The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

[Deuce2223]

2033 OHIO STATE MEDIA GUIDE

TEAM OVERVIEW

With the Buckeyes starting the year #1 in the Polls, all eyes will be on Coach Matt Miller and whether or not he can continue to turn Ohio State back into the National Power they once were.. Winning a Big Ten Title and a National Title in Year 1 well winning 14 games is a great start, but with a new Defensive Coordinator, 8 new starters on Defense and a new completely new backfield (QB/RB/FB), Miller will need to find some new playmakers on both sides of the ball.

THE SCHEDULE

The Buckeyes made 1 major change to this year's schedule.. Originally they were suppose to face a FCS Program in Week 1 but the Buckeyes will instead head to Oxford Ohio to take on the Miami Ohio RedHawks. The Redhawk's are coming off a (8-5) finish last season.

OSU will then return home for their final non-conference matchup vs the Texas Longhorns.. Texas is coming off a very disappointing (7-6) season last year which saw them go just 6-4 in SEC play.

Ohio State's Big Ten schedule looks very familiar to last season as they won't see any of the West Coast teams except for Stanford who makes a trip to Ohio Stadium in Week 4. *One interesting note is due to some scheduling conflicts (CPU errors) OSU will play back to back games on the road @ Nebraska, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Minnesota again this season well also hosting Indiana, Illinois and Michigan for 2 straight seasons. (Really bummed I don't get to play in the Big House).. With the only 3 teams/games changing locations is Penn State Stanford and Notre Dame.. Here is a look at the full schedule. (Last year's record)

Week 1 @ Miami Ohio (8-5)
Week 2 vs Texas (7-5)
Week 3 @ Nebraska (4-8)
Week 4 vs Stanford (6-7)
Week 5 vs#4 Notre Dame (10-4)
Week 6 @ Michigan State (5-7)
Week 7 "Bye"
Week 8 vs Penn State (7-6)
Week 9 @ Minnesota (5-7)
Week 10 vs Indiana (4-8)
Week 11 @ Wisconsin (6-7)
Week 12 vs Illinois (0-12)
Week 13 vs Michigan (8-5)


THE ROSTER

QB
QB1- RS SO Vince Redziniak (80) QB2- JR David Ledford (80), QB3- RS FR Melo Sampson (77) QB4- RS FR Abdul Diabate (76)

Redshirts- FR Demarco Killings (76), FR Alex Jacques (76) FR Jeremiah Nece (75)

"Redziniak will start the year as QB1, but look for Ledford and possibly both Sampson and Diabate to each get a series against Miami OH in Week 1. Ledford is a transfer from West Virginia but in 2 seasons with the Mountaineers he only attempted 4 pass's completing 2 for 24 yds well throwing 1 INT. Diabate also a transfer, didn't see action last season using it to Redshirt.. Redziniak was QB3 last year but never saw the field well Sampson also redshirted last year as a former 3* Athlete recruit"

RB/FB

RB1 RS JR Dave Jones (82) RB2 FR Cameron McCracken (78), RB3 Fredrick Tam (81) Redshirt FR Ja'Quan Britton (76)

FB RS FR Tavares Cooper (71)

"Jones gets first crack at replacing Grubbs at RB1.. He had 31 carries last year for 155 yds (5.0 avg) and 2 TD after registering just 3 carries for 3 yds in his previous 2 seasons. McCracken a 5* Recruit will not redshirt but instead see plenty of action replacing the role of Anfernee Simmons as a RB/WR.. Tam played last year in the National Championship game and recorded 10 carries for 56 yd (5.6 yds) well scoring 2 TD's. He will be the primary change of pace back as well as the primary Goal line RB.. At 6'3 228lbs he has the potential to be a Tavon Logan type back in Coach Miller's Offense. 4* Recruit Ja'Quan Britton will redshirt this year.. Listed at 6'2 228lbs, Britton could transition to FB similar to what Kwabena Strong did well Coach Miller was at FIU. As of now RS FR Taveres Cooper will take over FB duties after redshirting last year.."

WR/TE

WR1 SR Terron Pappoe (87) WR2 Gill Alexander (87) WR3 JR Jabu Gayton (84) WR4 RS FR Nick Tull (82) WR5 RS SO Ja'Darius Abbott (77) WR6 RS JR James Cantrell (76).

Redshirts- SO Ezekiel Tandy (83), FR D'Angelo Lowe (76), FR Gabe Cobb (75), FR Gabe Lanier (75) FR Manny TrueBlood (67)

TE1 RS SO Ceasar Bourgeois (79) TE2 FR Kaleb Poole (74), TE3 FR Gabe Harper (73)

Redshirt- FR Kalen Tabor (75)

"Pappoe is listed as WR1 but he will be the primary Slot WR, well Alexander and Gayton are the Deep Threats. Pappoe finished with 64 rec for 1006 yds and 7 TD last season. Alexander followed up a strong 2031 season (53 rec 813 yds 8 TD) with a even better season last year (48 rec 892 yds 12 TD). Gayton went from not catching a ball in 2031 to recording 61 rec for 1007 yds with 11 TD last season.. He also served as the teams #2 PK and took over Tandy after he was hurt. With Tandy expected to miss the entire season with his injury, he will redshirt this year allowing former 4* Nick Tull to step into the WR4 slot. Ja'Darius Abbot recorded 6 rec for 74 yds last year. He will start the year as WR5, but could be pushed by Buffalo transfer James Cantrell.. 4* Recruit's Lowe/Cobb/Lainer will redshirt with hopes that 2 of them could replace Pappoe and Alexander next year in the starting lineup.. C. Bourgeois is listed as TE1, but he is actually more of a blocker then a receiver and will likely be in for run plays.. Both K. Poole (6'4 85 speed) and G. Harper (6'5 85 speed) are your receiving TE's. look for them to push each other and likely be the primary TE on passing downs."

0-LINE

*Starters*
LT RS JR Montrell Johnson (82) LG RS SO Ethan Whitehurst (89), C RS SO M. Pena (85) RG RS SR George Pool (84) RT RS SR Jimmy Peters (86).

*Reserves*
LT RS SO D. Naanee (78), LG RS FR S. Locke (82) and RS SR R. Neufield (80), C-RS SR P. Norwell (81) RG-SR E. McCray (83) RT- RS FR V. Bee (79) and RS FR R. Kane (79)

*Redshirts*
LT- FR D. Howden (81), FR V. Perkins (77), C FR G. Castonzo (78), RG J. Tipton (75), RT- FR J. Haden (80) FR A. Morton (67)

"With 4 of last year's starters returning, Coach Miller was able to redshirt his (2) 5* O-Line recruits as well as 2 more highly rated 4*.. The O-Line looks pretty solid for the next several seasons which should allow the coaching staff to focus recruiting hours in other areas"

D-LINE

DE RS SO Joel Ezukanma (85) DE- RS FR Mafu Vakapuan (84) DE RS JR John Quintero (85) DE FR Cortez Sumner (75)

With only 4 DE's on the roster all 4 will probably play at some point..Quintero is the veteran of the group and the only run stopper of the 4. Last year he did post 19 tackles with 6 TFL and 2 Sacks which leads the unit out of these 4.

DT- RS SR Rico Stromberg (88) DT RS SO Ethan Sahara (84), DT FR Cole Small (75).

"Stromberg started last year 4th on the depth chart but started but the season's end after 3 injuries to the Top-3. He posted 12 Tackles with 1 TFL and 2.5 sacks. He is one of the Defensive team captains and is just 1 of 3 Seniors on the Defense this year."

LINEBACKERS

*Starters*
OLB RS SO John Perez (90) MLB SR Warren Tyron (89) OLB- JR Rick Henricks (88).

*Reserves*

OLB- RS SO Ben DeLuca (80) OLB Raekwon Selvia (75) MLB-RS SO Jose Giegere (82) MLB RS FR Stan Hoffman (79).

*Redshirts*
MLB- FR Eric Clemens (85), OLB FR Gill Roy (71), OLB FR Phil Rossi (67)

"Perez had a break out year last year recording 49 tackles including 9 TFL and 11.5 Sacks (led the team).. He is a Defensive Team Captain.. Henricks was also a key starter last year recording 58 Tackles with 9 TFL and 8.5 sacks. He is also another Defensive Team Captain. Tryon is a transfer from Marshall where he was a 2 year starter.. He has 124 career tackles but just 3 TFL and 1.5 sacks with 1 INT.. He will start at MLB, giving 5* Recruit Eric Clemens a chance to redshirt.. Clemens is expected to be a 4 year starter once he hits the field"

DEFENSIVE BACKS

*Starters*
CB- RS SO Nick Coastanzo (88) CB- JR Faitele Nauta (87) FS- RS SR Bryce Gunn (83) SS- FR Greg Robinson (80)

*Reserves*
CB RS JR V. Ibrahim (86), RS SO F. Pounds (86) RS SO J. Bulaga (85)

FS RS SO R. Darliek (79) RS SO X. Michael (77),

SS-RS SO P. Barnhardt (80) RS FR P. Shoefield (78)

"Coastanzo is the only returning starter from this unit. He was CB1 last year and recorded 52 Tackles with 2 INT. Nauta is actually a Michigan transfer who last year posted 17 Tackles and 1 INT. He moves into the CB2 spot. Ibrahim played alot last year as a Nickle/Dimeback recording 42 tackles with 1 INT. Pounds also saw action as the slot CB recording 35 Tackles with 1 INT. SS Greg Robinson is a former 5* Recruit and on of the highest rated recruits in the Buckeyes class last year. He won the job at SS and is expected to be a 4 year starter. He was named a Team Captain..

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK- SR Monty Carty (73)
"Carty a 3 year starter had his best season last year connecting on 20/21 FG attempts with a long of 47 yds..

P- RS SO Isaiah Mangen (74)
"Mangen takes over Punting duties with the graduation of last year's punter.

KR/PR- RS SO Jason Bulaga (79)
"With Tandy redshirting because of his injury, Bulaga will have first crack at the teams KR/PR duties.. He boasts 99 speed and 94 ACC and as the teams #5 CB he isn't really used much on Defense allow him to focus 100% on the return game"

RECRUITING

Ohio State goes into the season with 75 of their 85 scholarships used. The OSU Roster is made up of 11 Seniors, 9 Juniors, 20 Soph's and a mix of 35 Redshirted and True Freshman..

Coach Miller will look to probably use 20-25 scholarships this season with the expectations that a few players will either leaving early for the NFL, Transfer or be encouraged to transfer (QB's).

Of the 11 Seniors, 7 are on Offense, 3 on Defense and then Carty the PK. Of the 7 Offensive players 2 are WR and 5 are on the 0-Line.. With only 7 Defensive lineman (DE/DT) combined.. Coach Miller will look to focus on bring on more depth on the D-Line.

[redsox907]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

I feel like replacing defensive guys is always easier than skill positions. I like the decision of playing a local team as a "pre-season" warm up for the start of the real schedule. Going to be interesting how long of a leash Redzniak gets if he struggles early, they're all pretty close ratings wise.

[Careless Whisper]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Didn't take long for an OSU/FIU showdown in the CFP - and it's fitting that it was for the title. Echoing redsox's note on Coach Miller's interactions with his former players, that was a nice touch and really added to the storyline. Congrats on the natty - I'm excited to see what's the plan to repeat with Breida off to the NFL.

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Didn't take long for an OSU/FIU showdown in the CFP - and it's fitting that it was for the title. Echoing redsox's note on Coach Miller's interactions with his former players, that was a nice touch and really added to the storyline. Congrats on the natty - I'm excited to see what's the plan to repeat with Breida off to the NFL.

Yeah it's always tough playing against the kids you recruited. I had a hard time doing it.in College Hoops.on 2k8 and back on NCAA14. I think it's even harder when your playing against them with both teams fighting for a National Title.. I really hope in future versions of the game (maybe even next year).that they give you a option.to.try and pursue your former players to join you at your new school.. It happens IRL all.the time. We just saw the WSU QB head to Oklahoma because of a coaching connection.. heck half the team left Marshall to.go.to Southern Miss cause if.of.the HC.

I would've loved the option to try and take some Panthers with me, and then to.not even have a single.1 interested in OSU in the portal would never happen in real life

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

I feel like replacing defensive guys is always easier than skill positions. I like the decision of playing a local team as a "pre-season" warm up for the start of the real schedule. Going to be interesting how long of a leash Redzniak gets if he struggles early, they're all pretty close ratings wise.

Always enjoy playing instate opponents.. The MAC schools are all between 80-82.Overall, so they are not horrible but at the same time.should give me a solid game took at all the QB's.. Red's had the highest awareness of all gjr guys but I don't know how critical that # plays into my actual play style vs how.critical that # is when you sim

[Bigsheen]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Pretty awesome story winning the Natty against FIU. It's funny how even when we don't have control of things, they still work out in favor of a good story. I also am envious of your ability to rip through a season in a flash

I think it's going to be a lot of fun with all the turnaround on both sides of the ball. 8 new guys on defense will surely take some getting used to, but not as much as the new skill positions on offense. Especially when all the options are so close together in skill and relatively untested in previous seasons.

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Pretty awesome story winning the Natty against FIU. It's funny how even when we don't have control of things, they still work out in favor of a good story. I also am envious of your ability to rip through a season in a flash

I think it's going to be a lot of fun with all the turnaround on both sides of the ball. 8 new guys on defense will surely take some getting used to, but not as much as the new skill positions on offense. Especially when all the options are so close together in skill and relatively untested in previous seasons.

Thanks. It was a fun season and the nice part it didn't matter who won cause either way I was a winner

As far as flying through the season I had a couple.things going to for. 1) COD sucks right.now.amd honestly i have zero.desire to play it's even when friends send me invites.. 2) my.wife is a gamer and we don't have kids most.nightz we eat dinner and then I am pretty much free to play games for 2-3 hours...however she did by Kingdom Come Deliverence II this weekend and I started it up (only like 30 mins in i can tell that game.could become addictive similar.to like Fallout/Skyrim.

For me on Defense I typically stick to 1 Defender.for.the whole play. Last year.my DE's sucked so my goto was typically OLB John Perez. He ended up getting 11.5 sacks and with off-seeason training jumped to a 90 Overall
. Hopefully some.od.theae new guys will make.some plays cause it's hard to.score 40 ppg so you can win each week

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

2033 FIU MEDIA GUIDE

TEAM OVERVIEW



FIU starts the year #2, the same ranking the finished with last year as the nation's runner-up. With 7 straight Playoffs, 6 trips to the Semi-Finals and 4 trips the National Championship game winning 2 and losing 2, the question now is how long will Coach Valdez stick around.. After back to back years as the the Natty runner up (Kentucky and FIU) one could say he is the hottest coach in the country not named Matt Miller..

THE SCHEDULE

FIU schedule is pretty similar to year's past. With 10 ACC games, FIU can only play 2 non-conference opponents and for a 5th year in a row since leaving CUSA 1 of those opponents will be FAU in the "Shula Bowl" in Week 3.. Their other opponent will be in Week 0 as they travel to Orlando Florida to take on the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium.. UCF went (8-5) Overall last season going (6-4) in Pac-12/14 play. FIU will play 4 of it's first 5 games at home this season at Pitbull Stadium giving them a great shot opening up with a (4-1) or 5-0 type start With their biggest challenge coming in Week 5 as they host #5 Miami with Rutgers taking the place of their opponent on "Senior Day" in Week 13.. Here is a full look at the schedule.

Week 0 @ UCF
Week 1 vs NC State
Week 2 vs Duke
Week 3 vs FAU "Shula Bowl"
Week 4 "Bye"
Week 5 vs #5 Miami "King's Crown/Key's to the City"
Week 6 @ Liberty
Week 7 @ West Virginia
Week 8 "Bye"
Week 9 vs ECU
Week 10 @ Wake Forest
Week 11 vs #13 Virginia
Week 12 vs Georgia Tech
Week 13 vs Rutgers "Senior Day"

THE ROSTER

(Overall), (T)=True Freshman who is active (R)= Freshman who will Redshirt (RS)=Player who has already Redshirted..

2033 FIU PANTHERS
#	OFFENSE	POS	HT	WT	CLASS	HOMETOWN
5	Kevin Pounds (89)	QB	6'4	192	RS SO	Melbourne FL
3	Byron Ingram (84)	QB	6'0	206	RS JR	Madison GA
16	Kenyon Angerer (81)	QB	6'2	188	RS JR	Houston TX
14	Jose Lambo (73)	QB	6'4	213	RS FR	Jacksonville FL
12	Faitele Lutui (72)	QB	6'3	195	(R) FR	Dickinson TX
31	Taylor Coxie (89)	RB	5'10	185	RS SR	Tulsa OK
9	Anfernee Rasmussen (87)	RB/QB	5'11	200	RS JR	Oxford MS
34	Marvin Ware (87)	RB	5'11	193	RS SO	Lake Minneola FL
2	Emari Allotey (87)	RB	5'11	197	RS SO	Starke FL
22	Tim Trinidad (83)	RB	6'3	225	RS SO	Apopka FL
25	Keary Byler (78)	RB	5'11	194	RS FR	Minneapolis MN
24	Trent Gage (72)	RB/FB	5'10	229	RS FR	Pensacola FL
36	Joshua Marmarosa (68)	RB	6'0	195	(R) FR	Richmond TX
46	Alejandro Higgins (83)	FB	6'0	235	RS SO	Killen TX
47	Darrius Johnson (79)	FB	6'0	234	RS SO	Germantown TN
84	Emari Boenzi (91)	WR	6'1	193	RS JR	Douglasville GA
86	Montrell Muamba (87)	WR	5'9	171	RS JR	Eagle Lake FL
87	Ian Kamula (86)	WR	6'4	207	RS SO	Clearwater FL
7	Devin Kennedy (86)	WR	6'2	204	RS FR	Franklin TN
10	Walter Abiamiri (85)	WR	6'4	195	RS JR	Fort Myers FL
1	Carlos Badet (84)	WR	6'1	212	RS SR	Lakeland FL
81	Edward Marshall (84)	WR	6'4	208	RS FR	Zephyrhills FL
6	SteveTrapasso (80)	WR	6'4	199	RS SR	Miami FL
4	Eric Longo (79)	WR	6'5	215	RS SO	Daytona Beach FL
80	Ahmad Villian (85)	TE	6'4	248	SR	Sarosta FL
45	Cam Coxie (78)	TE	6'6	255	RS FR	Nashville TN
89	Creed Gay (75)	TE	6'6	235	SO	Lexington MS
76	Deon Judge (85)	LT	6'4	325	RS JR	Louisville KY
68	Trea Lamar (79)	LT	6'4	309	RS FR	Martinsburg WV
60	Dillion Shakir (90)	LG	6'4	319	RS SR	Rockledge FL
59	Quincy Stokes (90)	C	6'3	308	RS SR	Fort Lauderdale FL
57	Marques Post (84)	C	6'3	329	RS SR	Miami FL
69	Kevin Liedtke (82)	C	6'0	296	RS JR	Tyrone GA
62	Mitchell Cash (64)	C	6'0	284	(R) FR	Akron OH
53	Finau Manuwai (85)	RG	6'4	287	RS SO	Honolulu HI
71	Stephon Avril (84)	RG	6'5	322	RS SO	Kansas City MO
63	Stefon Boren (79)	RG	6'5	287	RS FR	Fort Lauderdale FL
66	Trey Vizcainio (91)	RT	6'5	301	RS JR	Chandler AZ
67	Kierre Coffman (81)	RT	6'7	323	(R) FR	Littleton CO
70	Rob Kent (80)	RT	6'7	305	RS FR	Gurnee IL
#	DEFENSE	POS	HT	WT	CLASS	HOMETOWN
96	Kerry St Pierre (88)	DE	6'3	278	RS SO	Nashville TN
90	Ramon Torrez (80)	DE	6'6	247	RS FR	Plantation FL
93	Ify Owusu (89)	DE	6'3	263	RS SR	Albuquerque NM
98	Malachi Clifton (85)	DE	6'2	276	RS SO	Jacksonville FL
99	Treyvon Sharpe (79)	DE	6'6	257	RS JR	Miami FL
97	Trayvon Leo (71)	DE	6'4	243	(R) FR	Lehigh Acres FL
71	Montrell Boyett (85)	DT	6'6	260	RS JR	Fort Meade FL
72	Jason Peters (85)	DT	6'3	281	RS SO	Havana FL
94	Stephen Ezeike (83)	DT	6'3	291	(R) FR	Logansport LA
91	Brian Small (81)	DT	6'5	251	RS FR	Miami FL
44	Chester Provo (87)	OLB	6'0	228	RS FR	Miami FL
39	Cade Faulk (98)	MLB	6'2	239	RS SR	Honolulu HI
25	Avery Grubbs (86)	M/OLB	6'2	226	RS FR	Bradenton FL
10	Tremaine Swope (80)	M/OLB	6'1	233	RS FR	Tallahassee FL
3	Phil McKissic (80)	MLB	6'2	230	(R) FR	Cincinnati OH
40	Alex Murphy (79)	MLB	6'1	217	JR	Lawndale CA
41	Marques Carter (70)	MLB	6'1	238	(R) FR	Pocatello ID
29	Dillion Brown (88)	OLB	6'1	220	RS SO	Miami FL
38	Josh Cushing (72)	OLB	6'4	244	(R) FR	Orlando FL
49	Richard Cleveland (68)	OLB	6'3	226	(R) FR	Berea KY
11	Gerald Sykes (88)	CB	6'0	201	RS JR	Navarre FL
24	Cordale Ryder (87)	CB	5'11	194	RS SR	Jacksonville FL
13	Barry Maddux (81)	CB	6'1	197	(T) FR	Charlotte NC
8	Major Mentor (77)	CB	6'0	203	(T) FR	Fort Lauderdale FL
27	Josh Morales (69)	CB	6'2	189	(R) FR	Miami FL
2	Brian Gutierrez (84)	FS	6'3	204	RS FR	Miami FL
6	Dylan Boggs (81)	FS	5'11	204	RS FR	Dewitt MI
21	Leati Mahi'ai (70)	FS	5'10	189	(T) FR	Jacksonville FL
12	Parker Huber (69)	FS	6'0	200	(R) FR	Fort Lauderdale FL
28	Demarcus Fiegueroa (68)	FS	6'2	204	(R) FR	Tallahassee FL
16	Mac Bhargava (68)	FS/SS	6'1	200	(R) FR	Venice FL
14	Tyreke Harmon (82)	SS	6'2	217	RS JR	Auburndale FL
#	SPECIAL TEAMS	POS	HT	WT	CLASS	HOMETOWN
13	Trevor Costanzo (65)	PK	6'2	176	(T) FR	Brooksville FL
10	Anfernee Awe (67)	P	6'3	195	(T) FR	Honolulu HI

QUARTERBACK

Kevin Pounds returns to his role as QB1.. Pounds finished #2 in the Heisman voting last season as well as #2 in the Maxwell behind Miami's Legend Coffee. The 2 will battle it again as Coffee elected to return for his Senior season.

Pounds has 6049 yds passing with 57 TD and 10 INT between his 2032 season and playing 4 games in 2031 as a True Freshman well keeping his Redshirt status. Pounds also has 740 rushing yards over his career with 8 TD's and is actually the returning leading rusher from last season with the graduation of Terrance Cantwell.

This season RS JR Bryon Ingram beat out fellow RS JR Kenyon Angerer for the QB2 duties after a great spring game (training).

RB/FB

Oklahoma transfer Taylor Coxie won the RB1 job this spring, but Coxie is coming off a injury last season that saw him carry the ball just 7 times for 7 yds before being shutdown for the season.. For his career in 4 seasons with the Sooners, Coxie has 52 carries for 197 yds and 4 TD.

Marvin Ware (71 carries 327 yds 5 TD) will be the #2RB, but will also share some carries with former QB Anfernee Rasmussen (13 carries 56 yds) and former WR Emari Allotey as well a RS SO Tim Trinidad (21 carries 115 yds 5 TD)..

Trinidad listed at 6'3 225lb will fill the role of Power back as well as be the main RB in Goal line packages..

FB Alejandro Higgins beat out Darrius Johnson for the starting FB job this season after a great spring (Training).

WIDE RECEIVER

Former 5* Emari Boenzi had a record breaking season last year finishing with 104 rec (record) 1568 yds (33 shy of record) and 21 TD's (record) He is listed as WR1 but will play the bulk of the snaps out of the slot.

RS JR Walter Abiamiri steps into the WR2 role that was held by Dom Meeks. Abiamiri has 76 rec for 1590 yds and 13 TD over the last 2 seasons as the team's #4.. He will look to see if he can duplicate those #'s in 1 season.

SR Carlos Badet (66 rec 1295 yds 10 TD), JR Montrel Muamba (30 rec 546 yds 6 TD) and SR Steve Trapasso (41 rec 539 yds 8 T) offer plenty of experience for the #3/#5 slots on the team but they will be pushed for P.T. and looks their way by former 5* D. Kennedy and E. Marshall as well as RS SO Ian Kamula who had 5 rec for 85 yds and 1 TD last season.

TIGHTEND

SR A. Vilain (7 rec 152 yds 2 TD) will get fist crack at replacing Earl Godwin as TE1, but look for both Creed Gay and Cam Coxie to get some looks. Both are listed at 6'6 and should make for great redzone targets for Pounds.

0-LINE

The Starting 5 unit could be one of the best in the nation as all 5 are potential NFL draft picks 4 of the 5 are returning starters from last season with RG F. Manuwai stepping into the starting lineup to replace Cory Brewster who as a 2nd round pick.

The Reserve 5 unit could honestly start probably for over half of the other teams in the country..

D-LINE

Former 5* Recruit Kerry St Pierre is the returning sack leader (8.5 over 17 games) well SR DE Ify Owusu has recorded just 5 sacks in 3 seasons opening the door for RS FR R. Torrez, RS SO M. Clifton and Missouri Transfer JR T. Sharpe all to get opportunities to see if they can provide some type of QB pressure..

DT's JR M. Boyett and SO J. Peters were both reserves last year.. For now they will get a chance to start, but 5* Recruit Stephen Ezieke is currently scheduled to redshirt but he could be called upon if DC Penix can't find a pass rush.

LB'S

Former 5* Recruit RS FR Chester Provo and RS SO Dillon Brown join the starting lineup on the outside. Brown had a great spring (training jumping 8 points) Everyone was shocked when MLB Cade Faulk announced he was returning for his final season.. A Team captain who has averaged over 100 tackles the past 2 seasons would've probably been a 1st Round lock has he turned Pro last year.

With Faulk's return, Provo's abilities and Brown's improvement, this unit could be considered one of the most talented in the nation.

DB's

Former WR recruits turned DB's JR Gerald Sykes (2 INT's last year) and Tyreke Harmon are leaders of the secondary now but FIU will also have CB Cordale Ryder back as well.. Ryder a 2 year starter has 5 career INT's.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Gone is 4 year PK Taj Dozier. and P. R. Nava.. If Pounds does his job well, then fan's hopefully won't see much of either of these guy's.

5* Recruit Barry Maddox is currently slated to be the KR/PR #1 well also handling the CB3 duties, RS SO Emari Allotey will also help as well. Allotey returned 34 KR last year for 768 yds (22.6 avg).

RECRUITING

FIU goes into the season with 75 scholarship athletes giving them 10 open scholarships to use as well 10 scholarships on current Seniors giving them a total of 20 for this season. Coach Valdez could look to use some encourage transfer slots to open up a few more but with several highly rated Juniors who could leave early for the NFL draft already in play, I would expect FIU to look to use around 25 scholarships this season.

The rest of the roster consists of (14 Juniors, 15 Soph's and a combined 36 Redshirt and True Freshman)

Of the 10 Seniors, 7 are on Offense including 1 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE and 3 O-Line). The other 3 players are 1 DE, 1 MLB, and 1 CB) giving Coach Valdez plenty of flexibility to choose what positions to strengthen this season.

[xboxxerx]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Man... to me, it looks like FIU's front half schedule wise is going to be harder than the 2nd half.

Sent from my SM-S928U using Operation Sports mobile app

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

PANTHERS GO OLD SCHOOL

Florida International Golden Panthers at UCF Knights
Aug 27, 2033	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#2 Florida International Golden Panthers ((0-0))	14	14	14	9	51
UCF Knights ((0-0))	7	21		8	36

Team Stats Comparison
	FIU	UCF
Total Offense	672	273
Rushing Yards	329	24
Passing Yards	343	237
First Downs	35	12
Punt Return Yards	15	0
Kick Return Yards	81	93
Total Yards	768	366
Turnovers	3	2
3rd Down Conversion	13/17	4/8
4th Down Conversion	1/1	0/0
2-Point Conversion	0/1	1/1
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	3-0-37%	2-0-50%
Penalties	4-50	2-21
Possession Time	27:32	12:28

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		FIU	UCF
7:07	(UCF) R. Reyna 5 yd pass from J. Lole (PAT)	0	7
3:11	(FIU) T. Trinidad 1 yd run (PAT)	7	7
0:00	(FIU) W. Abimiri 38 yd pass from K. Pounds (PAT)	14	7
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		FIU	UCF
7:42	(UCF) L. DeVoe 7 yd pass from J. Lole (PAT)	14	14
4:11	(UCF) C. Najvar 78 yd INT return (PAT)	14	21
1:53	(FIU) T. Trinidad 37 yd run (PAT)	21	21
1:20	(UCF) M. Chambers 73 yd pass from J. Lole (PAT)	21	28
0:23	(FIU) I. Kamalu 3 yd pass from K. Pounds (PAT)	28	28
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		FIU	UCF
2:01	(FIU) T. Trinidad 1 yd run (PAT)	35	28
0:00	(FIU) T. Coxie 77 yd run (PAT)	42	28
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		FIU	UCF
5:27	(UCF) C. Najvar 72 yd INT return (2pt Good)	42	36
1:39	(FIU) T. Costanzo 46 yd FG	45	36
0:33	(FIU) T. Trinidad 30 yd run (2pt No Good)	51	36

GAME RECAP

The FIU Panthers went on the road and won their 2033 Season opener with a (51-36) victory over UCF this week.

Heisman candidate RS SO QB Kevin Pounds had a rough go of it completing just 52% of his pass's (21/40) for 343 yds with 2 TD's and 3 INT's.

Of those 3 INT's UC turned 2 of them into "Pick 6" touchdowns as SR CB Cesar Najvar scores both with returns of 72 and and 78 yds including one in midway through the 4th Quarter to cut the lead to (42-36).

With Pounds struggling, Offensive Coordinator Clayton Dees would dial up the ground game as the Panthers grind out 329 yds on the day with 46 carries including 5 of them for touchdowns.

Oklahoma transfer Taylor Coxie looked like the next Doak Walker Award winner with 19 carries for 181 yds including a 77 yd touchdown and RS SO Tim Trinidad added 4 scores on the day finishing the game with 14 carries for 95 yds.

WR Emarzi Boenzi started where he left off last season leading the Panthers with 7 rec for 110 yds on the day well Walter Abiamiri added 3 rec for 86 yds and 1 TD and RS SO Ian Kamula added 6 rec for 68 yds and 1 TD.

On Defense SR DE Ify Owusu and former 5* Kerry St Pierre both picked up sacks on the day and SR MLB Cade Faulk and True Freshman CB Major Mentor both finished with a INT each..

UCF QB RS SO Julius Love (79 ovr) finished the day 14/25 (56%) for 237 yds with 3 TD and the 2 INT's.

UP NEXT

FIU will now return home to host NC State for a Week 1 ACC matchup before continuing a 4 game home stand ending with #5 Miami in Week 5.

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Man... to me, it looks like FIU's front half schedule wise is going to be harder than the 2nd half.

Sent from my SM-S928U using Operation Sports mobile app

Well I just finished the UCF game and they did give me a run for my money, I don't think the so.. I play 4 straight home games... I like our chances against Miami without their home crowd, but it will still be a tough came.. Coffee (88 ovr) is back and their RB Flowers is a 97 Ovr and they still got D. Yancey (94) and A Draft (90) as their Top-2 WR's and they got 2 solid TE's.

Honestly if we can't get past Miami I think this schedule gives us our best shot at finishing a perfect 12-0. WE have Liberty, West Virginia and Wake Forest on the road with everyone else at home.

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

BUCKEYES FLAT DOMINATE

Ohio State Buckeyes at Miami (OH) RedHawks
Sep 3, 2033	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Ohio State Buckeyes ((0-0))	24	21	14	16	75
Miami (OH) RedHawks ((0-0))	0	0	7	0	7

Team Stats Comparison
	OSU	M-OH
Total Offense	706	171
Rushing Yards	181	18
Passing Yards	525	137
First Downs	37	8
Punt Return Yards	17	0
Kick Return Yards	43	88
Total Yards	766	259
Turnovers	1	3
3rd Down Conversion	10/13	3/11
4th Down Conversion	2/2	1/2
2-Point Conversion
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	4-1-41%
Penalties	1-15	1-5
Possession Time	26:30	13:30

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		OSU	M-OH
7:50	(OSU) G. Alexander 23 yd pass from V. Redziniak (PAT)	7	0
5:07	(OSU) G. Alexander 74 yd pass from V. Redziniak (PAT)	14	0
3:37	(OSU) W. Tryon 33 yd Fumble Return (PAT)	21	0
1:53	(OSU) M. Carty 21 yd FG	24	0
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		OSU	M-OH
6:19	(OSU) F. Tam 1 yd run (PAT)	31	0
2:53	(OSU) D. Jones 22 yd run (PAT)	38	0
0:43	(OSU) J. Abbott 21 yd pass from V. Redziniak (PAT)	45	0
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		OSU	M-OH
7:18	(M-OH) T. Etienne 29 yd pass from C. Schooley (PAT)	45	7
3:00	(OSU) T. Pappoe 1 yd pass from D. Ledford (PAT)	52	7
0:00	(OSU) G. Alexander 60 yd pass from D. Ledford (PAT)	59	7
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		OSU	M-OH
6:46	(OSU) C. McCracken 1 yd run (PAT)	66	7
6:19	(OSU) C. McCracken 3 yd run (PAT)	73	7
0:29	(OSU) Team Safety	75	7

GAME RECAP

Ohio State came into the year wondering just how good their offense might be.. Well after today, I would say really good and the Defense played pretty good too..

Ohio State flat out dominated the game from start to finish.. The QB Battle doesn't appear to be over as RS SO Vince Redziniak and West Virginia transfer JR David Ledford both played great games.

Redzniak threw 3 TD's in the 1st half including a 73 yd bomb to SR Gil Alexander who also caught Redzniak's first career TD to start the game.

Redzniak would finish the 1st half 15/22 (68%) for 295 yds with the 3 TD's as Ohio State also got a Defensive touchdown as MLB W. Tyron picks up the Fumble and rumbles in from 33 yds out in the 1st Quarter to make it (21-0).

The Buckeyes also got 4 rushing TD's including 2 in the 2nd Quarter including a 38 yd TD run by Dave Jones the Alaska Air Force Brat to give OSU the commanding (45-0) lead at the half.

The Redhawks opened up the 2nd half with their only score of the game as RS SO Carl Schooley hits his JR TE Titus Etiene on a 29 yd score to make it (45-7) but Ledford would come into the game and throw (2) 3rd Quarter touchdowns including a 60 yd bomb to Gil Alexander to give the SR WR the Hat trick on the day.

Ledford would play just the 3rd Quarter completing 10/11 (90%) for 173 yds with the 2 TD.

Leading 59-7 going into the 4th, Ohio State would turn to the ground game as True Freshman Cameron McCracken took over in the backfield..

McCracken would score twice in the 4th Quarter carrying the ball a team high 15 times for 63 yds (4.2 avg) well also hauling in a 17 yd pass from RS FR Melo Sampson who closed out the game.

Sampson was the only QB to struggle today as he completes just 6/10 pass's for 57 yds and he was the only one to throw a INT as the Redhawks pick off a intended TD pass to Guyton at the 2 yd line.

The Buckeye D would rush Schooley though forcing a fumble that turned into a safety for the final 2 points of the game.

KEY BUCKS

QB V. Redziniak-15/22 (68%) 295 yds 3 TD, sacked twice, 4 carries 6 yds
QB D. Ledford 10/11 (90%) 173 yds 2 TD
QB M. Sampson 6/10 (60%) 57 yds 1 INT

RB C. McCracken-15 carries 63 yds 2 TD, 1 rec 17 yds
RB D. Jones-8 carries 69 yds 1 TD, 1 rec 9 yds
RB F. Tam-4 carries 37 yds 1 TD

WR G. Alexander-7 rec 223 yds 3 TD
WR J. Gayton-7 rec 83 yds
WR N. Tull-4 rec 76 yds
WR J. Abbott-3 rec 62 yds 1 TD
WR T. Pappoe-8 rec 55 yds 1 TD

MLB S. Hoffman 2 sacks 1 Force Fumble
OLB R. Hendrick 1 sack 1 Force Fumble
MLB W. Tryon- 1 Fumble recovery 1 TD.
DE M. Vakapuna 1 sack
FS R. Darilek- 1 INT


UP NEXT

Ohio State will return home to host Texas in Week 2..

[redsox907]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Run a two QB system with whoever has the hot hand.

Nice opening win for both squads, although the FIU defense looked a tad suspect

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Run a two QB system with whoever has the hot hand.

Nice opening win for both squads, although the FIU defense looked a tad suspect

I definitely want to get another look at at least Ledford for sure. He had a couple great plays and to go 9/10 in just the 3rd Quarter i was impressed. Redziniak actually played better then his stats showed.. his first 3 pass attempts where all.drops. He did have a couple bad over throws, 1 of them cost us a TD and we settled for the FG. But yeah for.now I think it's a 2 QB system with each probably getting a full half against Texas unless Redziniak comes out and throws a ciuple.early.INT's.

As far as FIU's Defense i.actually felt they played okay. I still need to.fimd a better pass rush on both teams, but the fact that we only gave up 1 big play TD is pretty good. Those INTS killed us. I don't know if Pounf is trying to get a NIL deal for his own Roller Coaster or.just a off night. But not Pick 6's were him/me trying to throw into.double coverage them i should've probably just tucked it and ran

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

WEEK 1 RECAP

**Note to followers/readers.. I don't plan on playing every game as FIU.. Similar to last year there will be games that I will play and those will still get a full writeup.. Especially games like Miami and and Top-25 opponents (Virginia) as well as probably ECU (it's been a fun rivalry) and probably FAU. The rest of the games I will just recap during the Weekly Recap.**


FIU MOVES TO 2-0

The Panthers jumped out to a early (14-0) lead in the 1st Quarter, but NC State fought back to make it scoring twice in the 2nd Quarter to cut the lead to (21-14). The 3rd Quarter was scoreless, and the Wolfpack actually tied the game early in the 4th (21-21) before FIU answered with 2 scores to close out the game.. Final Score FIU-35 NC State-21

QB Kevin Pounds finished the game 21/30 (70%) for 325 yds with 2 TD.

Oklahoma transfer Taylor Coxie led FIU with 12 carries for 99 yds on the ground.

JR WR Emari Boenzi is making a strong case to get his name included in the Heisman talk. Boenzi had a 44 yd rushing TD, to go along with a team high 8 receptions for 165 yds and 2 TD.

OTHER TOP-25 NEWS

Despite FIU's win and (2-0) record, the Panthers were jumped this week in the Top-25 as #6 Georgia moves to #2 with a (38-30) win over #8 Clemson.

With the loss the Tigers dropped to #8.

Clemson wasn't the only Top-10 team to fall in Week 1..

#4 Notre Dame fell to (0-2) on the season (They lost in Week 0 to BC) losing a early Big Ten matchup with #3 Oregon (20-14).. Norte Dame fell like a sack of potatoes dropping to #23, well the Ducks dropped 1 spot to take over #4 with FIU taking their #3 spot.


#7 UNC lost to #15 Arkansas (21-7) and fell to #13 well the Hogs jumped up 9 spots to #6.

#9 Kansas State also took a major nose dive with a (34-26) loss to unranked TAMU. With the loss the Wildcats are now #21.


#10 Virginia Tech lost their season opener (24-23) to #18 Florida State but lucky for them they only drop 4 spots to #14. The Seminoles on the other hand jump 8 spots to #10

#16 Purdue drops 9 spots to #25 this week after a (45-17) loss to #22 Tulane. With the win the Green Wave moves to #17.

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SCORES

#5 Miami beat Duke (30-3) to win their season opener.

#17 Boise State opened up their season with a (24-22) win over UCLA.

#14 Kentucky beat FAU (38-28) and jumped to #11

#24 Florida beat UCF (59-3) as the Knights drop to 0-2 on the season.

#25 Charlotte won their season opener (27-16) over FCS East and moved to #24.