The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

[Careless Whisper]

Re: The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

by Jeff Greenberg, Carnegie Mellon insider for Rivals.com

Keyes signs with Carnegie Mellon

Two-star quarterback Justin Keyes (Montgomery, Ohio) is one of three fifth-week commits to sign with Carnegie Mellon on National Signing Day, giving head coach John Elliott the signal-caller he so desperately coveted.

Keyes chose the Tartans over a trio of Mid-American Conference (MAC) schools in Akron, Kent State, and Ohio. The dual-threat prospect should be an immediate starter under center for CMU in 2007.

Miller, Patrick ink NLIs with CMU

A pair of one-star targets in Andrew Miller (Waynesboro, Pa.) and Phil Patrick (West Chester, Pa.) have signed National Letters of Intent with Carnegie Mellon this morning.

Miller, a six-foot-four, 246-pound defensive end from Waynesboro Area High School, had offers from Akron, Army, and Buffalo. Patrick, a six-foot-three, 290-pound offensive tackle out of Henderson High School, was also considering Kent State.

[Careless Whisper]

Re: The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

by Jeff Greenberg, Carnegie Mellon insider for Rivals.com

Recruiting class complete with 10 signees

Carnegie Mellon has announced its 2007 recruiting class, a group that includes 10 signees from three different states (Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania).

The highlight of this year’s class are the Tartans’ three in-season commitments in guard Matt Fitch (Sylvania, Ohio), linebacker Matt Johnson (Circleville, Ohio), and halfback Jim Manning (Reisterstown, Md.). All three prospects were graded as three-star recruits according to Rivals.

A complete list of CMU’s incoming class can be found below.

Carnegie Mellon Incoming Class of 2007
157th ranked class | 3 ***, 5 **, 2 *

Matt Fitch, G, *** | 6’0”, 296 lbs.; Sylvania, Ohio / Northview HS
Matt Johnson, OLB, *** | 6’3”, 232 lbs.; Circleville, Ohio / Circleville HS
Jim Manning, HB, *** | 6’1”, 190 lbs.; Reisterstown, Md. / Franklin HS
Calvin Burton, CB, ** | 6’1”, 175 lbs.; Edgewood, Md. / Edgewood HS
Aaron Crosby, MLB, ** | 5’11”, 247 lbs.; Ardmore, Pa. / Lower Merion HS
Eric Fraser, G, ** | 6’4”, 354 lbs.; Bloomsburg, Pa. / Bloomsburg HS
Justin Keyes, QB, ** | 6’1”, 190 lbs.; Montgomery, Ohio / Walnut Hills HS
Hayden Temple, CB, ** | 5’9”, 160 lbs.; Southwood Acres, Conn. / Enfield HS
Andrew Miller, DE, * | 6’4”, 246 lbs.; Waynesboro, Pa. / Waynesboro Area HS
Phil Patrick, OT, * | 6’3”, 290 lbs.; West Chester, Pa. / Henderson HS

[Careless Whisper]

Re: The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

Florida Signs Top Class; Top Recruit Galippo Signs with Michigan
The reigning SEC champions will bring in 18 four and five-star prospects for the 2007 season

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- It’s a good day to be a Florida Gator.

Florida has officially signed the consensus top recruiting class in the nation, bringing in 24 recruits in total – 18 of which are either of four or five-star talent. The reigning SEC champions reloaded heavy at the quarterback position, with six of those recruits set to compete with returnee Tim Tebow for Chris Leak’s vacant starting job.

In addition to signal-callers Tyrod Taylor, Josh Nesbit, and Ryan Lindley, the Gators also signed the nation’s fourth overall and top athlete recruit in Ryan Broyles. He, along with linebackers Akeem Ayers and Todd Huston, will give Florida head coach Urban Meyer some talented pieces on the defensive side of the ball.

Number one overall recruit Chris Galippo signed with Michigan, while the nation’s top best quarterbacks, Cameron Newton and Jimmy Clausen, inked National Letter of Intents with Miami (Fla.) and Arizona State, respectively. Clausen was one of four signal-callers the Sun Devils brought in, alongside Stephen Garcia, Kodi Burns, and Ryan Tannehill.

Top 10 Classes
1 | Florida (24 commits, 4 *****, 14 ****, 3 ***, 3 **)
2 | Miami (Fla.) (25 commits, 4 *****, 12 ****, 5 ***, 3 **, 1 *)
3 | Notre Dame (25 commits, 3 *****, 12 ****, 9 ***, 1 **)
4 | USC (25 commits, 1 *****, 15 ****, 8 ***, 1 **)
5 | Oklahoma (24 commits, 1 *****, 15 ****, 8 ***)
6 | Arizona State (25 commits, 2 *****, 11 ****, 10 ***, 1 **, 1 *)
7 | Michigan (24 commits, 2 *****, 9 ****, 12 ***, 1 *)
8 | Auburn (23 commits, 3 *****, 8 ****, 8 ***, 2 **, 2 *)
9 | Texas (25 commits, 1 *****, 10 ****, 12 ***, 2 **)
10 | Ohio State (24 commits, 2 *****, 6 ****, 15 ***, 1 **)

Top 10 Recruits
1 | Chris Galippo, OLB, ***** (6’3”, 235 lbs.; Anaheim, Calif. / Servite) – Michigan
2 | Cameron Newton, QB, ***** (6’4”, 232 lbs.; Atlanta, Ga. / West Lake) – Miami (Fla.)
3 | Kelvin Coleman, C, ***** (6’1”, 263 lbs.; Clifton, N.J. / Clifton) – Virginia Tech
4 | Ryan Broyles, ATH, ***** (6’0”, 170 lbs.; Norman, Okla. / Norman) – Florida
5 | Jimmy Clausen, QB, ***** (6’3”, 200 lbs.; Village, Calif. / Oaks Christian) – Arizona State
6 | Marvin Austin, DT, ***** (6’2”, 291 lbs.; Washington, D.C. / Ballou) – Notre Dame
7 | Joe McKnight, HB, ***** (6’1”, 193 lbs.; River Ridge, La. / John Curtis) – California
8 | Cameron Heyward, DT, ***** (6’5”, 264 lbs.; Suwanee, Ga. / Peachtree Ridge) – Ohio State
9 | Dez Bryant, WR, ***** (6’1”, 195 lbs.; Lufkin, Texas / Lufkin) – Miami (Fla.)
10 | Everson Griffen, DE, ***** (6’4”, 266 lbs.; Avondale, Ariz. / Agua Fria) – Texas

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

So did you edit incoming recruit names or download some type of recruiting class?

[Careless Whisper]

Re: The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

So did you edit incoming recruit names or download some type of recruiting class?

I edited recruit names, and plan to do that each season until we get to present day. I looked through the Rivals and 247 position rankings from that season, matched the skillset of the generated recruit best to the real player, and then edited all the appearance stuff to make it look like the real player after they signed. I can't edit location after the fact in the game, so it'll make for some interesting fits (ex. Dez Bryant to Miami), but I want to keep as many real players in this dynasty as possible.

This past class I did about 70 edits, probably will stick around that number in these early seasons and then ramp it up a bit once we get into the 2010s. The CPU recruiting model is somewhat disappointing in this, however, as you can see with the Clausen/Garcia/Tannehill/Burns haul for Arizona State at QB, and Taylor/Nesbitt/Lindley (plus the top JUCO QB) at Florida. Hopefully those who are at the bottom of the depth chart will transfer fairly early so they can generate a high enough overall to make it to Madden.

[Careless Whisper]

Re: The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

Terrell Owens Returns to Philadelphia
After spending a season in Dallas, Terrell Owens has re-signed with the Philadelphia Eagles

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (AP) -- He’s back.

After spurning Philadelphia to sign with Dallas last offseason, All-Pro wide receiver Terrell Owens has returned to the Eagles on a three-year deal. Owens finished his one year in the Lone Star State with 61 catches, 966 yards, and nine touchdowns, and was not retained due to salary cap reasons.

Owens was the highest profile player to change teams. On the offensive side of the ball, Chad Pennington (WAS), Reuben Droughns (ATL), Jamal Lewis (MIN), Alge Crumpler (WAS), Todd Heap (CIN), and Tony Gonzalez (CHI) were the most notable names to post new addresses in free agency.

Defensively, the Seattle Seahawks made the biggest splash by signing Michael Strahan, Shaun Rogers, and Mike McKenzie. The Tennessee Titans inked John Abraham and John Lynch to shore up their 4-3 look, and the Baltimore Ravens are bringing in Lemar Marshall to replace the recently retired Ray Lewis.

In restricted free agency, Jared Allen moves from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Gibril Wilson is heading to the Denver Broncos from the New York Giants. Both the Chiefs and Giants will receive a first round pick as compensation.

A full overview of the pre-draft free agency period can be found below.

Notable NFL Free Agency Moves
Chad Pennington, QB, NYJ to WAS
David Carr, QB, HOU to GB
Reuben Droughns, HB, CLE to ATL
Jamal Lewis, HB, BAL to MIN
Chris Brown, HB, TEN to NYJ
Ahman Green, HB, GB to SF
Dominic Rhodes, HB, IND to CLE
Fred Beasley, FB, SF to CIN
Mike Alstott, FB, TB to TEN
Terrell Owens, WR, DAL to PHI
Eric Moulds, WR, HOU to DAL
Brandon Stokley, WR, IND to SD
Alge Crumpler, TE, ATL to WAS
Todd Heap, TE, BAL to CIN
Tony Gonzalez, TE, KC to CHI
William Thomas, OT, PHI to CIN
Jeff Backus, OT, DET to PHI
Leonard Davis, OT, ARZ to TEN
Willie Anderson, OT, CIN to BUF
Brian Waters, G, KC to NYJ
Jeff Saturday, C, IND to CIN
Todd McClure, C, ATL to STL
Michael Strahan, DE, NYG to SEA
Aaron Smith, DE, PIT to CLE
John Abraham, DE, ATL to TEN
Aaron Schobel, DE, BUF to CAR
Jared Allen, DE, KC to PIT (RFA, R1P26)
Shaun Rogers, DT, NYG to SEA
Adalius Thomas, OLB, BAL to NE
Lemar Marshall, MLB, WAS to BAL
Chris McAlister, CB, BAL to SD
Mike McKenzie, CB, GB to SEA
Patrick Surtain, CB, KC to NYJ
Terrence McGee, CB, BUF to PIT
Nate Clements, CB, BUF to NYG
Charles Woodson, CB, OAK to IND
John Lynch, FS, DEN to TEN
Michael Lewis, SS, PHI to CAR
Adrian Wilson, SS, ARZ to MIA
Gibril Wilson, SS, NYG to DEN (RFA, R1P22)
Neil Rackers, K, ARZ to CAR
Jeff Wilkins, K, STL to WAS
Sebastian Janikowski, K, OAK to BUF
Jason Elam, K, DEN to NO
Scott Player, P, ARZ to PIT

[Careless Whisper]

Re: The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

Chiefs Retool Defense, Draft Adams First Overall
Clemson’s Gaines Adams makes it two straight years with a defensive end as the top pick in the NFL Draft

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. (AP) -- The Kansas City Chiefs drafted a pair of defensive playmakers in this year’s NFL Draft, highlighted by the first overall selection of Clemson’s Gaines Adams.

Adams becomes the second straight defensive end to go first overall, following the Houston Texans’ pick of Mario Williams from North Carolina State last year. The Chiefs then used their first round compensation pick for losing Jared Allen in restricted free agency to draft Michigan cornerback Leon Hall with the 26th overall selection.

A run of offensive players followed Adams, starting with Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas to the Detroit Lions. Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson was chosen by the Chicago Bears, and Heisman winner Brady Quinn went fourth overall to the Cleveland Browns. Notre Dame wide receiver and Quinn’s teammate, Jeff Samardzija, rounded out the top five by being picked by the Houston Texans.

BCS Championship Game MVP and Oklahoma runningback Adrian Peterson went 12th overall to the Tennessee Titans.

A full breakdown of the draft’s first round and other notable picks can be found below.

NFL Draft First Round
R1, P1 | KC | Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
R1, P2 | DET | Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
R1, P3 | CHI (from OAK) | Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
R1, P4 | CLE | Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
R1, P5 | HOU (from NO) | Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame
R1, P6 | MIN | Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan State
R1, P7 | SF | Victor Abiamiri, DE, Notre Dame
R1, P8 | JAX | Steve Breaston, WR, Michigan
R1, P9 | DAL (from TB) | Laron Landry, FS, LSU
R1, P10 | NE | Kevin McLee, OLB, West Virginia
R1, P11 | NYG | Patrick Willis, OLB, Ole Miss
R1, P12 | TEN (from BUF) | Adrian Peterson, HB, Oklahoma
R1, P13 | TB (from DAL) | Daymeion Hughes, CB, California
R1, P14 | BAL (from SD) | Chris Leak, QB, Florida
R1, P15 | MIA | Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
R1, P16 | ARZ | Rufus Alexander, OLB, Oklahoma
R1, P17 | STL | Prescott Burgess, OLB, Michigan
R1, P18 | NO (from HOU) | Marcus Hamilton, CB, Virginia
R1, P19 | SD (from BAL) | Tom Zbikowski, SS, Notre Dame
R1, P20 | CIN | Kareem Brown, DT, Miami (Fla.)
R1, P21 | CAR | Jonny Harline, TE, BYU
R1, P22 | NYG (from DEN) | Darius Walker, HB, Notre Dame
R1, P23 | TEN (from GB) | Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
R1, P24 | NYJ | Kenny Irons, HB, Auburn
R1, P25 | OAK (from CHI) | Clark Harris, TE, Rutgers
R1, P26 | KC (from PIT) | Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
R1, P27 | PHI | Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
R1, P28 | IND | Jamario Thomas, HB, North Texas
R1, P29 | WAS | Justin Blalock, OT, Texas
R1, P30 | GB (from TEN) | Michael Bush, HB, Louisville
R1, P31 | SEA | Mark Fenton, C, Colorado
R1, P32 | DAL (from SD) | Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State

Other Notable NFL Draft Selections
R2, P33 | KC | Jarrett Hicks, WR, Texas Tech
R2, P37 | TEN | Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
R2, P40 | HOU | Steve Smith, WR, USC
R2, P45 | SD | Antonio Pittman, HB, Ohio State
R2, P50 | JAX | Tyrone Prothro, WR, Alabama
R2, P53 | CAR | D’Juan Woods, WR, Oklahoma State
R2, P54 | DEN | Tyrone Moss, HB, Miami (Fla.)
R2, P59 | PHI | Jason Hill, WR, Washington State
R2, P60 | IND | Kenneth Darby, HB, Alabama
R2, P64 | SD | Alley Broussard, HB, LSU
R3, P67 | OAK | Tony Hunt, HB, Penn State
R3, P77 | BUF | Jordan Thomas, HB, UTEP
R3, P78 | ATL | Jeff Rowe, QB, Nevada
R3, P83 | ATL | Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
R3, P84 | CIN | Matt Herian, TE, Nebraska
R3, P85 | CAR | Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
R3, P86 | DEN | Tyler Palko, QB, Pittsburgh
R3, P87 | GB | Lonta Hobbs, HB, TCU
R3, P89 | CHI | Sam Keller, QB, Arizona State
R3, P91 | PHI | Albert Young, HB, Iowa
R3, P99 | OAK | Matt Spaeth, TE, Minnesota
R4, P106 | NE | Jeff Ballard, QB, TCU
R4, P109 | TB | Kevin Kolb, QB, Houston
R4, P112 | ARZ | Jordan Palmer, QB, UTEP
R4, P116 | CIN | Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
R5, P146 | HOU | Reggie Ball, QB, Georgia Tech
R6, P170 | TEN | Mike Hart, HB, Michigan
R7, P212 | CIN | Garrett Wolfe, HB, Northern Illinois
R7, P224 | SD | Brandon Archer, OLB, Kansas State (Mr. Irrelevant)

[Careless Whisper]

Re: The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

Freshmen Look to Make Impact in Carnegie Mellon’s Second FCS Season
Eight first-year players are listed as projected starters for John Elliott’s Tartans squad

by Alicia Brown, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Everyone expected it to be a slow build.

But there was a bit of despondence in Carnegie Mellon’s inaugural NCAA Division I season, a journey that ended in just a single win over a Division II school and 77 points offensively. There were moments, sure, but the constant mismatches became morale detractors that brought forth more questions than answers.

Second-year head coach John Elliott is one of those believers, however, and he thinks his Tartans team will show notable improvement in 2007 based on the influx of freshmen contributors.

“Our new guys have gotten in here and given this team the shot in the arm it needed,” said Elliott. “They’re at the front of workouts, they’re taking active vocal leadership roles, and they know that they’re the first group to choose (Carnegie Mellon) with the large mountain in front of them that we have to climb. I’m really excited to see how they perform.”

In CMU’s projected two-deep, eight first-year players are listed as starters, with the other two newcomers serving as the second-string tailback (Jim Manning) and slot cornerback (Hayden Temple). Quarterback Justin Keyes, offensive tackle Phil Patrick, guards Matt Fitch and Eric Fraser, defensive end Andrew Miller, linebackers Matt Johnson and Aaron Crosby, and cornerback Calvin Burton will all be in the starting lineup when the Tartans open the season on Saturday, September 1 at Penn.

Keyes will have a couple of returnees to lean on as QB1, highlighted by senior tailback Robert Riley. Riley ran for 1,034 yards as one of the lone positives on offense. Junior wide receiver Pete Carlson had 566 receiving yards and two touchdowns (one kick return), while senior Ali Concepcion is fully recovered from a broken tailbone he suffered three games into last season.

On defense, junior defensive tackle Devon Elliott (8 sacks) and third-year corner Raymond Cooper (3 INT) are the top returners. Justin Thompson (kicker) and Brad Jones (punter) are back as the CMU specialists, while Carlson and Manning will return kicks and punts.

“We’ll be better this year,” said Elliott. “I think we’ll do enough to carry a good bit of momentum into our first full year of FBS ball next season.”

2007 Schedule
(Home games in ALL CAPS)

09/01 | at Penn (12:30 PM)
09/08 | INDIANA STATE (3:30 PM)
09/15 | at Pittsburgh (1:00 PM) – Rivalry Game
09/22 | at Southern Illinois (12:30 PM)
09/28 | RHODE ISLAND (8:00 PM)
10/07 | SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE (6:00 PM) – Homecoming
10/13 | at McNeese State (1:00 PM)
10/20 | at Dartmouth (8:00 PM)
10/27 | VILLANOVA (6:00 PM) – Alumni Night
11/10 | HOFSTRA (8:00 PM)
11/17 | TOWSON (8:00 PM) – Senior Night
11/24 | at Idaho State (1:00 PM)

Two-Deep Depth Chart
QB | #3 Justin Keyes (Fr.), #22 Alex Smith (So.)
HB | #11 Robert Riley (Sr.), #27 Jim Manning (Fr.)
FB | #29 Korey Harper (R-Fr.), #25 Oliver Barry (R-Jr.)
WR | #82 Pete Carlson (Jr.), #15 Al Jackson (Sr.)
WR | #81 Ali Concepcion (Sr.), #83 Kurt Thompson (So.)
TE | #80 Antwan Copeland (Sr.), #86 Calvin Scott (Jr.)
LT | #52 Jon Young (Jr.), #72 Adam Ernst (R-So.)
LG | #75 Matt Fitch (Fr.), #67 Andy Clarke (Jr.)
C | #73 Rob Hill (Jr.), #63 Andrew Stanford (Sr.)
RG | #78 Eric Fraser (Fr.), #59 Leroy Webb (Jr.)
RT | #77 Phil Patrick (Fr.), #70 David Jenkins (Jr.)
LE | #45 Jared Davis (Jr.), #48 Justin Fisher (Sr.)
RE | #95 Andrew Miller (Fr.), #62 Todd Brown (So.)
DT | #60 Devon Elliott (Jr.), #61 Brandon Kellner (R-Jr.)
DT | #91 Walter Hunter (So.), #65 Terrance Knox (R-So.)
LOLB | #94 Andrew Motte (Sr.), #98 Robert Graves (Jr.)
MLB | #57 Aaron Crosby (Fr.), #43 Bobby Smith (Sr.)
ROLB | #31 Matt Johnson (Fr.), #50 Curtis Willis (Sr.)
CB | #4 Calvin Burton (Fr.), #2 Brent Matthews (Sr.)
CB | #10 Raymond Cooper (Jr.), #1 Hayden Temple (Fr.)
FS | #34 Sean Day (Sr.), #23 Xavier Bennett (Jr.)
SS | #24 Eric Holloway (Sr.), #26 Braylon Cunningham (Jr.)
K | #30 Justin Thompson (Sr.)
P | #49 Brad Jones (Jr.)
KR | #82 Pete Carlson (Jr.), #27 Jim Manning (Fr.)
PR | #82 Pete Carlson (Jr.), #27 Jim Manning (Fr.)

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

Chiefs Retool Defense, Draft Adams First Overall
Clemson’s Gaines Adams makes it two consecutive years with a defensive end as the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. (AP) -- The Kansas City Chiefs drafted a pair of defensive playmakers in this year’s NFL Draft, highlighted by the first overall selection of Clemson’s Gaines Adams.

Adams becomes the second straight defensive end to go first overall, following the Houston Texans’ pick of Mario Williams from North Carolina State last year. The Chiefs then used their first round compensation pick for losing Jared Allen in restricted free agency to draft Michigan cornerback Leon Hall with the 26th overall selection.

A run of offensive players followed Adams, starting with Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas to the Detroit Lions. Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson was chosen by the Chicago Bears, and Heisman winner Brady Quinn went fourth overall to the Cleveland Browns. Notre Dame wide receiver and Quinn’s teammate, Jeff Samardzija, rounded out the top five by being picked by the Houston Texans.

BCS Championship Game MVP and Oklahoma runningback Adrian Peterson went 12th overall to the Tennessee Titans.

A full breakdown of the draft’s first round and other notable picks can be found below.

NFL Draft First Round

R1, P1 | KC | Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
R1, P2 | DET | Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
R1, P3 | CHI (from OAK) | Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
R1, P4 | CLE | Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
R1, P5 | HOU (from NO) | Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame
R1, P6 | MIN | Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan State
R1, P7 | SF | Victor Abiamiri, DE, Notre Dame
R1, P8 | JAX | Steve Breaston, WR, Michigan
R1, P9 | DAL (from TB) | Laron Landry, FS, LSU
R1, P10 | NE | Kevin McLee, OLB, West Virginia
R1, P11 | NYG | Patrick Willis, OLB, Ole Miss
R1, P12 | TEN (from BUF) | Adrian Peterson, HB, Oklahoma
R1, P13 | TB (from DAL) | Daymeion Hughes, CB, California
R1, P14 | BAL (from SD) | Chris Leak, QB, Florida
R1, P15 | MIA | Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
R1, P16 | ARZ | Rufus Alexander, OLB, Oklahoma
R1, P17 | STL | Prescott Burgess, OLB, Michigan
R1, P18 | NO (from HOU) | Marcus Hamilton, CB, Virginia
R1, P19 | SD (from BAL) | Tom Zbikowski, SS, Notre Dame
R1, P20 | CIN | Kareem Brown, DT, Miami (Fla.)
R1, P21 | CAR | Jonny Harline, TE, BYU
R1, P22 | NYG (from DEN) | Darius Walker, HB, Notre Dame
R1, P23 | TEN (from GB) | Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
R1, P24 | NYJ | Kenny Irons, HB, Auburn
R1, P25 | OAK (from CHI) | Clark Harris, TE, Rutgers
R1, P26 | KC (from PIT) | Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
R1, P27 | PHI | Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
R1, P28 | IND | Jamario Thomas, HB, North Texas
R1, P29 | WAS | Justin Blalock, OT, Texas
R1, P30 | GB (from TEN) | Michael Bush, HB, Louisville
R1, P31 | SEA | Mark Fenton, C, Colorado
R1, P32 | DAL (from SD) | Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State

Other Notable NFL Draft Selections

R2, P33 | KC | Jarrett Hicks, WR, Texas Tech
R2, P37 | TEN | Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
R2, P40 | HOU | Steve Smith, WR, USC
R2, P45 | SD | Antonio Pittman, HB, Ohio State
R2, P50 | JAX | Tyrone Prothro, WR, Alabama
R2, P53 | CAR | D’Juan Woods, WR, Oklahoma State
R2, P54 | DEN | Tyrone Moss, HB, Miami (Fla.)
R2, P59 | PHI | Jason Hill, WR, Washington State
R2, P60 | IND | Kenneth Darby, HB, Alabama
R2, P64 | SD | Alley Broussard, HB, LSU
R3, P67 | OAK | Tony Hunt, HB, Penn State
R3, P77 | BUF | Jordan Thomas, HB, UTEP
R3, P78 | ATL | Jeff Rowe, QB, Nevada
R3, P83 | ATL | Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
R3, P84 | CIN | Matt Herian, TE, Nebraska
R3, P85 | CAR | Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
R3, P86 | DEN | Tyler Palko, QB, Pittsburgh
R3, P87 | GB | Lonta Hobbs, HB, TCU
R3, P89 | CHI | Sam Keller, QB, Arizona State
R3, P91 | PHI | Albert Young, HB, Iowa
R3, P99 | OAK | Matt Spaeth, TE, Minnesota
R4, P106 | NE | Jeff Ballard, QB, TCU
R4, P109 | TB | Kevin Kolb, QB, Houston
R4, P112 | ARZ | Jordan Palmer, QB, UTEP
R4, P116 | CIN | Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
R5, P146 | HOU | Reggie Ball, QB, Georgia Tech
R6, P170 | TEN | Mike Hart, HB, Michigan
R7, P212 | CIN | Garrett Wolfe, HB, Northern Illinois
R7, P224 | SD | Brandon Archer, OLB, Kansas State (Mr. Irrelevant)

Even in a video game, the Browns can't pass on drafting Quinn. It's like they were made for each other, except I have always wondered if his career would have been different had he gone somewhere else.

I am sure Megatron is super excited Detroit passed and took Joe Thomas.

[Careless Whisper]

Re: The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

Manning, Reed Grade Among League’s Best in New System
Pro Football Focus is a new analysis website that attaches a grade from 0-100 to player performances

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. (AP) -- There’s a new ranking system in the NFL, and at first glance it tells us what we knew already.

Pro Football Focus has released its preseason rankings, and it lists Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and Ravens safety Ed Reed among the top five players in the NFL. Manning is joined by Matt Hasselbeck (SEA), Tom Brady (NE), Carson Palmer (CIN), and Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) in the quarterback rankings, while Reed is one of three defensive backs to receive a 99 grade, joining Troy Polamalu (PIT) and Champ Bailey (DEN).

The new analysis website has also released its rookie rankings, and Dallas Cowboys free safety Laron Landry received the highest grade at 87. Gaines Adams (KC), Adrian Peterson (TEN), Brady Quinn (CLE), and Calvin Johnson (CHI) also were ranked inside the top five.

A full breakdown of PFF’s top five overall, by position, and rookies can be found below.

Overall
Keith Bulluck, OLB, TEN | 99
Alan Faneca, G, PIT | 99
Julian Peterson, OLB, SEA | 99
Ed Reed, SS, BAL | 99
Peyton Manning, QB, IND | 99

Quarterbacks
Peyton Manning, IND | 99
Matt Hasselbeck, SEA | 99
Tom Brady, NE | 97
Carson Palmer, CIN | 95
Ben Roethlisberger, PIT | 94

Runningbacks
Shaun Alexander, SEA | 99
LaDainian Tomlinson, SD | 99
Clinton Portis, WAS | 97
Larry Johnson, KC | 95
Edgerrin James, ARZ | 94

Wide Receivers
Chad Johnson, CIN | 99
Torry Holt, STL | 98
Randy Moss, OAK | 98
Steve Smith, CAR | 97
Terrell Owens, PHI | 96

Tight Ends
Antonio Gates, SD | 99
Jeremy Shockey, NYG | 97
Alge Crumpler, WAS | 96
Todd Heap, CIN | 95
Tony Gonzalez, CHI | 94

Offensive Linemen
Alan Faneca, PIT | 99
Walter Jones, SEA | 99
Orlando Pace, STL | 98
Olin Kreutz, CHI | 98
Steve Hutchinson, MIN | 97

Defensive Linemen
Julius Peppers, CAR | 99
Dwight Freeney, IND | 99
Casey Hampton, PIT | 98
Marcus Stroud, JAX | 97
Michael Strahan, SEA | 97

Linebackers
Keith Bulluck, TEN | 99
Brian Urlacher, CHI | 99
Julian Peterson, SEA | 99
Joey Porter, PIT | 98
Darren Brooks, TB | 97

Defensive Backs
Ed Reed, BAL | 99
Champ Bailey, DEN | 99
Troy Polamalu, PIT | 99
Brian Dawkins, PHI | 97
Ken Lucas, CAR | 95

Specialists
Shane Lechler, OAK | 99
Brian Moorman, BUF | 99
Neil Rackers, CAR | 98
Adam Vinatieri, NE | 97
Nate Kaeding, KC | 96

Rookies
Laron Landry, DAL | 87
Gaines Adams, KC | 86
Adrian Peterson, TEN | 85
Brady Quinn, CLE | 85
Calvin Johnson, CHI | 85

[Careless Whisper]

Re: The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

Four Gain 99 Grades in PFF’s College Football Rankings
Xavier Adibi and Marshawn Lynch are among the highest rated players by PFF

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. (AP) -- Pro Football Focus has made its debut in college football.

A week after releasing its inaugural NFL player rankings, PFF has revealed its ratings for the college game. Virginia Tech linebacker Xavier Adibi, Penn State linebacker, Arkansas fullback Peyton Hillis, California tailback Marshawn Lynch, and Arizona State tight end Zach Miller graded out as the top five players.

The quarterbacks are led by LSU redshirt senior JaMarcus Russell, who was a surprise returner to college. The runningback position features Lynch and four juniors – Jamaal Charles (Texas), Darren McFadden (Arkansas), Steve Slaton (West Virginia), and Tyrell Sutton (Northwestern) – as its top five.

A full breakdown of PFF’s top five overall and by position can be found below.

Overall
Xavier Adibi, R-Sr., OLB, Virginia Tech | 99
Marshawn Lynch, Sr., HB, California | 99
Peyton Hillis, Sr., FB, Arkansas | 99
Zach Miller, Sr., TE, Arizona State | 99
Dan Connor, Sr., OLB, Penn State | 98

Quarterbacks
JaMarcus Russell, R-Sr., LSU | 96
Pat White, R-Jr., West Virginia | 94
Brian Johnson, Sr., Utah | 94
Rhett Bomar, R-Jr., Oklahoma | 94
Chad Henne, Sr., Michigan | 94

Runningbacks
Marshawn Lynch, Sr., California | 99
Darren McFadden, Jr., Arkansas | 97
Steve Slaton, Jr., West Virginia | 95
Jamaal Charles, Jr., Texas | 95
Tyrell Sutton, Jr., Northwestern | 95

Wide Receivers
Ted Ginn Jr., Sr., Ohio State | 97
Sidney Rice, R-Jr., South Carolina | 96
Early Doucet, Sr., LSU | 94
Todd Blythe, R-Sr., Iowa State | 94
Patrick Turner, Jr., USC | 92

Tight Ends
Zach Miller, Sr., Arizona State | 99
Greg Olsen, R-Sr., Miami (Fla.) | 98
Martin Rucker, R-Sr., Missouri | 96
Chris Brown, Sr., Tennessee | 94
Shawn Nelson, R-Jr., Southern Miss | 93

Offensive Linemen
Sam Baker, R-Sr., USC | 96
Jeff Byers, R-Jr., USC | 95
Will Arnold, R-Sr., LSU | 95
Adam Spieker, R-Sr., Missouri | 94
Alex Boone, Jr., Ohio State | 94

Defensive Linemen
Tim Jamison, R-Jr., Michigan | 96
Sedrick Ellis, R-Sr., USC | 96
Wallace Gilberry, Sr., Alabama | 96
Frank Okam, Sr., Texas | 96
Chris Ellis, R-Sr., Virginia Tech | 95

Linebackers
Xavier Adibi, R-Sr., Virginia Tech | 99
Dan Connor, Sr., Penn State | 98
Vince Hall, R-Sr., Virginia Tech | 98
Brian Toal, Sr., Boston College | 96
Steve Octavien, R-Sr., Nebraska | 95

Defensive Backs
Antoine Cason, Sr., Arizona | 96
Darrelle Revis, Sr., Pittsburgh | 94
Kenny Phillips, Jr., Miami (Fla.) | 94
Rocky Schwartz, R-Sr., Houston | 94
Myron Rolle, So., Florida State | 94

Specialists
Kenneth Debauche, R-Sr., Wisconsin | 99
Alexis Serna, R-Sr., Oregon State | 97
Jim Kaylor, R-Sr., Colorado State | 95
Jordan Congdon, Jr., Nebraska | 94
Arthur Carmody, R-Sr., Louisville | 94

[Careless Whisper]

Re: The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

Around the NCAA – Preseason Edition
Behind its playmaking defense, Oklahoma is picked to defend its national title in 2007

USA Today Preseason Top 25 Coaches’ Poll
1 | Oklahoma [35 first-place votes]
2 | USC [22]
3 | Michigan [1]
4 | Texas [1]
5 | Miami (Fla.) [1]
6 | LSU [1]
7 | Ohio State
8 | West Virginia
9 | Virginia Tech
10 | Florida State
11 | Penn State
12 | Arizona State
13 | North Carolina State
14 | Notre Dame
15 | Clemson
16 | Florida
17 | Utah
18 | Louisville
19 | Iowa
20 | Texas A&M
21 | Tennessee
22 | Auburn
23 | Nebraska
24 | Oregon State
25 | Georgia Tech

Heisman Watch
Steve Slaton, Jr., HB, West Virginia | 273 carries, 2,013 yards, 23 TD; 14 catches, 234 yards, 3 TD in 2006
Colt McCoy, R-So., QB, Texas | 148.6 QB rtg., 235-405, 3,323 yards, 35 TD, 14 INT in 2006
Rudy Burgess, R-Sr., WR, Arizona State | 84 catches, 982 yards, 15 TD in 2006
Darren McFadden, Jr., HB, Arkansas | 318 carries, 2,037 yards, 23 TD; 15 catches, 282 yards, 1 TD in 2006
James Davis, Jr., HB, Clemson | 231 carries, 1,406 yards, 11 TD; 31 catches, 379 yards, 7 TD in 2006

Conference Favorites
ACC | Miami (Fla.)
Big Ten | Michigan
Big 12 | Oklahoma
Big East | West Virginia
C-USA | Houston
MAC | Ohio
Mountain West | Utah
Pac-10 | USC
SEC | LSU
Sun Belt | Florida Atlantic
WAC | Boise State

Top 10 Toughest Places to Play
1 | Ohio Stadium – Ohio State (106,041 avg.)
2 | Tiger Stadium – LSU (96,115 avg.)
3 | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium – Florida (92,548 avg.)
4 | Beaver Stadium – Penn State (111,558 avg.)
5 | Lane Stadium – Virginia Tech (67,563 avg.)
6 | USC Stadium – USC (94,821 avg.)
7 | DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium – Texas (85,144 avg.)
8 | Neyland Stadium – Tennessee (108,429 avg.)
9 | Kinnick Stadium – Iowa (72,850 avg.)
10 | Doak Campbell Stadium – Florida State (84,855 avg.)

Week 1 National Broadcasts
Arizona (0-0) at #4 Texas (0-0) | 9/1, 12:30 PM
Idaho (0-0) at #2 USC | 9/1, 12:30 PM
#25 Georgia Tech (0-0) at #14 Notre Dame (0-0) | 9/1, 12:30 PM (Game of the Week)
Eastern Michigan (0-0) at #3 Michigan (0-0) | 9/1, 12:30 PM
Northern Illinois (0-0) at #19 Iowa (0-0) | 9/1, 12:30 PM
#15 Clemson (0-0) at Colorado State (0-0) | 9/1, 3:30 PM
#21 Tennessee (0-0) at California (0-0) | 9/1, 3:30 PM
Central Florida (0-0) at #16 Florida (0-0) | 9/1, 6:00 PM

[Careless Whisper]

Season 2, Game 1: Carnegie Mellon at Penn

Mistakes Doom Tartans in Season Opener at Penn
Carnegie Mellon lost three fumbles as it fell to the cross-state Quakers in the 2007 opener, 19-6

by Jayson Thomas, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Carnegie Mellon kept pace with an average Penn side in both teams’ season opener this afternoon, but three lost fumbles proved to be its downfall as the Quakers knocked off the Tartans, 19-6.

The new-look Carnegie Mellon (0-1) side showed promise offensively, with freshman Justin Keyes throwing for 194 yards on 14-of-25 passing in his collegiate debut. Senior tailback Robert Riley scored on a three-yard plunge in the fourth quarter and totaled 172 yards (121 rushing, 51 receiving) of offense, while junior wide receiver Pete Carlson netted 81 yards on seven catches.

“Definitely better than most of our performances last season,” said second-year head coach John Elliott. “We’re right in it if it weren’t for the three fumbles. Credit to Penn for knowing when to punch the ball out – I have to prepare my boys better against that.”

Penn (1-0) churned clock on multiple drives and four came away with A.J. Nobile field goals. Keyes, who lost a fumble in the second quarter with the Tartans in the red zone, was sacked midway through the final frame and left it on the ground for Glen Cressmen to pick up, and the linebacker rumbled 50 yards to paydirt. Riley’s score with 3:11 to go pulled CMU within two scores, but the visitors failed on the two-point conversion and couldn’t come up with the onside kick.

First-year linebacker Matt Johnson led all players with 11 tackles and a sack.

Carnegie Mellon returns home next weekend when it hosts Indiana State at Gesling Stadium.

Carnegie Mellon Tartans at Pennsylvania Quakers
Sep 1, 2007	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Carnegie Mellon Tartans (0-1)	0	0	0	6	6
Pennsylvania Quakers (1-0)	0	6	6	7	19

Scoring Summary
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		CMU	PENN
9:52	(PENN) A.J. Nobile 38-yard field goal	0	3
0:06	(PENN) A.J. Nobile 27-yard field goal	0	6
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		CMU	PENN
9:06	(PENN) A.J. Nobile 32-yard field goal	0	9
5:41	(PENN) A.J. Nobile 24-yard field goal	0	12
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		CMU	PENN
8:15	(PENN) Glen Cressmen 50-yard fumble return (A.J. Nobile kick)	0	19
3:11	(CMU) Robert Riley 3-yard run (pass failed)	6	19

Carnegie Mellon Tartans PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Justin Keyes 14/25 194 0 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Robert Riley 25 121 4.8 1 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Pete Carlson 7 81 11.6 0 Robert Riley 2 51 25.5 0 Ali Concepcion 2 45 22.5 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Matt Johnson 11 1 0 0 Raymond Cooper 7 0 0 0 Devon Elliott 5 1 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Justin Thompson 0/0 0/0 0 --

Pennsylvania Quakers

[moose141]

Re: The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

Tough to lose the open, but a really solid performance no less! Huge to see the passing game actually be a factor for once, I think that will really be the difference hopefully means we could see 3-4 wins this season!

[Careless Whisper]

Re: The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA Football 07)

Tough to lose the open, but a really solid performance no less! Huge to see the passing game actually be a factor for once, I think that will really be the difference hopefully means we could see 3-4 wins this season!

Yeah, my offense is miles better already with Keyes under center. I didn't even use Manning much because Riley was running the ball so well, but I can see him contributing in a big way this season. With a full FCS schedule, multiple wins are the expectation I'm thinking - assuming no big injuries, of course.