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

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2011 STAT DUMP
(bold denotes statistical leader)

Kevin Wilson, Jr., QB | 131.5 QB rtg., 150-271, 2,271 yards, 15 TD, 17 INT
Gerald Culver, So., QB | 133.9 QB rtg., 95-173, 1,425 yards, 13 TD, 13 INT; 77 carries, 202 yards, 3 TD
Albert Williams, R-Fr., QB | 200.8 QB rtg., 2-2, 24 yards
Lawrence McIntire, So., HB | 208 carries, 1,217 yards, 16 TD; 17 catches, 232 yards, 2 TD
Nate Satele, Sr., HB | 66 carries, 250 yards, 3 TD; 2 catches, 36 yards, 1 TD
Eddie Williams, R-So., WR | 19 carries, 209 yards, 1 TD; 102 catches, 1,620 yards, 15 TD
Kelvin Butler, So., WR | 6 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD; 22 catches, 418 yards, 2 TD; 48 kick returns, 1,140 yards, 2 TD; 38 punt returns, 375 yards, 1 TD
Kyle Holland, R-Fr., HB | 12 carries, 32 yards; 32 kick returns, 702 yards
Brandon Brewer, Sr., FB | 8 carries, 23 yards; 4 catches, 20 yards, 1 TD
Travis Sledge, So., WR | 1 carry, 9 yards; 56 catches, 845 yards, 4 TD
Dante Joseph, R-Fr., HB | 3 carries, 9 yards
Stephen Carter, Sr., WR | 33 catches, 396 yards, 2 TD
David Young, Sr., TE | 7 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD
Brian Pittman, Fr., TE | 2 catches, 53 yards
Issac Schroeder, Jr., WR | 2 catches, 11 yards
Mark Toth, Sr., MLB | 90 tackles (16 TFL), 6 sacks, 6 INT, 5 FF, 1 FR, 2 TD
Chris Hill, Sr., OLB | 60 tackles (11 TFL), 5 sacks, 2 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 TD
Erik Sellers, Sr., CB | 54 tackles (1 TFL), 4 INT, 1 FF
David Brown, Sr., DE | 51 tackles (24 TFL), 15 sacks, 1 INT
Jon Crowell, R-Jr., CB | 49 tackles, 5 INT, 1 TD
Elvis Washington, Sr., SS | 49 tackles (4 TFL), 1 sack, 5 INT, 2 FR, 2 TD
Bobby Magnum, R-Jr., SS | 42 tackles (5 TFL), 1 sack, 1 INT
Charlie Cohen, Sr., OLB | 41 tackles (7 TFL), 4 sacks, 3 INT
Zac Hood, Jr., DE | 40 tackles (10 TFL), 6 sacks, 2 FF, 2 FR
Jabari London, R-Fr., FS | 38 tackles, 3 INT,
Matt Burnsides, Jr., DT | 36 tackles (18 TFL), 9 sacks, 1 FR
Rob Jones, So., CB | 35 tackles (1 TFL), 1 sack, 4 INT, 1 FR
P.J. Ryan, Jr., DT | 24 tackles (7 TFL), 3 sacks, 1 FF
Jason Ervin, Jr., FS | 15 tackles, 1 INT
Matt Butler, Fr., MLB | 13 tackles (2 TFL), 1 sack
Brandon Williams, So., OLB | 13 tackles
Graham Taylor, R-Fr., SS | 10 tackles (1 TFL), 1 sack
Jon Foster, Sr., K | 9-15 FG, 58-58 XP
Andy Fitzhugh, Jr., P | 46 punts, 1,962 yards, 42.6 avg., 34.5 net avg., 12 inside 20

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

by Jeff Greenberg, Carnegie Mellon insider for Rivals.com

Wilson to stay at CMU, compete for starting job

Junior quarterback Kevin Wilson announced this morning that he plans to remain at Carnegie Mellon and compete for the starting job in 2012, officially shutting down rumors that he was intending to leave via the new NCAA graduate transfer rule.

Wilson is the likely front-runner for the starting position, capping an up-and-down junior season with a career-high 392 passing yards and two touchdowns in the Tartans’ 49-39 win over South Florida in the International Bowl. He posted a 131.5 rating in 2011 with 2,271 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions.

Sophomore Gerald Culver replaced Wilson on multiple occasions and will compete with him in spring and fall camps for the job. He held an edge in quarterback rating (133.9), and compiled 1,425 passing yards, 16 total touchdowns (13 passing, 3 rushing), and 13 interceptions.

Also factoring into the mix come fall will be blue-chip freshman Eric Frederick. Frederick, a four-star recruit from West Monroe High School in Louisiana, was named to the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback list and is the most highly-regarded recruit in program history. It is reported that he expects to compete for the starting job right away, but would be okay with redshirting as a freshman if the coaching staff wants.

Elliott comes out of retirement, becomes head coach at Harvard

Former Carnegie Mellon head coach John Elliott has ended his brief retirement, as he was named the next head coach at Harvard this afternoon.

Elliott spent five seasons at CMU, posting a 25-38 record as the program transitioned from Division III to Division I competition. Reports have surfaced that Tartans athletic director Daniel Corrigan asked Elliott to retire in order to retain current head coach Jules Nottingham, with Nottingham receiving BCS-conference offensive coordinator job offers following two impressive seasons in 2009 and 2010.

Harvard finished 2011 with a 3-9 overall record and a 2-5 mark in the Ivy League. The Crimson are set to return foundational pieces in freshman quarterback Stephen Rivers (113.4 QB rtg., 128-235, 1,486 yards, 12 TD, 13 INT), junior runningbacks Mike Goolsby (206 carries, 1,078 yards, 11 TD) and Charlie Underwood (147 carries, 736 yards, 5 TD), and redshirt junior wide receiver John Robertson (73 catches, 820 yards, 4 TD). Robertson was an All-Ivy League First Team selection as a return specialist, and Rivers is the younger brother of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Philip Rivers.

CMU to play at West Virginia in 2012

One of Carnegie Mellon’s non-conference opponents for 2012 has been revealed, as it was announced yesterday that it will play West Virginia in Morgantown.

West Virginia finished the 2011 campaign unranked, but went 10-3 overall and 5-2 in Big East play. The Tartans and Mountaineers have previously met five times, with WVU owning a 3-2 edge in the all-time series. CMU won matchups in 1926 (20-0) and 1927 (13-6), but the Mountaineers were victorious with shutouts in 1906 (51-0), 1908 (16-0), and the last meeting in 1943 (32-0).

Since returning to Division I competition, Carnegie Mellon is 3-13 against BCS conference opponents with victories over Duke twice and South Florida in the International Bowl. WVU joins rival Pittsburgh as two of the Tartans’ four non-conference games in 2012.

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All-American Williams to Return for Redshirt Junior Season
CMU's All-American receiver has tallied 191 receptions, 2,949 receiving yards, and 29 receiving touchdowns in 26 career games



CMU wide receiver Eddie Williams hurdles this would-be tackler on a touchdown catch in the International Bowl. (Carli Jones / Getty Images)

by Jayson Thomas, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Carnegie Mellon received the biggest boost to its 2012 season prospects this afternoon, as All-American redshirt sophomore Eddie Williams announced that he will not be declaring for the NFL Draft.

Williams, a six-foot-three wide receiver from Altoona, Pa., had considered ending his collegiate career after two seasons to begin a pro one, but the desire to win a Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship was enough motivation to return for his redshirt junior campaign.

“I love playing for Carnegie Mellon and being able to represent this school,” said Williams in a press release. “While I believe I can play at the highest level today, I have unfinished business with my teammates as we pursue a MAC title. We’ve been close in each of my three years here, and I know with the group we have coming back next season, we can easily achieve that and put Carnegie Mellon on the national map.”



While the Tartans might be searching for national relevance, Williams has already achieved that after two seasons. Twice named an All-American by the Associated Press, he finished his first season with 89 receptions, 1,329 yards, and 17 total touchdowns (14 receiving, 3 rushing) before improving upon them as a redshirt sophomore. Williams led all FBS players in receiving yards (1,620) and ranked inside the top five nationally in receptions (102) and receiving touchdowns (15), and already owns school records for career receiving yards (2,949) and receiving touchdowns (29) in just 26 games.

Williams was named to the All-MAC First Team in both 2010 and 2011, also garnering MAC Freshman of the Year accolades as a redshirt freshman. He signed with Carnegie Mellon as a three-star athlete prospect from Bishop Carroll High School according to Rivals.com, and is currently a two-sport athlete at the school with his talents lent to the Tartans baseball team at the top of their rotation.

Multiple NFL scouts attached a third-round grade on Williams, highlighting his reliable hands and overlooked athletic ability but having questions about his route running. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. had Williams as the seventh-ranked wide receiver prospect, behind Michael Floyd (USC), Josh Gordon (Texas A&M), A.J. Green (Clemson), Julio Jones (Mississippi State), Preston Parker (Florida State), and Kendall Wright (Purdue).

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Burton, Johnson to Clash in Super Bowl XLVI
Two Carnegie Mellon legends will meet for football’s ultimate prize this Sunday



Calvin Burton (left) and Matt Johnson (right) played at Carnegie Mellon from 2007 to 2009. (Getty Images)

by Brittany Adams, senior communications major

INDIANAPOLIS -- It’s safe to say that Super Bowl XLVI is filled with storylines.

In one corner, you have the Tennessee Titans – the gold standard of NFL franchises currently. The Titans are attempting to become the first team in the Super Bowl era to win three consecutive championships, and would be the first team since the Green Bay Packers from 1965-67 to achieve the feat.

In the other corner, you have the New Orleans Saints. Three-peating champions of the NFC South, the Saints were one of two 16-0 teams to emerge from the NFL regular season, but unlike the Denver Broncos – who fell to the New York Jets, 24-21, in the AFC Divisional Round – they are the first to reach the Super Bowl since the Miami Dolphins in 1972. Of course, the Dolphins completed the perfect season with a 14-7 victory over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII.

But for Carnegie Mellon, the biggest story doesn’t feature immorality or leaving a legacy. Instead, the unlikely clash of two former Tartans is what makes the contest so intriguing.

“It’s really a boon for the program and our athletic department as a whole that Matt (Johnson) and Calvin (Burton) will be playing in the Super Bowl,” said Carnegie Mellon athletic director Daniel Corrigan. “Matt, obviously, making (Super Bowl XLV) and winning last year was amazing, but the role that he plays now as a starter and coming from a position of being undrafted – it really shows how quickly our football program has grown and what prospective student-athletes can achieve if they choose to attend (Carnegie Mellon).”

Johnson has been a revelation for the Titans at outside linebacker in his second season, earning a Pro Bowl selection after collecting 82 tackles (14 for loss), 10 sacks, four interceptions, four forced fumbles, and a touchdown. He scored his first NFL touchdown on October 23 in a 19-9 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, running back an interception of Philip Rivers for a 38-yard trip to paydirt. Johnson led the Titans in tackles four times this season, achieving a career-high of 10 twice, and netted 13 and a forced fumble over the course of this playoff run.

“Carnegie Mellon shaped how I play and gave me the confidence that I can compete at this level,” said Johnson. “Going undrafted wasn’t what I expected after leaving as a junior, but thankfully I landed with the best organization in the NFL and the Titans were willing to give me a role on special teams. I put in a lot of work in the offseason to get where I am today, but none of this would have happened if it wasn’t for my time in Pittsburgh.”

Burton has traveled a windier road since being drafted by the Saints in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He missed all his rookie campaign with a torn ACL, and currently holds a role on the team’s kickoff and punt units. Burton snagged his first NFL interception on October 30 against the Minnesota Vikings, picking off Tim Tebow in a 38-14 triumph.

“I know that there’s a bigger plan at work, so I haven’t been frustrated with the injuries or my role,” said Burton. “I landed with a great organization and just making it to this level is something most football players would only dream to achieve. It’s pretty awesome that Carnegie Mellon had myself, Matt (Johnson), and (Chicago Bears runningback) Jim (Manning) enter the league at the same time, and then (Detroit Lions free safety) Todd (Andriano) and (Houston Texans guard Matt) Fitch just finished their rookie years. We wanted to put the school on the college football map when we arrived as freshmen and it’s safe to say we did so.”

Jim Manning finished his second season as a runningback with the Chicago Bears, rushing for 1,128 yards and four touchdown as the starter during a disappointing 1-15 campaign. Detroit Lions free safety Todd Andriano received a few votes for the Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award after collecting 32 tackles and four interceptions in his first season. He, like Burton, snagged his first NFL interception off Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tim Tebow. Houston Texans guard Matt Fitch spent the entire season on the practice squad, but earned an offseason contract heading into next season.

The five former Tartans playing the NFL are the most the school has had since 1939 when Don Campbell, Ray Carnelly, Bull Karcis, Jack Lee, and Maury Patt all represented the school. Graduating linebacker Mark Toth will almost certainly make that number six following the 2012 NFL Draft, as he is projected to go in the middle rounds.

As for Burton and Johnson, both are proud of each other and everything they have achieved thus far, but that camaraderie will go out the window on opening kickoff this Sunday.

“I can’t wait to see Matt (Johnson) pregame and chop it up with him,” said Burton. “I’m so proud of him and the season he’s had, but he already got a ring and needs to share the love. Besides, we’re due for a team to complete an undefeated season again!”

“Undefeated has been done before but a three-peat hasn’t, so Calvin (Burton) should just root for history to happen,” joked Johnson. “I’ve got so much love for him and all my Carnegie Mellon brethren though, and I know this won’t be the last time that we have two or more Tartans playing for a Super Bowl.”

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

Really cool to have that storyline in the SB and unbelievable that there were two 16-0 teams.

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

Really cool to have that storyline in the SB and unbelievable that there were two 16-0 teams.

Johnson's performance this year was shocking to be honest, he didn't get drafted but the Titans signed him and I guess he progressed well enough as a rookie to enter a preseason position battle for the LOLB spot - one that he won. And with the amount of talent on the Titans' defense, it opened up the opportunities for him to excel.

Burton's currently the fifth-rated cornerback on the Saints' roster, so he hasn't quite gotten the same chance yet as Johnson did. But three starters (Johnson, Manning, Andriano), plus Burton and another undrafted guy in Fitch is a pretty solid foundation of pros for CMU, with many more on the way!

As for the two 16-0 teams, I think this is the first time I've witnessed it in any version of Madden! I can't believe the Broncos lost in the Divisional Round, but after looking at their roster, they don't quite have the same amount of talent as the Saints do. The Saints look like they're set to dominate the NFC for a little while, like the Titans - who got an unreal amount of progression from Vince Young - in the AFC, so this may not be the only Johnson/Burton clash in the Super Bowl.

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

Around the NFL – 2011 Season Wrap-Up Edition
The New Orleans Saints completed the second unbeaten season in NFL history with a 28-17 win over the Tennessee Titans

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (AP) -- Behind a Super Bowl record 205 rushing yards by the Associated Press NFL MVP Reggie Bush, the New Orleans Saints completed the second undefeated season in league history with a 28-17 triumph over the two-time defending champion Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XLVI.

Bush topped the previous mark of 204 rushing yards, set by Washington Redskins runningback Timmy Smith against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII. The Saints’ perfect season is the first of its kind since the Miami Dolphins accomplished immortality in 1972.

New Orleans scored on defense to start the game, as Kerry Rhodes scooped up a C.J. Spiller fumble and rumbled 10 yards into the endzone. The Saints then doubled their lead on a 57-yard pass from Drew Brees to Marques Colston.

The Titans, who were trying to become the first team in the Super Bowl era to win three consecutive championships, cut the deficit in half with a Vince Young 25-yard touchdown run. The lead reached 14 once more with a Bush seven-yard touchdown scamper, but Young found Spiller from five yards out right at the end of the half to make it 21-14.

The gap was trimmed to 21-17 midway through the third quarter after a Mike Vrabel interception led to a Jay Feely 37-yard field goal. However, that was as close as Tennessee would get, as Brees connected with Colston on a six-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter to set the final score.

Bush recorded a total of 308 all-purpose yards, collecting 205 rushing, 45 on kick returns, 41 receiving, and 17 on punt returns. Brees threw for 170 yards, two scores, and an interception on 16-of-20 attempts, and Colston tallied four receptions for 74 yards.

Young finished with 171 passing yards on 18-of-27 attempts, 76 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns (1 passing, 1 rushing). The Titans lost three fumbles on the evening, two coming from Spiller.

The Super Bowl victory was the Saints’ first in franchise history. The win also snapped the AFC’s streak of eight consecutive victories, with the NFC’s latest triumph entering tonight coming in Super Bowl XXXVII when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Oakland Raiders, 48-21.

Wild Card Weekend
#3 Tennessee Titans (13-3) 27, #6 New England Patriots (10-6) 3
#3 San Francisco 49ers (11-5) 28, #6 Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) 23
#4 New York Jets (11-5) 21, #5 Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) 17
#4 Green Bay Packers (10-6) 24, #5 Carolina Panthers (11-5) 6

Divisional Round Weekend
#4 New York Jets (11-5) 24, #1 Denver Broncos (16-0) 21
#1 New Orleans Saints (16-0) 20, #4 Green Bay Packers (10-6) 6
#3 Tennessee Titans (13-3) 19, #2 Cincinnati Bengals (13-3) 14
#2 Washington Redskins (12-4) 21, #3 San Francisco 49ers (11-5) 6

Conference Championship Weekend
#3 Tennessee Titans (13-3) 37, #4 New York Jets (11-5) 7
#1 New Orleans Saints (16-0) 24, #2 Washington Redskins (12-4) 17

Super Bowl XLVI
New Orleans Saints (16-0) 28, Tennessee Titans (13-3) 17
MVP: Reggie Bush, HB, NO (46 carries, 205 yards, 1 TD; 4 catches, 41 yards; 2 kick returns, 45 yards; 2 punt returns, 17 yards)

Pro Bowl
AFC 34, NFC 10
MVP: Carson Palmer, QB, CIN (13-16, 145 yards, 2 TD)

NFL Standings
AFC East: New York Jets (11-5), New England Patriots (10-6), Buffalo Bills (7-9), Miami Dolphins (3-13)
AFC North: Cincinnati Bengals (13-3), Baltimore Ravens (10-6), Pittsburgh Steelers (6-10), Cleveland Browns (6-10)
AFC South: Tennessee Titans (13-3), Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11), Indianapolis Colts (5-11), Houston Texans (4-12)
AFC West: Denver Broncos (16-0), Kansas City Chiefs (10-6), San Diego Chargers (6-10), Oakland Raiders (4-12)
NFC East: Washington Redskins (12-4), Philadelphia Eagles (9-7), New York Giants (9-7), Dallas Cowboys (3-13)
NFC North: Green Bay Packers (10-6), Detroit Lions (8-8), Minnesota Vikings (3-13), Chicago Bears (1-15)
NFC South: New Orleans Saints (16-0), Carolina Panthers (11-5), Atlanta Falcons (8-8), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)
NFC West: San Francisco 49ers (11-5), St. Louis Rams (8-8), Seattle Seahawks (7-9), Arizona Cardinals (6-10)

NFL Awards
Associated Press NFL MVP: Reggie Bush, HB, NO (490 carries, 2,271 yards, 25 TD; 80 catches, 778 yards, 8 TD; 22.0 kick return avg.; 13.6 punt return avg.)
Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Reggie Bush, HB, NO (490 carries, 2,271 yards, 25 TD; 80 catches, 778 yards, 8 TD)
Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Antonio Pierce, MLB, CLE (186 tackles, 6 sacks, 3 INT, 4 FF, 7 FR, 1 TD)
Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: Vondrell McGee, HB, CLE (307 carries, 1,252 yards, 3 TD; 77 catches, 565 yards, 2 TD)
Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Michael Toerper, OLB, CHI (70 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 INT, 4 FF, 4 FR)
Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year: Mike Shanahan, DEN (16-0 record; AFC West champions)

NFL Statistical Leaders
QB Rating: Carson Palmer, CIN (113.9)
Passing Yards: Donovan McNabb, PHI (3,742)
Passing Touchdowns: Drew Brees, NO (33)
Passing Interceptions: Michael Vick, ATL (27)
Rushing Yards: Reggie Bush, NO (2,271)
Rushing Touchdowns: Reggie Bush, NO (25)
Catches: Andre Johnson, HOU (124)
Receiving Yards: Andre Johnson, HOU (1,922 – NFL record)
Receiving Touchdowns: Chad Johnson, CIN (20)
Tackles: DeMeco Ryans, HOU (214 – NFL record)
Sacks: Jason Worilds, MIN; Derrick Harvey, ARZ (16)
Interceptions: Nnamdi Asomugha, ARZ (8)
Made Field Goals: David Akers, CIN; Robbie Gould, TB (37)
Net Punt Average: Rodney Williams, TEN (36.7)
Kick Return Average: Ahmad Paige, MIN (27.9)
Punt Return Average: Kenny Lewis, TEN (14.5)

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Moss, Holt Highlight NFL Legends Filing for Retirement
The two Hall of Fame wide receivers call it quits alongside fellow Canton-bound players such as Edgerrin James and Tony Gonzalez

ASSOCIATED PRESS -- Canton will be pretty busy in five years with the list of legends filing retirement players this week.

Future Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receivers Randy Moss and Torry Holt are the biggest names that announced their retirement from the NFL, with San Diego Chargers runningback Edgerrin James, Chicago Bears tight end Tony Gonzalez, Arizona Cardinals guard Larry Allen, and Tennessee Titans linebacker Mike Vrabel among the other notable names.

Moss finished his second stint with the Oakland Raiders in 2011, with time also spent playing for the Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, and Tennessee Titans. The 35-year-old accumulated 1,068 receptions for 15,729 yards and 140 receiving touchdowns, and won two Super Bowls with the Titans in his 14 seasons.

An 11-time Pro Bowler, Torry Holt has called it quits after finishing his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. The long-time St. Louis Rams wide receiver caught 1,221 passes for 17,750 yards and 122 touchdowns over his 13-year career.

Edgerrin James played for four teams (Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers) over a 13-year career, with his career coming to a close in San Diego. James rushed for 14,392 yards and 99 touchdowns, while adding 480 receptions for 3,877 yards and 16 receiving scores.

There was one injury-related retirement, as Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Devery Henderson hung up his cleats at age 30 following a severe concussion.

Notable NFL Retirements
Daunte Culpepper, QB, TB (35 years old)
Edgerrin James, HB, SD (34)
Thomas Jones, HB, IND (34)
Torry Holt, WR, PHI (36) –
Plaxico Burress, WR, BAL (35)
Randy Moss, WR, OAK (35)
Devery Henderson, WR, CIN (30 – career-ending injury)
Tony Gonzalez, TE, CHI (36)
Larry Allen, G, ARZ (39)
Chris Villarrial, G, DET (39)
Simeon Rice, DE, NYJ (38)
Pat Williams, DT, CIN (38)
Joey Porter, OLB, GB (35)
LaVar Arrington, OLB, NYJ (34)
James Farrior, MLB, NE (37)
Mike Vrabel, MLB, TEN (37)
Mike Peterson, MLB, BUF (36)
London Fletcher, MLB, WAS (37)
Chris McAlister, CB, SD (35)
Antoine Winfield, CB, DAL (35)
Dre’ Bly, CB, DEN (35)

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

Mason's College Football National Hits

by Greg Mason, USA Today College Football Reporter

Army, Cornell, Toledo all saddled with additional sanctions

The NCAA released its annual report of sanctions this morning, and three Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs were given additional penalties to the ones they had previously received.

Army, Cornell, and Toledo were among the 19 schools on the NCAA sanctions list, with some penalties being extended from their originals. Army’s TV and bowl bans were extended two years, as was Cornell’s along with a three-year scholarship reduction from 25 to 10 per year. Toledo remains banned from televised games for another two seasons.

Among the new penalized schools, Ball State and Marshall both received two years’ worth of sanctions in scholarships (25 to 10), television, and bowls. Yale received the same penalties with a three-year scholarship reduction. Other schools that received a reduction in scholarships from 25 to 20 per year are: Bowling Green, Colorado State, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Princeton, Purdue, Rutgers, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech.

Talented juniors set to depart early for 2012 NFL Draft

It was another busy period before the NFL Draft early entrance deadline, and when the smoke cleared, a total of 56 players announced their intentions to move to the professional ranks and forgo the remainder of their collegiate careers.

The list of early entrants is a talented one, starting with the quarterbacks. While only three juniors will join the senior class in the NFL Draft, they are significant names in Texas Tech’s Robert Griffin III, Clemson’s Blaine Gabbert, and New Mexico State’s E.J. Manuel.

Texas A&M runningback Dion Lewis is the lone redshirt sophomore from the group of 56, and he’s joined in the runningback group with Arizona State’s Theo Reddick, Georgia’s Brandon Bolden, Arkansas’s Rex Burkhead, Wisconsin’s Jermie Calhoun, Notre Dame’s Onterio McCalebb, and Tennessee’s Carlos Hyde. The wide receiver group features Lewis’s teammate Josh Gordon, Nebraska’s Mark Thompson, Bowling Green’s Andre Debose, and Buffalo’s Daniel Williamson.

Defensively, the notable names include Texas A&M defensive end Wesley Babineaux, Arkansas defensive tackle Anthony Brown, Michigan linebacker Rashaun Caldwell, UCLA cornerback Vincent Smith, Clemson cornerback Stephen Gilmore, Oklahoma State safety Markelle Martin, USC safety D.J. Swearinger, and Oklahoma safety Kenny Vaccaro.

Three specialists have entered the draft early in Florida kicker Russ Harrison, Georgia punter Mike Gunn, and Michigan punter Roshawn Bishop.

Blue’s move from Clemson to Pittsburgh highlights quiet transfer period

It was a surprisingly quiet transfer period prior to the off-season recruiting window, with the most notable move being sophomore runningback Alfred Blue’s move from Clemson to Pittsburgh.

Blue, a former four-star prospect according to Rivals.com, recorded nine touchdowns (6 rushing, 3 receiving) as Marcus Lattimore’s backup and has rushed for 661 yards in his career thus far. He will have to sit out the 2012 season due to NCAA transfer rules, but will have two seasons of eligibility for the Panthers beginning in 2013.

Other notable transfers include Penn State redshirt freshman safety Jared Simmons to Columbia, Army redshirt freshman quarterback Joe Schlicher to Harvard, and Syracuse redshirt sophomore linebacker Chad Alexander to Navy.

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

So many sanctions! Is that via a random event generator?

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

So many sanctions! Is that via a random event generator?

The older-gen NCAA Football games had sanctions beginning in 2005 (?), and it was a great feature - though they definitely went a bit overboard with the amount of schools facing sanctions at the same time. It all was determined based on the suspensions your players faced (which also was a real feature in these older games), and the points you had to enforce or lengthen that suspension. Definitely would like to see this in the new game, though I'm sure they won't add it since no school is sanctioned in real life now.

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

Nottingham Lands Best Class in FBS Era at 31st Overall
Carnegie Mellon signed 20 recruits in all, including three four-star prospects and six three-star players

by Jeff Greenberg, Carnegie Mellon insider for Rivals.com

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Even the most pessimistic timeline would have Carnegie Mellon keep its slot among the top of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) over the next few seasons, and it’s safe to say that enthusiasm has attracted an uptick in talent.

Carnegie Mellon announced its Class of 2012 signees this morning, with 20 recruits making up the 31st-ranked class nationally and second-best in the MAC. The class consists of three prospects with a four-star ranking, six with a three-star ranking, eight with a two-star ranking, and three with a one-star ranking. Seven states (Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia) and one Canadian province (Ontario) make up the newest batch of Tartans.

“We’re really excited about this new class,” said CMU head coach Jules Nottingham. “We knew that with our current trajectory and the school’s academic reputation, Carnegie Mellon is an attractive place for prospective student-athletes. There were a few areas that we wanted to make sure we got the right guys in, and we definitely did that. This class will help elevate our program and be a part of the goals we intend to reach.”

The biggest fish from the 20-player group is four-star quarterback Eric Frederick (Brownsville, La.), who starred at West Monroe High School. Frederick is likely to factor into the fall quarterback competition, despite the Tartans bringing back both Kevin Wilson and Gerald Culver as 2011 starters. He was part of the five in-season commitments that included four-star offensive tackle Andrew Graham (Forestville, Ohio), four-star defensive tackle Mario Williams (Lombard, Ill.), three-star runningback Eric Pettit (Fort McKinley, Ohio), and three-star defensive tackle Brian Adams (Naperville, Ill.).

Wide receiver was a focus for the CMU staff, with three-stars Chris Smith (State College, Pa.) and Micah Davis (Williamsport, Pa.) both signing National Letters of Intent (NLI) with the program. Smith, a six-foot-two, 181-product from State College High School, considered the hometown Nittany Lions along with Arizona State, LSU, and Clemson, but ultimately went with the Tartans. Davis, a six-foot-one, 222-pound prospect from Williamsport High School, had Army, Clemson, LSU, and Penn State in his top five.

The other two three-star signings are fullback Clay Armstrong (Pittsburgh, Pa.) and offensive tackle Yusef Hagen (Barrie, Ontario). Armstrong is a six-foot-two, 260-pound product of Shady Side Academy, and could be used in a multitude of different ways on offense. He considered Georgia, Maryland, Syracuse, and West Virginia among his favorites. Hagen, a six-foot-seven, 309-pound lineman from Eastview Secondary School had Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin in his top five.

Nottingham brought in a second quarterback in two-star Cody Foster (Hershey, Pa.), who played at Hershey High School and had scholarship offers from Akron, Army, Florida, and Syracuse. A two-star tight end, Leon Razzano (Robinson Township, Pa.), signed from the area’s Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) like Armstrong.

The biggest miss from this class would be four-star wide receiver Courtney Ross (Austintown, Ohio), who had Carnegie Mellon among his finalists but ultimately signed with Wisconsin.

A full breakdown of the newest Carnegie Mellon recruiting class can be found below.

Carnegie Mellon Tartans Recruiting Class of 2012
NAME	POS	CLASS	HOMETOWN / HIGH SCHOOL	HT	WT	CALIBER
Eric Frederick	#7 QB	HS	Brownsville, La. / West Monroe	6'2"	190
Andrew Graham	#33 OT	HS	Forestville, Ohio / Winton Woods	6'6"	337
Mario Williams	#28 DT	HS	Lombard, Ill. / Glenbard East	5'11"	280
Yusef Hagen	#55 OT	HS	Barrie, Ontario / Eastview Secondary School	6'7"	309
Eric Pettit	#39 HB	HS	Fort McKinley, Ohio / McKiney	6'2"	175
Brian Adams	#34 DT	HS	Naperville, Ill. / Naperville Central	6'2"	275
Micah Davis	#44 WR	HS	Williamsport, Pa. / Williamsport	6'1"	222
Clay Armstrong	#7 FB	HS	Pittsburgh, Pa. / Shady Side Academy	6'2"	260
Cody Foster	#70 QB	HS	Hershey, Pa. / Hershey	6'2"	185
Ryan George	#70 ATH	HS	North Canton, Ohio / Hoover	6'3"	188
David Watkins	#97 DE	HS	Darby Township, Pa. / Upper Darby	6'6"	231
Leon Razzano	#40 TE	HS	Robinson Township, Pa. / Montour	6'5"	214
Jonathan Jones	#164 OT	HS	Ishpeming, Mich. / Ishpeming	6'2"	283
Bryan Schroeder	#91 OT	HS	Kingwood, W.Va. / Preston	6'2"	277
Robert Wall	#66 CB	HS	College Park, Md. / College Park Academy	6'0"	168
Joseph Love	#6 K	HS	Van Wert, Ohio / Van Wert	5'11"	180
Dan McIntire	#102 TE	HS	Fullerton, Pa. / Allentown Central Catholic	6'6"	236
Joey Parker	#166 DT	HS	St. Mary's, Ohio / Memorial	6'5"	285
Mike Alexander	#115 ATH	HS	Fairland, Md. / Paint Branch	6'1"	210

2012 MAC Team Recruiting Rankings
RK	TEAM	5	4	3	2	1	TOTAL
29	Kent State	0	1	7	14	3	25
31	Carnegie Mellon	0	3	6	8	3	20
59	Akron	0	1	3	9	4	17
60	Eastern Michigan	0	1	2	11	4	18
81	Central Michigan	0	0	2	10	9	21
83	Miami (Ohio)	0	2	0	5	9	16
85	Northern Illinois	0	1	1	9	4	15
90	Bowling Green	0	1	1	7	7	16
102	Western Michigan	0	0	3	5	6	14
105	Ohio	0	0	3	4	7	14
108	Buffalo	0	0	0	10	7	17
114	Toledo	0	0	2	2	10	14
117	Ball State	0	0	1	6	3	10

[Careless Whisper]

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

Star Defensive Ends Lead Clemson to Top Recruiting Class
ACC champion Clemson signed three of the nation’s top 20 recruits to claim the best Class of 2012

ASSOCIATED PRESS -- Behind three top-20 signings, Clemson claimed the nation’s top recruiting class for 2012, edging out Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) rival Miami (Fla.) and LSU for the number one spot.

Clemson, who finished last season with a 12-2 record and ACC championship, brought in two of the nation’s top three defensive ends in Leonard Williams (Daytona Beach, Fla.) and Dante Fowler (St. Petersburg, Fla.). The Tigers also signed the 12th-ranked recruit in five-star offensive tackle Matt Richardson (Golden Glades, Fla.), nabbing 25 recruits in all.

The top signing for Miami (Fla.) was five-star wide receiver Amari Cooper (Miami, Fla.), who stayed at home after completing his prep career at Northwestern High School. Cooper was ranked eighth overall, while five-star defensive tackle Mario Edwards (Denton, Texas) came in at 24th.

Stefon Diggs (Olney, Md.), the nation’s number one recruit, signed with national champion Penn State. Along with Diggs and Cooper, there were two other wide receivers inside the top 20 in Michael Thomas (Fork Union, Va.) and Nelson Agholor (Tampa, Fla.). Thomas signed with Florida, while Agholor is heading north to Ohio State.

Four runningbacks were ranked in the top 20, starting with third-ranked Todd Gurley II (Tarboro, N.C.), who signed with Virginia. Barry Sanders Jr. (Oklahoma City, Okla.) will play at Missouri, T.J. Yeldon (Daphne, Ala.) signed with LSU, and Kenyan Drake (Powder Springs, Ga.) is heading to Arkansas.

A weaker quarterback class had only two five-star prospects, with fifth-ranked Jameis Winston (Hueytown, Ala.) signing with Washington and ninth-ranked Carson Wentz (Bismarck, N.D.) inking with Texas A&M.

Top 10 Classes
1 | Clemson (25 commits; 4 *****, 6 ****, 12 ***, 2 **, 1 *)
2 | Miami (Fla.) (22 commits; 4 *****, 6 ****, 11 ***, 1 **)
3 | LSU (25 commits; 2 *****, 9 ****, 12 ***, 2 **)
4 | Arkansas (24 commits; 1*****, 13 ****, 10 ***)
5 | Ohio State (24 commits; 1 *****, 13 ****, 7 ***, 1 **, 2 *)
6 | Penn State (25 commits; 2 *****, 7 ****, 14 ***, 2 **)
7 | Florida (25 commits; 2 *****, 7 ****, 14 ***, 2 **)
8 | Missouri (24 commits; 2 *****, 8 ****, 10 ***, 4 **)
9 | Oklahoma (25 commits; 1 *****, 8 ****, 15 ***, 1 *)
10 | Texas (24 commits; 10 ****, 11 ***, 3 **)

Top 20 Recruits
1 | Stefon Diggs, WR, ***** (6’0”, 185 lbs.; Olney, Md. / Good Counsel) – Penn State
2 | Michael Thomas, WR, ***** (6’4”, 203 lbs.; Fork Union, Va. / Fork Union Military Academy) – Florida
3 | Todd Gurley II, HB, ***** (6’1”, 200 lbs.; Tarboro, N.C. / Tarboro) – Virginia
4 | DeForest Buckner, DE, ***** (6’7”, 235 lbs.; Honolulu, Hawaii / Punahou) – USC
5 | Jameis Winston, QB, ***** (6’4”, 215 lbs.; Hueytown, Ala. / Hueytown) – Washington
6 | Landon Collins, SS, ****** (5’11”, 210 lbs. Geismar, La. / Dutchtown) – Texas A&M
7 | Leonard Williams, DE, ***** (6’5”, 255 lbs.; Daytona Beach, Fla. / Mainland) – Clemson
8 | Amari Cooper, WR, ***** (6’1”, 185 lbs.; Miami, Fla. / Northwestern) – Miami (Fla.)
9 | Carson Wentz, QB, ***** (6’6”, 220 lbs.; Bismarck, N.D. / Fork Union Military Academy) – Texas A&M
10 | Dante Fowler, DE, ***** (6’3”, 232 lbs.; St. Petersburg, Fla. / Lakewood) – Clemson
11 | Barry Sanders Jr., HB, ***** (5’11”, 190 lbs.; Oklahoma City, Okla. / Heritage Hall) – Missouri
12 | Matt Richardson, OT, ***** (6’5”, 329 lbs.; Golden Glades, Fla. / Glades Central) – Clemson
13 | Arthur Bray, ATH, ***** (6’0”, 227 lbs.; Wahiawa, Hawaii / Laney College) – USC
14 | T.J. Yeldon, HB, ***** (6’2”, 205 lbs.; Daphne, Ala. / Daphne) – LSU
15 | Nelson Agholor, WR, ***** (6’2”, 180 lbs.; Tampa, Fla. / Berkeley Prep) – Ohio State
16 | Reggie Ragland, MLB, ***** (6’4”, 245 lbs.; Madison, Ala. / Bob Jones) – LSU
17 | Arik Armstead, DE, ***** (6’8”, 280 lbs.; Elk Grove, Calif. / Pleasant Grove) – Hawaii
18 | Kenyan Drake, HB, ***** (6’1”, 195 lbs.; Powder Springs, Ga. / Hillgrove) – Arkansas
19 | Malcom Brown, DT, ***** (6’2”, 280 lbs.; Brenham, Texas / Brenham) – Penn State
20 | Noah Spence, DE, ***** (6’4”, 245 lbs.; Harrisburg, Pa. / Bishop McDevitt) – Washington

[RolePlayer]

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

This next season should be a great one for the Tartans. One of the best non-BCS recruiting classes, with star players returning and momentum from the past season. Plus it won't be coach's first year anymore.

[Careless Whisper]

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

This next season should be a great one for the Tartans. One of the best non-BCS recruiting classes, with star players returning and momentum from the past season. Plus it won't be coach's first year anymore.

Expectations are sky high with the guys we have coming back and the recruiting class being as talented as it is. I think I may have found something offensively in the bowl win over South Florida, and with Williams back and McIntire a year older, my offense should be the best in the conference no matter who the quarterback is.

Kent State will likely be a challenge once again, but after missing out on a MAC title game berth two years running because of a single loss, I'm itching to get the season underway and run with what might be the best team I've had thus far at CMU. Still have a bit of offseason to go to get to that point, since my original plan was to get a little more in-depth on that front with the landscape both on the college and NFL front being new now that we're six seasons into this.

Thanks for checking in!