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

[Careless Whisper]

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

at
Michigan State Spartans (3-4) at Carnegie Mellon Tartans (4-4)
Saturday, October 29, 2011 | 12:30 PM (ET)
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Gesling Stadium | FSN Pittsburgh

Top Storyline: Can Carnegie Mellon rise to the level of competition?

Over the last couple of seasons, Carnegie Mellon has established itself as one of the nation’s top up-and-coming mid-major programs. Saturday against Michigan State presents an opportunity for the Tartans to take another step forward, hoping to improve upon a record of 2-12 against BCS-conference teams since moving up to Division I in 2006. Both of those victories came versus Duke in 2008 and 2010, and CMU has lost by an average of 26.4 points against schools from the ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10, and SEC. The Spartans have been hot-and-cold in 2011, entering with a 3-4 record with a bad 27-24 loss to SMU, but they boast a strong defense led by senior safety Tommy Irvin (25 tackles, 3 INT, 1 TD), senior linebacker Will Sharp (47 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 FF), and redshirt senior linebacker Greg Jones (46 tackles, 3 INT, 2 FF, 2 FR, 1 TD) leading the way.

Top Matchup: Carnegie Mellon Secondary vs. Michigan State QB Tino Sunseri

Spartans senior quarterback Tino Sunseri (120.9 QB rtg., 89-166, 1,065 yards, 11 TD, 7 INT) is one of the best signal-callers Carnegie Mellon will face this season, as the two-year starter has accumulated 39 total touchdowns (3 rushing) over his career. Sunseri will be without his first and third receivers however, as redshirt seniors Mark Dell (27 catches, 376 yards, 3 TD) and B.J. Cunningham (18 catches, 205 yards, 1 TD) will miss due to injury. That means a talented Tartans secondary – redshirt junior Jon Crowell (31 tackles, 4 INT, 1 TD), senior Erik Sellers (30 tackles, 4 INT, 1 FF, 1 TD), sophomore Rob Jones (24 tackles, 1 sack, 4 INT, 1 FR), redshirt freshman Jabari London (21 tackles, 2 INT), and senior Elvis Washington (33 tackles, 1 sack, 3 INT, 1 FR, 1 TD) – that is coming off a six-interception performance against Akron will have to contend against MSU’s secondary options of redshirt sophomore Roger Wilcox (20 catches, 222 yards, 2 TD) and sophomore Rashad Stewart (11 catches, 58 yards, 2 TD).

Top Mismatch: Carnegie Mellon Guards vs. Michigan State Pass Rushers

One area where Carnegie Mellon struggles to match up in its matchups against BCS-conference foes is along the offensive line, and Saturday could be no different with its young guards. The Tartans will likely start a pair of true freshmen in Collin Bell and Kevin Doucette, and while Michigan State doesn’t have the most talented defensive line, they should fare well against the rookies. Look for redshirt senior Antonio Jeremiah (29 tackles, 6 sacks) to shift inside on occasion and create mismatches, while senior Omarr Sutherland (14 tackles) and redshirt freshman Gabe Harris (17 tackles, 2 sacks) could have breakout performances inside.

Prediction: Michigan State 24, Carnegie Mellon 21

This is absolutely a winnable game for the Tartans regardless if it was Gerald Culver or Kevin Wilson at quarterback. Culver, we believe, gives them a better chance with his mobility being necessary due to the freshman starting guards, but Michigan State should come out more desperate because it needs this win more. The Spartans aren’t bowling without a win in this game, as they finish the season with a four-game stretch against No. 7 Michigan, No. 22 Ohio State, No. 18 Wisconsin, and No. 3 Penn State.

Michigan State PFF Top Ten
Scott Bowling, Sr., C (96)
Tommy Irvin, Sr., SS (96)
Joel Foreman, R-Sr., G (95)
Greg Jones, R-Sr., OLB (93)
Will Sharp, Sr., MLB (91)
Tino Sunseri, Sr., QB (88)
Melvin Graniello, R-So., TE (85)
Corey Childs, Jr., FS (85)
Ashton Leggett, R-Sr., FB (85)
Nate Miller, Sr., HB (84)

Schedule & Results
09/10 | at Cornell | W, 51-7
09/17 | SMU | L, 24-27
09/24 | at Notre Dame | L, 24-28
10/01 | IOWA * | L, 14-31
10/08 | INDIANA * | W, 41-28
10/15 | at Illinois * | W, 13-7
10/22 | at Minnesota * | L, 21-31

Injury Report
Michigan State: Jeremy Perkins, R-Jr., DE (broken wrist – 4 weeks); Mark Dell, R-Sr., WR (sprained elbow – 2 weeks); B.J. Cunningham, R-Sr., WR (pinched nerve – 1 week)
Carnegie Mellon: Ricky Fields, R-So., G (knee bruise – 2 weeks); Kevin Wilson, Jr., QB (mild concussion – 1 week)

Suspensions
Michigan State: None
Carnegie Mellon: None

[Careless Whisper]

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

CMU Drops Offensive Struggle Against Michigan State
Carnegie Mellon held a 14-10 halftime lead, but was unable to secure a statement win against the Spartans



CMU wide receiver Eddie Williams leaps to snag this second-quarter touchdown - his second of the contest. (Ashley Black / Getty Images)

by Alicia Brown, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Carnegie Mellon saw its halftime advantage slip away in the second half, falling in its final non-conference test to Michigan State, 20-14, this afternoon from Gesling Stadium.

Looking to claim a statement win over a BCS-conference foe, Carnegie Mellon (4-5) entered the locker room with a 14-10 lead, only to see multiple mistakes lead to a reversal of fortune for Michigan State (4-4). The Tartans turned the ball over twice in the second half and missed a field goal, while the Spartans recovered both of their fumbles and scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1:16 remaining in the third quarter.

“This feels like a missed opportunity,” said CMU head coach Jules Nottingham. “I know how much our team wanted a win over a big school like Michigan State, and I think we’re right there towards putting it together. I thought our defense was excellent, but our offensive execution just wasn’t there in the second half. Fortunately, this game doesn’t factor into our ultimate goal of winning (the Mid-American Conference), and we can take the lessons we learned from this game into the remainder of the regular season.”

The first couple of minutes looked like the opening stages to a MSU blowout, as Tino Sunseri found Rashad Stewart for a 20-yard touchdown just 1:04 in, and Gerald Culver – making his first career start – threw an interception to Greg Jones. The CMU defense held the Spartans to a field goal attempt after the turnover, one that Dave Diggs missed that swung momentum back in the hosts’ favor.

The Tartans tied it with 3:33 left in the first quarter, as Culver engineering a seven-play, 68-yard drive before connecting with Eddie Williams for a 19-yard score. MSU responded with an extended 11-play, 67-yard drive that ended in a Diggs 31-yard field goal in the second quarter, but the Culver-Williams duo struck again shortly after – this time from 22 yards out to make it 14-10 CMU.

The second half started much more promising than the first for the Tartans, pushing the ball inside the red zone before a Lawrence McIntire fumble derailed the drive. The Spartans couldn’t capitalize after Diggs hooked a 44-yard field goal attempt to the left, but CMU committed its second turnover of the frame shortly after, as Stephen Carter put the ball on the turf after taking a vicious shot from Maurice Owens – one that had him miss the remainder of the contest.

Sunseri took advantage of the second gift, crafting a 10-play, 77-yard drive that ended in a one-yard toss to Roger Wilcox. MSU’s 17-14 advantage remained throughout the majority of the fourth quarter thanks to its defense, with Diggs tacking on a 41-yard boot through the uprights with 2:01 to go that set the final tally.

Michigan State dominated the time of possession battle, holding the ball for 37 of the game’s 60 minutes. Sunseri threw for 147 yards and two touchdowns on 17-of-27 passing, but also tossed a pair of picks to Tartans linebacker Charlie Cohen. Nate Miller had 134 yards on 33 carries for the Spartans.

Culver registered 210 yards passing, two touchdowns, and an interception on 20-of-33 attempts, while McIntire added 89 yards on the ground from 13 carries. Williams finished with 64 yards and two scores on five receptions, but only caught a single pass in the second half.

Carnegie Mellon returns to MAC action next Saturday, Nov. 5 when it hosts Ohio.

Michigan State Spartans at Carnegie Mellon Tartans
Oct 29, 2011	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Michigan State Spartans (4-4)	7	3	7	3	20
Carnegie Mellon Tartans (4-5)	7	7	0	0	14

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		MSU	CMU
13:56	(MSU) Tino Sunseri 20-yard pass to Rashad Stewart (Dave Diggs kick)	7	0
3:33	(CMU) Gerald Culver 19-yard pass to Eddie Williams (Jon Foster kick)	7	7
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		MSU	CMU
11:51	(MSU) Dave Diggs 31-yard field goal	10	7
9:57	(CMU) Gerald Culver 22-yard pass to Eddie Williams (Jon Foster kick)	10	14
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		MSU	CMU
1:16	(MSU) Tino Sunseri 1-yard pass to Roger Wilcox (Dave Diggs kick)	17	14
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		MSU	CMU
2:01	(MSU) Dave Diggs 41-yard field goal	20	14

Michigan State Spartans PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Tino Sunseri 17/27 147 2 2 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Nate Miller 33 134 4.1 0 Tino Sunseri 4 18 4.5 0 Jeff Sykes 2 11 5.5 0 Roger Wilcox 1 8 8.0 0 Andre Anderson 1 6 6.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Rashad Stewart 8 51 6.4 1 Roger Wilcox 4 29 7.2 1 Kyle Durfee 3 34 11.3 0 Nate Miller 1 28 28.0 0 Jared Johnson 1 5 5.0 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Greg Jones 8 0 1 0 Tommy Irvin 6 0 0 0 Omarr Sutherland 5 0 0 0 Maurice Owens 3 0 0 0 Will Sharp 3 0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Dave Diggs 2/4 2/2 8 41 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Mark Hollinsworth 4 174 43.5 2 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Roger Wilcox 2 47 23.5 0 Andre Anderson 1 20 20.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Roger Wilcox 3 14 4.7 0

Carnegie Mellon Tartans PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Gerald Culver 20/33 210 2 1 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Lawrence McIntire 13 89 6.8 0 Kyle Holland 1 6 6.0 0 Brandon Brewer 1 4 4.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Stephen Carter 8 51 6.4 0 Eddie Williams 5 64 12.8 2 Kelvin Butler 2 66 33.0 0 Travis Sledge 2 11 5.5 0 Brandon Brewer 2 7 3.5 0 Lawrence McIntire 1 11 11.0 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Mark Toth 9 1 0 0 Charlie Cohen 7 0 2 0 Zac Hood 6 0 0 0 David Brown 6 0 0 0 Chris Hill 6 0 0 0 P.J. Ryan 4 1 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Jon Foster 0/1 2/2 2 -- PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Andy Fitzhugh 4 139 34.7 1 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Kyle Holland 3 117 39.0 0 Kelvin Butler 1 17 17.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Kelvin Butler 2 26 13.0 0

[RolePlayer]

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

Man what a bummer, I really thought you guys would win this one. Definitely, some positives to take away, however. Your defense which has given up some points and yards was able to slow down a Big-10 offense pretty well. Plus Culver was able to keep the turnovers relatively in check when that's something I was definitely worried about that.

[studbucket]

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

Were turnovers the only difference between H1 and H2 for your offense? Or did you struggle to move the ball more?

[Careless Whisper]

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

Man what a bummer, I really thought you guys would win this one. Definitely, some positives to take away, however. Your defense which has given up some points and yards was able to slow down a Big-10 offense pretty well. Plus Culver was able to keep the turnovers relatively in check when that's something I was definitely worried about that.

Yeah I came in feeling confident, and it's a bit of a bummer that we couldn't get it done. Loved what I saw from my defense, although I wish we could have ended some drives earlier to give my offense some more chances. I thought Culver was pretty solid in his first start - their pass rush forced some quick throws and didn't really allow him to make an impact running the ball, but you're right he kept his turnovers in check. Think if we play Michigan State another nine times, we probably win six of them.

Were turnovers the only difference between H1 and H2 for your offense? Or did you struggle to move the ball more?

A mix of turnovers, Culver's inaccuracy, and the lack of opportunities on offense. Michigan State played keepaway on offense it seemed, and I could never really force a three-and-out. The two fumbles were killers, but Culver missed on a ton of throws in the second half and played more to his accuracy ratings than he did in the first half. MSU's pressure gave me trouble and forced some quick throws, but there were also dropbacks where Williams would come open on a hook route and Culver would sail it way left. Thankfully, this was just a non-conference game so it doesn't really matter in the long run, but it still feels like a missed opportunity to grab a statement win for the program.

[Careless Whisper]

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

Around the NCAA – Week 9 Edition
Seven undefeated teams survive as the 2011 college football season enters November

ESPN The Magazine Cover Story
Miami Fans Irate – The coaches are not impressed with Miami’s 9-0 record.

A lack of national respect is still being shown for Miami (Fla.), who enter the weekend with a 9-0 record but just an No. 11 ranking in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll. The Hurricanes slot No. 10 in the Media poll and BCS Rankings, with four one-loss teams ahead of them. A win this weekend against rival No. 9 Virginia Tech (8-1) could be what the doctor ordered in regards to national attention, however, and Miami can pull it off despite losing All-ACC quarterback Robert Marve at the beginning of the season. Redshirt junior Curtis Lane (154.5 QB rtg., 182-293, 2,509 yards, 23 TD, 8 INT) has done a stellar job replacing Marve, with the offense running through redshirt senior Lee Chambers (139 carries, 1,134 yards, 16 TD). Defensively, it’s been senior linebacker Tom Rivas who has shined, as he leads the Hurricanes in tackles (55), sacks (6), and interceptions (4) after being named to the Preseason All-ACC team.

Top Storylines
#12 Miami (Fla.) moves to 9-0 in narrow 42-40 win at 4-5 North Carolina

Tom Rivas knocked down a pass on a two-point conversion with 45 seconds remaining to keep No. 12 Miami (Fla.) unbeaten with a nailbiting 42-40 win at North Carolina. The Hurricanes took the lead with 5:15 to go on a Lee Chambers seven-yard run, then Chambers added his fifth touchdown of the afternoon from five yards out to make it 42-34. Tar Heels redshirt junior Grant Beck connected with fifth-year senior tight end Zack Pianalto from 35 yards out to pull UNC within two, but his next pass caught Rivas’ hand to halt the comeback attempt. Chambers finished with 133 yards and five touchdowns on just 16 carries, while redshirt junior Curtis Lane threw for 361 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions on 25-of-38 passing. Beck threw for 343 yards and four touchdowns – three going to fifth-year senior Rashad Mason, who had seven receptions for 179 yards.

Manziel continues Heisman push with five touchdowns in 38-6 thrashing of Purdue

2011 could bring forth the first freshman winner of the Heisman Trophy, as Michigan quarterback Johnny Manziel continued his eye-popping rookie campaign in a 38-6 victory over Purdue. Manziel, who currently sits as the betting favorite to hoist the Heisman next month, threw for 317 yards and five touchdowns on 24-of-31 passing, and added 90 rushing yards on 13 carries. Two of his touchdowns went to classmate Allen Robinson II, who finished with seven receptions for 160 yards, with the others finding junior runningback Eddie Lacy, redshirt sophomore wide receiver Tevita Smith, and redshirt junior wide receiver Barry Rossner.

Seven undefeated teams remain entering November

There are seven NCAA Division I FBS teams who begin November with a zero in the loss column, and just six weeks remaining in the regular season to keep it that way. No. 1 Texas (8-0), No. 2 USC (7-0), No. 3 Penn State (7-0), No. 5 LSU (8-0), No. 7 Michigan (8-0), No. 11 Miami (Fla.) (9-0), No. 15 Arkansas (8-0), No. 19 Syracuse (9-0), and No. 25 Kent State (8-0) all sit undefeated following Week 9’s contests. Arkansas could continue its run with three teams (South Carolina, Mississippi State, Marshall) with losing records on its schedule prior to its annual meeting against LSU. Syracuse owns a margin of victory of 25.3 points per game, and concludes the regular season with Louisville (6-2), UTEP (2-6), and South Florida (3-4). Kent State has survived a pair of nailbiters against Ball State (21-20) and Miami (Ohio) (29-22), and finish with Bowling Green (5-3), Buffalo (3-6), Vanderbilt (3-5), and Akron (5-4).

BCS Rankings
1 | Texas (8-0, 0.966)
2 | Penn State (7-0, 0.913)
3 | USC (7-0, 0.895)
4 | LSU (8-0, 0.839)
5 | Florida (7-1, 0.815)
6 | Michigan (8-0, 0.757)
7 | Texas A&M (8-1, 0.732)
8 | Virginia Tech (8-1, 0.655)
9 | Georgia (8-1, 0.655)
10 | Miami (Fla.) (9-0, 0.584)
11 | Hawaii (6-1, 0.533)
12 | Virginia (8-1, 0.531)
13 | Clemson (7-2, 0.477)
14 | Arkansas (8-0, 0.471)
15 | Notre Dame (6-2, 0.408)
22 | Boise State ((7-1, 0.199; highest-ranked non-BCS team)

Heisman Watch
Johnny Manziel, Fr., QB, Michigan | 171.6 QB rtg., 158-243, 2,237 yards, 27 TD, 9 INT; 83 carries, 506 yards, 8 TD
Doug Hogue, R-Sr., HB, Syracuse | 175 carries, 1,232 yards, 14 TD; 25 catches, 436 yards, 6 TD; 10.0 punt return avg., 1 TD
Russell Shepard, Jr., QB, Texas A&M | 158.1 QB rtg., 158-258, 2,429 yards, 23 TD, 15 INT; 91 carries, 420 yards, 7 TD
Darren Evans, R-Sr., HB, Virginia Tech | 188 carries, 1,386 yards, 17 TD; 13 catches, 201 yards, 5 TD
John Chiles, R-Sr., QB, Texas | 170.0 QB rtg., 144-2262, 2,036 yards, 27 TD, 10 INT; 58 carries, 173 yards, 3 TD

NCAA Players of the Week
Offensive: John Boyd, R-Jr., HB, Wisconsin | 41 carries, 274 yards, 4 TD; 4 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD in 45-7 win at Northwestern
Defensive: Ben Chandler, R-Sr., OLB, Boise State | 1 tackle, 3 INT, 1 TD in 34-6 win against Nevada

Injury Report
Tommy Streeter, R-Jr., WR, Arizona | Broken ankle (9 weeks)
Jarvis Jones, Jr., OLB, Missouri | Abdominal tear (3 weeks)

Week 9 Notable Top 25 Scores
#14 Clemson 38, Georgia Tech 29
#2 USC 35, Columbia 7
#16 UCLA 48, California 31
#3 Penn State 35, Iowa 21
#5 LSU 34, UAB 7
#11 Miami (Fla.) 42, North Carolina 40
#13 Notre Dame 21, Pittsburgh 7
#8 Georgia 24, Auburn 16
#19 Syracuse 39, Cincinnati 17
#10 Hawaii 41, Arizona 17
#9 Virginia Tech 31, Boston College 21
#1 Texas 30, #24 Nebraska 27
#20 Missouri 63, Iowa State 21
#21 Ohio State 24, Indiana 17

Week 10 National Broadcasts
#5 LSU (8-0) at Tennessee (5-4) | 11/5, 12:30 PM
#10 Hawaii (6-1) at Oregon State (3-4) | 11/5, 12:30 PM
#6 Texas A&M (8-1) at Oklahoma (6-2) | 11/5, 12:30 PM
Navy (4-3) at #13 Notre Dame (6-2) | 11/5, 2:00 PM
#2 USC (7-0) at Oregon (4-3) | 11/5, 6:00 PM
#1 Texas (8-0) at Oklahoma State (5-4) | 11/5, 6:00 PM
#21 Ohio State (5-2) at #3 Penn State (7-0) | 11/5, 8:00 PM (Rivalry Game; Game of the Week)
#11 Miami (Fla.) (9-0) at #9 Virginia Tech (8-1) | 11/5, 8:00 PM (Rivalry Game)

[Scuzz]

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

Miami has a good case.. don't blame them

[Careless Whisper]

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

Miami has a good case.. don't blame them

Agreed, I think they should be up a bit higher but they didn't have the preseason ranking compared to some of the teams they're chasing. VT this week will be a big test!

Life has gotten ridiculously busy again, so I apologize for the lack of updates over the last week - I haven't had time to even read some of the other reports I follow on here! It's probably going to continue to be this way for the next month, but I'll try to get another game or two in here before my schedule finally starts to clear up.

[Tearz49ers]

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

Agreed, I think they should be up a bit higher but they didn't have the preseason ranking compared to some of the teams they're chasing. VT this week will be a big test!

Life has gotten ridiculously busy again, so I apologize for the lack of updates over the last week - I haven't had time to even read some of the other reports I follow on here! It's probably going to continue to be this way for the next month, but I'll try to get another game or two in here before my schedule finally starts to clear up.

No need to apologise my friend, life always comes first and remember you do this for your enjoyment, the fact we all read and love your stuff is just the added bonus! We will all still be here when you report. I used to find myself stressing about not getting updates in but now I don't worry to much about it and they get done when I can.

As for Miami, I think that 2 point win over an unranked North Carolina may have been a reason they still remain outside the top 10 even if they are 9-0.

[Careless Whisper]

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

Around the MAC – Week 9 Edition
Kent State moved into the Associated Press Top 25 after topping Miami (Ohio), 29-22, to remain unbeaten in MAC play

MAC East Standings
#25 Kent State | 8-0, 5-0 MAC
Carnegie Mellon | 4-5, 4-1 MAC
Akron | 5-4, 4-1 MAC
Miami (Ohio) | 4-4, 3-1 MAC
Ohio | 4-4, 3-1 MAC
Bowling Green | 5-3, 4-2 MAC
Buffalo | 3-6, 0-5 MAC

MAC West Standings
Northern Illinois | 3-5, 2-2 MAC
Toledo | 3-6, 2-3 MAC
Central Michigan | 3-5, 1-3 MAC
Ball State | 2-6, 1-4 MAC
Eastern Michigan | 2-6, 1-4 MAC
Western Michigan | 1-7, 1-4 MAC

MAC Players of the Week
Offensive: Marcus Miller, So., HB, Ohio | 29 carries, 160 yards, 3 TD (1 rec) in 28-11 win at Buffalo
Defensive: Nathan Gore, Sr., OLB, Central Michigan | 9 tackles (5 TFL), 2 sacks, 1 FF in 21-20 win against Toledo

Week 9 Scores
Michigan State 20, Carnegie Mellon 14
Northern Illinois 31, Ball State 24
Akron 34, Bowling Green 24
Kent State 29, Miami (Ohio) 22
Ohio 28, Buffalo 11
Central Michigan 21, Toledo 20

Week 10 Matchups
Western Michigan (1-7, 1-4) at Eastern Michigan (2-6, 1-4) | 11/4, 8:00 PM
Ohio (4-4, 4-1) at Carnegie Mellon (4-5, 4-1) | 11/5, 12:30 PM
Ball State (2-6) at Central Florida (4-4) | 11/5, 12:30 PM
Bowling Green (5-3, 4-2) at #25 Kent State (8-0, 5-0) | 11/5, 12:30 PM (Battle for the Anniversary Award)
Toledo (3-6, 2-3) at Akron (5-4, 4-1) | 11/5, 12:30 PM
Buffalo (3-6, 0-5) at Miami (Ohio) (4-4, 3-1) | 11/5, 3:30 PM
Northern Illinois (3-5, 2-2) at Central Michigan (3-5, 1-3) | 11/5, 6:00 PM

--------------------------

Author’s Note: I'm back (again)! Sorry about the hiatus, life again got extremely busy and I had no time to even turn on the PS3 until this week. Looking forward to continuing this season and beyond with Carnegie Mellon - hope all of you have been well!

[Careless Whisper]

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

Tartans Set For Crucial Recruiting Weekend
Six targets set for official visits when Carnegie Mellon hosts Ohio on Saturday

by Jeff Greenberg, Carnegie Mellon insider for Rivals.com

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- It’s not crazy to say that this weekend could be the most important one since Carnegie Mellon returned to the Division I ranks.

The Tartans’ football program has been an unimaginable success since the ambitious move from Division III competition five years ago. With two more wins, CMU could qualify for its third consecutive bowl game and still sits within striking distance of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) East Division championship, which would mark the second time in three seasons that it has captured that crown.

Clearly the program’s trajectory is going upward, and with head coach Jules Nottingham at the helm, special times are on the horizon. How special that future can be though could depend on the outcome of this weekend’s tilt against Ohio.

Nottingham is set to host six of his top recruiting targets for official visits this weekend, including three four-star prospects in quarterback Eric Frederick, offensive tackle Andrew Graham, and defensive tackle Mario Williams. CMU entered this season having never signed a four-star recruit in its history.

Frederick, a signal-caller from West Monroe in Brownsville, La., is the biggest prize from the Tartans’ remaining targets and recruiting experts currently list Carnegie Mellon in a dead heat with LSU for his services, with Texas trailing both. Ever since he confirmed his interest in CMU, he’s reportedly been the staff’s number one target and looked upon as a program-changing talent. With the current depth chart consisting of sophomore Gerald Culver, junior Kevin Wilson, and redshirt freshman Albert Williams, Frederick would compete for the starting job right away in 2012. If he doesn’t win it, a redshirt is likely with the expectation that he will start in 2013 or 2014.

Graham, an offensive tackle hailing from Winton Woods in Forestville, Ohio, prefers early playing time and has CMU ahead of Ohio State and Notre Dame according to our Rivals experts. Next year’s offensive tackle room is set to be young with only a pair of sophomores – Cory Kemoeatu and Philip McClover – returning, so Graham will be given every opportunity to nab one of the starting jobs occupied by the graduating Anthony Tremblay and Jason Baker.

Williams, a defensive tackle from Glenbard East in Lombard, Ill., was the last to set his official visit date after naming his three finalists (Carnegie Mellon, Clemson, Tennessee) this past weekend. This weekend’s visit to CMU will be the first among his finalists, with Clemson and Tennessee to follow in that order. The Tartans will likely return a pair of seniors in Matt Burnsides and P.J. Ryan in 2012, but Williams is the kind of talent that would immediately slot into the starting lineup and provide similar impact to what Burnsides gave as a freshman.

Brian Adams, another defensive tackle from The Prairie State as a senior at Naperville Central, is one of three three-star prospects making their official visit against Ohio. CMU has some work to do in his recruitment, as he currently lists the Tartans third behind co-leaders Georgia and Wisconsin. The aforementioned Williams is ranked higher by every recruiting service, but Adams would also compete for a starting job right away if he were to sign with Carnegie Mellon.

Eric Pettit, a runningback from McKinley in Fort McKinley, Ohio, could continue The Buckeye State pipeline CMU has built. He’s a versatile back with good hands and currently lists the Tartans and Notre Dame as co-favorites, with Penn State behind both. Current sophomore Lawrence McIntire is set to retain the starting job in 2012 and 2013, but the lead backup role is on the table next season and Pettit would be another option to snag it.

Jason Sharp, a cornerback hailing from Bartow in Bartow, Fla., has CMU second on his list between favorite Oklahoma and third-place Miami (Fla.). The Tartans’ depth at cornerback is limited after likely returnees Jon Crowell and Rob Jones, with Aaron Webb and former walk-on Frank Herron not expected to fill important roles. Sharp would immediately slot in as the third cornerback similar to Jones’ current role, and could feasibly move to the top of the depth chart in 2013 or 2014.

Carnegie Mellon has established itself as one of the MAC’s best programs despite its last three recruiting classes ranking 11th, 5th, and 4th in the conference, respectively. One – particularly if it’s Frederick – or more commitments from this weekend, though, could help set the foundation for the Tartans to become the next mid-major power.

[Careless Whisper]

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

by Jeff Greenberg, Carnegie Mellon insider for Rivals.com

Carter to miss remainder of season with broken jaw

CMU head coach Jules Nottingham announced in his weekly press conference on Wednesday that senior wide receiver Stephen Carter suffered a broken jaw in last week’s 20-14 defeat to Michigan and will miss the rest of the season.

Carter was serving as the slot receiver behind redshirt sophomore Eddie Williams and sophomore Travis Sledge on the depth chart, compiling 30 catches, 366 yards, and two touchdowns this season. Second-year wide out Kelvin Butler (15 catches, 325 yards) and junior Issac Schroeder (1 catch, 2 yards) will replace him in three-receiver sets.

A former three-star prospect, Carter finishes his career with 136 receptions for 1,636 yards and nine touchdowns.

Wilson returns, but Culver remains starter at quarterback

Senior quarterback Kevin Wilson returned to practice this week, but all signs point to sophomore Gerald Culver retaining the starting position for this Saturday’s contest against Ohio.

Wilson (120.3 QB rtg., 115-225, 1,716 yards, 12 TD, 14 INT) suffered a mild concussion in the first quarter of the Tartans’ 34-24 win against Akron on Oct. 22, forcing Culver into the leading role. Culver responded with a four-touchdown, four-interception performance off the bench against the Zips, and then threw for 210 yards, two scores, and an interception on 20-of-33 passing in his first career start last week.

Culver has thrown for 732 yards with seven total touchdowns (6 passing, 1 rushing) this season.

Williams paces FBS in catches and receiving yards

Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Eddie Williams recently received his second consecutive semifinalist nod for the Fred Biletnikoff Award, and has put together a resume worthy of the trophy with FBS leads in receptions (71) and receiving yards (1,085).

Williams currently sits a catch better than Buffalo junior Daniel Williamson and New Mexico State redshirt senior Kendrick Celestine, and paces the receiving yards list by 15 over Mississippi State senior Julio Jones. The redshirt sophomore’s 12 receiving touchdowns put him in a four-way tie for second nationally with Arizona State senior Aldarius Johnson, Bowling Green junior Andre Debose, and Miami (Fla.) redshirt senior Kayne Farquharson, with Jones’s 14 leading the field.

The Altoona, Pa. native currently owns the Carnegie Mellon program records for receiving yards (2,414) and receiving touchdowns (26). He was named to the Associated Press Freshman All-America Team in 2010 following a campaign that consisted of 89 catches, 1,329 yards, and 17 total touchdowns (14 receiving, 3 rushing).

Carnegie Mellon In-Season Recruiting Targets
Eric Frederick, QB, **** (6’2”, 190 lbs.; Brownsville, La. / West Monroe) – Top 3, Official Visit 11/5
- Carnegie Mellon, LSU, Texas
Andrew Graham, OT, **** (6’6”, 337 lbs.; Forestville, Ohio / Winton Woods) – Top 3, Official Visit 11/5
- Carnegie Mellon, Ohio State, Notre Dame
Mario Williams, DT, **** (5’11”, 280 lbs.; Lombard, Ill. / Glenbard East) – Top 3, Official Visit 11/5
- Tennessee, Carnegie Mellon, Clemson
Brian Adams, DT, *** (6’2”, 275 lbs.; Naperville, Ill. / Naperville Central) – Top 3, Official Visit 11/5
- Georgia, Wisconsin, Carnegie Mellon
Eric Pettit, HB, *** (6’2”, 175 lbs.; Fort McKinley, Ohio / McKinley) – Top 3, Official Visit 11/5
- Carnegie Mellon, Notre Dame, Penn State
Jason Sharp, CB, *** (6’1”, 182 lbs.; Bartow, Fla. Bartow) – Top 3, Official Visit 11/5
- Oklahoma, Carnegie Mellon, Miami (Fla.)
Ron Williams, CB, **** (5’11”, 170 lbs., Wooster, Ohio / Wooster) – Removed
Jason Mack, HB, **** (6’0”, 205 lbs.; Nether Providence, Pa. / Strath Haven) – Removed
Chris Gaston, OLB, *** (6’0”, 248 lbs.; Hampton, Va. / Phoebus) – Removed
Mike Petty, WR, *** (6’0”, 208 lbs.; Warren, Ohio / Harding) – Removed
Steve Johnson, OLB, *** (6’2”, 232 lbs.; North Canton, Ohio / Hoover) – Removed
Andy Dockery, HB, *** (5’10”, 195 lbs.; Middletown, Ohio / Madison) – Removed
Matt Hughes, OT, **** (6’5”, 331 lbs.; Salem, Ohio / Salem) – Removed
Bryant Elimimian, QB, *** (6’4”, 232 lbs.; Garfield Heights, Ohio / Garfield Heights) – Removed
Zach Carter, OLB, *** (6’3”, 213 lbs.; East Grand Rapids, Mich. / East Grand Rapids) – Removed

[ZSmit88]

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

Back at it?!

[Careless Whisper]

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

Back at it?!

Slowly, but surely! I actually went ahead and played through the rest of the season since popping in (briefly) last month, but haven't had much time to write up the updates. Hoping to have the Ohio game preview up today and then the game report up tomorrow or this weekend!

[Careless Whisper]

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

at
Ohio Bobcats (4-4, 3-1 MAC) at Carnegie Mellon Tartans (4-5, 4-1 MAC)
Saturday, November 5, 2011 | 12:30 PM (ET)
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Gesling Stadium | FSN Pittsburgh

Top Storyline: Can Ohio be slowed down?

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say Ohio is the most dangerous team in the MAC right now, outside of nationally-ranked Kent State. The Bobcats have won four straight games, and it could have been five with a narrow 37-34 defeat to the aforementioned Golden Flashes on Sept. 24. Ohio’s running game is stout with All-MAC Second Team redshirt senior Vince Davidson (168 carries, 1,051 yards, 12 TD) and reigning MAC Offensive Player of the Week sophomore Marcus Miller (68 carries, 387 yards, 4 TD), which has helped redshirt senior quarterback Brian Sweeney (120.0 QB rtg., 114-205, 1,339 yards, 12 TD, 10 INT) in his first year as a starter. Defensively, the Bobcats possess a pair of stud safeties in recently-returned junior Stephen Marshall (4 tackles) and senior four-year starter Bobby Armstrong (21 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 FR).

Top Matchup: Carnegie Mellon Linebackers vs. Ohio Runningbacks

Ohio’s offensive gameplan is as clear as day – run the football. The Bobcats’ top three runningbacks in Vince Davidson (6.3 yards per carry), Marcus Miller (5.7), and redshirt sophomore James Brown (6.1) have all been successful with their touches, and the trio has enjoyed running behind All-MAC Second Team selection Jon Abdullah at right guard. Carnegie Mellon possesses the league’s best linebacker in senior Mark Toth (57 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 TD) to help slow Ohio down, but he’ll need help from his classmates Charlie Cohen (35 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 INT) and Chris Hill (46 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 TD) on the outside.

Top Mismatch: Carnegie Mellon WR Travis Sledge vs. Ohio CB Daniel Williams

After seeing Michigan State’s gameplan of doubling redshirt sophomore Eddie Williams from last week, Ohio might choose to do the same – which leaves sophomore Travis Sledge (31 catches, 395 yards, 2 TD) ripe for a breakout game. His projected matchup of true freshman Daniel Williams (17 tackles, 1 sack, 2 INT) is a juicy one, as the rookie is only graded 68.0 by Pro Football Focus. If sophomore quarterback Gerald Culver (137.8 QBR, 54-88, 732 yards, 6 TD, 7 INT; 1 rush TD) can be accurate with his passes, Sledge could be in for a huge afternoon.

Prediction: Carnegie Mellon 31, Ohio 27

This should be an excellent contest, but with the Tartans at home and coming off a strong effort against Michigan, the hosts should push through. Two consecutive weeks of reps for Gerald Culver should give him confidence as the starting quarterback, but if he struggles, the talent on CMU’s defense should be able to hold the fort down against a one-trick-pony offense.

Ohio PFF Top Ten
Peter Pettit, Sr., DT (86)
Jerome Zeppuhar, Sr., DT (85)
Jahan Olyaie, R-Sr., WR (82)
Bobby Armstrong, Sr., SS (82)
LaVon Brazill, R-Sr., WR (80)
Noah Keller, R-Sr., MLB (80)
Vince Davidson, R-Sr., HB (80)
Bryan Harris, R-Jr., FB (80)
Jon Abdullah, R-Sr., G (78)
Stephen Marshall, Jr., FS (78)

Schedule & Results
09/03 | at Northwestern | L, 33-40
09/10 | at Illinois | L, 33-40
09/17 | at Indiana | L, 14-31
09/24 | KENT STATE * | L, 34-37
10/01 | DAYTON | W, 24-6
10/15 | WESTERN MICHIGAN * | W, 35-7
10/22 | at Eastern Michigan * | W, 27-21
10/29 | at Buffalo * | W, 28-11

Injury Report
Ohio: None
Carnegie Mellon: Ricky Fields, R-So., G (knee bruise – 1 week); Stephen Carter, Sr., WR (broken jaw – 8 weeks)

Suspensions
Ohio: Joseph Murray, R-So., MLB (academics – 2 quarters); Justin Merritt, Jr., P (academics – 1 game)
Carnegie Mellon: None