Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
All the above looks good, I like the schedule.
All the above looks good, I like the schedule.
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Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
I agree and also like the schedule. I feel like Niagara would be the type of school that a Independent might end up working out a home/away series with so depending on who you have as Indy's you might look at them as future opponents.
Also not a bad idea to keep track of your non-conference schedule and maybe a year or 2 down the road have Oklahoma State or Syracuse have to travel north to play the Rhinos.
In my GSU dynasty I just got done with a home/away series with Idaho and Old Dominion. I just landed my 3rd Recruit from Hawaii and so I think I am going to start up a home/away series with the Rainbow Warriors next year. I also realize I have quite a few players from Tennessee, so I am probably going to look at schools like Memphis or Middle Tennessee as well as Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Especially being how my potential QB starter next season were transfers from both schoolComment
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Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
Do you know if the roster started as Georgia State's?---Comment
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Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
I’m having a blast reading this one! I think you did great on the recruiting trail - albeit a bit better than I typically like to do this early on in a dynasty - but you need the help desperately. I think the schedule makes a ton of sense though and should be a nice, diverse schedule going forward. I’m very interested to see how your progression/regression goes!
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Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
I have no idea, this was a team I just randomly stumbled upon awhile back when you could still search/DL teambuilders from EA. If I had to guess, it's from a team based in Ohio because the original roster has probably 30 players with Ohio hometowns. If I remember, I might just load up the vanilla team and see if I can figure out any direct correlations. Would be funny if I technically played against my own team during MAC play this year, even though I did modify the team a bit and knock down some ratings.
Yea, in hindsight I probably should have just concentrated on whichever 4-star would have made the best HB and ignored the other one... but you get those stars in your eyes and it's hard to resist. hah. Once the progression work is done, I'll see how everybody stacks up... but honestly the biggest difference maker right now appears to be the 3-star ATH that I converted to WR. The two 4-star guys are good, but not that far separated from my existing guys with a year of progression. Might have a fun QB controversy angle as well, considering I'll still probably throw 15-20 INTs because I'm not very good at this game.Comment
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Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
Just got into the middle of spreadsheet work for the 2014 season and realized I never updated on the four off season recruits, so just a quick and dirty out-of-character update. I signed three of the four, Atari Jackson went to Akron.
Todd Beck, renamed to Lavette Gibbs and moved to WR (78 OVR, 97 SPD!! I had never full scouted him, so just knew speed was rated "A")
Chris Hall / DE, renamed to Benny Torgo, 69 OVR, likely getting a redshirt
Michael Robinson / SS, renamed to Mario Randazzo, 62 OVR, likely getting a redshirt.
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Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
Gibbs might make for a great returnman with that kind of speed.Comment
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Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
Love me some Lavette! He’s going to be a nightmare to keep up with for sure!
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Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
Haven't had time to tidy up the spreadsheet yet, but finished running all the progression numbers... and it definitely did it's job of slowing down the skill increases.
Vanilla CPU progression = 4.45 OVR per player increase
Work ethic modified / random number progression = 2.95 OVR per player
38 players improved their ratings from the start of season 1.
9 players regressed
2 players stayed the same rating
Highest improvement: 2 players with +10 OVR
Worst regression: 2 players with a -4 OVRComment
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Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
Ok, final progression report below. This was fun to do in a dorky way. The system is a modified version of what Hellisan developed for his JD Clark Dynasty thread.
In a nutshell, every player gets a randomly assigned "work ethic" rating from 40-99. When generated, I use 70 as the mean value for the entire set... so as of now, the recently progressed players have an average work ethic rating of 69, the incoming recruits slightly higher at 71.
At the end of the season, I let the CPU do it's thing to progress players. Then I generate a random number based on the following scale:
40-50 = -9 to -1
51-60 = -8 to 0
61-70 = -7 to 1
71-80 = -6 to 2
81-85 = -6 to 4
86-90 = -5 to 5
91-95 = -4 to 6
96-99 = -3 to 7
So for example, a player with a work ethic of 75 would have a random number generated between -6 and +2. This is the value that I have to subtract or add from the player's OVR after CPU progression has been completed. As far as what attributes get impacted, I primarily stick with skill-specific stuff. So I'll drop MCV/ZCV/PRS/PRC for a defensive back, RBK/PBK/IBL for a guard, but I'll also do minor changes to physical things like agility or strength.
My first impressions are positive, although for certain positions like OL, K and P that typically don't see large OVR boosts from year to year, I might relax the scale to give them a better chance to avoid regression.
After the progression results, I'll have an additional graph showing the work ethic rolls for the incoming freshmen.
Recruit work ethic:
The three incredibly generic named guys listed above (Mike Smith, Steve James and Pat Carter) are apparently walk-ons. I already had 3x TE, 7x WR and 3x MLB, which I thought met the minimums, so don't know why they were assigned.Comment
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Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
His return rating is mediocre (60), although I don't know if that's one of those ratings that only matters for games that are simulated? You'd think any player with decent speed / elusiveness ratings would be fine when being controlled by the user... unless the RET rating influences the blocking from your teammates?
I know injuries aren't terribly common in this game... but I'm always paranoid about getting a key starter injured on special teams... I think that dates back to some ancient Madden from like 15 years ago when special teams injuries happened all the time. I almost always find the best option from HB3 or WR6 or CB5 or whatever to throw back there for return work..... but.... 97 speed is awfully hard to resist.Comment
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Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
To: Lerma, Curt ([email protected])
From: Hisle, Larry ([email protected])
Subject: 2014 Rhinos pocket schedules
Good Morning Curt,
This is Larry over in Marketing. Here's the 2014 schedule design, just awaiting your approval. My two sons are already hyped for the Ohio game!
Attachment:
2014_niagara_rhinos_schedule_uni_gov_edu_ca.png
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Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
I would love a Browning bobble head!
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Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
Dr. Schreibman was a placekicker for Niagara for three seasons starting in 1990. He is still the Rhinos all time leading scorer and has been widely recognized across southern Ontario as a Niagara Rhino superfan. His views do not necessarily express those of Niagara University.
Dr. Irv is back in the house! Just when I thought that I was done with my alma mater.... They were an embarrassment, they got booted out of the conference, they tore down Filcher Field where I had nailed all those big kicks... I wrote them off. Then they pull me back in with an exciting season in the NCAA! They aren't quite what I would consider relevant, but they are on their way!
So I decided to resurrect my Rhinoplasty News Blog that had ceased operations back in 2011! Our dedicated staff of volunteer reporters will bring you the latest news and notes on your favorite college football team. I recently resumed writing sizable donation checks to the athletic department, so if our news stories aren't accurate, they soon will be... I'm like the assistant Athletic Director at the point. I've been a regular fixture at summer practice this year and I'll give you the inside take on all the position battles and how the 2014 squad is coming together! Today we look at the offense.
QUARTERBACK
The incumbent Mickey Bogan has really looked impressive in practice so far, showing much improved touch on his passes. He seems to have a much better grasp of this offense then even in the latter half of last season. He is struggling to hold onto his gig and has not simply rolled over. The kid has got hutzpah... and I like guys that I can describe with stereotypical yiddish words.
But of course, that takes us to the new hotness, the big prize of the recruiting class, freshman Conrad Palinksi. I know I am an old man, but he reminds me of Doug Flutie from back in the day. Standing in the huddle, he looks like somebody's little brother wanting to play with the big boys. He just doesn't look like he belongs. Then he shows off his arm one snap and his mobility the next... and you realize this kid is a QB! Now I'm not trying to blow nothing but sunshine up his skirt before he sees any real action, but Conrad can make all the throws. Looked clearly superior to Bogan on deep outs / posts. I'm shocked if this kid isn't starting in week one.
RUNNING BACK
It was the story of Stevie Browning that got me back into this team... I also have one year of eligibility left. I might just start a stretching routine and see if I can still hit those 50 yarders! But for the running backs, there is no Stevie Browning coming out of retirement to take the starting role this year. Malcolm Holly looks to be in better shape, seems quicker off the ball with the ability to run through arm tackles... but he is not exactly explosive. He was a massive disappointment last year but not sure who else they have that can be a workhorse.
You'd think Marlon Childs would be that guy, as he emerged last year as the clear #2 behind Browning and showed an uncanny ability to fall forward after contact. Unfortunately, Childs discovered the unholy trifecta of Call of Duty + Mountain Dew + Cheetos during the off season. He showed up to camp visibly overweight and out of shape. I will say that he still appeared productive, still somehow falls forward after every contact, but he didn't have the stamina last year to be an every down back, let alone now... I heard a few teammates teasing him with the name "Marlon Chubbs".
The highly touted freshman Ty Welsh will need to add bulk to his frame if he expects to be an every down back. While showing great footwork and elusiveness, a strong breeze makes this kid lose his balance. He might hit the occasional home run on the edge, but I'm not sure how much dirty work he can do between the tackles. Same can be said about Clancy O'Shaughnessy, who made a little noise last season as a 3rd down back from some shotgun sets. While Welsh has potential, Clancy is maxed out as a 3rd down / scat back type. A valuable role player, but that's it. There are a couple of more deep depth guys in this group, but they are both lesser versions of the guys already mentioned.
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WIDE RECEIVER / TIGHT END
The other gem of this offense-heavy recruit class looks to be 6'2" 200lb Lavette Gibbs. He has size and straight line speed. The route running has been surprisingly polished for a freshman, but he has shown questionable hands. We could be seeing a new challenger for Fante in dropped passes if these practices are any indicator. Speaking of Elton Fante, he has looked improved in camp. Still has some issues with dropping easy ones, but the best connections of the practice sessions have been when Bogan and Fante are on the field together. I still think Bogan is a 2nd stringer this year, but those two have some obvious chemistry.
Next guy I want to talk about is my personal favorite player on this offense. Barrel chested and portly, Brant Whitehead looks like he should be shoveling asphalt into potholes... but all this guy does is catch the football. He has terrorized the Rhino linebackers with his precision routes and sure hands in the intermediate passing game. If defenses concentrate on the two speed threats outside, Brant will carve up the middle of the field.
The job of 4th WR in the traditional Run and Shoot sets appears to have fallen to junior Jarred Spicer. Big, tall and slow, there was rumors of converting him to TE earlier in the practice season. That appears to have gone to the wayside, as Jared is the most sure handed option left on the bench. No threat to stretch the field, the coaching staff looks to have him working the underneath routes to give Whitehead a cushion between the linebackers and safeties.
The tight end situation this season might get a bit messy, thankfully this team doesn't really rely on the position. Freshman Rasheed Barnes can block and a catch, although his hands have been suspect at times. Senior Luke Conley was expected to compete for a starting job, but so far hasn't show any desire since graduating early in January. He left the team for a few days last month, apparently for good, after an argument with OC Derek Bell over a lack of effort. He eventually returned, but doesn't look to have much desire to improve. Last season's third string TE Robert Medley has likely overtaken him on the depth chart.
OFFENSIVE LINE
They lost two of their best lineman to graduation. Thankfully they managed to find one capable replacement in JUCO transfer Courtney Ellis, but depth questions remain. In practice, the group has not seemed terribly efficient particularly in pass protection. I just don't see the improvement I expected from the returning players. This has easily been the most disappointing part of the offense during my observations of practice. The Rhinos defensive line seems much improved over last season and consistently whips their teammates on the other side of the line. They need to hit the recruiting trail hard for this area next year. This group just doesn't seem to have the potential to get much better.Comment
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Re: Niagara Rhinos: An Alternate Universe NCAA 14 Dynasty
Dr. Schreibman was a placekicker for Niagara for three seasons starting in 1990. He is still the Rhinos all time leading scorer and has been widely recognized across southern Ontario as a Niagara Rhino superfan. His views do not necessarily express those of Niagara University.
Dr. Irv is in the house! Yesterday I broke down how I see the offense, today it's onto the defense. This group has a lot of seniors in key positions that I expect to carry this unit, but questions remain, primarily with an extremely inexperienced group of cornerbacks.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Stanford Smart was the heart and soul of last season's overstretched defense. One of those guys with a non-stop motor, he lead the team in sacks and tackles for loss. That kind of production is hard to replace, but a guy we haven't lost yet is junior DT Chad Levine. He finished 2nd to Smart in sacks and looks to continue his work as a disruptive force. Junior DE Christian Sykes under performed last season, only recording three sacks. He is being asked to play out of position, as really he is more of a traditional 4-3 edge guy. In the 3-4 he just can't work through the double teams. He added some muscle in the offseason and has looked to be clearly improved in practice. JUCO transfer Jared Tomlinson has performed well in practice and should anchor the other DE spot. Another potential difference maker is Junior DE Lorenzo Patterson who has shown a knack for run stuffing in practice. Beyond that, there isn't a lot of depth. The awesomely named Omarr Hawk was a redshirt last season, but he doesn't appear to have been worth the wait. Showing up to practice out of shape and being easily dominated at the point of attack.
LINEBACKER
This is where experience meets skill on this defense. Seniors are at every starting position with old man Freddie Benson taking Browning's spot as the elder statesmen on the team. He was all over the field last season, leading the team with 83 tackles. This year the coaching staff appears to want Benson more involved in rushing the passer, lining him up as a edge rusher in certain 3-4 alignments. Dennis Lake was stout in run defesne to the strong side last season and seems to be staying in that role this year. In the middle, Senior Tyrell Hargrove was solid against the run last year, but going forward it looks like he will leave the field in certain passing situations to get more speed on the field. Two players that wore redshirts last year look to be the coverage specialists for this group. Sophomores Rezny Warren and converted defensive back JJ Nunneley have seen the majority of reps in the nickel, dime and quarter formations. Nunneley is an interesting case, he has no size for defensive back, let alone linebacker, but he possess plus speed and coverage ability. This group should be much improved from last season, especially in pass coverage.
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CORNERBACK
The recruiting class brought in a half dozen cornerbacks to replace the departing seniors and none of them have looked particularly impressive as of now. That doesn't mean somebody won't emerge, and we expect at least two of the recruits to receive a redshirt. But the real story of this group is redshirt sophomore Christian Ricks. This kid clearly worked his tookus off during the offseason. Without a doubt, he's the best cornerback I've seen on the field since the Rhinos moved to the NCAA. In the grand scheme, he's probably an average MAC cornerback, but that's better than we had last year. Converted free safety Jarod Cooley will likely see most of his snaps this year at cornerback, just like he did last year. A great zone defender, Cooley is suspect in man-to-man due to his relative lack of speed and agility. While none of the recruits have stood out yet, they have been rotating positional assignments. With the exception of Ricks, who they appear content to leave out wide, the rest of the group has switched between outside and slot. This area likely won't fully shake out until a few games into the season.
SAFETY
Strong safety Dabney Britt and free safety Russ Tillman anchor centerfield for the Rhinos. The tape from last year speaks for itself. While not always the greatest in pass coverage, these two were reliable tacklers and stopped most intermediate and big gains from becoming runaway touchdowns. There is a little bit of talent waiting in reserve. Backup free safety Shan Odoms will likely be the primary dime back this season. On the strong safety side, recruit Mario Randazzo will likely get a redshirt, but looks to have a high upside as Britt's probable replacement.Comment
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