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

[Careless Whisper]

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

Hi all, apologies again for the month-long hiatus in this thread - life has gotten really busy again and probably will stay this way until after Thanksgiving.

I come here to provide that update, and also to post this article that I just found regarding the real-life Carnegie Mellon football team - holders of the longest active winning streak in NCAA football!

https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2022-11-09/inside-carnegie-mellons-run-longest-win-streak-ncaa-football

Hope life is treating all of you well!

[Careless Whisper]

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

at
Carnegie Mellon Tartans (6-5, 6-1 MAC) at Northern Illinois Huskies (4-7, 3-4 MAC)
Wednesday, November 23, 2011 | 7:00 PM (ET)
DeKalb, Ill. – Huskie Stadium | FSN Pittsburgh

Top Storyline: Can the Tartans build momentum going into their bowl?

Nothing is on the line but pride for Carnegie Mellon in its regular-season finale, having clinched a bowl bid but also been eliminated from MAC Championship Game contention. However, the Tartans could set the foundation for a special 2012 with a couple of wins, thanks in part to the players set to return on both sides of the ball. Sophomore quarterback Gerald Culver (156.2 QB rtg., 84-138, 1,269 yards, 13 TD, 9 INT; 67 carries, 183 yards, 3 TD) has emerged as a capable starting signal-caller, with classmate Lawrence McIntire (169 carries, 840 yards, 11 TD; 14 catches, 193 yards, 2 TD) becoming one of the league’s best runningbacks. The defense will return impact players such as junior defensive tackle Matt Burnsides (31 tackles, 8 sacks, 1 FR), junior defensive end Zac Hood (39 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 FF, 2 FR), redshirt junior cornerback Jon Crowell (40 tackles, 4 INT, 1 TD), and redshirt freshman safety Jabari London (28 tackles, 3 INT), but completely replacing seniors Mark Toth (76 tackles, 6 sacks, 5 INT, 4 FF, 1 FR, 1 TD) and David Brown (43 tackles, 11 sacks, 1 INT) will be impossible. The looming NFL Draft decision by redshirt sophomore wide receiver Eddie Williams (83 catches, 1,319 yards, 14 TD; 14 carries, 155 yards, 1 TD) is massive as well, with his return or departure set to completely change the ceiling of next year’s team.

Top Matchup: Carnegie Mellon C Joey Muhammad vs. Northern Illinois DT James Cruz

Northern Illinois senior defensive tackle James Cruz (32 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 FF) is the most underrated player in the MAC, having never made an All-MAC side despite 101 tackles and 13 sacks in three years as a starter. Cruz owns a Pro Football Focus grade of 85.0, and his presence alone opens opportunities for fellow interior linemen Seth Daniel (17 tackles, 3 sacks) and James Kemoeatu (35 tackles, 6 sacks, 1 FF). It will be a tough task for Carnegie Mellon junior center Joey Muhammad, who has been rock solid in the middle with 16 pancakes and just two sacks allowed according to PFF.

Top Mismatch: Carnegie Mellon HB Lawrence McIntire vs. Northern Illinois Linebackers

Carnegie Mellon owns a major edge in the running game, despite the recent struggles of sophomore tailback Lawrence McIntire. The second-year player is on the cusp of reaching 1,000 rushing yards with 840 to his name, and could reach that milestone thanks in part to the struggles of the Northern Illinois linebacker corps. The Huskies are set to start senior Steven Rogers (49 tackles), and juniors Jamie Martin (50 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT) and Ryan Wayne (46 tackles, 2 sacks), all of whom have a PFF grade of 72.0.

Prediction: Carnegie Mellon 34, Northern Illinois 21

Carnegie Mellon nearly blew a lead against a bad Western Michigan team last time out, but that kind of scare should propel the Tartans to victory on a short week. Northern Illinois is playing for a spot in the MAC Championship Game thanks to the mediocrity in the West Division, but CMU is much more talented than the Huskies and should use this as a tune-up for its bowl game.

Northern Illinois PFF Top Ten
James Cruz, Sr., DT (85)
Seth Daniel, Jr., DT (84)
Lance Maddox, Jr., DE (84)
John Brown, R-Jr., SS (82)
James Kemoeatu, R-Jr., DT (82)
Jake Sands, Sr., FB (82)
Nathan Palmer, R-Sr., WR (80)
Landon Cox, R-Sr., WR (80)
DeMarcus Grady, R-Sr., QB (80)
Patrick Thompson, R-So., G (80)

Schedule & Results
09/03 | EAST CAROLINA | L, 17-38
09/10 | at Tennessee | L, 7-40
09/17 | TULSA | W, 17-3
09/24 | at Bowling Green * | L, 25-28
10/01 | BUFFALO * | W, 27-21
10/08 | at Alabama | L, 7-35
10/15 | EASTERN MICHIGAN * | L, 0-34
10/29 | BALL STATE * | W, 31-24
11/05 | at Central Michigan * | L, 14-41
11/12 | at Ohio * | L, 17-24
11/19 | at Toledo * | W, 28-21

Injury Report
Carnegie Mellon: Stephen Carter, Sr., WR (broken jaw – 5 weeks)
Northern Illinois: None

Suspensions
Carnegie Mellon: None
Northern Illinois: None

[Tearz49ers]

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

Glad to see this one back up and running again. Hope all is well bud.

[Careless Whisper]

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

Glad to see this one back up and running again. Hope all is well bud.

Appreciate it! All is well here, hope the same with you. Work was extremely busy this fall but my schedule really lightens up for the next few months, which allows me to bring this back. I should have the NIU game up later today!

[Careless Whisper]

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

McIntire, Wilson Provide Heroics in Comeback Win at NIU
Carnegie Mellon made up a two-score deficit in the second half to finish the regular season at 7-5



CMU runningback Lawrence McIntire leaves a NIU defender in the dust on this first-half run. (Carli Jones / Getty Images)

by Jayson Thomas, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter

DEKALB, Ill. -- Desperate for a spark in the second half, Carnegie Mellon head coach Jules Nottingham went back to a veteran player who may not have been completely committed to the team. Four turnovers, two missed field goals, and a two-score second half deficit led Nottingham to the decision, one that, if it worked, could provide more questions than answers.

Nottingham’s call did work, as the Tartans scored 15 unanswered points including the game-winning touchdown with 2:28 remaining to defeat Northern Illinois, 39-36, in both teams’ regular-season finale.

Carnegie Mellon (7-5, 7-1 MAC) junior quarterback Kevin Wilson, who reportedly has been exploring transfer options via the graduate transfer option, entered late in the third quarter for an ineffective Gerald Culver, throwing for 132 yards, a touchdown, and two-point conversion in helping the Tartans come back to knock off Northern Illinois (4-8, 3-5 MAC).

“I just felt we needed a spark and Kevin’s veteran leadership in there,” said Nottingham. “I know he’s been frustrated with not playing, but we believe in his ability and knowledge of the offense, and knew if we had to call upon him, he would deliver. We still believe in Gerald (Culver) and think tonight’s performance was just a blip, but it’s good to know we can rely on both guys if needed.”

Mark Toth gave CMU all the early momentum, forcing a fumble on NIU’s first offensive play that Chris Hill recovered. The Tartans could only manage a field goal out of the short field, and on their second possession Culver was picked off at the Huskies’ 22-yard line. The runningbacks then forced themselves into the forefront, with Jared Collins ripping off a 52-yard touchdown to put NIU ahead 7-3, only for Lawrence McIntire to respond with a 39-yard rush to the Huskies’ two-yard line, followed by a touchdown plunge to put CMU back in front.

Collins scored his second touchdown with 9:21 remaining in the half, breaking two tackles before finding paydirt from 48 yards out. Jon Foster missed a field goal on the next Tartans drive, and DeMarcus Grady made the visitors pay with a 17-yard touchdown hookup to Barrett Campbell. CMU settled down defensively with an Elvis Washington interception of Grady on its next defensive drive, but Culver tossed his second interception of the half three plays later. The sophomore quarterback recovered with a 52-yard bomb to Eddie Williams with 0:02 on the clock, but Foster shanked the 44-yard field goal to keep it 24-10 in favor of the hosts at halftime.

It took just two plays into the second half for the Tartans to pull within a score, as McIntire followed his blocking on a sweep play and rumbled 74 yards untouched. NIU answered with a Grady 61-yard pass on third down, followed by a Collins eight-yard touchdown run. The extra point was blocked and CMU carried that momentum into the red zone, only for Culver to toss his third pick on third and goal. That swing back to NIU lasted all of one play, as David Brown tipped a pass into Toth’s arms for a short two-yard pick six. The Huskies would respond with a nine-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a Grady 11-yard touchdown pass to Nathan Palmer – but again the extra point proved to be unsuccessful.

Nottingham made the call for Wilson and he started with a 49-yard pass on third down to Travis Sledge, followed by a 10-yard touchdown hookup with Kelvin Butler to make it 36-31. NIU responded with a drive down to the Tartans’ two-yard line, only for it to end with a turnover on downs after Landon Cox dropped a wide-open touchdown. CMU then went 98 yards over 11 plays, finishing with a McIntire seven-yard touchdown plunge and a Wilson-to-Williams two-point conversion to give the visitors a 39-36 lead.

NIU’s first attempt at a game-winning drive ended in three-and-out, but a Tartans turnover on downs at the Huskies’ 36-yard line gave the hosts a lifeline. That drive stalled at the CMU 45-yard line, with Brown netting his second sack to seal the victory.

McIntire finished with a career-high 276 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries, which is the highest total for a Tartan since Jim Manning ran for 286 yards in a 45-35 win over Buffalo on Sept. 27, 2008.

For Northern Illinois, Collins had 201 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries in defeat.

Carnegie Mellon will await its bowl assignment after completing the regular season with a record of 7-5. This will be the third consecutive season that the Tartans have made a bowl game.

Carnegie Mellon Tartans at Northern Illinois Huskies
Nov 23, 2011	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Carnegie Mellon Tartans (7-5, 7-1 MAC)	10	0	21	8	39
Northern Illinois Huskies (4-8, 3-5 MAC)	7	17	12	0	36

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		CMU	NIU
13:51	(CMU) Jon Foster 37-yard field goal	3	0
5:32	(NIU) Jared Collins 52-yard run (Maurice Baker kick)	3	7
0:35	(CMU) Lawrence McIntire 2-yard run (Jon Foster kick)	10	7
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		CMU	NIU
9:21	(NIU) Jared Collins 48-yard run (Maurice Baker kick)	10	14
4:13	(NIU) DeMarcus Grady 17-yard pass to Barrett Campbell (Maurice Baker kick)	10	21
1:42	(NIU) Maurice Baker 28-yard field goal	10	24
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		CMU	NIU
14:44	(CMU) Lawrence McIntire 74-yard run (Jon Foster kick)	17	24
12:12	(NIU) Jared Collins 8-yard run (XP blocked)	17	30
6:47	(CMU) Mark Toth 2-yard interception return (Jon Foster kick)	24	30
2:33	(NIU) DeMarcus Grady 11-yard pass to Nathan Palmer (XP missed)	24	36
1:13	(CMU) Kevin Wilson 10-yard pass to Kelvin Butler (Jon Foster kick)	31	36
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		CMU	NIU
2:28	(CMU) Lawrence McIntire 7-yard run (Kevin Wilson to Eddie Williams)	39	36

Carnegie Mellon Tartans PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Kevin Wilson 8/13 132 1 0 Gerald Culver 9/26 124 0 3 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Lawrence McIntire 25 276 11.0 3 Eddie WIlliams 1 16 16.0 0 Kelvin Butler 1 8 8.0 0 Gerald Culver 8 3 0.3 0 Nate Satele 2 -3 -1.5 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Eddie Williams 7 132 18.8 0 Travis Sledge 5 95 19.0 0 Lawrence McIntire 2 11 5.5 0 Kelvin Butler 1 10 10.0 1 Issac Schroeder 1 9 9.0 0 Nate Satele 1 -1 -1.0 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Mark Toth 9 0 1 1 Bobby Magnum 6 0 0 0 Jon Crowell 6 0 0 0 Rob Jones 6 0 0 0 Jabari London 6 0 0 0 David Brown 4 2 0 0 Matt Burnsides 3 1 0 0 Elvis Washington 3 0 1 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Jon Foster 1/3 4/4 7 37 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Andy Fitzhugh 1 45 45.0 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Kyle Holland 4 82 20.5 0 Kelvin Butler 3 61 20.3 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Kelvin Butler 4 77 19.2 0

Northern Illinois Huskies PASSING C/A YDS TD INT DeMarcus Grady 21/33 273 2 2 Chandler Harnish 0/1 0 0 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Jared Collins 21 201 9.5 3 Landon Cox 1 34 34.0 0 DeMarcus Grady 10 30 3.0 0 Nathan Palmer 1 6 6.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Jared Monroe 7 44 6.2 0 Barrett Campbell 6 44 7.3 1 Lenny Fitch 3 36 12.0 0 Landon Cox 2 91 45.5 0 Nathan Palmer 2 34 17.0 1 Jared Collins 1 24 24.0 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Tim Singletary 7 0 1 0 Jamaal Pollard 7 0 0 0 John Brown 6 0 0 0 Jamie Martin 5 0 0 0 Ryan Wayne 4 0 2 0 Steven Rogers 4 1 0 0 Chris Parsons 4 0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Maurice Baker 1/1 3/5 6 28 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Zach Riley 4 178 44.5 1 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Nathan Palmer 4 85 21.2 0 Landon Cox 3 56 18.6 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Nathan Palmer 1 5 5.0 0

[Tearz49ers]

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

What a comeback that was. I wonder if Wilson will reconsider his options should Culver's struggles continue.

Do you feel the struggles may have come from rusty stick skills though?

[dfsJunkie]

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

Winning TD with about 2 minutes left, wow! How nervous were you to play that last drive defensively?

[Careless Whisper]

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

What a comeback that was. I wonder if Wilson will reconsider his options should Culver's struggles continue.

Do you feel the struggles may have come from rusty stick skills though?

I actually played out the season back when I returned from a brief hiatus in August, but the time just hasn't been there to type up all the updates. Culver's success up to this point has really surprised me considering his (in)accuracy ratings, and that issue came to the forefront against NIU. He does have the mobility that Wilson doesn't however, and makes it so that I just ride the hot hand if one is playing well.

Since I have played the season out, I know what I ultimately decide with regards to Wilson but if he can become the guy again with Culver's struggles, that would give him incentive to stay. If Culver bounces back, then this performance by Wilson is a nice footnote but doesn't change his mind of exploring a grad transfer.

Winning TD with about 2 minutes left, wow! How nervous were you to play that last drive defensively?

Very much so, considering I turned it over on downs trying to seal the victory. I benefited from there not being a lot of time left so they couldn't run the ball - Collins killed me on the ground - but still worried how my defense would hold up following the momentum shift. Thankfully David Brown made an All-American play there to thwart their comeback attempt.

[Careless Whisper]

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

Around the NCAA – Week 13 Edition
No. 25 Ohio State’s stunning 49-38 upset of No. 3 Michigan leaves three undefeated teams remaining

ESPN The Magazine Cover Story
Rival Woes – Ohio State stuns rival Michigan, 49-38.

The All-Big Ten BCS Championship Game is dead after an upset in The Game, as No. 25 Ohio State knocked off bitter rival No. 3 Michigan, 49-38. The Wolverines led 38-35 through three quarters, but Buckeyes redshirt sophomore quarterback Tajh Boyd found junior wide receiver Tavon Austin from 10 yards out to give the visitors a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Boyd finished with 282 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception through the air after replacing David Burgess in the first quarter, and Austin had 170 receiving yards and two scores on eight catches. Heisman favorite and true freshman Johnny Manziel finished with 277 passing yards and four touchdowns, but also threw three interceptions – one being a 28-yard pick six by Albert Utley. With Michigan’s loss, No. 2 Penn State captures the Big Ten championship thanks to their 45-7 win at Michigan State.

Top Storylines
#7 Texas bounces back with 33-17 triumph over #12 Texas A&M in Lone Star Showdown

Following its 31-21 loss to Clemson last week, No. 7 Texas took its frustrations out on rival No. 12 Texas A&M with a 33-17 win in the Lone Star Showdown. The Longhorns were dominant, holding a 26-0 lead through three quarters and owned edges of 469-289 in offensive yards and 210-90 in rushing yards. Redshirt senior quarterback John Chiles accounted for four touchdowns (3 pass, 1 rush) and 259 passing yards for Texas, while senior tailback Sam McGuffie rushed for 162 yards on 24 carries. The Longhorns’ margin of victory could have been more with better efficiency in the red zone, as they managed three touchdowns and a field goal in eight trips inside the Aggies’ 20. Texas A&M junior signal-caller Russell Shepard went out injured in the first half.

#5 Miami (Fla.) completes unbeaten regular season with 28-18 win over #14 Virginia

No. 5 Miami (Fla.) stayed in BCS Championship Game contention, completing an undefeated regular season with a 28-18 victory over No. 14 Virginia. The Hurricanes welcomed redshirt senior quarterback Robert Marve back from injury, as they raced out to a 28-0 lead and never looked back. Marve had 191 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception on 15-of-21 passing, while classmate Kayne Farquharson boosted his Biletnikoff Award candidacy with 164 yards and two scores on 11 receptions. Cavaliers redshirt junior quarterback Kyle Parker was benched after accumulating just 30 passing yards on 5-of-14 attempts with two interceptions.

#9 Arkansas suffers first defeat to #10 LSU, 31-27

No. 9 Arkansas saw its unbeaten season come to an end in the Battle for the Golden Boot, as No. 10 LSU defeated the Razorbacks, 31-27. The Tigers scored the game-winning touchdown with 6:32 left, as redshirt junior quarterback Mike Glennon found fifth-year senior wide receiver Ian Harding from two yards out. Arkansas led 17-10 at halftime, but its passing attack struggled with senior signal-caller Collin Klein finishing just 4-of-8 passing for 25 yards. He rushed for a touchdown, as did junior tailback Rex Burkhead with 143 yards on 23 carries. Glennon had 289 passing yards and the game-winning score, while LSU was led defensively by sophomore linebacker Jon Bostic, who had 12 tackles (4 for loss) and two sacks.

BCS Rankings
1 | Penn State (11-0, 0.970)
2 | USC (11-0, 0.966)
3 | Miami (Fla.) (12-0, 0.877)
4 | Florida (11-1, 0.829)
5 | Texas (11-1, 0.774)
6 | Clemson (10-2, 0.720)
7 | LSU (11-1, 0.679)
8 | Michigan (11-1, 0.652)
9 | Virginia Tech (10-2, 0.632)
10 | Arkansas (11-1, 0.561)
11 | UCLA (9-2, 0.468)
12 | Notre Dame (8-3, 0.456)
13 | Georgia (10-2, 0.433)
14 | Wisconsin (10-2, 0.416)
15 | Boise State (11-1, 0.388)

Heisman Watch
Johnny Manziel, Fr., QB, Michigan | 162.1 QB rtg., 242-382, 3,239 yards, 41 TD, 15 INT; 129 carries, 632 yards, 9 TD
Robert Griffin III, R-Jr., QB, Texas Tech | 175.6 QB rtg., 274-417, 3,964 yards, 44 TD, 10 INT; 76 carries, 235 yards, 1 TD
John Brantley, R-Sr., QB, Florida | 191.4 QB rtg., 211-321, 3,295 yards, 45 TD, 11 INT
Doug Hogue, R-Sr., HB, Syracuse | 214 carries, 1,478 yards, 16 TD; 30 catches, 562 yards, 7 TD; 10.9 punt return avg., 1 TD
John Chiles, R-Sr., QB, Texas | 157.5 QB rtg., 222-354, 2,959 yards, 33 TD, 11 INT; 94 carries, 331 yards, 4 TD

NCAA Players of the Week
Offensive: Carlos Hyde, Jr., HB, Tennessee | 25 carries, 187 yards, 5 TD; 2 catches, 28 yards, 1 TD in 52-21 win against Vanderbilt
Defensive: Joe Payne, Sr., CB, UCLA | 1 tackle, 2 INT, 2 TD in 41-7 win against Oregon

Injury Report
Joe Chaisson, R-Sr., QB, Air Force | Strained shoulder (3 weeks)
Darren Banks, Jr., HB, Iowa State | Broken collarbone (season)
Armando Allen, R-Sr., HB, Penn | Torn quadricep (10 weeks)

Week 13 Notable Top 25 Scores
#5 Texas 33, #17 Texas A&M 17
#21 Nebraska 41, Colorado 24
#2 Penn State 45, Michigan State 7
#23 Ohio State 49, #8 Michigan 38
#14 Wisconsin 31, Iowa 28
#16 Boise State 63, Louisiana Tech 14
#3 Miami (Fla.) 28, #19 Virginia 18
#7 LSU 31, #10 Arkansas 27
#12 UCLA 41, Oregon 7
Georgia Tech 35, #13 Georgia 20
#6 Clemson 37, South Carolina 31 (OT)
#4 Florida 45, Florida State 14
#11 Notre Dame 31, #20 Hawaii 17
#15 Washington 35, Washington State 3
#1 USC 54, Arizona State 21

Week 14 National Broadcasts
West Virginia (8-3) at Washington State (3-8) | 12/3, 1:00 PM
#2 Penn State (11-0) at #11 Notre Dame (8-3) | 12/3, 1:00 PM
California (5-6) at #20 Hawaii (8-3) | 12/3, 3:30 PM
Arizona (1-10) at Arizona State (6-5) | 12/3, 3:30 PM
Air Force (5-6) at South Florida (5-6) | 12/3, 6:00 PM
#23 Ohio State (8-3) at BYU (9-2) | 12/3, 6:00 PM
Oregon State (4-7) at Oregon (5-6) | 12/3, 6:00 PM (Civil War)
#12 UCLA (9-2) at #1 USC (11-0) | 12/3, 8:00 PM (Battle for the Victory Bell; Game of the Week)

[Careless Whisper]

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

Around the MAC – Week 14 Edition
Central Michigan defeats Eastern Michigan, 31-23, to win the MAC West Division

MAC East Standings
#24 Kent State | 12-0, 8-0 MAC
Carnegie Mellon | 7-5, 7-1 MAC
Miami (Ohio) | 7-5, 6-2 MAC
Akron | 6-6, 5-3 MAC
Bowling Green | 7-5, 5-3 MAC
Ohio | 5-7, 4-4 MAC
Buffalo | 3-9, 0-8 MAC

MAC West Standings
Central Michigan | 6-6, 4-4 MAC
Eastern Michigan | 4-8, 3-5 MAC
Northern Illinois | 4-8, 3-5 MAC
Toledo | 4-8, 3-5 MAC
Ball State | 5-7, 3-5 MAC
Western Michigan | 1-11, 1-7 MAC

MAC Players of the Week
Offensive: Lawrence McIntire, So., HB, Carnegie Mellon | 25 carries, 276 yards, 3 TD in 39-36 win at Northern Illinois
Defensive: Mark Toth, Sr., MLB, Carnegie Mellon | 9 tackles (1 TFL), 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 TD in 39-36 win at Northern Illinois

Week 13 Scores
Carnegie Mellon 39, Northern Illinois 36
Miami (Ohio) 21, Ohio 17
Ball State 42, Buffalo 21
Missouri 49, Western Michigan 0
Boston College 42, Bowling Green 13
#24 Kent State 27, Akron 17
Central Michigan 31, Eastern Michigan 23

Week 14 Matchups
None

[Careless Whisper]

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

by Jeff Greenberg, Carnegie Mellon insider for Rivals.com

McIntire, Toth sweep MAC weekly awards

Carnegie Mellon claimed both MAC weekly honors, as sophomore tailback Lawrence McIntire was named Offensive Player of the Week and senior linebacker Mark Toth earned Defensive Player of the Week accolades.

McIntire rushed for a career-high 276 yards on 25 carries in the 39-36 win against Northern Illinois, scoring three touchdowns – including the go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard milestone in the victory, and now has 1,116 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns (14 rush, 2 receiving) this season.

Toth collected nine tackles (1 for loss), a forced fumble, an interception, and a touchdown. The senior is on his way to MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors with 85 tackles, six sacks, six interceptions, five forced fumbles, and two touchdowns this year, and now has 310 tackles, 25 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, 14 interceptions, and three touchdowns in his career. This is Toth’s third MAC Defensive Player of the Week award this season and fifth of his career.

Bell, Jones lost for season with injuries

The Tartans’ 39-36 win at Northern Illinois last Wednesday saw a pair of players leave early with injuries, and neither freshman guard Collin Bell or sophomore cornerback Rob Jones are expected to return for the bowl game.

Bell suffered a torn shoulder muscle and will face a 10-week recovery. The freshman has a 74.0 grade by Pro Football Focus (PFF) and will be replaced by classmate Gavin Hawkins, who has a mark of 70.0.

Jones broke his ribs in the win, and will end his impressive sophomore season on a low note. He had 35 tackles, four interceptions, and a sack as the third cornerback, and will be replaced in nickel packages by redshirt junior Bobby Magnum (36 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) and in dime packages by redshirt freshman Graham Taylor (seven tackles).

No decision on bowl game starting QB

Carnegie Mellon head coach Jules Nottingham hasn’t offered a decision on who will start the bowl game, with the team off from practice this week following the completion of its regular season.

“We want to see how both guys look when we return to practice,” said Nottingham. “How Gerald (Culver) responds to adversity, and how Kevin (Wilson) follows up his strong performance. It will also depend on our bowl opponent, and just because one guy starts doesn’t mean the other won’t play.”

Gerald Culver (139.6 QB rtg., 93-164, 1,393 yards, 13 TD, 12 INT; 75 carries, 186 yards, 3 TD) threw three interceptions in the Tartans’ 39-36 win at Northern Illinois, with Kevin Wilson (124.1 QB rtg., 125-240, 1,879 yards, 13 TD, 14 INT) leading the comeback. Wilson started the first eight games for CMU, leaving the eighth early with an injury, and Culver picked up from there by starting the last four.

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

[Careless Whisper]

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

Around the NCAA – Week 14 Edition
Despite playing for the ACC title this weekend, undefeated No. 3 Miami (Fla.) will be left out of the BCS Championship Game

ESPN The Magazine Cover Story
Clinched It! – Nittany Lions clinch a spot in the National Championship Game.

No. 2 Penn State punched its ticket to the BCS Championship Game with a 49-13 rout of No. 11 Notre Dame on the road. The Nittany Lions were up 35-6 at halftime, thanks to a 64-yard touchdown rush by Star Jackson, a 56-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to Derek Moye, and a six-yard hookup from Jackson to Jamie Harper. Jackson accounted for six touchdowns, finishing with 264 yards and five scores on 19-of-21 passing while adding 82 yards on the ground. The Fighting Irish saw sophomore quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo pass for 212 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the loss. PSU moved up to No. 1 in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll with the win, after already holding that spot in the Media Poll.

Top Storylines
#1 USC clinches BCS Championship Game berth with 48-42 overtime win over #12 UCLA

In an instant classic between two rivals, No. 1 USC secured its BCS Championship Game bid with a 48-42 overtime triumph over No. 12 UCLA. The Trojans used a 38-yard field goal from junior kicker Lawrence Roberts to send to the extra frame, and after the fourth interception of Chris Forcier, USC won it with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Derek Carr to Charles Robinson. Forcier’s seven-yard touchdown pass to Justin James gave the Bruins a 42-39 advantage in the fourth quarter after Marc Tyler punched it in from two yards out to put USC ahead. Carr had three passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown, finishing with 373 yards through the air, and Tyler added 135 yards on the ground from 18 carries. Forcier offset his four picks with five touchdown passes and 388 passing yards, while LaMichael James accumulated 132 rushing yards and a score on 17 carries.

BCS Rankings
1 | Penn State (12-0, 0.988)
2 | USC (12-0, 0.957)
3 | Miami (Fla.) (12-0, 0.890)
4 | Florida (11-1, 0.829)
5 | Texas (11-1, 0.763)
6 | Clemson (10-2, 0.754)
7 | LSU (11-1, 0.722)
8 | Michigan (11-1, 0.687)
9 | Virginia Tech (10-2, 0.648)
10 | Arkansas (11-1, 0.627)
11 | Georgia (10-2, 0.513)
12 | Wisconsin (10-2, 0.490)
13 | Boise State (11-1, 0.468)
14 | Washington (10-2, 0.457)
15 | Texas A&M (9-3, 0.406)

Heisman Watch
Johnny Manziel, Fr., QB, Michigan | 162.1 QB rtg., 242-382, 3,239 yards, 41 TD, 15 INT; 129 carries, 632 yards, 9 TD
Robert Griffin III, R-Jr., QB, Texas Tech | 175.6 QB rtg., 274-417, 3,964 yards, 44 TD, 10 INT; 76 carries, 235 yards, 1 TD
John Brantley, R-Sr., QB, Florida | 191.4 QB rtg., 211-321, 3,295 yards, 45 TD, 11 INT
Doug Hogue, R-Sr., HB, Syracuse | 214 carries, 1,478 yards, 16 TD; 30 catches, 562 yards, 7 TD; 10.9 punt return avg., 1 TD
John Chiles, R-Sr., QB, Texas | 157.5 QB rtg., 222-354, 2,959 yards, 33 TD, 11 INT; 94 carries, 331 yards, 4 TD

NCAA Players of the Week
Offensive: Star Jackson, R-Jr., QB, Penn State | 19-21, 264 yards, 5 TD; 3 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD in 49-13 win at Notre Dame
Defensive: Derek Knight, R-Sr., SS, Columbia | 4 tackles, 1 INT, 1 TD in 35-14 win against Cornell

Week 14 Notable Scores
Navy 41, Army 25
#1 Penn State 49, #21 Notre Dame 13
California 22, Hawaii 21
Arizona State 52, Arizona 49 (2OT)
Harvard 39, San Jose State 28
#22 Ohio State 20, BYU 7
#2 USC 48, #16 UCLA 42 (OT)

Conference Championship Game Weekend
ACC: #6 Clemson (10-2, 6-2) vs. #3 Miami (Fla.) (12-0, 8-0) | 12/3, 1:00 PM
Big 12: #25 Missouri (9-2, 7-1) vs. #5 Texas (11-1, 8-0) | 12/3, 8:00 PM
C-USA: Houston (6-6, 5-3) at Central Florida (6-6, 6-2) | 12/3, 5:00 PM
MAC: Central Michigan (6-6, 4-4) vs. #23 Kent State (12-0, 8-0) | 12/3, 8:00 PM
SEC: #4 Florida (11-1, 7-1) vs. #7 LSU (11-1, 7-1) | 12/3, 5:00 PM

[Careless Whisper]

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

Williams, Toth Lead Large All-MAC Contingent as Players of the Year
Carnegie Mellon scores 11 All-MAC selections, with Eddie Williams and Mark Toth winning major awards

by Jeff Greenberg, Carnegie Mellon insider for Rivals.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For the first time since its entrance into the Mid-American Conference (MAC), Carnegie Mellon didn’t lay claim to the MAC Freshman of the Year award. However, the Tartans took home both Offensive Player and Defensive Player of the Year for the first time, as redshirt sophomore Eddie Williams and senior linebacker Mark Toth received the respective accolades. The duo led a contingent of 11 CMU players earning All-MAC recognition, including seven on the First Team, as announced by the conference this afternoon.

A finalist for the Fred Biletnikoff Award, Williams improved upon his historic redshirt freshman campaign to collect MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors. Despite a rotating quarterback situation, the Altoona, Pa. native compiled 90 receptions for 1,451 yards and 14 touchdowns, adding 171 yards and a score on the ground. Williams, the 2010 MAC Freshman of the Year and an Associated Press Freshman All-American, already owns program records in career receiving yards (2,780) and receiving touchdowns (28), and is 18 receptions away from claiming that career standard as well. His numbers this season are all CMU single-season records – ones that he previously established last year.

Toth garners MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors after missing out on all-conference accolades as a junior. The senior linebacker has been stellar in his final hurrah, collecting 85 tackles (16 for loss), six sacks, six interceptions, five forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and two touchdowns. He was the MAC Freshman of the Year in 2008 and made the All-MAC Second Team twice in his first two seasons before being shut out of all postseason awards last season. Toth has been named MAC Defensive Player of the Week three times in 2011 and five times in his career, and owns the program record for career tackles with 310.

Including Toth, the defense had five representatives on the All-MAC First Team. Senior defensive David Brown repeated the plaudits after collecting 47 tackles (21 for loss), 13 sacks, and an interception this season. Beside him on the defensive line is junior Matt Burnsides, now a three-time All-MAC First Team pick who had 34 tackles (17 for loss), nine sacks, and a fumble recovery. In the secondary, senior cornerback Erik Sellers followed up his Associated Press All-America Second Team season with 45 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a touchdown, while classmate Elvis Washington earned his first All-MAC honor with 44 tackles, four interceptions, one sack, two fumble recoveries, and a touchdown.

Sophomore wide receiver Kelvin Butler is the favorite to claim the Randy Moss Award for the second straight season, as he averaged 24.2 yards per kick return, 10.3 yards per punt return, and scored three touchdowns (2 kick, 1 punt).

Second-year tailback Lawrence McIntire made the All-MAC Second Team, tallying 1,116 yards and 14 touchdowns rushing, as well as 16 catches for 204 yards and two scores receiving. The defense featured three Second Team honorees in junior defensive end Zac Hood (40 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 FF, 2 FR), redshirt junior cornerback Jon Crowell (46 tackles, 4 INT, 1 TD), and sophomore cornerback Rob Jones (35 tackles, 1 sack, 4 INT, 1 FR).

Kent State freshman defensive end Markus Scott was named MAC Freshman of the Year after accumulating 42 tackles (15 for loss), seven sacks, and two forced fumbles for the undefeated No. 23 Golden Flashes.

[Tearz49ers]

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

What a season on the awards front for the Mellon Tartans. That shows just how far this team has come from the dark days at the beginning of this dynasty. As always my friend keep up the good work.

[Careless Whisper]

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

What a season on the awards front for the Mellon Tartans. That shows just how far this team has come from the dark days at the beginning of this dynasty. As always my friend keep up the good work.

Appreciate the kind words as always, Tearz! More award goodness is to come in the next few posts, but you're right - the fact that CMU is consistently churning out All-MAC and All-American picks is a strong sign of how much progress has been made over this report. I'm very pleased with the build since I started with pretty much nothing and haven't gotten too good too fast, and there's still a clear goal to be achieved yet in winning the MAC championship before I start thinking about taking that next step as a program and competing at a BCS level. I feel the awareness restriction will keep me limited in terms of building a super team, but I still can reach the top tier of the sport over time and that will be fun to achieve.