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

[Deuce2223]

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

So a undefeated 12-0 Wyoming, 11-1 Hawaii and a 10-2 Boise State team? are they all in the MWC or is BSU still in the Wac in your game? Also does the MWC and WAC not have Championship Games?

[Careless Whisper]

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

Iowa looks like the real deal. Reminds of a typical 2010's USC team where they have tons of NFL talent but couldn't win out for some reason. Huge test for you guys. On paper, I'd say Iowa by a score and a half but Manning might make it really interesting

That's a pretty good comparison, because they definitely have BCS bowl game talent! It'll be a big test to see where we stack up against one of the nation's elite, and I'm honestly hoping I can ride Manning and keep the ball out of their hands - probably my only shot at pulling the upset.

So a undefeated 12-0 Wyoming, 11-1 Hawaii and a 10-2 Boise State team? are they all in the MWC or is BSU still in the Wac in your game? Also does the MWC and WAC not have Championship Games?

Wyoming is in the Mountain West, and their undefeated season really came out of nowhere! I like it though, I would love to see some of these lesser programs really make runs and become elite in my report. Hawaii and Boise are still in the WAC and both conferences do not play a conference title game, though I think if Hawaii continues to rattle off seasons like this - a possibility with Matt Barkley as their QB - then I could see the game moving them to the Pac-10.

Thanks for checking in guys - I'll have the bowl game up later today!

[Careless Whisper]

Season 4, Game 14: Carnegie Mellon vs. #14 Iowa - Champs Sports Bowl

Talent Wins Out in Tartans' Bowl Loss to #14 Hawkeyes
Carnegie Mellon collected six sacks and three interceptions defensively, but couldn't make up a 371-248 yards difference



CMU runningback Jim Manning posted his 21st career 100-yard rushing effort in the defeat. (Anthony Henry / Getty Images)

by Jayson Thomas, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Making its first appearance in a NCAA Division I bowl game since 1939, Carnegie Mellon kept pace with No. 14 Iowa for three quarters but their opponents’ talent eventually prevailed in the final frame, as the Hawkeyes defeated the Tartans, 33-20, this evening in the Champs Sports Bowl.

Carnegie Mellon (7-7) was clearly outmatched, but managed to stay within an arm’s length of No. 14 Iowa (10-3) thanks to a solid rushing attack and opportunistic defense. The Tartans sacked Arvell Nelson six times and picked him off three times, making up for the 371-248 difference in total offense.

“I thought we handled ourselves well but never could get into a complete rhythm on offense,” said CMU fourth-year head coach John Elliott. “Our quarterbacks were constantly under pressure and managed to avoid sacks for the most part, but even when they had time our receivers couldn’t get the separation we needed to string drives together. That Iowa team is incredibly talented and we knew there was going to be a step up in competition tonight, but this just shows that while we met our goals for the season, there’s still a long way to go to reach our goals as a program.”

The Tartans kept the Hawkeyes off the board on their first drive after Hayden Temple intercepted Nelson at the CMU 24-yard line. The ensuing drive didn’t end in points however, and Iowa responded with a couple of quick strikes before Dana Brown burst through the defense untouched for a 24-yard score.

The Hawkeyes took possession again quickly after Adrian Clayborn’s pressure forced an interception from Justin Keyes, and Austin Signor drilled a 40-yard field goal to make it 10-0. The Tartans forced another Nelson interception – this one from Elvis Washington – to take advantage of a short field early in the second quarter, and Jim Manning found the end zone from four yards out to trim the gap to 10-7.

Iowa answered by churning out a 10-play drive, and despite one of two sacks from P.J. Ryan, Nelson connected with James Cleveland on third and 13 for a 41-yard touchdown to extend the advantage to 17-7. It seemed like that score would carry into the halftime break, but a couple of 12-yard Manning runs set CMU up inside the red zone, and Keyes found Stephen Carter for a seven-yard score to pull the Tartans within three.

That single-score difference remained through the third quarter, even after a Signor 44-yard boot, but the Hawkeyes would regain their two-score advantage with a Nelson-to-Cleveland connection from two yards out. The two-point conversion failed, but Nelson added another two-yard touchdown toss on Iowa’s next drive – this one to Trey Stross – to make it 33-14. Kevin Wilson, who played the entire fourth quarter, managed to pull the Tartans closer with a garbage time touchdown, a 46-yard pass to David Young on busted coverage.

Manning bounced back from a poor performance in the MAC Championship Game, rushing for 102 yards and the second-quarter score on 21 carries. The junior has 10 100-yard efforts this year and 21 for his career, and fell 64 yards shy of hitting the 2,000-yard milestone on the season.

Defensively, Ryan (2), Nathan Ford, Zac Hood, Matt Johnson, and Mark Toth all netted a sack, and Temple snagged two interceptions to go with Washington’s one. Despite not recording a stat, Calvin Burton held Biletnikoff Award winner Dominique Douglas in check, allowing a single catch for four yards.

Carnegie Mellon, who fell to 1-2 all-time in bowl games, finishes its fourth Division I season and second FBS campaign at 7-7.

Iowa Hawkeyes at Carnegie Mellon Tartans
Dec 28, 2009	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#14 Iowa Hawkeyes (10-3)	10	7	3	13	33
Carnegie Mellon Tartans (7-7)	0	14	0	6	20

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		IOWA	CMU
8:30	(IOWA) Dana Brown 24-yard run (Austin Signor kick)	7	0
6:12	(IOWA) Austin Signor 40-yard field goal	10	0
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		IOWA	CMU
12:45	(CMU) Jim Manning 4-yard run (Jon Foster kick)	10	7
7:51	(IOWA) Arvell Nelson 41-yard pass to James Cleveland (Austin Signor kick)	17	7
0:53	(CMU) Justin Keyes 7-yard pass to Stephen Carter (Jon Foster kick)	17	14
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		IOWA	CMU
12:30	(IOWA) Austin Signor 44-yard field goal	20	14
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		IOWA	CMU
14:09	(IOWA) Arvell Nelson 2-yard pass to James Cleveland (pass failed)	26	14
8:57	(IOWA) Arvell Nelson 2-yard pass to Trey Stross (Austin Signor kick)	33	14
0:27	(CMU) Kevin Wilson 46-yard pass to David Young (pass failed)	33	20

Iowa Hawkeyes PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Arvell Nelson 19/36 254 3 3 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Dana Brown 11 92 8.4 1 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD James Cleveland 10 122 12.2 2 Tyler Sash 4 49 12.2 0 Trey Stross 3 77 25.7 0 Dominique Douglas 1 4 4.0 0 Garrett Barnes 1 2 2.0 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Jeremiha Hunter 11 1 0 0 A.J. Edds 7 0 0 0 Dezman Moses 6 0 0 0 Chris Rowell 5 0 0 0 Taylor Herbst 4 0 2 0 Paul Warford 2 0 2 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Austin Signor 2/2 3/3 9 44 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Daniel Murray 3 149 49.7 2 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Dominique Douglas 1 53 53.0 0 James Cleveland 2 34 17.0 0 Trey Stross 1 18 18.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD James Cleveland 3 47 15.7 0 Dominique Douglas 1 6 6.0 0

Carnegie Mellon Tartans PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Justin Keyes 7/19 54 1 2 Kevin Wilson 2/7 48 1 2 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Jim Manning 21 102 4.9 1 Justin Keyes 11 40 3.6 0 Kevin Cousins 1 5 5.0 0 Clarence Cabral 2 1 0.5 0 Nate Satele 3 -2 -0.7 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Kevin Cousins 4 17 4.2 0 David Young 2 50 25.0 1 Stephen Carter 2 33 16.5 1 Issac Schroeder 1 2 2.0 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Matt Johnson 9 1 0 0 Mark Toth 9 1 0 0 P.J. Ryan 6 2 0 0 Hayden Temple 5 0 2 0 Zac Hood 4 1 0 0 Nathan Ford 2 1 0 0 Elvis Washington 2 0 1 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Jon Foster 0/0 2/2 2 -- PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Andy Fitzhugh 5 228 45.6 1 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Jon Crowell 5 100 20.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Jon Crowell 2 7 3.5 0

[Deuce2223]

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

Wow. You played a pretty solid 1st half it looks like. I am a little surprised you didn't feel Manning more. Almost 5 yds a carry I feel like despite trailing he needs 30 carries. He is by far you best player, especially with what looks like a horrible day trying to pass the ball.

I am not sure what's more sad. The loss or the fact Manning didn't get 2000.

[moose141]

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

Tough final game for Cousins after a stellar season. Hate to see Manning leave on a loss, but other than win a MAC title possibly, he probably doesn't have much left to achieve at the collegiate level, although I'm sure with another huge season he could be pushing for the rushing record.

Was Wilson playing the entire fourth quarter by design? I noticed that you didn't mention anything about a Keyes injury, but obviously his statline was less than stellar.

[Careless Whisper]

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

Wow. You played a pretty solid 1st half it looks like. I am a little surprised you didn't feel Manning more. Almost 5 yds a carry I feel like despite trailing he needs 30 carries. He is by far you best player, especially with what looks like a horrible day trying to pass the ball.

I am not sure what's more sad. The loss or the fact Manning didn't get 2000.

I forgot to mention in the recap that he missed a couple of series due to injuries, which is why Satele and Cabral got touches. My gameplan was to feed Manning - especially when he found some early success - but him missing and then Iowa taking him away in the option game once he returned really threw me out of my rhythm offensively. I really wanted to get him 2,000 but if this was his last outing in a Tartan uniform, then he certainly went out on a high note (individually).

Tough final game for Cousins after a stellar season. Hate to see Manning leave on a loss, but other than win a MAC title possibly, he probably doesn't have much left to achieve at the collegiate level, although I'm sure with another huge season he could be pushing for the rushing record.

Was Wilson playing the entire fourth quarter by design? I noticed that you didn't mention anything about a Keyes injury, but obviously his statline was less than stellar.

Really sucks to see Cousins go out with a performance like that, I just had nothing going for him and he dropped a couple of passes as well. He was a revelation this season and really surpassed the expectations I had for him after the transfer, and it sucks that this is where his career will end and not in the NFL. (Although with that virtual CMU degree, I'm sure he'll do fine in the job field, haha.)

I let Wilson play the final three series after Iowa scored to make it 33-14. Figured I wasn't coming back from that spot, and wanted to give him some run - which obviously ended in the two interceptions and garbage-time touchdown. I think he's a solid backup to Keyes next year and probably will be the guy after that, but I'd like to see him perform better in limited time next year so that I'm more confident in him going forward in 2011.

[Careless Whisper]

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

Around the NCAA – 2009 Season Wrap-Up Edition
#1 Penn State denied #2 West Virginia its first national title with a 28-14 triumph in the BCS Championship Game

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) -- Behind a 199-yard, two-touchdown performance by sophomore tailback Jamie Harper, Penn State captured its first national championship in 24 seasons with a 28-14 victory over West Virginia in the BCS Championship Game.

Harper was named BCS Championship Game MVP for his efforts, picking up his quarterback Daryll Clark, who finished with 154 passing yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions in his final collegiate game. Clark’s 20-yard toss to Chris Bell in the second quarter gave the Nittany Lions the lead for good, and Evan Royster scampered from 48 yards out with 40 ticks remaining on the clock to seal the game.

West Virginia, making its second BCS Championship Game appearance in three years, could only must a couple of field goals in the first half as it fell behind 14-6. Jarrett Brown struggled (11-21, 153 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT), but pulled the Mountaineers within seven with 4:15 left on a 23-yard touchdown pass before Royster’s late scamper.

Noel Devine rushed for 114 yards on 22 carries in the defeat.

Penn State, who also claims national titles in 1982 and 1986, finished as one of two unbeaten teams nationally, alongside No. 15 Toledo.

BCS Bowl Results
Rose Bowl: #13 UCLA (10-2) 49, #3 Texas A&M (11-1) 44
Sugar Bowl: #8 Miami (Fla.) (11-2) 38, #5 Tennessee (12-1) 31
Fiesta Bowl: #10 Notre Dame (11-1) 46, #4 Oklahoma (11-2) 39
Orange Bowl: #11 Clemson (11-2) 30, #7 Florida (10-2) 20
BCS National Championship: #1 Penn State (12-0) 28, #2 West Virginia (12-0) 14

Final USA Today Top 25 Coaches’ Poll
1 | Penn State [61 first-place votes] (13-0)
2 | West Virginia (12-1)
3 | Miami (Fla.) (12-2)
4 | Texas A&M (11-2)
5 | Notre Dame (12-1)
6 | Tennessee (12-2)
7 | Texas Tech (11-2)
8 | Clemson (12-2)
9 | Oklahoma (11-3)
10 | UCLA (11-2)
11 | Texas (10-3)
12 | Florida (10-3)
13 | USC (10-3)
14 | Iowa (10-3)
15 | Toledo (14-0)
16 | Georgia (10-3)
17 | California (11-2)
18 | Hawaii (12-1)
19 | Wisconsin (10-3)
20 | Nebraska (10-3)
21 | LSU (10-4)
22 | Wyoming (12-1)
23 | Virginia Tech (10-3)
24 | Virginia (10-3)
25 | Central Michigan (12-1)

Major Award Winners
Heisman Memorial Trophy: Jerrod Johnson, Sr., QB, Texas A&M (184.8 QB rtg., 230-371, 3,817 yards, 53 TD, 20 INT; 113 carries, 646 yards, 8 TD)
Maxwell Award: Jerrod Johnson, Sr., QB, Texas A&M (184.8 QB rtg., 230-371, 3,817 yards, 53 TD, 20 INT; 113 carries, 646 yards, 8 TD)
Chuck Bednarik Award: Andy Mattingly, R-Sr., OLB, Washington State (102 tackles (10 TFL), 3 sacks, 12 INT, 1 FF, 1 TD)
Davey O’Brien Award: Jerrod Johnson, Sr., QB, Texas A&M (184.8 QB rtg., 230-371, 3,817 yards, 53 TD, 20 INT; 113 carries, 646 yards, 8 TD)
Doak Walker Award: Caleb King, Jr., HB, Georgia (245 carries, 1,881 yards, 22 TD; 12 catches, 300 yards, 2 TD)
Fred Biletnikoff Award: Dominique Douglas, Sr., WR, Iowa (86 catches, 1,249 yards, 14 TD)
John Mackey Award: John Allen, R-Sr., TE, Toledo (70 catches, 1,358 yards, 13 TD)
Outland Trophy: Jon Walko, R-Sr., OT, West Virginia (32 pancakes, 2 sacks allowed)
Dave Rimington Trophy: Derek Hayes, Jr., C, West Virginia (32 pancakes, 2 sacks allowed)
Rotary Lombardi Award: Eddie Jones, R-Jr., DE, Texas (55 tackles (19 TFL), 8 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FF, 1 TD)
Dick Butkus Award: Andy Mattingly, R-Sr., OLB, Washington State (102 tackles (10 TFL), 3 sacks, 12 INT, 1 FF, 1 TD)
Jim Thorpe Award: Darian Hagan, R-Jr., FS, California (37 tackles (4 TFL), 1 sack, 5 INT, 2 FF, 3 FR, 1 TD)
Lou Groza Award: Xavier Holmes, So., K, California (19-26 FG, 53-53 XP)
Ray Guy Award: Ryan Breen, Jr., P, Penn State (42 punts, 35.7 net avg., 20 inside 20)
Randy Moss Award: A.J. Wallace, Sr., CB, Penn State (23.9 kick return avg.; 11.0 punt return avg., 1 TD)
Walter Camp Coach of the Year: Joe Glenn, Wyoming (12-1 overall, 8-0 Mountain West; Mountain West champions, #22 in USA Today Top 25)

Conference Champions
ACC: Clemson (12-2, 6-2)
Big Ten: Penn State (13-0, 8-0)
Big 12: Oklahoma (11-3, 7-1)
Big East: West Virginia (12-1, 7-0)
C-USA: Southern Miss (10-4, 8-0)
Ivy League: Princeton (8-5, 7-0)
MAC: Toledo (14-0, 8-0)
Mountain West: Wyoming (12-1, 8-0)
Pac-10: UCLA (11-2, 8-1); USC (10-3, 8-1)
SEC: Tennessee (12-2, 7-1)
WAC: Hawaii (12-1, 8-0)

National Statistical Leaders
QB Rating: Jerrod Johnson, Sr., Texas A&M (184.8)
Passing Yards: Andrew Luck, So., Texas Tech (4,492)
Passing Touchdowns: Andrew Luck, So., Texas Tech (57)
Passing Interceptions: Caleb Clark, R-Sr., Western Michigan (37)
Rushing Yards: Jim Manning, Jr., Carnegie Mellon (1,936)
Rushing Touchdowns: Jim Manning, Jr., Carnegie Mellon; Damion Fletcher, Sr., Southern Miss; Chris Polk, So., Navy (23)
Catches: Roderick Young, So., Hawaii (108)
Receiving Yards: John Allen, R-Sr., Toledo (1,358)
Receiving Touchdowns: Dez Bryant, Jr., Miami (Fla.) (18)
Tackles: Jeremy Samoy, Jr., Arizona (104)
Sacks: Ben Martin, Jr., Tennessee; Robert Rose, Sr., Ohio State (11)
Interceptions: Andy Mattingly, R-Sr., Washington State (12)
Field Goals Made: Xavier Holmes, So., California; Anthony Thompson, Fr., Ohio; Tony King, So., Cornell (19)
Net Punt Average: Keenyn Crier, R-Jr., Arizona (39.8)
Kick Return Average: LeSean McCoy, Jr., Pittsburgh (27.9)
Punt Return Average: Jeremy Childs, R-Sr., Boise State (14.8)

[Careless Whisper]

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

2009 STAT DUMP
Team leader in a specific stat will be noted in bold

Justin Keyes, Jr., QB | 126.5 QB rtg., 183-301, 2,202 yards, 16 TD, 20 INT; 142 carries, 596 yards, 8 TD
Kevin Wilson, Fr., QB | 117.0 QB rtg., 19-39, 286 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Jim Manning, Jr., HB | 330 carries, 1,936 yards, 23 TD; 38 catches, 406 yards, 4 TD
Nate Satele, So., HB | 65 carries, 230 yards, 3 TD; 2 catches, 15 yards
Clarence Cabral, R-Jr., HB | 22 carries, 57 yards
Korey Harper, R-Jr., FB | 8 carries, 33 yards
Kevin Cousins, R-Sr., WR | 2 carries, 22 yards; 79 catches, 1,124 yards, 7 TD
David Young, So., TE | 1 carry, 11 yards; 16 catches, 203 yards, 3 TD
Brandon Brewer, So., FB | 4 carries, 11 yards; 1 catch, 2 yards
Stephen Carter, So., WR | 34 catches, 512 yards, 3 TD; 26 kick returns, 495 yards; 10 punt returns, 50 yards
Issac Schroeder, Fr., WR | 15 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD
Kurt Thompson, Sr., WR | 14 catches, 118 yards
Parker Jacobs, R-Sr., TE | 1 catch, 12 yards
Jeremy Miller, Sr., WR | 1 catch, 12 yards
Matt Johnson, Jr., OLB | 84 tackles (16 TFL), 3 sacks, 6 INT, 4 FF
Mark Toth, So., MLB | 82 tackles (20 TFL), 7 sacks, 1 INT, 6 FF, 1 FR
Todd Andriano, So., FS | 49 tackles (1 TFL), 7 INT, 1 FF; 1 kick return, 26 yards
Matt Burnsides, Fr., DT | 49 tackles (20 TFL), 8 sacks, 2 FF, 1 FR
Calvin Burton, Jr., CB | 47 tackles (2 TFL), 1 sack, 6 INT, 1 FF, 2 FR, 2 TD; 17 kick returns, 371 yards
Chris Hill, So., OLB | 42 tackles (4 TFL), 1 sack
Aaron Crosby, Jr., OLB | 41 tackles (8 TFL), 2 sacks, 2 INT, 1 FF
Hayden Temple, Jr., CB | 41 tackles (3 TFL), 5 INT, 1 FR
Bobby Magnum, R-Fr., SS/CB | 35 tackles (3 TFL), 1 sack, 1 FR
Zac Hood, Fr., DE | 34 tackles (10 TFL), 6 sacks, 1 FF
Erik Sellers, So., CB | 33 tackles (3 TFL), 2 sacks, 1 FF
David Brown, So., DE | 28 tackles (10 TFL), 5 sacks, 2 FR
Jon Crowell, R-Fr., CB | 24 tackles, 3 INT, 1 FR; 31 kick returns, 675 yards; 14 punt returns, 150 yards, 1 TD
Elvis Washington, So., SS | 21 tackles (2 TFL), 3 INT, 1 FR
Charlie Cohen, So., OLB | 19 tackles
P.J. Ryan, Fr., DT | 13 tackles (6 TFL), 3 sacks
Jason Ervin, Fr., FS | 10 tackles
Jon Foster, So., K | 12-18 FG, 51-51 XP
Andy Fitzhugh, Fr., P | 46 punts, 1,873 yards, 40.7 avg., 27.7 net avg., 12 inside 20

[Careless Whisper]

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

by Jeff Greenberg, Carnegie Mellon insider for Rivals.com

Williams announces transfer to Connecticut

Freshman quarterback Bryan Williams, who was redshirted by the Carnegie Mellon coaching staff, will be transferring to Connecticut, as announced on his Twitter account earlier this week.

Williams, a three-star signal-caller from Charlottesville, Va., was one of the Tartans’ biggest signings in the Class of 2009 and entered fall camp with a legitimate opportunity to win the starting job. However, he was outplayed by classmate Kevin Wilson and incumbent starter Justin Keyes, forcing the coaching staff to sit him out the entire year to preserve his four years of eligibility – something he was not in favor of.

With the departure of Williams and graduation of senior Alex Smith, CMU will enter the off-season recruiting period with just two quarterbacks on its roster – Keyes and Wilson.

Tartans to play at Duke, Penn State next season

Carnegie Mellon’s non-conference schedule for 2010 is nearly filled with the school’s announcement of games against Duke and Penn State this afternoon.

For the Blue Devils, this marks the return end of a home-and-home series that initially kicked off in 2008. Duke, who lost to the Tartans, 41-37, on Nov. 15, 2008, bounced back from a 0-12 campaign to go 6-6 in 2009, but is losing 12 starters to graduation including quarterback Thaddeus Lewis. The 2010 matchup will be both teams’ season opener on Sept. 4 in Durham.

CMU has played Penn State six times in its history (1910, 1912, 1913, 1921, 1922, 1924), falling in all six by a combined score of 210-14. The Tartans and national champion Nittany Lions will play on Sept. 18 at Beaver Stadium.

CMU to hold press conference this week

Carnegie Mellon has announced it will hold a press conference later this week, with the topic likely being the futures of junior trio Jim Manning, Matt Johnson, and Calvin Burton.

It is expected that Manning will forgo his final season of eligibility and enter the 2010 NFL Draft, and it’s becoming increasingly likely that Burton and Johnson will join him. The three third-years all were selected to the All-MAC First Team, with Manning adding Associated Press All-America First Team accolades to his ledger.

Whoever of the three is drafted first, they will mark the Tartans’ first selection in the NFL Draft since 1940 when Merl Condit was picked 15th overall (2nd round) by the St. Louis Rams. CMU has had four players drafted in its history, including Ray Carnelly (1939, 125th overall, 13th round, Brooklyn Dodgers), Jack Lee (1939, 81st overall, 10th round, Pittsburgh Pirates), Maury Patt (1937, 47th overall, 5th round, Detroit Lions).

[moose141]

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

What a season; some great strides made by the program this year. Looking at those numbers, Manning is an absolute workhorse and definitely deserved some love in the Heisman voting, while Cousins better have at least gotten some Biletnikoff looks with a great swan song this year.

Obviously, it's tough to contemplate losing those guys to the draft, though I have much more faith in you replacing the guys on the defensive side of the ball than finding a new Jim Manning right away. Hopefully Satele can rapidly get back to his form from a season ago, otherwise the offense may be in need of a big overhaul again. The defense could be an absolute weapon of a unit next season if you can keep Johnson and Burton in Oakland.

Also, very exciting to see the non-conference schedule add another PA school, should be fun to keep building the in-state rivalries and try to become the premier program (though it'll be tough considering the heights PSU is at right now in your dynasty). Have to say, as far as the natty went, I guess PSU winning is the lesser of two evils for me, as they were already insufferable and self-centered and have a couple titles, so what's one more? WVU finally adding a championship to their resume would be brutal to watch, so I'm glad they came up short yet again, haha.

[Careless Whisper]

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

What a season; some great strides made by the program this year. Looking at those numbers, Manning is an absolute workhorse and definitely deserved some love in the Heisman voting, while Cousins better have at least gotten some Biletnikoff looks with a great swan song this year.

Manning really had the perfect send-off year, not reaching the 2,000 milestone withstanding. He didn't really take off until the second half of the season though, and I'm pretty sure he wasn't even named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award - I would've noted that had he been selected. Same way with Cousins, he didn't really take off until the second half of the season and wasn't a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff. Looking at their numbers though, they were absolutely deserving of that kind of recognition at the very least.

Obviously, it's tough to contemplate losing those guys to the draft, though I have much more faith in you replacing the guys on the defensive side of the ball than finding a new Jim Manning right away. Hopefully Satele can rapidly get back to his form from a season ago, otherwise the offense may be in need of a big overhaul again. The defense could be an absolute weapon of a unit next season if you can keep Johnson and Burton in Oakland.

Agreed completely, I think it'll be much easier to replace Johnson/Burton than it will Manning. We're pretty deep at corner with Temple returning and then Crowell/Sellers being young and contributing in the slots, plus Bobby Magnum can fake it at CB if I need him to. I'm also pretty set at the OLB spots with Crosby, Charlie Cohen, and Chris Hill, and should not see a huge drop-off with them replacing Johnson. Manning though... Satele is definitely going to have to step up in his junior season, and I plan on targeting RB in recruiting in hopes of finding an immediate contributor there.

Also, very exciting to see the non-conference schedule add another PA school, should be fun to keep building the in-state rivalries and try to become the premier program (though it'll be tough considering the heights PSU is at right now in your dynasty). Have to say, as far as the natty went, I guess PSU winning is the lesser of two evils for me, as they were already insufferable and self-centered and have a couple titles, so what's one more? WVU finally adding a championship to their resume would be brutal to watch, so I'm glad they came up short yet again, haha.

Haha I kind of figured you'd rather see PSU win it over WVU because of that reason alone! But yeah, I always want to have a top 25 program on my non-conference (in addition to Pitt, once they get back to that level), so Penn State made the most sense. I'm catching them at a decent time despite the national title because they have a lot of graduations, but I still don't expect to win, nor would I think it'd be realistic if I won. I do think I can compete for a while - evidenced by the bowl game - but unless I get a spectacular performance from Keyes, that game will likely be a 20-point loss at least.

[Careless Whisper]

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

Tartan Trio Declare for NFL Draft
Jim Manning, Matt Johnson, and Calvin Burton will all forgo their final seasons of eligibility to turn pro

by Jayson Thomas, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- In front of their teammates, coaching staff, and the local and regional media, Carnegie Mellon’s junior trio of Jim Manning, Matt Johnson, and Calvin Burton announced this afternoon in a press conference at Skibo Gymnasium that they will be forgoing their final seasons of eligibility to enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

With their declarations, Carnegie Mellon will likely have a player in the NFL for the first time since 1946 when halfback Merl Condit finished out his five-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Tartans have had four players taken in the NFL Draft, and a total of 21 play in a professional game.

“I can’t even begin to express how proud I am of these guys sitting beside me,” said CMU fourth-year head coach John Elliott. “These three were part of the first recruiting class we brought here during the transition and really have laid the foundation to a bright future here at Carnegie Mellon. All three have proven that they belong at the next level, and we’re so excited to follow them as they begin their NFL journeys.”

Manning is projected as a mid-to-late round selection in one of the stronger runningback classes in years. The Reisterstown, Md. native rewrote the Tartan record books in his three seasons, owning the top spot in career rushing yards (4,623) and touchdowns (43), single-season rushing yards (1,936; 2009) and touchdowns (23; 2009), and single-game rushing yards (331; Oct. 27, 2007 vs. Villanova). He was a two-time All-America selection, garnering freshman honors in 2007 before this year’s First Team nod by the Associated Press, and reached paydirt a total of 48 times (43 rushing, 4 receiving, 1 kick return) in 38 career games.

“It has always been a dream of mine to play in the NFL,” said Manning. “Coming to CMU has been the best decision of my life, and I’m thankful for the relationships and friendships that I created during my time here. I was challenged in a number of areas and came out a better runningback, a better student, and a better man because of it. This felt like the right time to make the move, coming off a groundbreaking season for the program and myself, and I can’t wait to see what the guys do to build off this next year.”

Johnson is likely a late-round selection, but scouts say that he could contribute right away as a rotation option at linebacker and on special teams. An All-MAC First Team selection in 2009, the Circleville, Ohio native led CMU in tackles in three straight seasons and in sacks for two. He amassed 228 tackles, 13 sacks, eight interceptions over 38 career contests, adding seven forced fumbles, a pair of fumble recoveries, and a touchdown in 2008.

“It’s neat being able to go out with (Jim and Calvin),” said Johnson. “We came in together and knew we wanted to build something special here, and I think we did just that after our three years. I will always be thankful for Coach (John) Elliott and his staff on recruiting me and convincing me to come to Carnegie Mellon, because I don’t think I would have had as good of a college experience as I did here.”

Burton is also a projected late-round pick who could find early playing time in nickel and dime packages, as well as special teams. Dubbed ‘Big Play’ Burton by his colleagues, the Edgewood, Md. product returned a total of five interceptions for touchdowns and snagged a program-record 17 picks in all. As a sophomore against Buffalo, he tied the NCAA single-game record with five interceptions. Burton was an All-MAC First Team pick this season and earned Coca-Cola NCAA Defensive Player of the Week accolades twice as a freshman and once as a sophomore, and closes his college career with 106 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and the aforementioned 17 interceptions and five touchdowns.

“To be honest, I planned on coming back for my senior season prior to the bowl game,” said Burton. “But after playing against one of the best receivers in football in Dominique Douglas and holding him to a single catch, I knew that I could play at the next level and contribute right away. And after talking with Coach (John Elliott), he didn’t push me towards coming back. He was very supportive, and that just speaks to the character of him. I’m forever indebted to him and the coaching staff for bringing me to CMU and giving me a chance to live my dreams.”

Whoever of the three is drafted first, they will mark the Tartans’ first selection in the NFL Draft since 1940 when Condit was picked 15th overall (2nd round) by the St. Louis Rams. CMU has had four players drafted in its history, including Ray Carnelly (1939, 125th overall, 13th round, Brooklyn Dodgers), Jack Lee (1939, 81st overall, 10th round, Pittsburgh Pirates), Maury Patt (1937, 47th overall, 5th round, Detroit Lions).

Calvin Burton (6’1”, 175 lbs.; Edgewood, Md. / Edgewood HS)
- 2007: 38 tackles, 0 sacks, 4 INT, 0 FF, 1 FR, 3 TD
- 2008: 21 tackles, 0 sacks, 7 INT, 2 FF, 0 FR, 0 TD; 4 kick returns, 72 yards, 0 TD
- 2009: 47 tackles, 1 sack, 6 INT, 1 FF, 2 FR, 2 TD; 17 kick returns, 371 yards, 0 TD
- Career: 106 tackles, 1 sack, 17 INT, 3 FF, 3 FR, 5 TD; 21 kick returns, 443 yards, 0 TD
- Awards: 2009 All-MAC First Team, 3x MAC Defensive Player of the Week, 2x NCAA Defensive Player of the Week
- Notables: NCAA Division I FBS record holder for single-game interceptions (5; Sept. 27, 2008 vs. Buffalo); Carnegie Mellon record holder for single-game interceptions (5; Sept. 27, 2008 vs. Buffalo), single-season interceptions (7 in 2008), and career interceptions (17)

Matt Johnson (6’3”, 232 lbs.; Circleville, Ohio / Circleville HS)
- 2007: 74 tackles, 5 sacks, 0 INT, 3 FF, 1 FR, 0 TD
- 2008: 70 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 INT, 0 FF, 1 FR, 1 TD
- 2009: 84 tackles, 3 sacks, 6 INT, 4 FF, 0 FR, 0 TD
- Career: 228 tackles, 13 sacks, 8 INT, 7 FF, 2 FR, 1 TD
- Awards: 2009 All-MAC First Team, 1x MAC Defensive Player of the Week

Jim Manning (6'1", 208 lbs.; Reisterstown, Md. / Franklin HS)
- 2007: 203 carries, 1,291 yards, 10 TD; 3 catches, 48 yards, 0 TD; 1 kick return, 82 yards, 1 TD
- 2008: 245 carries, 1,396 yards, 10 TD; 15 catches, 122 yards, 0 TD; 31 kick returns, 661 yards, 0 TD; 12 punt returns, 48 yards, 0 TD
- 2009: 330 carries, 1,936 yards, 23 TD; 38 catches, 406 yards, 4 TD
- Career: 778 carries, 4,623 yards, 43 TD; 56 catches, 576 yards, 4 TD; 32 kick returns, 743 yards, 1 TD; 12 punt returns, 48 yards, 0 TD
- Awards: 2009 Associated Press All-America First Team, 2009 All-MAC First Team, 2007 Sports Network FCS All-America Freshman Team, 1x MAC Offensive Player of the Week
- Notables: Carnegie Mellon record holder for single-game carries (34; Nov. 24, 2007 at Idaho State), single-season carries (330 in 2009), career carries (778), single-game rushing yards (331; Oct. 27, 2007 vs. Villanova), single-season rushing yards (1,936 in 2009), career rushing yards (4,623), single-game rushing touchdowns (4; Sept. 27, 2008 vs. Buffalo), single-season rushing touchdowns (23 in 2009), career rushing touchdowns (43)

[Careless Whisper]

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

Around the NFL – 2009 Season Wrap-Up Edition
Behind NFL MVP Vince Young, the Tennessee Titans capture their first Super Bowl title with a 34-13 win over the St. Louis Rams

MIAMI, Fla. (AP) -- Just four years after his Rose Bowl heroics, Vince Young was back on top of the world.

The NFL MVP threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another, lifting his Tennessee Titans to a 34-13 win over the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XLIV at Sun Life Stadium. The championship is the franchise’s first, dating back to its days as the Houston Oilers, and again denied the Rams its first title in its third consecutive Super Bowl appearance.

Tennessee got on the gas early with a Young six-yard touchdown pass to Adrian Peterson to make it 7-0, then doubled the advantage with a Chris Williams 57-yard punt return later in the first quarter. St. Louis pulled within seven at halftime on a Steven Jackson two-yard plunge and kept it there through the third frame, but a Young nine-yard bootleg regained the 14-point advantage, and a six-yard toss to Randy McMichael with 5:11 remaining sealed the deal.

The Titans defense dominated with seven sacks and two interceptions, with Keith Rivers and Lawrence Wilson each netting a pair of takedowns of Marc Bulger. Bulger finished with 288 yards on 27-of-46 passing, while Young completed 21-of-39 passes and totaled 224 yards (150 pass, 74 rush) offense.

The Rams are now the second franchise to lose three straight Super Bowls, joining the Buffalo Bills, who fell in four straight from 1991-94. Tennessee’s win also extracts some demons from its Super Bowl XXXIV loss to St. Louis, as Kevin Dyson was stopped one yard short of the end zone as time expired in a 23-16 classic in 2000.

The sixth-seeded Titans defeated the Colts, 25-22, in overtime in the Wild Card Round before upsetting the top-seeded Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round, 13-3. Tennessee moved onto its second Super Bowl with a 19-16 win at second-seeded New England in the AFC Championship Game.

With the Titans’ win, there are now 12 franchises who have not won a Super Bowl: Arizona Cardinals (0-0), Atlanta Falcons (0-1), Buffalo Bills (0-4), Carolina Panthers (0-1), Cincinnati Bengals (0-2), Detroit Lions (0-0), Houston Texans (0-0), Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0), Minnesota Vikings (0-4), New Orleans Saints (0-0), Philadelphia Eagles (0-2).

Wild Card Weekend
#6 Tennessee Titans (11-5) 25, #3 Indianapolis Colts (13-3) 22 [OT]
#3 New Orleans Saints (12-4) 35, #6 Philadelphia Eagles (12-4) 25
#4 Baltimore Ravens (12-4) 31, #5 Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4-1) 10
#5 Seattle Seahawks (13-3) 24, #4 Green Bay Packers (10-6) 13

Divisional Round Weekend
#6 Tennessee Titans (11-5) 13, #1 Denver Broncos (13-3) 3
#1 St. Louis Rams (14-2) 31, #5 Seattle Seahawks (13-3) 14
#2 New England Patriots (13-3) 14, #3 Baltimore Ravens (12-4) 9
#2 Washington Redskins (12-4) 38, #3 New Orleans Saints (12-4) 17

Conference Championship Weekend
#6 Tennessee Titans (11-5) 19, #2 New England Patriots (13-3) 16
#1 St. Louis Rams (14-2) 31, #2 Washington Redskins (12-4) 10

Super Bowl XLIV
Tennessee Titans (11-5) 34, St. Louis Rams (14-2) 13
MVP: Vince Young, QB, TEN (21-39, 150 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT; 8 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD)

Pro Bowl
AFC 50, NFC 17
MVP: Willis McGahee, HB, BAL (19 carries, 133 yards, 1 TD)

NFL Standings
AFC East: New England Patriots (13-3), New York Jets (8-8), Miami Dolphins (7-9), Buffalo Bills (2-13-1)
AFC North: Baltimore Ravens (12-4), Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4-1), Cincinnati Bengals (9-7), Cleveland Browns (2-14)
AFC South: Indianapolis Colts (13-3), Tennessee Titans (11-5), Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10), Houston Texans (5-10-1)
AFC West: Denver Broncos (13-3), Kansas City Chiefs (7-9), San Diego Chargers (5-11), Oakland Raiders (1-15)
NFC East: Washington Redskins (12-4), Philadelphia Eagles (12-4), Dallas Cowboys (7-9), New York Giants (3-13)
NFC North: Green Bay Packers (10-6), Chicago Bears (7-8-1), Detroit Lions (6-10), Minnesota Vikings (5-11)
NFC South: New Orleans Saints (12-4), Atlanta Falcons (8-8), Carolina Panthers (7-9), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)
NFC West: St. Louis Rams (14-2), Seattle Seahawks (13-3), San Francisco 49ers (6-10), Arizona Cardinals (2-14)

NFL Awards
AP NFL MVP: Vince Young, QB, TEN (81.9 QB rtg., 323-535, 3,318 yards, 31 TD, 20 INT; 100 carries, 897 yards, 7 TD)
AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Steven Jackson, HB, STL (413 carries, 1,944 yards, 19 TD; 64 catches, 556 yards, 3 TD)
AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year: DeMeco Ryans, OLB, HOU (174 tackles, 4 sacks, 5 INT, 3 FF, 4 FR)
AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: Bobby Reid, QB, KC (77.2 QB rtg., 257-448, 2,824 yards, 19 TD, 14 INT; 91 carries, 594 yards, 6 TD)
AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jonathan Casillas, OLB, JAX (67 tackles, 6 sacks, 6 INT, 3 FF, 4 FR, 1 TD)
AP NFL Coach of the Year: Mike Singletary, SEA (13-3 record; NFC Wild Card)

NFL Statistical Leaders
QB Rating: Marc Bulger, STL (105.6)
Passing Yards: Tom Brady, NE (3,884)
Passing Touchdowns: Vince Young, TEN; Marc Bulger, STL (31)
Passing Interceptions: Chase Daniel, OAK (26)
Rushing Yards: Willis McGahee, BAL (2,253)
Rushing Touchdowns: Steven Jackson, STL (19)
Catches: Torry Holt, STL (103)
Receiving Yards: Torry Holt, STL (1,609)
Receiving Touchdowns: Chad Johnson, CIN (16)
Tackles: Keith Brooking, ATL (192)
Sacks: Adalius Thomas, NE (17)
Interceptions: Jonathan Casillas, JAX; Patrick Surtain, NYJ; Donovin Darius, MIN (6)
Made Field Goals: Josh Brown, SEA (41 – NFL record)
Net Punt Average: Nick Harris, MIN (36.8)
Kick Return Average: Deion Branch, SEA (28.6)
Punt Return Average: Garrett Wolfe, CIN (18.3)

[moose141]

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

Based on their statlines, probably the right decision for all three guys, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't still sting a bit when you think forward to next season.

Interesting to see where we will be following their careers in the NFL, would love to see the 'Lers nab a hometown hero in Jim Manning or really any of the CMU boys. Crazy to see the alternate universe where Vince Young stays away from the Cheesecake Factory and is able to lead Tennessee to a title, haha.

[Careless Whisper]

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

Based on their statlines, probably the right decision for all three guys, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't still sting a bit when you think forward to next season.

Interesting to see where we will be following their careers in the NFL, would love to see the 'Lers nab a hometown hero in Jim Manning or really any of the CMU boys. Crazy to see the alternate universe where Vince Young stays away from the Cheesecake Factory and is able to lead Tennessee to a title, haha.

Definitely stings, but I kind of assumed all three were going after the years they had. The mid-major teams seem to get hit a bit more with these early entrants (I constantly see low to mid-80s players who have good years make the jump, then not even make the draft file), so I'm hoping that they'll at least make the exported class. If not, then I'll make them as undrafted FAs and place them on a team.

I can't say I saw VY progressing to the level he has, because he usually doesn't sim very well in the older games. But Tennessee has made some great moves to really surround him with talent - helps that they got AD in the draft too - so I could see them being good for a while. I'm controlling San Francisco without really doing anything so that I don't figure in the NFL sim results, but I might take over the CMU players' team(s) going forward so that they have a better chance to carve out long careers!