-8) - W 21-14
10/2 - at Ole Miss (4-8) - L 13-45
10/9 - Central Michigan (6-6) - L 20-38
10/16 - Middle Tennessee State (4-8) - W 34-31
10/30 - Memphis (5-7) - L 10-31
11/13 - UTEP (10-3) - L 35-42
11/20 - at #18 Texas (10-3) - L 7-45
11/27 - at Iowa (6-7) - L 24-49
12/4 - at Harvard (FCS) - W 45-22

Final Record: 5-7
Bowl Game Overview: CLICK HERE
End of Season Review: CLICK HERE

2011
Record: 10-3
Final Ranking: Others Receiving Votes
Bowl Game: Forth Worth Bowl vs. UTEP (L 24-45)
Award Winners: None
Passing Leader: Tyrone Clark (207/309, 2884 Yds, 28 TD, 12 Int, 66% Comp, 167.5 Rat)
Rushing Leader: Adam Session (273 Car, 1914 Yds, 7.0 Avg, 25 TD)
Receiving Leader: Jordan Bush (43 Rec, 747 Yds, 17.3 Avg, 10 TD)
Defensive Leaders: Clayton Ford (92 tackles), Clayton Ford (13 TFL), Mike Carter (8 sacks), Clayton Ford/Curtis Holbert (3 interceptions), Will Winston (2 forced fumbles), Dustin Nichols (2 fumble recoveries)
Synopsis: The Yale Bulldogs finally had a breakthrough year and made their first bowl game with a 10-3 record in 2011. Yale benefited from the transfers quarterback Tyrone Clark, running back Adam Session, and middle linebacker Clayton Ford. David Bryant, last year's starter at quarterback as a true freshman, redshirted while Clark, a "one-year rental", started this season. Clark was impressive, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns while also rushing for over 500 yards. Adam Session was even more impressive, coming up just 90 yards shy of rushing for 2,000 yards and also rushing for 25 touchdowns while averaging seven yards per carry. Yale also scored their most impressive win since moving up to FBS when they blew out 8-5 Notre Dame in South Bend in October. The Bulldogs had a bad showing in their first bowl game since moving up to FBS in 2006, but parlayed their success in the 2011 season into a Big East invite for next season.

Season Schedule
9/3 - at Connecticut (4-8) - W 48-42
9/10 - Kentucky (3-9) - W 24-7
9/17 - Idaho (3-9) - W 38-21
9/24 - at South Florida (6-6) - W 34-31
10/1 - Ole Miss (4-8) - L 21-38
10/8 - at Navy (9-4) - L 20-45
10/15 - at Notre Dame (8-5) - W 49-28
10/22 - Akron (5-8) - W 28-21
11/5 - Army (6-7) - W 29-23
11/16 - at UTEP (9-4) - W 35-33
11/26 - at San Diego State (5-7) - W 55-17
12/3 - Harvard (FCS) - W 52-7
12/22 - UTEP (9-4) - L 24-45 (Forth Worth Bowl)

Final Record: 10-3
Bowl Game Overview: CLICK HERE
End of Season Review: CLICK HERE

2012
Record: 9-4 (5-2 Big East)
Conference Ranking: 3rd
Final Ranking: NR
Bowl Game: Insight Bowl vs. Arizona State (L 14-31)
Award Winners: K Jerry Dickerson (Groza)
Passing Leader: David Bryant (221/299, 2903 Yds, 31 TD, 13 Int, 73% Comp, 181.0 Rat)
Rushing Leader: Anthony Fagan: 214 Car (1565 Yds, 7.3 Avg, 21 TD)
Receiving Leader: Jeff Smith (84 Rec, 1324 Yds, 15.7 Avg, 14 TD)
Defensive Leaders: Ryan Shelby (95 tackles), Ryan Shelby (12 TFL), Roderick Allen (8 sacks), Patrick Lindsey (4 interceptions), Ryan Shelby (9 forced fumbles), Raymond Russell/Ryan Anderson/Roderick Allen (2 fumble recoveries)
Synopsis: Yale had a successful first season in the Big East, finishing 9-4 overall and 5-2 in Big East Conference play, good enough for third in the conference behind West Virginia and Louisville. The Bulldogs also earned a berth to the Insight Bowl, but lost fairly handily to the Arizona State Sun Devils. The Bulldogs led No. 5 West Virginia 17-0 at halftime in week five, but were outscored 24-0 in the second half and lost 24-17. Despite their lofty record, the Bulldogs didn't beat any teams with winning records, and went 0-4 against the teams with winning records they did face. David Bryant took back over at quarterback and had a successful season, passing for over 2,900 yards and 31 touchdowns. Anthony Fagan also had a great year running the football, scoring 21 touchdowns and going for over 1,500 yards on 7.3 yards per carry. Jeff Smith excelled catching the football and was Bryant's No. 1 target, hauling in 84 catches for over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns. Transfer Ryan Shelby also anchored the defense at middle linebacker with 95 tackles. Meanwhile, four-year starter Jerry Dickerson captured the Lou Groza Award, making 13 of 15 field goal attempts and going 59/60 on PATs.

Season Schedule
9/1 - Air Force (2-10) - W 38-10
9/15 - Notre Dame (10-3) - L 27-52
9/22 - UL Monroe (4-8) - W 31-27
9/27 - at #5 WEST VIRGINIA (12-1) - L 17-24
10/5 - CONNECTICUT (4-8) - W 24-21
10/13 - at RUTGERS (6-6) - W 30-27
10/20 - PITTSBURGH (4-8) - W 21-15
10/27 - at CINCINNATI (1-11) - W 49-47
11/9 - at SOUTH FLORIDA (5-7) - W 80-21
11/17 - at Clemson (1-11) - W 52-14
11/24 - LOUISVILLE (10-3) - L 17-35
12/1 - at Harvard (FCS) - W 58-21
12/30 - Arizona State (9-4) - L 14-31 (Insight Bowl)

Final Record: 9-4 (5-2 Big East)
Bowl Game Overview: CLICK HERE
End of Season Review: CLICK HERE

2013
Record: 6-6 (3-4 Big East)
Conference Ranking: 6th
Final Ranking: NR
Bowl Game: N/A
Award Winners: None
Passing Leader: David Bryant (173/244, 2063 Yds, 18 TD, 14 Int, 70% Comp, 154.8 Rat)
Rushing Leader: T.J. Gunn (241 Car, 1293 Yds, 5.3 Avg, 16 TD)
Receiving Leader: Tyrone Franklin (49 Rec, 692 Yds, 14.1 Avg, 4 TD)
Defensive Leaders: Ryan Anderson/Been Brown/John Green (58 tackles), Antonio Stephens (11 TFL), Antonio Stephens (7 sacks), Michael Wagner (5 interceptions), Michael Wagner (2 forced fumbles), Chad Byrd (2 fumble recoveries)
Synopsis: Yale took a step back in their second season in the Big East, finishing sixth in the conference with a 3-4 conference record and 6-6 overall, failing to make a bowl game despite finishing bowl eligible with a .500 record. Quarterback David Bryant suffered through some injury woes which surely didn't help, and the passing offense struggled without a go-to receiver after Jeff Smith graduated to the NFL. Defensively, the Bulldogs were also rudderless with Ryan Shelby's departure. Yale did earn a win at Notre Dame in week four, but the Irish finished a disappointing 5-7. Yale's only win against a team with a winning record was against Pittsburgh on October 19th, and the Bulldogs sustained some puzzling and embarrassing losses, including a 48-14 drubbing against 7-6 Indiana in week two, a 59-0 shutout loss against No. 7 West Virginia on October 12th, and a 56-31 blowout loss against Rutgers, who was winless coming into the game, on October 26th. Yale finished on a high note with two consecutive wins to finish the season, but it wasn't enough to secure a bowl invite.

Season Schedule
9/7 - Wyoming (4-8) - W 38-14
9/14 - at Indiana (7-6) - L 14-48
9/21 - San Diego State (11-2) - L 35-45
9/28 - at Notre Dame (5-7) - W 38-31
10/3 - at CONNECTICUT (6-7) - L 24-34
10/12 - #7 WEST VIRGINIA (12-1) - L 0-59
10/19 - at PITTSBURGH (8-5) - W 34-31
10/26 - RUTGERS (4-8) - L 31-56
11/2 - CINCINNATI (2-10) - W 31-16
11/16 - at #21 LOUISVILLE (11-2) - L 20-45
11/28 - SOUTH FLORIDA (4-8) - W 47-42
12/7 - Harvard (FCS) - W 55-14

Final Record: 6-6 (3-4 Big East)
Bowl Game Overview: CLICK HERE
End of Season Review: CLICK HERE

2014
Record: 8-5 (5-2 Big East)
Conference Ranking: 3rd
Final Ranking: NR
Bowl Game: Insight Bowl vs. Oregon (L 20-21)
Award Winners: MLB John Green (Bednarik Award, Best LB Award)
Passing Leader: David Bryant (163/242, 2127 Yds, 16 TD, 8 Int, 67% Comp, 156.4 Rat)
Rushing Leader: Josh Fields (195 Car, 895 Yds, 4.5 Avg, 16 TD)
Receiving Leader: Paul McKenzie (68 Rec, 1383 Yds, 20.3 Avg, 11 TD)
Defensive Leaders: John Green (101 tackles), Roderick Allen (14 TFL), Antonio Stephens (9 sacks), John Green/Jordan Reddick/Bryan Smith (3 interceptions), John Green (11 forced fumbles), John Green (4 fumble recoveries)
Synopsis: Yale returned to form as the third-best team in the Big East in 2014, finishing with a 5-2 conference record and an 8-5 overall record with a slim one-point loss in the Insight Bowl to Oregon, the Bulldogs' second Insight Bowl appearance in three seasons. Despite the improved season, the Bulldogs still sustained a puzzling 18-point loss to three-win Eastern Michigan in week three, and lost big to West Virginia and Louisville. They also lost by three scores at home to Notre Dame. Their only win against a team with a winning record was against 7-6 Rutgers on October 18th. Yale struggled with injuries at the quarterback position, with David Bryant missing much of the season. Redshirt freshman Willie Swaggert filled in admirably, though, and statistically played even better than the redshirt senior Bryant, giving Yale hope going forward at the position. At wide receiver, Paul McKenzie starred in his true freshman season, amassing nearly 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns receiving while averaging over 20 yards per catch. Sophomore John Green also had a dominant season at middle linebacker, totaling 101 tackles, 11 tackles-for-loss, one sack, three interceptions, 10 deflections, 11 forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries, leading the team in tackles, interceptions, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries.

Season Schedule
9/6 - at Harvard (FCS) - W 52-10
9/13 - at Boston College (4-8) - W 41-0
9/20 - Eastern Michigan (3-9) - L 23-41
9/27 - Notre Dame (8-5) - L 30-47
10/4 - at #2 WEST VIRGINIA (13-0) - L 24-47
10/11 - CONNECTICUT (3-9) - W 35-13
10/18 - at RUTGERS (7-6) - W 28-23
10/25 - PITTSBURGH (5-7) - W 52-7
11/1 - at CINCINNATI (2-10) - W 52-13
11/15 - at SOUTH FLORIDA (5-7) - W 42-17
11/22 - Army (3-9) - W 38-24
11/29 - #14 LOUISVILLE (11-2) - L 14-44
12/30 - Oregon (9-4) - L 20-21 (Insight Bowl)

Final Record: 8-5 (5-2 Big East)
Bowl Game Overview: CLICK HERE
End of Season Review: CLICK HERE

[superjames1992]

Reserved for miscellaneous.

[superjames1992]

2006 Yale Bulldogs Roster and Season Preview



(Number / Name / Rating / Height / Weight / Class)

(Redshirted players are shaded red)

OFFENSE

QB
9 Jeff McNamara (78) 6'5, 230, Sr (IP)
6 Nate Ellerbee (70) 6'2, 210, So
18 Zac Stephens (52) 6'2, 185, RSr

HB
31 Thomas Moore (76) 5'10, 209, RJr
20 Marque Kearney (72) 5'9, 195, Jr
11 Rodney Allen (48) 5'11, 190, Jr

FB
10 Lucas Morgan (68) 5'9, 209, Jr
35 Sean Reid (59) 5'10, 215, So

Backfield Preview: Senior quarterback Jeff McNamara gives the offense some stability as the Bulldogs enter FBS football for the 2006 season. McNamara's passing ability is unquestioned, but his lack of mobility could cost Yale dearly behind an offensive line that is going to struggle to protect him all season against improved FBS pass rushes. Sophomore quarterback Nate Ellerbee will redshirt this season to save a year of eligibility as he is next season's presumed starter. Thomas Moore is also a solid running back, but despite his skillset, expect him to also struggle to run for many yards behind the offensive line. Moore should also be able to contribute in the passing game.

WR
89 Tyson Brewer (62) 6'4, 195, Jr
8 Corey Cross (59) 6'1, 195, Sr
5 Trey Duckett (56) 6'3, 206, Sr
30 Steve Hall (52) 6'4, 190, Jr
80 Allan Chance (48) 6'0, 180, RJr
7 Adam Sanders (48) 6'1, 200, Jr

TE
1 Lance Pressley (84) 6'2, 240, Sr (IP)
17 Elliot McKinney (52) 6'2, 235, So
86 Andy Pearman (44) 6'3, 245, Jr

Receivers Preview: Tight end Lance Pressley is arguably the best player on this team and in the upper echelon of all tight ends in the country. Expect him to be quarterback Jeff McNamara's top target all season. Aside from Pressley, the receiving corps leaves a lot to be desired. Tyson Brewer will start the season as the No. 1 wide receiver, but he wouldn't be a No. 1 receiver on pretty much any other team in FBS. The cupboard here is pretty bare.

T
61 John Stewart (59) 6'3, 270, Jr
66 Bryan Davis (52) 6'4, 270, Sr
77 Roger Kendrick (40) 6'4, 255, So
57 Donte Warren (40) 6'3, 285, Sr

G
70 Stacy Thompson (59) 6'4, 305, Jr
72 Greg Durfee (48) 6'2, 285, Jr
56 Clayton Ridgeway (48) 6'2, 275, Jr
54 Marcus Hardy (40) 6'4, 255, RSo

C
76 Joey Pickens (52) 6'5, 300, Sr
53 Roderick Gates (40) 6'4, 265, Sr

Offensive Line Preview: As stated in the backfield preview, this unit leaves a lot to be desired. There isn't much talent here across the board, and if any injuries happen among the starters, the backups are even worse. Despite the talent in the backfield, given the lack of blocking this unit is going to likely provide this year, it's going to be tough for the Yale offense to move the football. It will need to be a priority to improve the line play to FBS standards via recruiting next offseason.

DEFENSE

DE
99 Robert Carty (44) 6'4, 211, Jr
44 Bernie Hall (44) 6'4, 230, Sr
88 Travis Dingle (40) 6'5, 215, So
49 Travis Carpenter (40) 6'3, 220, Jr

DT
94 Tim Everett (56) 6'3, 240, So
47 Marcus Jordan (44) 6'2, 260, Sr
55 Steve Davis (40) 6'2, 260, So
97 Lance Campbell (40) 6'3, 235, So
45 Nathan Stallings (40) 6'3, 285, Sr

Defensive Line Preview: If you thought the offensive line was bad, wait until you check out this defensive line. Tim Everett is the only player even close to FBS standards. Expect opposing offensive lines to open up massive holes in the running game this season, and this unit is going to struggle to get any pressure on the quarterback at all.

OLB
50 Sean McFadden (74) 6'3, 230, Jr (IP)
33 Bobby Hardy (56) 6'1, 215, Jr
32 Tyree Hodges (52) 6'1, 228, Sr
46 Jay Allen (40) 6'3, 225, Sr

MLB
52 Chad Roberts (74) 6'3, 230, Jr
51 Kyle Hawthorne (65) 6'2, 240, So

Linebackers Preview: The linebacking corps is the best unit the defense has to offer. Chard Roberts and Sean McFadden are legitimate FBS level linebackers. This unit can be criticized for its lack of depth, but the talent at the top of the depth chart is serviceable. This unit will need to play well to try to mitigate the disastrous play of the defensive line this season.

CB
15 Daniel Williamson (65) 6'4, 197, Sr
2 Jeremy Ruud (59) 5'9, 175, Jr
16 Mike Dykes (52) 5'10, 175, Sr
29 Andy Lobdell (48) 6'1, 180, So
27 Phil Norwood (40) 6'3, 192, So

FS
25 Jermaine Malone (74) 5'11, 180, Sr
43 Tim Cwik (52) 6'3, 218, Jr

SS
38 Shaun Whitaker (56) 6'2, 215, Sr
37 Willie Smith (44) 6'2, 190, Jr

Secondary Preview: Jermaine Malone is a solid FBS level safety. Aside from that, the secondary leaves some to be desired. The lack of speed in the secondary will likely be an issue this season, and this defense will likely give up a bevy of big plays on the ground and through the air this season.

SPECIALISTS

K
48 Jason Burrell (68) 6'4, 220, So

P
40 Daniel Brown (40) 6'2, 215, So

Specialists Preview: Jason Burrell is a serviceable kicker and he will handle place kicking, punts, and kickoffs this season for the Bulldogs. Daniel Brown will only be used in the event Burrell gets injured.

[superjames1992]

2006 Preseason Outlook

Top 25
1. Ohio State (33)
2. Texas (27)
3. Notre Dame (1)
4. USC
5. LSU
6. Florida
7. Auburn
8. Oklahoma
9. West Virginia
10. Louisville
11. Miami
12. Florida State
13. Penn State
14. Michigan
15. California
16. Georgia
17. Iowa
18. Tennessee
19. Arizona State
20. Nebraska
21. Virginia Tech
22. Texas Tech
23. Clemson
24. Alabama
25. Georgia Tech

Others Receiving Votes: Oregon, South Carolina, TCU, Utah, Boston College

Dropped Out: None

Heisman Watch
1. Brady Quinn - QB - Notre Dame
2. Adrian Peterson - HB - Oklahoma
3. Troy Smith - QB - Ohio State
4. Chris Leak - QB - Florida
5. Brian Brohm - QB - Louisville

Season Schedule
8/31 - at Buffalo
9/9 - #10 Louisville
9/16 - at Minnesota
9/23 - at Western Michigan
9/30 - at Vanderbilt
10/7 - Kent State
10/12 - #23 Clemson
10/21 - at Northern Illinois
10/28 - Bowling Green
11/4 - Central Michigan
11/11 - at Harvard
11/18 - at Navy

Projected Record: 1-11

[Careless Whisper]

As a fellow old-game NCAAer myself, I'm pretty sure the FCS rosters are updated to the NCAA 06 game so it's not as big of a year gap - guys like Hofstra's Marques Colston, Grambling's Bruce Eugene, and Furman's Ingle Martin are impact players, if I remember correctly.

Excited to see where you take the Bulldogs!

[Deuce2223]

You know I will be following..