The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

[stevecpa5]

Attached are the Gameplay Settings, Rules, Restrictions, etc. designed to make this game as realistic as possible.

Gameplay Settings:

I chose All-American to remove the Heisman issues that occur
Play with injuries on (decrease player injury ratings down for realistic ratings) with these settings I have seen injuries for every position including linemen (without the linemen having to touch the ball)
Fatigue off for the most competitive game
Game Speed Normal to allow the game to play as intended
Player Min Speed: 0 - to allow for the separation of players and make speed matter
Home Field Advantage (On at home) (Off away) - I have done some research on this and seems to have the best gameplay - this may change based on how games play out
Coach Progression Normal to allow the game to progress as intended

Game / Coach Adjustments

Edit opposing coaches progression to 50/50 for all coaches played to ensure playcalling is normalized.
Have to use offensive coordinator's playbook to add layer of realism / difficulty
Player Lock On to add layer of difficulty
For players leaving - Use Dynasty Tool
Redshirt Players - to add layer of difficulty and realism - can only redshirt freshman that wouldn't make a two deep depth chart
Will alternate coach skills upgrades - game management / recruiting
Dynamic Progression: Use Dynasty Tool / Freshman QB Normalization (Kawkeye system) / Freshman Phenom
Recruit Generator: Randomly change recruit name to make more unique name - then use utility tool and editor function to change that recruits name
Kicking: Sim all special teams besides opening kickoffs for setting the tone of the game for realistic stats / plays / chances of return TD's and missed FG's

Non-Conference Scheduling:

Schedule games 5 years in advance - determine home and away series with coin flip to add layer of difficulty

Suspensions / Academics / Bowl Ban:
Will be determined based on excel workbooks to add to realism of dynasty

Championship:
8 Team playoff using utility tool

Recruiting Restrictions:
Added to add layer of difficulty and realism to dynasty

User / CPU / Penalty Sliders:

Tested extensively to have most realistic sim experience where players play to ratings. This is the best I could get. These may be tweaked depending on how games play from season to season.

LETS GET STARTED!!

[stevecpa5]

Re: The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

The Coach:

Stephen Joseph long awaited the day to have a shot to lead a D-1 program after serving for the last 9 years as WR coach at the University of Central Florida and previously before that at USF as a strength and conditioning coach. Little did he know that this opportunity would come on the other side of the United States, far away from the State he had called home for the past 18 years. At only age 36, and no Coordinator experience, he knew he had to jump on the opportunity if it were to arise. So he packed up his bags and moved himself and his family to Fresno, CA.

The Team:

Fresno State (home of the Bulldogs) has had fairly recent success, however not the consistency that the University is looking for. Looking for young vibrant talent with a good work ethic to lead this team forced them to look outside the box. Scouring the D-1 coaching prospects throughout the Nation, they found what they believe to be is a gem in the Sunshine State. What drew them to Coach Joseph was his commitment and unwavering ability to attract quality players but even more so quality men to want to be coached by him. So the offer was made (5 years, $2.15 million) to Stephen to come be the next coach of the Fresno State Bulldogs and lead them back to Mountain West Conference prominence.

Attached is the Preseason Media Guide for the 2020 Season!

[stevecpa5]

Re: The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

2020 Media Day
Team Overview / Depth Chart Breakdown

July 20, 2020 – Las Vegas, NV

Welcome to the 2020 Mountain West Conference Media Days!

We would like to welcome newly appointed HC – Stephen Joseph of the Fresno State Bulldogs to the podium to give an introduction, answer a few questions, and give highlights on the projected depth chart from what he has seen at the Spring Game, and Fall camp / practices. Without further ado: Coach Stephen Joseph!

Coach Joseph:
Thank you everyone, it feels great to be here in Las Vegas, I know my wife certainly enjoys it here. (Pause for laughter). But seriously, I can’t wait to take the field Week 1 against Rutgers and put to the test all the hard work that has been put into this team for the past several months since taking the job.

I understand that there will be ups and downs throughout the season but will be prepared for whatever adversity faces us this year and for years to come. I am excited for the leadership from the players on this roster and to see them develop even more on the field this year. My goals are simple, and that is to recruit quality players and kids and grow them into quality young men and continually vie for the Mountain West Conference title year in and year out. Just as the likes of Boise State, UCF, Cincinnati have done and become National powers as Group of 5 teams, I too will strive for that kind of success at Fresno State. At this time, I am available for any questions you may have.

Coach Joseph, How do you plan to overcome your inexperience and youth in order to have success at Fresno State and in the Mountain West Conference?

Honestly, I think my work ethic will speak for itself, but also my willingness to take advice from those that have done it before me and are there to help me, specifically my OC and DC who are both older than me and have been very successful in their own careers. We work well together and want what is best for the team, so listening to their experiences and their philosophies and meshing them with my own, I believe, will achieve the success that Fresno State is looking for.

What is one of the first things you are looking to change at Fresno State to achieve the success you are looking for?

Well, I know I was a WR in my playing days, and a WR coach throughout most of my coaching career, but I have been studying and diagramming the 3-3-5 defense in my spare time and will be implementing this defense along with Coach Inge. I will be recruiting certain types of players to fit the schemes of the 3-3-5 and my philosophy on running it. The players have learned the terminology quickly, but I am sure there will be some growing pains as there is anytime change occurs. My goal is to always put the best players on the field for the scheme and put them in positions to make plays.




What about your offense? What kind of scheme do you plan on implementing?

Well, like I said previously, I am always willing to listen to those who have done it before me and have had success doing those things, and Ryan has had tremendous success running his offense last year. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. I will obviously put my touch on the offense but for the most part, it is Ryan’s baby and his Shotgun based pro style attack will be a majority of what we run this year. With Jake Haener coming over from Washington and sitting out the previous year, he has had an entire year to sit back and learn the offensive scheme. And don’t get me wrong, we will run the ball as well, I mean you must when you have a player as talented as 2nd Team All-Conference HB Ronnie Rivers in your backfield.


So, you mentioned Jake and Ronnie, how about the rest of your team, what has happened during the Spring Game and Summer/Fall Camp to help shape your roster and Depth Chart for the upcoming 2020 season?


At QB, Jake is going to be the starter for Week 1, but don’t sleep on Ben Wooldridge, he has a live arm and is a quality backup redshirt senior that will be available. Right now, Jalan Early, true freshman is the 4th string QB and knows there is an uphill climb, however he has thought about transitioning to wide receiver.

At HB, behind Ronnie, Jordan Mims is the clear-cut backup, however Jevon and Saevion will work in for certain formations. Having a lot of quality backs is a good problem to have.

For wideout, Jalen and Keric will be the starting X and Z receivers. Emoryie and Zane had an intense battle in camp for the starting slot receiver, however Emoryie won the job, but Zane and redshirt freshman dynamic playmaker Josh Kelly will be rotating in as well.

Tight end was one of the most intense battles I have seen in my young coaching career. Raymond Pauwels Jr slightly edged out Rory Hanson. His extra year of experience was evident during summer and fall camp. Matt Lowe finds himself on 3rd string, but his skillset is unlike a normal tight end and will have the ability to be split out and work from the slot. He will need to work on his blocking to become a complete tight end however in the future, luckily for him, he is a true freshman.

On the OLine, there were a couple spots locked up after the spring game (LG Dante Adkins, Jr, and RT Syrus Tuitele) but the remaining three spots had some heated competition all the way up to a week ago when finalizing the depth chart. The left tackle position was won by Alex Akingbulu however we have a lot of depth at that position and the RT position so if injuries/lack of production should occur, we will truly have a next man up ability. Matt Smith outplayed the starter from last year Bula Schmidt but the competition will probably remain throughout the season. Quireo Woodley will be the starter after stiff competition from Tyrone Sampson Jr who will be the swing guard to start the season.

Defensively, we are going to see who is up to the challenge and who adapts to the 3-3-5 defense the quickest. There is strong leadership on the defensive line with Kwami, Perales, and Kevin Atkins. Isaiah Johnson will serve as the backup to both end positions and should be able to rotate in to keep the starters fresh.


Arron Mosby will call the plays on defense and play all 3 downs, and Levelle will start at outside linebacker. There was a constant battle for the other outside linebacker spot. This defense requires a rangy backer that can cover running backs, tight ends, and the occasional wide receiver for that position. We just weren’t seeing the production out of the current linebacker depth, so we sat down with then current backup FS Reggie Strong and felt he could work into that position and given the current depth we already have at FS, would get him on the field. Malachi Langley will be a reserve for both outside backer spots.

Free and Gaston will line up at the starting cornerback spots with Kamron Forest winning the slot cornerback position. Deonte Perry (team captain) will start alongside Kosi at the strong safety positions which in this defense will play close to the line of scrimmage and be key cogs in run support. True sophomore Evan Williams will return as starter at the FS position and be responsible for patrolling the middle of the field.

Cesar Silva will handle the field goal duties and Asa will handle the kickoffs. If Cesar should struggle however, Asa will be the backup field goal kicker. Cade Fuller will be the new punter for 2020.

Thank you for that very thorough update, one last question for you, what goals do you have for the upcoming season?


Winning the National Championship haha, seriously though, my goal is to get better each day we take the field whether it be practices or games and becoming a team that plays for one another.

Thank you for your time and your introduction into the Mountain West Conference, and we will see you Week 1 vs. Rutgers. Go Bulldogs!

[stevecpa5]

Re: The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

Below is the Preseason Top 25 for the 2020 season:

[stevecpa5]

Re: The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

Below are the Top 10 Recruits in the Nation and Top 3 Teams of Interest:

[stevecpa5]

Re: The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

RECRUITING BOARD

After scouring the state of California and a couple of outsiders based on recruiting rules, below is the recruiting board (35 Players - Cannot add to during the season)

[stevecpa5]

Re: The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

Its finally here, the kickoff of the 2021 football season, and the first game of Coach Joseph's career beginning at Fresno State. Below is the Game 1 Preview.

[stevecpa5]

Re: The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

Pre-Game Review

Sizing up the Competition

Rutgers Offense:

Rutgers is going to present a lot of problems for our team, they have grown over the past several years and are no longer a doormat in the Big 10. It all starts with the QB, Noah Vedral. We plan on attacking Noah by mixing up blitzes and disguising our coverages between zone and man.

Our main area of concern however is WR Bo Melton. For lack of a better term, he is a beast. He's fast, he can jump, and he catches almost everything. Doubling him will be part of the game plan as we don't want to lose the game because of him.

We will bring pressure in the A and B gaps to disrupt the decision making of Noah as well as effect the running options of Coach Schiano's squad.

Rutgers Defense:

Rutgers strength is up the middle, so our plan is attacking the edges in the run game to try and get outside the numbers for some big plays.

We will locate Fatukasi on every play as he can wreck a game plan if not accounted for. He is athletic and the brains of the defense and calls all of the defensive plays.

The starting secondary is solid across the board and our plan of gaining yards through the air will be utilizing multiple receiver sets and focusing on the slot receivers against the nickel/dime cover men.

If we can get Ronnie Rivers in space against linebackers, should be a matchup nightmare and result in success.

See you Thursday night Bulldog faithful!

~Coach Joseph

[stevecpa5]

Re: The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

Its the Start of the College Football Season!

Thursday's slate of games to kick off this week's action is highlighted by the following matchups:

#18 North Carolina @ South Carolina in a Nationally Televised rivalry game
#17 USC travels across the Pacific to take on the Hawaii Warriors

Mountain West Conference Games:

1] #17 USC @ Hawaii
2] UNLV @ #19 Minnesota
3] Cal Poly (FCS) @ San Jose State
4] and Rutgers @ Fresno State (Lets go!)

[stevecpa5]

Re: The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

Coach Joseph, what do you think of the performance today? You gotta be happy with getting a Win in your first game as head coach of the Bulldogs.

This was quite the defensive battle and wish our offense had a better performance however we were playing an excellent defense...but yes, I am pumped to start the Season 1-0!

Starting off the game with a quick 10 points forcing Vedral into two INT's in the 1st Quarter was a huge start for the defense and solidified our game plan for the rest of the game, which consisted of confusing Noah and also applying pressure in the A and B gaps.

I was not happy with how the offensive line looked. Syrus struggled in his first game back from the injury allowing 3 sacks that plagued him in the prior year, and there is room for improvement for him to return back to All-Conference form.

Coach Inge's Dog D looked pretty good today especially with implementing the new 3-3-5 defense we have been working on since I got here, holding the Knights to 119 total yards of offense. Defensively Kwami dominated on the defensive line recording 4 sacks and Dionte Perry had 2 INT's (1 Pick Six) of Vedral helping us achieve the success we wanted to have against the Rutgers offense. Bo Melton was held in check as we wanted and did not have any major impact on the game.

The players will have the day off tomorrow and then we will watch the game film on Saturday and get ready for next week's matchup vs. the Cal Poly Mustangs.

Injury Report:

Jalen Cropper had a minor triceps injury but he was able to re enter the game and we don't anticipate any set backs.

We are still monitoring Kosi Agina's bruised sternum injury he suffered at the end of the 1st half with a tough hit to the chest after he intercepted Noah. Hopefully he will be ready to go for next weeks matchup vs. Cal Poly.

See you guys next week!

Game Stat Leaders:

Jake Haener - QBR - 91.1, 18/28 137 Yds. 2 INT's
Ronnie Rivers - 14 rush, 53 Yds, 1 TD, 5 rec, 15 yds
Jalen Cropper - 5 rec, 31 Yds.
Kwami Jones - 5 Tkls, 4 TFL's and 4 Sacks

[stevecpa5]

Re: The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

Thursday scores:

#18 North Carolina 19@ South Carolina13

Mountain West Conference Games:

1] #17 USC42 @ Hawaii21
2] UNLV 12@ #19 Minnesota42
3] Cal Poly 13(FCS) @ San Jose State31
4] Rutgers 7@ Fresno State 19
5] Utah State 14 @ Utah 28

Friday / Saturday Slate

Highlighted Games and Mountain West Conference Games

1] FCS East0 @ Air Force43
2] Rocky Mountain Showdown Colorado 7@ Colorado State 9
3] UTSA 24@ New Mexico30
4] Wyoming 14@ Nebraska 21
5] Chick Fil A Kick Off Game Virginia Tech 17@ #3 Alabama 55
6] Boise State 10 @ Washington 41
7] FCS East 3 @ San Diego State 17
8] All State Kickoff Classic #6 LSU 6 @ TCU 27 GAME of the WEEK ~ UPSET!
9] Nevada 23@ UCLA 42

Next Week, Fresno State Bulldogs v. Cal Poly Mustangs!

[stevecpa5]

Re: The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

7 Years ago to this date.....

A lot has changed in 7 years, but one thing remains the same, in-state FCS opponent Cal-Poly is still a rival of Fresno State's. The series kicks back off after a 7 year hiatus in a matchup of two first year head coaches and Coach Joseph coming off an impressive home victory against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Cal-Poly is coming off a tough loss to San Jose State (another of Fresno State's rivals). The two teams will be meeting in Fresno under the lights at 10:00 PM!

[stevecpa5]

Re: The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

Week 2

Two 1-0 ACC teams square off in the Friday night game to kick off the college football weekend:

Wake Forest (1-0) @ Boston College (1-0)

Saturday's Action - Headliner Games:

1] #6 Florida (1-0) @ Miami (1-0) - Game of the Week
2] Memphis at Louisville - Rivalry Game
3] West Virginia (1-0) @ #4 Oklahoma (0-0)
4] #11 Texas (0-0) @ BYU (0-0)

Mountain West Conference:

1] San Diego State (1-0) @ #2 Ohio State (1-0)
2] FCS East @ Boise State (0-1)
3] Central Michigan (0-1) @ UNLV (0-1)
4] FCS Midwest @ Wyoming (0-1)
5] FCS West @ Nevada (0-1)
6] UTEP @ Colorado State (1-0)
7] Air Force (1-0) @ Utah State (0-1)
8] San Jose State (1-0) @ Stanford (0-0) - Rivalry Game
9] Hawaii (0-1) @ Oregon State (1-0)
10] FCS West @ Fresno State (1-0)

[LopaKa]

Re: The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

Loving the dynasty so far sir, love the graphics, layout and writing! Also, congratulations on the first win!

[stevecpa5]

Re: The Coaching Life of Stephen Joseph

I appreciate it, this is my first go at this so hopefully I can keep it going!