Coach Chambers' Journey to the Top: The Catastrophic Chippewas | A Relegation Dynasty

[jpfine]

Rittenberg Roundup: Around the League - Week 11

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
November 3, 2013
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Indianapolis, IN - The FBS toned it down a little bit this week, with only two teams in the Top 5 losing. With the crazy "big team versus big team" every week, there are only two teams left undefeated - Nebraska, who is in Tier 1 and has had one of the toughest schedules in the nation, and Cincinnati, who resides in Tier 4, at the moment.

NCAA Football Rankings - AP Top 25 - Updated: Nov 10, 2013
RK	LW	TEAM (VOTES)	W	L	POINTS
1	1	Nebraska (37)	8	0	1501
2	4	Cincinnati (24)	8	0	1273
3	5	Texas A&M	7	2	1066
4	6	Notre Dame	7	2	1038
5	8	Virginia Tech	8	1	957
6	3	Washington	8	1	917
7	9	Alabama	8	2	913
8	12	Iowa	8	1	909
9	2	Missouri	8	1	906
10	10	Michigan	7	2	893
11	11	Ohio State	6	3	828
12	13	Oklahoma	6	3	756
13	15	Kansas State	7	3	688
14	16	South Carolina	7	3	687
15	17	UCLA	6	3	617
16	7	Louisville	7	3	566
17	19	Ole Miss	6	4	546
18	23	Utah	7	3	523
19	20	Texas	5	4	510
20	22	NC State	8	2	501
21	24	Northern Ilinois	7	2	406
22	--	Wisconsin	5	4	380
23	25	Auburn	6	3	361
24	--	Boise State	6	3	340
25	14	Florida State	6	4	338

Both Missouri and Washington lost to ranked teams this week, ending their undefeated seasons. Additionally, Louisville fell to a mediocre Wisconsin team. That wrapped it up for the teams in the Top 10 who lost, and only Louisville fell out of the Top 10 after the loss to Wisconsin. This week, heavyweights Nebraska and Washington face off in Lincoln to help decide the title race in the western end of the first tier.

Top 25 Results
(1) Nebraska def. Washington State, 42-35
(23) Utah def. (2) Missouri, 37-21
(12) Iowa def. (3) Washington, 31-14
(4) Cincinnati def. UL Lafayette, 28-21
(5) Texas A&M def. TCU, 42-38
(6) Notre Dame def. West Virginia, 31-24
Wisconsin def. (7) Louisville, 44-20
(8) Virginia Tech def. Miami (FL), 21-17
(9) Alabama def. LSU, 38-17
(10) Michigan def. (14) Florida State, 17-14
(11) Ohio State def. Clemson, 45-24
(13) Oklahoma def. Baylor, 35-10
(15) Kansas State def. Oregon State, 24-21
(16) South Carolina def. Georgia, 45-10
(17) UCLA def. Arizona, 24-6
Vanderbilt def. (18) Florida, 30-27 (OT)
(19) Ole Miss def. Central Arkansas, 33-7
Colorado def. (21) BYU, 28-21
(22) NC State def. Penn State, 41-3
(24) Northern Illinois def. Duke, 31-24
(25) Auburn def. Tennessee, 34-10

Top 25 Matchups
(1) Nebraska (8-0) vs (6) Washington (8-1)
(2) Cincinnati (8-0) vs Rutgers (5-3)
(3) Texas A&M (7-2) vs Baylor (3-6)
(4) Notre Dame (7-2) vs Clemson (2-7)
(5) Virginia Tech (8-1) vs (10) Michigan (7-2)
(8) Iowa (8-1) vs Oregon State (4-5)
(9) Missouri (8-1) vs Iowa State (5-4)
(11) Ohio State (6-3) vs West Virginia (3-6)
(12) Oklahoma (6-3) vs Tulsa (8-2)
(13) Kansas State (7-3) vs Oregon (4-5)
(14) South Carolina (7-3) vs Florida (5-4)
(15) UCLA (6-3) vs TCU (4-6)
(16) Louisville (7-3) vs Mississippi State (6-4)
(19) Texas (5-4) vs Arizona (4-5)
(21) Northern Illinois (7-2) vs Troy (5-4)
(22) Wisconsin (5-4) vs Virginia (2-6)
(23) Auburn (6-3) vs Georgia (4-5)
(24) Boise State (6-3) vs Texas Tech (4-5)

Relegation Watch
Tier 1
SEC: Georgia Tech (3-6, 1-6)
Pac-12: Baylor (3-6, 1-6)
Tier 2
Big Ten: Virginia (2-6, 1-6)
Big 12: California (1-8, 1-6)
Tier 3
ACC: Wake Forest (3-6, 0-6)
American: Louisiana Tech (2-7, 1-6)
Tier 4: UL Lafayette (4-4, 1-4)
Tier 5: North Texas (1-6, 1-4)
Tier 6: Memphis (1-7, 0-5)
Tier 7: Idaho (1-7, 1-4)

Heisman Watch - Updated: Nov 10, 2013
NAME	POS	SCHOOL		SEASON STATS
Jesse Hines	QB	Texas A&M		177-305, 2309 Yds, 139 Car, 701 Yds, 33 TDs
Kyle Cox	QB	Nebraska		158-236, 1946 Yds, 103 Car, 551 Yds, 30 TDs
Kenneth Kelly	HB	Iowa		148 Car, 923 Yds, 19 Rec, 302 Yds, 15 TDs
Ryan Jones	QB	Louisville		158-291, 2231 Yds, 143 Car, 656 Yds, 27 TDs
Robert Jackson	QB	Missouri		133-292, 1851 Yds, 142 Car, 753 Yds, 22 TDs

Jesse Hines and Kyle Cox both move up a spot, as Kenneth Kelly moves up two. Both Ryan Jones of Louisville and Robert Jackson of Missouri tumbled down the ladder, with Jones going down three steps and Jackson moving down once.

Tier 8 Conference Standings - Updated: Nov 10, 2013
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	STRK
Central Michigan	7-2	0.778	8 pts.	365	257	W5
Kent State	6-4	0.600	3 pts.	281	242	L1
UMass	2-8	0.200	1 pt.	150	284	W2
New Mexico State	2-9	0.181	1 pt.	254	376	L3
Akron	1-8	0.111	1 pt.	107	298	W1
Georgia State	2-9	0.181	0 pts.	182	372	L5

Akron grab their first win and point of the season with a win over Georgia State. Kent State's winning streak comes to halt, while UMass' continues after a bye week. New Mexico State slides down because of winning percentage and Georgia State continues their drought this year, even with two wins. Central Michigan, just racking up the points at this point (no pun intended), beat Western Michigan for their seventh win of the season and look to possibly grab a spot in the Taco Bell Bottom Championship.

The Chippewas look to finish off another high caliber team this week with Tier 2 squad, Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt comes off a huge win this week against Tier 1 and previously ranked Florida, so it may be a tough game for the Chips.

[jpfine]

Rittenberg Roundup: Week 12 Preview

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
November 16, 2013
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Mount Pleasant, MI - With a pro-rel playoff already clinched, the Chippewas are now looking forward to playing in the Taco Bell Bottom Championship. At the moment, Chambers has led Central Michigan to one of the best records in the Bottom Tiers, which includes 6, 7 and 8. However, the visiting Commodores are looking to continue their winning ways, after a huge defeat over previously ranked Florida.

Rittenberg Roundup: Week 12 Preview | November 16, 2013
	@
Vanderbilt Commodores (4-6, 2-4 Away)		Central Michigan Chippewas (7-2, 4-0 Home)
Offensive Stats Comparison 25.3 Points Per Game 40.6 353.8 Total Offensive Yards 482.7 138.1 Rushing Yards 115.7 215.7 Passing Yards 367.0 Defensive Stats Comparison 33.2 Points Allowed 25.7 401.2 Total Yards Allowed 364.7 164.6 Rushing Yards Allowed 110.8 236.6 Passing Yards Allowed 253.9 Injury Report Landon Phillips ACL (Out for Season) Matt Lane Suspension (3 games) Brandon Cox Suspension (3 games) James Mitchell Torn Abdominal (6 weeks)

Marcus Jackson looks to burn this poorly air-defensive side through the air. After all, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The Chips have been killing teams through the air, and the running game really hasn't been working, even before James Mitchell left with injury.

Projected Score
Central Michigan, 34-21

The Chippewas should take care of a faltering Vanderbilt team, even with their win over Florida last week. However, like with every team, Central Michigan can't let their guard down, even for a second. The Commodores can easily exploit the Chips and take care of them, if Chambers doesn't control his team.

[jpfine]

Rittenberg Roundup: Vanderbilt burnt to a crisp after Florida upset, Chips grab eighth win

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
November 16, 2013
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Mount Pleasant, MI - Central Michigan defeated Vanderbilt to add on to their winning streak. The streak is now 6 games and, with that alone, in the previous bowl system, the Chippewas would've been bowl eligible. Nonetheless, the Chippewas clinched a pro-rel playoff spot roughly three weeks ago after defeating Kentucky. Although the game didn't necessarily matter for the Commodores for promotion or relegation, it was a poor game to lose. Central Michigan defeated Vanderbilt, 31-13.

To start, Vanderbilt got the ball and were forced to punt, quite quickly. Then, the Chippewas drove down the field, with Marcus Jackson slinging the ball left and right. Although the drive didn't end in a touchdown, the Chips were able to score some amount of points, after Tim Webb chipped a 27-yard field goal to take the lead, 3-0. After another drive that got snuffed out by the Chips, the Commodores allowed the first touchdown of the game to a Julius Peterson and Jackson connection. For Vanderbilt, halfback Craig Pollard wasn't able to get anything going and, after two drives, Pollard had negative yardage.

After allowing the score, Vanderbilt quarterback Darryl Johnson led his team down the field, which was capped off by a running score by himself. With just less than a minute to go, it seemed like the Chips would just head into the locker room. However, after a pickup of roughly 30 yards by Joe Brown, Jackson tried to pick up the pace. But, after a fourth down try went awry, the Chips turned the ball back over to Vanderbilt. With three big stops by Jason Miller, Carlos Sullivan, and Justin Crum, respectively, Central Michigan was able to get the ball back with 12 seconds. Two huge plays by Garrett Ward handed the Chips their third score, allowing them to lead 17-7 at the half.

Even with a Vanderbilt score late in the fourth, the Chips took care of the Commodores by running down the clock. Peterson and Brown each scored once, making the score 31-7, before the Chippewa defense allowed a touchdown. However, Sullivan came up big once more, as he sacked Johnson in the backfield while Vanderbilt was going for two. Chambers led the Chippewas to their sixth straight win with a 31-13 win over Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt Commodores at Central Michigan Chippewas
Nov 16, 2013	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Vanderbilt Commodores (4-7)	0	7	0	6	13
Central Michigan Chippewas (8-2)	3	14	7	7	31

Team Stats Comparison
	VAN	CMU
Total Offense	171	427
Rushing Yards	29	101
Passing Yards	142	326
First Downs	7	21
Punt Return Yards	16	32
Kick Return Yards	137	69
Total Yards	324	528
Turnovers	1	1
3rd Down Conversion	2-10	6-12
4th Down Conversion	2-2	2-4
2-Point Conversion	0-1	0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	2-2-0	4-3-1
Penalties	1-5	1-5
Possession Time	8:51	19:09

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		VAN	CMU
3:10	(CMU) FG: T. Webb, 26 Yd FG	0	3
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		VAN	CMU
2:31	(CMU) TD: J. Peterson, 2 Yd pass from M. Jackson (T. Webb kick)	0	10
0:56	(VAN) TD: D. Johnson, 18 Yd run (H. Jackson kick)	7	10
0:00	(CMU) TD: G. Ward, 37 Yd pass from M. Jackson (T. Webb kick)	7	17
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		VAN	CMU
0:02	(CMU) TD: J. Peterson, 9 Yd pass from M. Jackson (T. Webb kick)	7	24
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		VAN	CMU
3:15	(CMU) TD: J. Brown, 10 Yd pass from M. Jackson (T. Webb kick)	7	31
1:29	(VAN) TD: T. Thompson, 17 Yd pass from D. Johnson (2-Pt failed)	13	31

Vanderbilt Commodores PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Darryl Johnson 16/32 142 1 1 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Craig Pollard 6 -5 -0.8 0 Darryl Johnson 3 34 11.3 1 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Joe Madison 4 40 10.0 0 Craig Pollard 4 18 4.5 0 Joe Hawkins 3 46 15.3 0 Jim Williams 1 4 4.0 0 Tyrone Thompson 1 17 17.0 1 Spencer Gutierrez 1 18 18.0 0 Terrell Wesley 1 -2 -2.0 0 Brad Gray 1 1 1.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Tyrone Thompson 3 0 Chris Shelton 2 0 Terrell Wesley 1 0 Larry Miller 1 0 Sam McBride 1 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD William Jackson 9 1.0 0 0 Luke Graves 7 0.0 0 0 Ryan Smith 5 0.0 1 0 John Holden 5 0.0 0 0 John Anderson 5 0.0 0 0 Kelvin McDonald 5 0.0 0 0 Danny Fontenot 4 0.0 0 0 Terrance Thomas 4 0.0 0 0 Blake Cain 3 0.0 0 0 Jeremiah Johnson 2 0.0 0 0 Peter Huggins 2 0.0 0 0 Ben Scruggs 2 0.0 0 0 Ted Austin 2 0.0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Herb Jackson 0/0 1/1 1 0 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Bruce Dowdell 6 222 37.0 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Mike Brown 4 110 27.5 0 Ted Austin 1 27 27.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Joe Madison 1 16 16.0 0

Central Michigan Chippewas PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Marcus Jackson 22/36 326 4 1 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Marquis Harris 18 70 3.8 0 Willie Lee 8 31 3.8 0 Derek Miller 3 7 2.3 0 Marcus Jackson 2 -11 -5.5 0 Chad Perry 1 3 3.0 0 Xavier Deloach 1 1 1.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Jarvis Dowdell 5 99 19.8 0 Julius Peterson 4 27 6.7 2 Joe Brown 4 71 17.7 1 Garrett Ward 4 106 26.5 1 Marquis Harris 3 11 3.6 0 Jermaine Harris 2 12 6.0 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Carlos Sullivan 5 0.0 0 0 Kevin Robinson 3 0.0 0 0 Rian Henderson 2 0.0 0 0 Aaron Sharpe 2 0.0 0 0 Jason Miller 2 0.0 0 0 Art Wilkerson 2 0.0 0 0 Jermaine Harris 2 0.0 0 0 Talib Bishop 2 0.0 0 0 Justin Crum 2 0.0 0 0 Jermaine Griffith 0 0.0 1 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Tim Webb 1/1 4/4 7 27 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Roderick Williams 1 41 41.0 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Joe Brown 2 68 34.0 0 Sean Ingraham 1 1 1.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Joe Brown 5 32 6.4 0

Central Michigan 2013 Schedule
DATE	OPPONENT	RESULT
Aug 31	vs Northern Iowa Panthers (Home Opener/Blackout)	Won, 38-19
Sep 7	vs Eastern Michigan Eagles (Rivalry)	Won, 45-7
Sep 14	at Michigan State Spartans	Lost, 37-30
Sep 21	at Northern Illinois Huskies	Lost, 34-31 (3OT)
Oct 5	vs Ball State Cardinals	Won, 59-57 (4OT)
Oct 12	vs Georgia State Panthers (Homecoming)	Won, 50-20
Oct 19	at Miami University RedHawks	Won, 50-49 (OT)
Oct 26	at Kentucky Wildcats	Won, 31-24
Nov 9	at Western Michigan Broncos (Rivalry)	Won, 31-10
Nov 16	vs Vanderbilt Commodores (Maroon Out)	Won, 31-13
Nov 23	vs Massachusetts Minutemen (Senior Night)
Nov 30	at Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Chippewas face the Massachusetts Minutemen next week for the last home game this season and for the seniors' careers, thus making it Senior Day. This could be the last time to pick up points in Tier 8 before facing Notre Dame in South Bend for the last game of the regular season.

[Hellisan]

Re: Coach Chambers' Journey to the Top: The Catastrophic Chippewas | A Relegation Dyn

Congratulations on a great season so far man.

I love to see the Chips come up because I ran one of my favorite dynasties ever with them, and have great memories. I think they have a great color scheme and they are just one of those teams that clicks for me and that I intrinsically like. Mostly for those reasons.

I have some quetions. You mention the term relegation dynasty and I have no idea what that is. Maybe you could give me a really dumbed down (I can be dumb) description of what that is and why it is more interesting to you than the actual college football landscape. Is this something that is employed by other sports or leagues? I read the introductory post and everything, and I get that it offers the chance to go up or down tiers. You re-organized the conferences as you described in that thread but they will change quite often based on just who you beat, or who other teams beat? Do all teams in the playoff have to be Tier 1 teams? Do the Top 25 rankings tie in, in any way, with these tiers?

It looks like I'll be learning as I read, and I wish you the best. If a certain set of rules or a given system keeps us interested, that's paramount obviously.

As I read through the early games you had some cool games and crazy outcomes, but the 4 OT game against Ball State was a true classic and must have been a great experience to play. I know I've gone at least 3 and probably have had a 4 OT game at some point, but not recently. Amazing.

My thoughts on the issue of whether you're winning too quickly or not are two fold, one, it's up to you and you alone so to speak. I think sliders can do so much but play calling and how people play is going to be a key thing. You mentioned that you were going to try and run the ball, going away from your PP (passing proclivity) well it appears you're on the passing train again. Some people are just really good at passing (I kind of stink... It really helps me to find challenge in the game). Some people however, do that because they like to call certain plays that work way better than others. If you can put up numbers like that while, for instance, calling plays based on what the coach gives you or something, then that would be impressive. Might be another way to ramp up the difficulty if that's what you're looking for. Although I don't let the coach call plays for me, I do use my entire playbook and try to stay away from 4 wide all deep type plays, Seattle type plays, etc, except for 1-2 times per game.

I'd like to thank whughes for increasing my knowledge (ours) about the Chips including the fact that the U is all on private lands, I did not know that.

Fire up chips!

[jpfine]

Alright, first off, thanks for the humongous comment. I'm gonna try and split it up so my answers make sense.

Congratulations on a great season so far man.

I love to see the Chips come up because I ran one of my favorite dynasties ever with them, and have great memories. I think they have a great color scheme and they are just one of those teams that clicks for me and that I intrinsically like. Mostly for those reasons.

Thanks, I appreciate it! When I was deciding which teams I would choose to take to the top, honestly, I was mostly thinking rivalries and uniforms. I'm a huge nerd when it comes to those things and the Chips had both. A solid rivalry with both Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan, which is great... but what I really loved is the huge trophy for the best team between the three on head-to-head. I love the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy (that's obviously the first that comes to mind) with Air Force, Army and Navy. A lesser known "rivalry with more than two teams" (I think that's what it's called on Wikipedia - I know, I know, using Wikipedia for my research?) that I really loved is the Beehive Boot, between Utah, Utah State and BYU. Obviously, annually, they play kind of a round robin deal. In addition to that, from 1974 to 2010, the three teams and Weber State, Southern Utah and Utah Valley all played for the "Old Oquirrh Bucket," which is truly an amazing name. Anyways, they retired it, which is sad, but to get back on track.

I really loved that Central Michigan had two rivalries, which culminated in the Michigan MAC Trophy (which I think is a pretty lame name, but whatever).

Also, uniform use is really important to me because I can't just play with the home and away. I need some change and I like to mix it up. I think on an away game this year, I wore the black helmet and gold pants, which probably doesn't go at all (I have no sense of what matches and what doesn't), but those sort of things make all the world to me. I like having to play for something else during the season, kind of like a side quest or a mini mission.

I have some quetions. You mention the term relegation dynasty and I have no idea what that is. Maybe you could give me a really dumbed down (I can be dumb) description of what that is and why it is more interesting to you than the actual college football landscape. Is this something that is employed by other sports or leagues? I read the introductory post and everything, and I get that it offers the chance to go up or down tiers. You re-organized the conferences as you described in that thread but they will change quite often based on just who you beat, or who other teams beat? Do all teams in the playoff have to be Tier 1 teams? Do the Top 25 rankings tie in, in any way, with these tiers?

It looks like I'll be learning as I read, and I wish you the best. If a certain set of rules or a given system keeps us interested, that's paramount obviously.

Yeah, so I realize now I was sort of vague in my opening. So, from what I've seen and from the system that I've made, a relegation dynasty is basically where there are tiers, or levels, those different teams play on. The best teams in the best level, the worst teams in the worst level. However, the worst teams can eventually become better teams. I'm gonna take Rutgers for example. They were pretty good in 2006. Now, in 2018 (although now in the Big Ten), they suck. And that's coming from a Rutgers fan (I'm gonna somehow find a way to slip that in everywhere I go lol). Rutgers may have gone up a level after 2006, but then went down a couple the past couple years after 2-10 and 1-11 seasons.

Basically, what I'm trying to accomplish is taking a horrible team and making them good, like any dynasty, but there are a couple more incentives in addition to the playoffs or just the plain ol' national championship. For example, I could win the national championship in Tier 4, if I'm good enough (I think that might answer one of your questions), but I wouldn't be able to automatically go to Tier 1 and get a Get Out of Jail Free card. I would have to continue my "goodness" (I'm tired, I can't think of a word that makes sense right now) to be able to get to the top level and truly consider myself a top team. Because, at the moment, (spoiler alert) Cincinnati is ranked 1st in the nation... but they're in the fourth level, which means they're playing lower level opponents.

Is this something that is employed by other sports or leagues?

Yeah, so most soccer leagues have a system of promotion and relegation. England, for example, has over 10 levels of soccer that are held together by promotion and relegation. I'm a huge soccer fan and the English system of relegation, specifically, so I've loved testing this out with NCAA 14.

You re-organized the conferences as you described in that thread but they will change quite often based on just who you beat, or who other teams beat?

Whoever wins in the conference has a chance to be promoted, and whoever is the worst team in the conference has a chance to be relegated. You are automatically promoted/relegated because you have to play in what I've called a "pro-rel playoff." It gives those who can be relegated a second chance to save their season and stay above. Basically, the non-conference games for every tier other than the bottom tier don't really matter at all.

Do all teams in the playoff have to be Tier 1 teams?

In the National Championship, no. In the Goodyear Elite Championship, yes. After the tiered playoffs and pro-rel playoffs, there's gonna be a second set of rankings (that I'll ask you guys for help to make) that determines the National Championship seeding and teams.

Do the Top 25 rankings tie in, in any way, with these tiers?

In the tiered playoffs, yes. The highest ranked teams for Tiers 6, 7 and 8 will participate in the Taco Bell Bottom, the highest ranked teams for Tiers 4 and 5 will participate in the Dr Pepper Mid, etc. So the rankings have some sort of importance later down the road. It's mostly for placement in the playoffs.

As I read through the early games you had some cool games and crazy outcomes, but the 4 OT game against Ball State was a true classic and must have been a great experience to play. I know I've gone at least 3 and probably have had a 4 OT game at some point, but not recently. Amazing.

My thoughts on the issue of whether you're winning too quickly or not are two fold, one, it's up to you and you alone so to speak. I think sliders can do so much but play calling and how people play is going to be a key thing. You mentioned that you were going to try and run the ball, going away from your PP (passing proclivity) well it appears you're on the passing train again. Some people are just really good at passing (I kind of stink... It really helps me to find challenge in the game). Some people however, do that because they like to call certain plays that work way better than others. If you can put up numbers like that while, for instance, calling plays based on what the coach gives you or something, then that would be impressive. Might be another way to ramp up the difficulty if that's what you're looking for. Although I don't let the coach call plays for me, I do use my entire playbook and try to stay away from 4 wide all deep type plays, Seattle type plays, etc, except for 1-2 times per game.

Yeah, for sure. The thing about myself is that I'm super competitive, I want to win a lot. It's tough for me to lose. I don't think I'm necessarily a sore loser, I just think that I don't like losing, so I'm gonna try to do whatever I need to in order to win. That being said, the passing game has always worked for me in the past. In most other dynasties, my record books were filled to the brim with receiving and passing records. I don't remember ever having a rushing record, other than most rushing touchdowns in a game.

Next year, I'm gonna try to balance it out, when Brandon Cox comes back. I might have to set up a rule where I cannot pass on second down and five or less to go or third down and three or less to go. Just to limit myself from passing a whole bunch. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll definitely look into it.

I'd like to thank whughes for increasing my knowledge (ours) about the Chips including the fact that the U is all on private lands, I did not know that.

Fire up chips!

Yeah, thank you again, whughes! You've really helped out with your Central Michigan knowledge! I appreciate your contributions!

Thanks, Hellisan, for the comment. I really enjoyed going through it and trying to answer and comment on your questions and comments. If anything is still unclear, please, do not hesitate to ask and I'll try my best to answer it. Thanks for going through it, too, I hope you enjoyed it!

[PeoplesChampGB]

Re: Coach Chambers' Journey to the Top: The Catastrophic Chippewas | A Relegation Dyn

UMass should be an easy one. Those seniors should have a field day. Can't wait for the postseason.

[MvPeterson2828]

Re: Coach Chambers' Journey to the Top: The Catastrophic Chippewas | A Relegation Dyn

Good stuff man! I just got myself caught up today. Man your team is on fire!! Watch out, they are on a role! Can’t wait to see how this season ends.


Question; how is recruiting going for your team? I know you don’t do the recruiting I think. I was just curious any good signings yet?


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

[jpfine]

Update

Currently, I am starting the game against UMass as I'm typing this. I figure doing the game and the stats will take an hour, maybe a little over. I plan to finish that by 9:30. Then, I'll do the Around the League, Week 14 Preview, then play Notre Dame. Hopefully, I can get that done by 11. I'll do the Around the League for Week 14, 15 and Conference Championship. I want to get this all done by the end of the day so that I can start the Editor and editing the bowl season tomorrow. Hopefully, I can get that started, if not tomorrow, then by Saturday, because I have a thing on Friday. Just wanted to give you guys a rough timeline for the rest of the week and I'll let you know if I come upon any speed bumps.

[jpfine]

Rittenberg Roundup: Around the League - Week 12

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
November 17, 2013
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Indianapolis, IN - The rankings have definitely shifted this week, after four teams in the Top 10 lost. Additionally, we have a new sheriff in town.

NCAA Football Rankings - AP Top 25 - Updated: Nov 17, 2013
RK	LW	TEAM (VOTES)	W	L	POINTS
1	2	Cincinnati (61)	9	0	1525
2	3	Texas A&M	8	2	1277
3	6	Washington	9	1	1257
4	4	Notre Dame	8	2	1214
5	1	Nebraska	8	1	1127
6	7	Alabama	8	2	1073
7	10	Michigan	8	2	1068
8	11	Ohio State	7	3	899
9	5	Virginia Tech	8	2	896
10	12	Oklahoma	7	3	844
11	13	Kansas State	8	3	826
12	14	South Carolina	8	3	764
13	16	Louisville	8	3	696
14	17	Ole Miss	6	4	636
15	9	Missouri	8	2	621
16	18	Utah	7	3	606
17	8	Iowa	8	2	603
18	19	Texas	6	4	561
19	20	NC State	8	2	540
20	21	Northern Illinois	7	2	502
21	22	Wisconsin	6	4	465
22	25	Florida State	6	4	356
23	--	Arkansas	8	3	332
24	--	Iowa State	6	4	303
25	--	Northwestern	9	2	276

Cincinnati hopes up into first in the rankings after a win against Rutgers and a Nebraska defeat to Washington. Additionally, the Bearcats remain the only team with the title of 'undefeated' left standing. Michigan defeated Virginia Tech, Oregon State defeated Iowa and Missouri lost to Iowa's counterpart, Iowa State. Boise State and Auburn were both kicked out of the Top 25 party, with defeats to Texas Tech and Georgia, respectively.

Top 25 Results
(6) Washington def. (1) Nebraska, 28-21
(2) Cincinnati def. Rutgers, 33-23
(3) Texas A&M def. Baylor, 42-28
(4) Notre Dame def. Clemson, 31-10
(10) Michigan def. (5) Virginia Tech, 24-17
Oregon State def. (8) Iowa, 38-35 (OT)
Iowa State def. (9) Missouri, 42-37
(11) Ohio State def. West Virginia, 28-3
(12) Oklahoma def. Tulsa, 31-7
(13) Kansas State def. Oregon, 34-14
(14) South Carolina def. Florida, 26-14
TCU def. (15) UCLA, 27-26
(16) Louisville def. Mississippi State, 49-35
(19) Texas def. Arizona, 35-17
(21) Northern Illinois def. Troy, 41-34 (OT)
(22) Wisconsin def. Virginia, 42-19
Georgia def. (23) Auburn, 42-35
Texas Tech def. (24) Boise State, 24-14

Top 25 Matchups
(1) Cincinnati (9-0) vs Nevada (4-5)
(2) Texas A&M (8-2) vs (18) Texas (6-4)
(3) Washington (9-1) vs Oregon State (5-5)
(4) Notre Dame (8-2) vs Kentucky (3-6)
(5) Nebraska (8-1) vs (10) Oklahoma (7-3)
(6) Alabama (8-2) vs Florida (5-5)
(7) Michigan (8-2) vs (17) Iowa (8-2)
(8) Ohio State (7-3) vs (9) Virginia Tech (8-2)
(11) Kansas State (8-3) vs Washington State (3-7)
(12) South Carolina (8-3) vs LSU (5-5)
(14) Ole Miss (6-4) vs Miami (FL) (6-5)
(15) Missouri (8-2) vs BYU (7-3)
(16) Utah (7-3) vs UCLA (6-4)
(19) NC State (8-2) vs Georgia (5-5)
(20) Northern Illinois (7-2) vs Toledo (3-5)
(21) Wisconsin (6-4) vs Syracuse (6-4)
(22) Florida State (6-4) vs Georgia Tech (3-7)
(24) Iowa State (6-4) vs Colorado (5-5)
(25) Northwestern (9-2) vs Maryland (5-5)

Relegation Watch
Tier 1
SEC: Georgia Tech (3-7, 1-7)
Pac-12: Baylor (3-7, 1-7)
Tier 2
Big Ten: Virginia (2-7, 1-7)
Big 12: California (1-9, 1-7)
Tier 3
ACC: Wake Forest (3-7, 0-7)
American: Louisiana Tech (3-7, 1-6)
Tier 4: UL Lafayette (4-5, 1-5)
Tier 5: UL Monroe (2-8, 2-5)
Tier 6: Memphis (1-8, 0-6)
Tier 7: Idaho (1-8, 1-5)

Heisman Watch - Updated: Nov 17, 2013
NAME	POS	SCHOOL		SEASON STATS
Jesse Hines	QB	Texas A&M		196-336, 2618 Yds, 156 Car, 761 Yds, 38 TDs
Ryan Jones	QB	Louisville		177-322, 2595 Yds,153 Car, 680 Yds, 33 TDs
Kyle Cox	QB	Nebraska		176-271, 2191 Yds, 115 Car, 605 Yds, 32 TDs
Kenneth Kelly	HB	Iowa		165 Car, 989 Yds, 20 Rec, 322 Yds, 16 TDs
Robert Jackson	QB	Missouri		145-314, 1996 Yds, 164 Car, 882 Yds, 26 TDs

Jesse Hines and Robert Jackson remain in first and fifth this week. However, Ryan Jones hops over both Kyle Cox and Kenneth Kelly to move into second, while Cox and Kelly slide to third and fourth.

Tier 8 Conference Standings - Updated: Nov 17, 2013
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	STRK
Central Michigan	8-2	0.800	11 pts.	396	270	W6
Kent State	6-5	0.545	4 pts.	303	273	L2
Akron	2-8	0.200	2 pts.	140	315	W2
UMass	2-9	0.181	1 pt.	167	317	L1
New Mexico State	2-9	0.181	1 pt.	254	376	L3
Georgia State	3-9	0.250	0 pts.	215	400	W1

At the moment, Central Michigan will most likely be facing Idaho to play for promotion in Tier 7. Kent State ends their season with a loss, while UMass and New Mexico State also lose, which snaps UMass' winning streak. Georgia State ends with a win, but no points to show for it and Akron gathers another win, this week against UMass.

UMass plays another Tier 8 opponent this week in Central Michigan, with Central Michigan acting as the host. The final home game of the season, the game has been titled "Senior Day," which will be used as a day of commemoration of the 2013 Senior Class that have spent their time on the program.

[jpfine]

Rittenberg Roundup: Week 13 Preview

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
November 23, 2013
-------------------------------------------
Mount Pleasant, MI - Hosting fellow Tier 8 team UMass this week, the Chippewas look to get the last home win for the seniors on Senior Day. In addition to that, Central Michigan is fighting for a spot in the Taco Bell Bottom Championship, which is still within reach for the Chips. With a win today and a win against Notre Dame next week, Central Michigan could easily be in, possibly at the number one spot. However, with two losses these next couple weeks, the Chips could wave their chance of etching their name into the history of the promotion and relegation system goodbye.

Rittenberg Roundup: Week 13 Preview | November 23, 2013
	@
Massachusetts Minutemen (2-9, 0-2 Away)		Central Michigan Chippewas (8-2, 5-0 Home)
Offensive Stats Comparison 15.2 Points Per Game 39.6 268.9 Total Offensive Yards 477.1 124.3 Rushing Yards 114.2 144.6 Passing Yards 362.9 Defensive Stats Comparison 28.8 Points Allowed 27.0 384.5 Total Yards Allowed 345.3 174.9 Rushing Yards Allowed 102.6 209.5 Passing Yards Allowed 242.7 Injury Report Landon Phillips ACL (Out for Season) Matt Lane Suspension (2 games) Brandon Cox Suspension (2 games) James Mitchell Torn Abdominal (5 weeks)

The key to the game for Central Michigan is to get both the run game and the game through the air going. Without the passing game, especially, the Chips could have some trouble. However, if they get Marcus Jackson going, it'll be a breeze. Being the better team, the Central Michigan offense should really take care of the Minutemen defense.

Projected Score
Central Michigan, 31-3

Lately, the Chippewas really like the number 31, as that was the point total for the team the last three times out. On defense, if Carlos Sullivan and Justin Crum go off, the Minutemen could have a rough day. For UMass to really have any chance, they need to exploit the aggressive mindset of Edgar Miller and his crew. If the Chips don't get that side of the game for them in check, and Massachusetts finds a way to get behind the defense, the Chippewas could truly be in trouble. Unless the offense doesn't get anything going, however, Central Michigan should be fine.

[jpfine]

Rittenberg Roundup: Central Michigan clobbers the Minutemen of Massachusetts

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
November 23, 2013
-------------------------------------------
Mount Pleasant, MI - The Chippewas looked to cap off their home season with style in a game that was easily attainable. Of course, it was Senior Day and Dave Heeke wanted a team that they would be able to easily beat, to make the seniors' last game at Kelly Shorts Stadium a good one. A good one it was, indeed, as the Chippewas absolutely decimated the Minutemen, 63-14.

Even with high hopes for the Chippewas, they were caught sleeping right of the get-go. After a booming kick by Tim Webb, the kick returner for Massachusetts, George Long, brought it from the two-yard line and brought it to the house. With poor coverage from the Chippewas, Long was able to easily cut in and out and make it all the way to the end zone. With the return by Long, the Minutemen let the Chips know that they weren't going down with a fight and that it wouldn't be that easy.

Well, it ended up to be that easy.

From there, the Chippewas controlled the game. To end off the first quarter, senior halfback Willie Lee scored a ten-yard catch, thrown by Marcus Jackson. At the end of the first quarter, the Chippewas drew with UMass, 7-7. However, Central Michigan came at the Minutemen with full force in the second quarter. After a rushing touchdown by Marquis Harris early on, Jackson threw two touchdowns to Garrett Ward and Julius Peterson. At the end of the half, the Chippewas finally pulled away, 28-7.

Andrew Chambers and Justin Wade didn't hold back with their play-calling in the second half. Ward and Jermaine Harris both scored on passing touchdowns from Jackson and Marquis Harris scored on a rushing play later in the third quarter. At the start of the fourth quarter, all seniors, including Xavier Deloach and Jesse Parker, were put into the game. Notable seniors that played well included Carlos Sullivan, who accounted for five tackles, and Lee, who accounted for two score, one throw the air and the other on the ground. Even though UMass scored a touchdown through a connection between Tyler Phillips and Ike Turner, the score was more for pride at that point in the game. The Chippewas defeated the Minutemen by a wide margin, 63-14.

Even though the day was meant for the seniors, two juniors came up big. Garrett Ward was able to break the program record for most receiving yards in a season and for most receiving touchdowns in a season. Marcus Jackson broke the program record for most passing yards in a season.

Massachusetts Minutemen at Central Michigan Chippewas
Nov 23, 2013	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Massachusetts Minutemen (2-10)	7	0	0	7	14
Central Michigan Chippewas (9-2)	7	21	21	14	63

Team Stats Comparison
	MASS	CMU
Total Offense	201	585
Rushing Yards	42	174
Passing Yards	159	411
First Downs	9	25
Punt Return Yards	0	18
Kick Return Yards	228	75
Total Yards	429	678
Turnovers	4	3
3rd Down Conversion	5-16	12-14
4th Down Conversion	1-3	0-1
2-Point Conversion	0-0	0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	1-1-0	9-8-0
Penalties	3-26	1-15
Possession Time	10:08	17:52

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		MASS	CMU
6:48	(MASS) TD: G. Long, returned kickoff 97 Yds (N. Hawkins kick)	7	0
2:31	(CMU) TD: W. Lee, 10 Yd pass from M. Jackson (T. Webb kick)	7	7
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		MASS	CMU
6:43	(CMU) TD: M. Harris, 4 Yd run (T. Webb kick)	7	14
2:31	(CMU) TD: G. Ward, 27 Yd pass from M. Jackson (T. Webb kick)	7	21
0:08	(CMU) TD: J. Peterson, 5 Yd pass from M. Jackson (T. Webb kick)	7	28
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		MASS	CMU
4:12	(CMU) TD: G. Ward, 10 Yd pass from M. Jackson (T. Webb kick)	7	35
2:39	(CMU) TD: J. Harris, 8 Yd pass from M. Jackson (T. Webb kick)	7	42
1:21	(CMU) TD: M. Harris, 3 Yd run (T. Webb kick)	7	49
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		MASS	CMU
5:15	(CMU) TD: G. Ward, 6 Yd pass from X. Deloach (T. Webb kick)	7	56
3:05	(MASS) TD: I. Turner, 36 Yd pass from T. Phillips (N. Hawkins kick)	14	56
1:08	(CMU) TD: W. Lee, 1 Yd run (T. Webb kick)	14	63

Massachusetts Minutemen PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Tyler Phillips 10/41 139 1 4 Ryan Nixon 2/3 20 0 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Michael Matthews 7 34 4.8 0 George Long 6 19 3.1 0 Tyler Phillips 3 -11 -3.6 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD James Fernando 4 55 13.7 0 Oliver Rogers 3 41 13.6 0 Tyrell Petty 1 8 8.0 0 Zach Dixon 1 12 12.0 0 Ike Turner 1 21 21.0 1 Marcus Schneider 1 13 13.0 0 Ira Leak 1 9 9.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Seth O'Neal 1 0 Andy Miller 1 0 Zach Dixon 1 0 Kyle Love 0 2 George Long 0 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Bo Johnson 9 0.0 0 0 Heath Stover 7 0.0 1 0 Jon Dailey 6 0.0 0 0 Greg Jones 6 1.0 0 0 Richard Taylor 6 0.0 0 0 Jason Shelby 5 0.0 0 0 Bobby Hawkins 5 0.0 2 0 Cornelius Young 4 0.0 0 0 Jason Tyler 3 0.0 0 0 Brandon Newton 2 0.0 0 0 Erik Talley 2 0.0 0 0 Bobby McCoy 2 0.0 0 0 David Williams 2 0.0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Nick Hawkins 0/1 2/2 2 0 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Jordan Hicks 3 138 46.0 1 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD George Long 3 152 50.6 1 Zachary Bowen 2 41 20.5 0 Tanner Miller 2 35 17.5 0

Central Michigan Chippewas PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Marcus Jackson 22/35 341 5 3 Xavier Deloach 4/6 70 1 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Marquis Harris 22 108 4.9 2 Willie Lee 12 63 5.2 1 Marcus Jackson 3 0 0.0 0 Chad Perry 1 0 0.0 0 Derek Miller 1 3 3.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Garrett Ward 9 187 20.7 3 Marquis Harris 5 23 4.6 0 Julius Peterson 3 64 21.3 1 Jarvis Dowdell 3 55 18.3 0 Jermaine Harris 2 12 6.0 1 Willie Lee 2 19 9.5 1 Joe Brown 2 51 25.5 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Marcus Simpson 1 1 Jake Phillips 1 0 Albert Woods 1 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD J.D. Reed 7 0.0 2 0 Rian Henderson 5 0.0 0 0 Carlos Sullivan 5 1.0 0 0 Jermaine Griffith 3 0.0 0 0 James Wilcox 3 2.0 0 0 Justin Crum 2 0.0 0 0 Alex Fisher 2 0.0 0 0 Roger High 2 0.0 0 0 Jesse Parker 2 0.0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Tim Webb 0/0 9/9 9 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Joe Brown 2 75 37.5 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Joe Brown 3 18 6.0 0

Central Michigan 2013 Schedule
DATE	OPPONENT	RESULT
Aug 31	vs Northern Iowa Panthers (Home Opener/Blackout)	Won, 38-19
Sep 7	vs Eastern Michigan Eagles (Rivalry)	Won, 45-7
Sep 14	at Michigan State Spartans	Lost, 37-30
Sep 21	at Northern Illinois Huskies	Lost, 34-31 (3OT)
Oct 5	vs Ball State Cardinals	Won, 59-57 (4OT)
Oct 12	vs Georgia State Panthers (Homecoming)	Won, 50-20
Oct 19	at Miami University RedHawks	Won, 50-49 (OT)
Oct 26	at Kentucky Wildcats	Won, 31-24
Nov 9	at Western Michigan Broncos (Rivalry)	Won, 31-10
Nov 16	vs Vanderbilt Commodores (Maroon Out)	Won, 31-13
Nov 23	vs Massachusetts Minutemen (Senior Night)	Won, 63-14
Nov 30	at Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Next week, the Chippewas go to South Bend to face the Fighting Irish.

[PeoplesChampGB]

Re: Coach Chambers' Journey to the Top: The Catastrophic Chippewas | A Relegation Dyn

Nice way for the Seniors to go out. Now a real matchup against the Irish. Cannot wait.

[MvPeterson2828]

Re: Coach Chambers' Journey to the Top: The Catastrophic Chippewas | A Relegation Dyn

What a way to send the seniors out! Irish next though, can't wait to see this game. it's going to really put the team to the test.

[jpfine]

Rittenberg Roundup: Around the League - Week 13

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
November 24, 2013
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Indianapolis, IN - Five whole teams teams fell out of the Top 25 this week and a whopping nine teams in the rankings lost this past week. The system where "big fish" fight "big fish" every week and there's always a high chance.

NCAA Football Rankings - AP Top 25 - Updated: Nov 24, 2013
RK	LW	TEAM (VOTES)	W	L	POINTS
1	1	Cincinnati (61)	10	0	1525
2	5	Nebraska	9	1	1260
3	4	Notre Dame	9	2	1224
4	8	Ohio State	8	3	1134
5	7	Michigan	9	2	1117
6	11	Kansas State	9	3	933
7	2	Texas A&M	8	3	918
8	3	Washington	9	2	909
9	13	Louisville	8	3	842
10	14	Ole Miss	7	4	816
11	15	Missouri	9	2	784
12	18	Texas	7	4	767
13	9	Virginia Tech	8	3	722
14	6	Alabama	8	3	601
15	20	Northern Illinois	8	2	587
16	10	Oklahoma	7	4	516
17	--	Oregon State	6	5	494
18	23	Arkansas	8	3	475
19	--	UCLA	7	4	458
20	17	Iowa	8	3	440
21	25	Northwestern	10	2	424
22	--	Purdue	8	3	383
23	12	South Carolina	8	4	319
24	--	Central Michigan	9	2	312
25	--	Georgia	6	5	283

After they defeated Texas A&M, Texas, even with four losses, moved up in the rankings. More to add, Oregon State, who defeated Washington hops into the rankings straight to 17th. UCLA and Georgia both join the rankings after defeating previously ranked teams in Utah and NC State. The first team in the bottom tiers to join the rankings is Central Michigan, after a huge win over UMass.

Top 25 Results
(1) Cincinnati def. Nevada, 37-17
(18) Texas def. (2) Texas A&M, 24-21
Oregon State def. (3) Washington, 28-14
(4) Notre Dame def. Kentucky, 31-28
(5) Nebraska def. (10) Oklahoma, 35-21
Florida def. (6) Alabama, 34-13
(7) Michigan def. (17) Iowa, 37-13
(8) Ohio State def. (9) Virginia Tech, 34-31
(11) Kansas State def. Washington State, 37-17
LSU def. (12) South Carolina, 34-31
(14) Ole Miss def. Miami (FL), 31-21
(15) Missouri def. BYU, 31-21
UCLA def. (16) Utah, 28-17
Georgia def. (19) NC State, 48-10
(20) Northern Illinois def. Toledo, 34-17
Syracuse def. (21) Wisconsin, 17-13
Georgia Tech def. (22) Florida State, 35-28
Colorado def. (24) Iowa State, 48-10
(25) Northwestern def. Maryland, 34-21

Top 25 Matchups
(1) Cincinnati (10-0) vs Western Kentucky (7-3)
(2) Nebraska (9-1) vs (20) Iowa (8-3)
(3) Notre Dame (9-2) vs (24) Central Michigan (9-2)
(4) Ohio State (8-3) vs (5) Michigan (9-2)
(7) Texas A&M (8-3) vs (18) Arkansas (8-3)
(8) Washington (9-2) vs Washington State (3-8)
(9) Louisville (8-3) vs Syracuse (7-4)
(10) Ole Miss (7-4) vs Mississippi State (6-5)
(11) Missouri (9-2) vs Kentucky (3-7)
(12) Texas (7-4) vs Akron (2-9)
(13) Virginia Tech (8-3) vs Virginia (2-8)
(14) Alabama (8-3) vs Tennessee (5-6)
(15) Northern Illinois (8-2) vs San Jose State (5-5)
(17) Oregon State (6-5) vs Oregon (5-6)
(19) UCLA (7-4) vs USC (4-7)
(22) Purdue (8-3) vs Indiana (8-3)
(25) Georgia (6-5) vs Georgia Tech (4-7)

Relegation Watch
Tier 1
SEC: West Virginia (3-8, 1-7)
Pac-12: Baylor (4-7, 1-7)
Tier 2
Big Ten: Virginia (2-8, 1-8)
Big 12: Hawai'i (2-9, 1-7)
Tier 3
ACC: Wake Forest (3-8, 0-8)
American: Louisiana Tech (3-8, 1-7)
Tier 4: UL Lafayette (4-6, 1-6)
Tier 5: UL Monroe (2-9, 2-6)
Tier 6: Memphis (1-9, 0-7)
Tier 7: Idaho (1-9, 1-6)

Heisman Watch - Updated: Nov 24, 2013
NAME	POS	SCHOOL		SEASON STATS
Jesse Hines	QB	Texas A&M		219-375, 2877 Yds, 166 Car, 812, 41 TDs
Kyle Cox	QB	Nebraska		190-291, 2475 Yds, 130 Car, 673 Yds, 36 TDs
Ryan Jones	QB	Louisville		177-322, 2595 Yds, 153 Car, 680, 33 TDs
Robert Jackson	QB	Missouri		163-346, 2273 Yds, 177 Car, 933 Yds, 30 TDs
Kenneth Kelly	HB	Iowa		178 Car, 1067 Yds, 21 Rec, 349 Yds, 16 TDs

Jesse Hines remains in the first position of the Heisman Watch, even after he and the Aggies fell to the Texas Longhorns. Kyle Cox and Ryan Jones swapped places, as did Robert Jackson and Kenneth Kelly.

Tier 8 Conference Standings - Updated: Nov 24, 2013
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	STRK
Central Michigan	9-2	0.818	12 pts.	459	284	W7
Kent State	6-5	0.545	4 pts.	303	273	L2
Akron	2-9	0.181	2 pts.	143	342	L1
UMass	2-10	0.167	1 pt.	181	380	L2
New Mexico State	2-10	0.167	1 pt.	271	435	L4
Georgia State	3-9	0.250	0 pts.	215	400	W1

Central Michigan, after defeating UMass by a score of 63-14, has another game this week. Akron has one more game to finish off the season as well. Other than these two teams, the standings for Tier 8 is pretty much set in stone. Georgia State will end the season with three wins but no points. UMass and New Mexico State both end the season with two wins and a single point, while Kent State finishes with four points.

Central Michigan faces off against highly ranked Notre Dame in one of four ranked matchups this week where both teams are ranked.

[jpfine]

Rittenberg Roundup: Week 14 Preview

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
November 30, 2013
-------------------------------------------
Notre Dame, IN - The Chippewas have traveled to the state down south to face off against the 3rd ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Typically, the Chippewa faithful may expect a blowout against a team of this caliber. However, Central Michigan has proven its worth this year, as it became ranked in the Top 25 for just the third time. Ever. The last two times the team was ranked was when a Butch Jones led team went 12-2 and 8-0 in conference, winning the MAC and the GMAC Bowl along the way. This game, however, is a whole different story.

Rittenberg Roundup: Week 14 Preview | November 30, 2013
	@
#24 Central Michigan Chippewas (9-2, 3-2 Away)		#3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-2, 4-1 Home)
Offensive Stats Comparison 41.7 Points Per Game 26.9 486.9 Total Offensive Yards 360.1 119.6 Rushing Yards 146.5 367.3 Passing Yards 213.5 Defensive Stats Comparison 25.8 Points Allowed 23.2 332.2 Total Yards Allowed 348.5 97.1 Rushing Yards Allowed 148.8 235.1 Passing Yards Allowed 199.6 Injury Report Landon Phillips ACL (Out for Season) Matt Lane Suspension (1 game) Brandon Cox Suspension (1 game) James Mitchell Torn Abdominal (4 weeks)

According to Coach Chambers, the Chips defense should be coming out right away and attacking the Notre Dame offense. On the opposite side of the ball, along side Justin Wade, he's looking to come for the juggular on offense. "We don't want to come out scared and act like we don't belong," said Coach Chambers. "We may be a Tier 8 team, but in a couple years, we'll be facing off with Notre Dame regularly."

Projected Score
Notre Dame, 31-24

Even though the Chippewas are gonna come out like they own the place, without James Mitchell, they might not be able to do much damage. The kind of game the Chips had against UMass last week shouldn't be expected here, as Notre Dame Stadium can get very loud. Honestly, it would be surprising if the Chippewas actually pulled off this upset.