"Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

[Matt10]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

Week 9 - MEMPHIS at MARSHALL

Coach West has stuck with his guns on this one, sending Pitts to take the majority of the handoffs.

Date and Time: 10/28/06, 6h00pm
Weather: Cool
Surface: Sports Turf

Record: 3-4

Last Game: vs TULSA, L 34-35

Player Watch: HB T.J. Pitts, Pitss is going to be Coach West's guinea pig in this battle for 1st place. West acknowledge postgame versus Tulsa that he was going to try some new things - first by ditching the entire running playbook, look for Pitts to get well over 25 rushes.

Grades: OVR(B-),OFF(C+),DEF(B-)

Coach Comments: "Victory.First Place."

Injuries: None
WR Maurice Jones [78ovr] (SO) - Torn Bicep - 3 weeks




Record: 4-3

Last Game: at UAB, W 35-19

Player Watch: HB Ahmad Bradshaw, Bradshaw averages 5.7 yards a carry with 5 touchdowns, totalling exactly 555yards on only 97 attempts. That point is stressed because the Memphis defense is in the top tier of stopping the run in the C-USA East and 22nd in the nation. Bradshaw knows these stats, don't be surprised if he merely brushes the thoughts of going under 150 off his shoulder, he is as solid as they come.
Grades: OVR(B-),OFF(C+),DEF(C+)

Coach Coments: "We're going to shove West's new playbook right in his face, it won't matter what play they're running, it'll be stopped - as for offensively, they're not going to know what hit them."

Injuries:
LT Seth Cook [82ovr] (SR) - Broken Tailbone - 1 Week

[Matt10]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

AN INSTANT CLASSIC
MARSHALL CHOKE, ADAMS KICKS GAME WINNER IN OVERTIME FOR TIGERS VICTORY

Huntington, WV (AP) -- Just a week after his missed kick that could've won the game against the Blue Hurricanes of Tulsa, kicker for the Tigers Trey Adams completely redeemed himself by kicking the winning field goal against the Marshall Thundering Herd in overtime to put the Memphis Tigers in 2nd place in the C-USA East.

The game wasn't just about kicking though, actually it wasn't about Adams missing his two field goals before the game winner either. No,the game between the two rivals was what everyone expected...a shoot-out. Even though the game screamed shootout, the Memphis Tigers defense rose to a whole new level, intercepting a game-high SEVEN interceptions on Marshall's QB Bernard Morris. Three of those interceptions went to FS and Captain of the defense, Wesley Smith.

"It was just one of those crazy games," said Smith, "I had to make plays for our team, someone had to step up - I just inspired everyone else to do the same. Everyone on this team played with their hearts and minds, not just the defense, but the offense too; that is why we're a team - we don't separate ourselves and we showed what that does to a team today."

Smith's incredible performance gave him Player of the Week honors for the Conference USA, along with the interceptions, he also chalked up 4 tackles.

The start of the game showed a wobbly Memphis defense, enabling QB Blane Morris to run the table and drive his team up the field, finishing with himself rushing into the endzone from 3 yards out for the opening score. The Tigers, in typical passing fashion, chose not only to go 78 yards on their drive, they did it in one play, a sweet play-action pass from Hudgens to Mario Pratcher to tie the game at 7-7.

Coach Tommy West of the Tigers couldn't emphasize enough before the game about the running game. He said that there would be virtually no subbing between backs, this meant that starting RB T.J. Pitts would get the majority of all the handoffs. Pitts answered his coach's call and rushed for over 148 yards on 31 carries and a 37-yard touchdown, the one that put the tigers up 14-7 at the start of the second quarter. The Tigers' defense would show signs of waking up for the game, but on a 1st and 25 play, Marshall would make it as if the Tigers had fallen back asleep with a 57 yard bomb from Morris to Fitzgerald to tie the game up 14-14. Morris would score his second rushing touchdown on the Herd's next posession after a 11 play 68 yard drive.

Senior WR Hiram Moore for Marshall would have an outstanding day, catching 5 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns, those touchdowns would be scored in the third quarter.

After the first Morris to Moore connection for a touchdown of 68 yards, the Tigers began to see their hopes fade away as they faced a 14-28 deficit.

Hope was restored as sophomore QB Will Hudgens showed why he is called "The Savior" of Memphis football, rushing into the endzone 11 yards out to put the game within a touchdown. However, the "Morris to Moore Show" had one last encore in them for 59-yards to put the Herd into comfortable position into the fourth quarter, 35-21.

Leading 35-21 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Marshall Thundering Herd chose to pile on the scoring instead of playing conservative football. The Memphis defense would make them pay as they recorded back to back.. to back interceptions, unfortunately the Tigers were unable to take advantage and put up any points through the turnovers. It wasn't until a 26 yard pass and catch by Will Hudgens to Mario Pratcher turned into a touchdown to put the Tigers within one touchdown's reach for the tie.

With less than 4 minutes remaining in the game, still up by a touchdown, the Herd chose the wrong route (no pun intended) again. This time Morriss' fourth interception was the momentum killer for the home side as Safety Derek Clenin caught and returned the ball 36 yards into the endzone to tie the game up 35-35.

After forcing the Herd to punt with 2 minutes remaining, the Tigers had a great chance to win the game in regulation time. A brilliantly executed drive of 55 yards, led by Hudgens hooking up with virtually everyone on the team, finished abruptly as backup RB Joseph Doss was put in the game to "center the ball" while Pitts took a breather, fumbled the ball on the 15 yard line with 13 seconds left in the game.

A sigh of relief went through the Memphis sidelines as Morris' hailmary attempts flew far and away from their intended targets, sending the game into overtime.

Marshall won the toss and began their drive, but the Memphis defense was fully awake and ready for everything. Ahmad Bradshaw, running back for the Herd, was practically invisible in the game, and it was not surprise when he was tackled for a 5 yard loss by LB Heath Grant to setup a long 3rd and 15 for the Herd. As he had done all game long, Blane Morris tried to restart the "Morris to Moore Show", but this time the Tigers bit on the play - but the right kind of bite - Cornerback Jamaal Rufus stepped in front of Moore and snagged the ball out of the air to give the Tigers a chance to score...and win on their next possesion.

"I had been beaten by him [Moore] all game long," said Rufus, "this time I made sure that when I did try to pick off the pass, I would catch it and break their hearts".

On the given possession, as according to NCAA Overtime Rules, the Tigers were spotted on the 25-yard line, and just made it past the 23rd yard line on 3rd and 10. This setup a 28-yard field goal for kicker Trey Adams to win the game for the Tigers. Adams had previously missed both of his field goals from 31 and 35 yards and most remember just last week - the 34-yard miss to lose against Tulsa.

Ball spotted on the left hash mark, the snap, the kick...veers off to the right - but stays within the goalposts...It's GOOD!!! The Tigers had comeback from out of no where to win away from home in overtime. Kicker Trey Adams was seen tearing up as he took off his helmet and hugging Coach West.

"I just couldn't believe it," muttered a shaken but joyous Adams, "All my thoughts were on how I let my team down last week - and this time I didn't even think about what would happen if I missed this one, I just couldn't believe I almost missed it again."

With tears comes celebrations and vice versa, and head coach Tommy West was no different.

"You fight and fight and fight some more for a team - this is more than a team, this is a family...a brotherhood. You don't get emotional as a man that often, but in sports - it's okay and feels okay because I'm with my sons and brothers. I couldn't be more proud than my boys tonight, they showed the nation how much heart and commitment they have to staying in the moment, that's something noone can take away."

With the win the Tigers take second place, behind the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, in the C-USA East Conference with four games left to play, three of them at home and the last away from home against the UTEP Miners. Next week,however, the Tigers do face the Golden Eagles of Southern Mississippi for battle for first place back home in Memphis,Tennessee.




WEEK 8 - vs Southern Miss (4-4)




_______________________________________
SCORING SUMMARY
Memphis 38, Marshall 35 [OT]
_______________________________________

1st Quarter:
TD Marshall 7-0, Moriss 3 YD TD Run (XP)
TD Memphis 7-7, Hudgens to Pratcher 78 YD TD REC (XP)
2nd Quarter:
TD Memphis 14-7, Pitts 37 YD TD Run (XP)
TD Marshall 14-14, Morris to Fitzgerald 57 YD TD REC (XP)
TD Marshall 14-21, Morris 1 YD TD Run (XP)
3rd Quarter:
TD Marshall 14-28, Morris Moore 68 YD TD REC (XP)
TD Memphis 21-28, Hudgens 11 YD TD Run (XP)
TD Marshall 21-35, Morris to Moore 59 YD TD REC (XP)
4th Quarter:
TD Memphis 28-35, Hudgens to Pratcher 26 YD TD REC (XP)
TD Memphis 35-35, Clenin 36 YD INT RET TD (XP)
Overtime:
FG Memphis 38-35, Adams GW 28 YD FG
_______________________________________
PLAYER STATS
_______________________________________

MEMPHIS:
Passing - W.Hudgens: 15/42,284yds, 2 TD, INT
Rushing - T.Pitts: 31rush,148yds, TD
Receiving - M.Pratcher: 4 Rec 148yds, 2 TD
Defensive - *W.Smith: 4tak, 3 INT

MARSHALL:
Passing - *B.Morris: 16/42,377yds, 3 TD, 7 INT, 2 Rush TD
Rushing - A.Bradshaw: 14rush, 28yds
Receiving - H.Moore: 5 Rec 170yds, 2 TD
Defensive - D.Thornton: 5 Tak, 2 TFL, INT




GAME REFLECTIONS

"Everyone on this team played with their hearts and minds, not just the defense, but the offense too; that is why we're a team - we don't separate ourselves and we showed what that does to a team today." - Don't be surprised to see this captain in the NFL next year.


"'Hudge' threw the ball up for me and I was lucky to snatch it out of the air and then run untouched into the endzone." - Maurice Jones could be in trouble in getting his number one spot with the way Mario Pratcher is playing.


"Hey man, when you're a star-you shine, ya heard." - It's too bad the last shining Hiram Moore did was in the 3rd quarter.

2006 ESPN/USA Today Poll Top 10
ESPN/SportsTicker
Through Week 9

1.Ohio State (9-0) 1501pts
2.LSU (8-0) 1501pts
3.West Virginia (7-0) 1343pts
4.Florida State (8-0) 1257pts
5.Texas (8-1) 1228pts
6.Louisville (7-0) 1191pts
7.USC (6-1) 1045pts
8.Tennessee (7-1) 818pts
9.Nebraska (7-2) 804pts
10.Virginia Tech (7-1) 755pts

2006 ESPN/USA Today Heisman Watch
ESPN/SportsTicker
Through Week 9

1.QB Drew Weatherford- Florida State - 165/259,2164yds,46rush,30 Total TD -Week9: at Maryland W(31-13)
2.HB Selvin Young- TEXAS - 179rush,1242yds,13TD,17Rec,324yds,3 TDs -Week9: at Texas Tech W(30-10)
3.QB Drew Tate- IOWA - 195/314,2566yds,43rush,29 Total TDs-Week9: vs NIU W(56-31)
4.HB Courtney Lewis- Texas A&M - 144rush,977yds,10TD,23Rec,499yds,8TD -Week9: at Baylor W(38-6)
5.QB Colt McCoy- Texas - 140/225,2124yds,27TD -Week9: at Texas Tech W(30-10)

C-USA (EAST) Conference Standings
Through Week 9

1. Southern Miss - (4-4) - vs ECU - W 45-42
2. Memphis - (4-4) @ Marshall - W 38-35 OT
3. Marshall - (4-4) - vs Memphis - L 35-38 OT
4. ECU - (3-5) @ Southern Miss - L 42-45
5. UCF - (4-4) @ Houston - L 13-43
6. UAB - (2-6) Tuesday Game: @ SMU

[Matt10]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

Okay guys, this is the updated list for the recruits for the next years. Your age is what determines your class entrance. I'll be updating that soon to figure out who is eligibile for next year. Remember, you are not being recruited by Memphis - you are fair game to anyone, everyone will still be followed closely whether you play for Memphis or not.

MADDENNATION APPLICANTS

1) IsaiahJF91
NAME: Isaiah Dukes
AGE: 17(jr)
HOMETOWN: Lebanon, Tennessee
POSITION: HB 
HEIGHT: 6'0
WEIGHT: 225
SKIN COLOR: Black

2) raiders18
NAME: Harris Ahmadzai
AGE: 16(so)
HOMETOWN: Oak Park (where?)
POSITION: FS 
HEIGHT: 6'1
WEIGHT: 190
SKIN COLOR: Dark

3) PeytonBomber18
NAME: Andrew Stevens
AGE: 16 (jr)
HOMETOWN: Westmont, Illinois
POSITION: SS
HEIGHT: 6'2
WEIGHT: 212
SKIN COLOR: White

4) coolwizard23
NAME: Mike Sanders
AGE: 22(RS SR)
HOMETOWN: Fresno,CA
POSITION: wr
HEIGHT: 6'6
WEIGHT: 220
SKIN COLOR: White

5) KaTaNa1011
NAME: Danny Everett
AGE: 18
HOMETOWN: Los Angeles,CA
POSITION: HB 
HEIGHT: 5'9
WEIGHT: 195
SKIN COLOR: White

6) ATLfalconVick7
NAME: Adam Thornton
AGE: 18
HOMETOWN: Athens,GA
POSITION: QB 
HEIGHT: 6'4
WEIGHT: 218
SKIN COLOR: Light

7) bubbachump
NAME: Bubba Chump
AGE: 15(so)
HOMETOWN: New York,NY
POSITION: QB
HEIGHT: 6'5
WEIGHT: 221
SKIN COLOR: Light

8) jags2k5
NAME: Sean Matthews
AGE: 16(jr)
HOMETOWN: Jericho, NY
POSITION: HB 
HEIGHT: 6'2
WEIGHT: 210
SKIN COLOR: White

9) eric_the_beast
NAME: Eric Harmon
AGE: 14 (fr)
HOMETOWN: Fremont, CA
POSITION: FB
HEIGHT: 5'11
WEIGHT: 231
SKIN COLOR: White

10) jewz R cool
NAME: Kevin Rush
AGE: 18
HOMETOWN: Easton, PA
POSITION: SS
HEIGHT: 6'2
WEIGHT: 218
SKIN COLOR: Medium

11) wvfan14
NAME: Owen Sanders
AGE: 18
HOMETOWN: Beckley, WV
POSITION: HB/ATH
HEIGHT: 6'1
WEIGHT: 190
SKIN COLOR: Light

11) Skit
NAME: Raymond McConnell
AGE: 19
HOMETOWN: Las Vegas, NV
POSITION: WR
HEIGHT: 6'3
WEIGHT: 187
SKIN COLOR: White

12) warriorqb8
NAME: Greg Williams
AGE: 18
HOMETOWN: Chicago, IL
POSITION: FS
HEIGHT: 6'2
WEIGHT: 225
SKIN COLOR: Light

13) blitzy
NAME: Matt Blitz
AGE: 18
HOMETOWN: Irvine, CA
POSITION: LOLB
HEIGHT: 6'0
WEIGHT: 197
SKIN COLOR: Light

MADDENMANIA APPLICANTS

1) Go_Chargers
NAME: James Bristow
AGE: 17
HOMETOWN: San Diego,CA
POSITION: QB
HEIGHT: 5"11
WEIGHT: 170
SKIN COLOR: White

2) PapiChullo
NAME: Travis White
AGE: 17
HOMETOWN: Baltimore,MD
POSITION: WR
HEIGHT: 6"2
WEIGHT: 215
SKIN COLOR: Dark

3) ChampTitude
NAME: C.J. Champion
AGE: 17
HOMETOWN: Memphis, TN
POSITION: HB
HEIGHT: 6'0
WEIGHT: 195
SKIN COLOR: Dark

4) PK55
NAME: P.K. Kellum
AGE: 18
HOMETOWN: Chattanooga, TN
POSITION: MLB
HEIGHT: 6"1
WEIGHT: 240
SKIN COLOR: White

5) BigNewms
NAME: Ron Newman
AGE: 18
HOMETOWN: Cincinnati, OH
POSITION: C
HEIGHT: 6"1
WEIGHT: 230
SKIN COLOR: White

6) Cavan
NAME: Ciaran Tighe
AGE: 18
HOMETOWN: Santa Barbara, CA
POSITION: FS
HEIGHT: 6"2
WEIGHT: 190
SKIN COLOR: White

7) oahuboy03
NAME: Robert Lung
AGE: 17
HOMETOWN: Honolulu, HI
POSITION: WR
HEIGHT: 6"4
WEIGHT: 194
SKIN COLOR: Dark

[Matt10]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

Week 10 - MEMPHIS vs SOUTHERN MISS

Wesley Smith has shown why he's the captain, and he'll be leading his team to victory over the Golden Eagles.

Date and Time: 11/4/06, 12h30pm
Weather: Cool
Surface: Sports Turf

Record: 4-4

Last Game: at MARSHALL, W 38-35 OT

Player Watch: FS Wesley Smith, Smith is the leader of the team. He's probably the best player on the team and pretty much everyone knows it, including USM. He has had a great run this season with a team high 6 interceptions and 44 tackles. Smith and the Tigers will have to be on their toes with a mobile QB in Young and speedy back in Hull.

Grades: OVR(B-),OFF(C+),DEF(B-)

Coach Comments: "We're done day-dreaming. First place is ours for the taking."

Injuries:
WR Maurice Jones [78ovr] (SO) - Torn Bicep - 2 Weeks




Record: 4-4

Last Game: at ECU, W 45-42

Player Watch: HB Cody Hull, Hull is leading the team with 740 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns, he currently ranks second all together in the C-USA East. While he may lack the agility to get around blockers, he is a speedster that just goes right through the line - the Memphis linebackers will have a busy time trying to contain him. Look for Hull to get some significant yards, especially after some key playaction plays that USM is known for doing.

Grades: OVR(B-),OFF(B-),DEF(B-)

Coach Comments: "They got lucky in Huntington last week, my QB won't throw 7 interceptions, he won't throw one."

Injuries:
LB Mitch Craft [77ovr] (SO) - High Ankle Sprain - Questionable
LT Chris Clark [83ovr] (JR) - Broken Tailbone - Questionable
CB Caleb Hendrix [86ovr] (SR) - Broken Ankle - Out For Season
LG George Batiste [86ovr] (LG) - Partially Torn MCL - Out For Season

[nofearsp2007]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

I just wanted to let you know that you are doing an amazing job with this. It is definitely a good read.

[Matt10]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

thanks fellow kansan - I'll have you know I'm a Mizzou fan though.

should get game played soon.

[ehh]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

Impressive stuff so far bro, keep it up.

[Acid]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

Wow, this is amazing, Matt!

I'm loving all the ESPN/CBS overlays, I wish the game really had that stuff.

[Beantown]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

Just want to echo how incredible this dynasty is, man.

Keep up the good work.

[Matt10]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

'precciate it guys, update in a couple of hours, watching some of the games right now - stay tuned.

[cubsfan203]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

Amazing dynasty, keep it up.

If you need anymore recruits, here's another you can use...

NAME: Jack Daniels
AGE: 18 (HS SR)
HOMETOWN: Fort Worth (or Dallas), TX
POSITION: TE
HEIGHT: 6'4"
WEIGHT: 240
SKIN COLOR: White

[BunnyHardaway]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

This is freakin' amazing, keep it up. Here's another recruit form for you also:

NAME: J.J. Linn
AGE: 16 (JR.)
HOMETOWN: Bloomsburg, PA
POSITION: WR
HEIGHT: 6'1"
WEIGHT: 180
SKIN COLOR: White

[Matt10]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

added both of you, thanks for joinin in.

[elicoleman]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

This dynasty is amazing. Too bad the real Tigers couldn't play more like these guys.



NAME: Tyler Coleman
AGE: 21
HOMETOWN: Memphis, Tennessee
POSITION: Kicker
HEIGHT: 5'10"
WEIGHT: 171lbs
SKIN COLOR: White

[Beantown]

Re: "Every Man a Tiger" - A University of Memphis Dynasty (NCAA 2007)

If you want another recruit...

Name: Greg Callahan
Hometown: Framingham, MA
Position: HB
Height: 6'1
Weight: 190
Skin: white