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

[Careless Whisper]

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

Miami (Ohio) Redhawks (4-1, 0-1 MAC) at Carnegie Mellon Tartans (5-1, 3-0 MAC)
Saturday, October 13, 2012 | 12:30 PM
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Gesling Stadium | ROOT Sports Pittsburgh

Record vs. Opponent: 2-2-0
Last Five Meetings
2011 – Miami (Ohio) 55, Carnegie Mellon 38
2010 – Carnegie Mellon 56, Miami (Ohio) 37
2009 – Carnegie Mellon 38, Miami (Ohio) 17
2008 – Miami (Ohio) 27, Carnegie Mellon 3

The Lowdown
Finally, the Carnegie Mellon Tartans are in full control of their Mid-American Conference (MAC) East Division destiny – keep winning and a December trip to Detroit is guaranteed. With Kent State’s 14-3 loss at home to Central Michigan this past Saturday, CMU doesn’t have to worry about any tiebreakers with the Golden Flashes to reach their goal of MAC champions, and its newest test towards achieving that is a home contest against a good Miami (Ohio) team. The Redhawks were the lone blemish in the Tartans’ MAC run last season, with Miami coming away with a 55-38 win in Oxford. Clay Benton torched the CMU secondary with 407 passing yards and five touchdowns on 22-of-31 attempts, while despite Lawrence McIntire’s 136 rushing yards and four touchdowns, the Tartans were undone by three turnovers – including a pick six and a redzone fumble.

CMU head coach Jules Nottingham will resist the notion to look ahead at his remaining schedule, but if his team comes out victorious against Miami then the rest of the conference slate sets up very favorably. Although only one of the Tartans’ remaining MAC contests are at Gesling Stadium following this weekend, all four opponents own overall and conference records under .500. CMU will travel to Akron (2-4, 1-2 MAC) and Ohio (1-4, 0-1 MAC), with a bye week sandwiched in between, followed by a non-conference tilt with Navy (2-3), then finish at Western Michigan (2-4, 1-2 MAC) and at home against Northern Illinois (2-3, 1-1 MAC). The Redhawks – with wins over Alabama A&M (48-3), Yale (24-17), Minnesota (38-35), and Cincinnati (34-14) – are quite easily the biggest remaining hurdle for the Tartans, and can factor into the MAC East Division race with a road victory here.

Scouting Miami (Ohio)
Miami (Ohio) has one of the best passing attacks in the MAC, led by redshirt senior wide receiver Willie Vincent (45 catches, 606 yards, 8 TD). Vincent is second to CMU star Eddie Williams in all receiving categories and has 96 receptions for 1,259 yards and 14 touchdowns in his career. His classmate Greg Hoyte (30 catches, 344 yards, 3 TD) was the team’s top pass-catcher last season with 61 catches for 669 yards and five scores, and the veteran duo has fifth-year quarterback Tyler Byers (152.5 QB rtg., 112-178, 1,468 yards, 14 TD, 5 INT) pulling the reins. Byers entered the season with just 48 pass attempts to his name, but has made a good impression in his final season of eligibility. The Redhawks will be without starting guard Nick Sampson with a hip pointer and freshman reserve wide receiver Vincent Buckles due to suspension.

The strength of the Miami defense is in its linebacker corps, with sophomore Kareem Henry (25 tackles, 1 INT, 1 TD) and senior Edward Palmer (30 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT) boasting Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades of 80.0, and true freshman Robert Fields (21 tackles) becoming a starter in fall camp. The rest of the defense features a bevy of first-year starters however, including across the defensive line and in three of four spots in the secondary. The lone veteran in the defensive backfield is junior Craig Mitchell (2 tackles), who is returning from injury and has six interceptions and two touchdowns in his career. True freshman Brad Benko (18 tackles, 1 INT, 1 TD) has made a good impression as well, with a 76.0 PFF grade.

Did You Know?
This is the first time that Carnegie Mellon has been in sole possession of the MAC East Division since it defeated Miami (Ohio), 56-37, on Nov. 6, 2010. The Tartans saw Justin Keyes accumulate 341 yards of offense (161 passing, 180 rushing) and four touchdowns (2 passing, 2 rushing) and Hayden Temple pick off Clay Benton three times. The win moved CMU to 6-0 in conference play, but two weeks later its MAC Championship Game hopes took a devastating hit when it lost at Kent State, 27-23.

Prediction
Can Carnegie Mellon seize this opportunity? That’s the biggest question now that the Tartans can officially win their way to Detroit. Miami (Ohio) has proven to be a tricky opponent in the past and has its own dreams of winning the MAC East, but with CMU being at home, having the talent edge, and coming off an extended week, it should stay unbeaten in conference play. Carnegie Mellon 34, Miami (Ohio) 27.

[Careless Whisper]

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

Wilson Answers Call, Leads Tartans to Massive MAC Win
CMU quarterback Kevin Wilson replaced an injured Gerald Culver and threw for 330 yards and four touchdowns



Tartans wide receiver Chris Smith hauls in this 41-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. (Alexander Rooney / Getty Images)

by Jayson Thomas, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Two weeks ago, Carnegie Mellon senior quarterback Kevin Wilson was stripped of his captaincy due to his attitude from his benching. Tartans head coach Jules Nottingham had no intentions of demoting Wilson even further, but affirmed his commitment to Gerald Culver as his starting signal-caller for the rest of the season.

So when Wilson was called upon late in the first quarter of CMU’s game against Miami (Ohio), facing a 13-0 deficit, no one knew what to expect. Two plays later, the senior was celebrating his first of four touchdown passes, lifting the Tartans to a crucial 42-35 victory over the Redhawks from Gesling Stadium.

Wilson was nearly flawless off the bench for Carnegie Mellon (6-1, 4-0 MAC), throwing for 330 yards and four touchdowns on 16-of-26 passing. The former captain tossed a pair of touchdowns in the first half while leading the Tartans to 21 unanswered points, and fired two more scores – both of 40-plus yards – as the hosts made up another deficit.

“I’m really proud of Kevin (Wilson) for his performance today,” said Nottingham. “We know how disappointed he has been with his season, and that it hasn’t gone as planned. Despite his frustration, we knew if he were called upon, he would perform to the best of his ability and help us win. With Gerald (Culver) going down early, the pressure was high for Kevin to perform – especially now that every game is a must-win one to get to Detroit – and he answered by playing possibly the best football of his career.”

Miami (Ohio) (4-2, 0-2 MAC) took advantage of a shanked punt on its first drive, with T.J. Randolph capping an eight-play, 53-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown plunge. The Redhawks then forced turnovers on CMU’s next two drives, picking off Culver and forcing a fumble on the option, with the visitors finishing off the latter drive as Randolph hauled in a six-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Byers to make it 13-0 after a blocked extra point.

Culver’s bad day became worse when the Tartans started their next drive, as the junior was sacked on the first play and left with a head injury. Two plays later, Wilson fired a downfield strike to Eddie Williams, who outraced the Miami defense for a 66-yard touchdown to make it 13-7. Robert Wall then picked off Byers at the Redhawks’ 19-yard line, and as the frame expired, Lawrence McIntire scored from a yard out to give CMU a 14-13 advantage.

Both teams traded three-and-outs throughout the second quarter until the closing minutes, as Wilson engineered a 12-play, 84-yard drive that ended in an eight-yard touchdown pass to Travis Sledge. Miami answered a minute later with a Byers 14-yard touchdown run, and then took a 27-21 lead on the first drive of the second half as Randolph scored on a five-yard run, and Byers found Willie Vincent on the two-point attempt.

The Tartans regained the lead in spectacular fashion three minutes later, as freshman wide receiver Chris Smith picked a jump ball out of the air for a 41-yard touchdown. Bobby Magnum then forced Byers’ second interception of the day, which led to a seven-play, 35-yard drive that ended in a Williams 11-yard scoring rush on a jet sweep.

CMU grabbed its largest lead of the day with 10:18 remaining, with Wilson connecting on a 43-yard touchdown pass to Williams to make it 42-27. The Redhawks couldn’t answer until the 1:12 mark, as broken coverage led to a Byers 76-yard strike to Greg Hoyte and a two-point run from the quarterback, but the ensuing onside kick was recovered by the host to set the result.

Williams accounted for three touchdowns (2 receiving, 1 rushing) on eight receptions, 179 receiving yards, and an 11-yard rush. On defense, Matt Burnsides collected two sacks and Matt Butler had a game-high nine tackles and a sack.

Byers finished with 239 passing yards, 42 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns (2 passing, 1 rushing). Randolph scored three times (2 rushing, 1 receiving) despite accumulating just 28 scrimmage yards on 18 touches, and Hoyet finished with 100 receiving yards on three catches.

Carnegie Mellon begins a two-game road trip next Saturday, Oct. 20 when it travels to Akron.

Miami (OH) RedHawks at Carnegie Mellon Tartans
Oct 13, 2012	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Miami (OH) RedHawks (4-2, 0-2 MAC)	13	6	8	8	35
Carnegie Mellon Tartans (6-1, 4-0 MAC)	14	7	14	7	42

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		M-OH	CMU
9:18	(M-OH) T.J. Randolph 1-yard run (Calvin Russell kick)	7	0
2:50	(M-OH) Tyler Byers 6-yard pass to T.J. Randolph (XP blocked)	13	0
2:16	(CMU) Kevin Wilson 66-yard pass to Eddie Williams (Joseph Love kick)	13	7
0:00	(CMU) Lawrence McIntire 1-yard run (Joseph Love kick)	13	14
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		M-OH	CMU
1:40	(CMU) Kevin Wilson 8-yard pass to Travis Sledge (Joseph Love kick)	13	21
0:14	(M-OH) Tyler Byers 14-yard run (run failed)	19	21
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		M-OH	CMU
10:51	(M-OH) T.J. Randolph 5-yard run (Tyler Byers to Willie Vincent)	27	21
7:39	(CMU) Kevin Wilson 41-yard pass to Chris Smith (Joseph Love kick)	27	28
0:22	(CMU) Eddie Williams 11-yard run (Joseph Love kick)	27	35
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		M-OH	CMU
10:18	(CMU) Kevin Wilson 43-yard pass to Eddie Williams (Joseph Love kick)	27	42
1:12	(M-OH) Tyler Byers 76-yard pass to Greg Hoyte (Tyler Byers run)	35	42

Miami (OH) RedHawks PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Tyler Byers 15/26 239 2 2 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Tyler Byers 10 42 4.2 1 T.J. Randolph 15 21 1.3 2 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Willie Vincent 5 82 16.3 0 Greg Hoyte 3 100 33.3 1 T.J. Randolph 3 7 2.3 1 Alvin Bush 2 35 17.5 0 Trevor Turner 1 9 9.0 0 Bryan Newman 1 6 6.0 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Anthony Carter 6 1 0 0 Craig Mitchell 6 0 0 0 Greg Nolan 5 0 0 0 Kareem Henry 4 0 0 0 Ryan Miller 1 0 1 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Calvin Russell 0/0 1/2 1 -- PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Johnny Duncan 5 224 44.7 1 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Greg Hoyte 4 77 19.2 0 Willie Vincent 3 60 20.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Willie Vincent 2 12 6.0 0

Carnegie Mellon Tartans PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Kevin Wilson 16/26 330 4 0 Gerald Culver 3/7 26 0 1 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Lawrence McIntire 20 75 3.7 1 Eddie Williams 1 11 11.0 1 Clay Armstrong 2 5 2.5 0 Jeff Gilmore 1 1 1.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Eddie Williams 8 179 22.3 2 Travis Sledge 5 50 10.0 1 Chris Smith 3 65 21.6 1 Lawrence McIntire 3 62 20.6 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Matt Butler 9 1 0 0 Matt Burnsides 5 2 0 0 Rob Jones 4 0 0 0 Jabari London 4 0 0 0 Robert Wall 4 0 1 0 Bobby Magnum 4 0 1 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Joseph Love 0/0 6/6 6 -- PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Andy Fitzhugh 3 109 36.3 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Kelvin Butler 4 75 18.7 0 Kyle Holland 1 23 23.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Kelvin Butler 5 27 5.4 0

[studbucket]

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

Awesome comeback and great work by Wilson. Great to see.

[Careless Whisper]

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

Awesome comeback and great work by Wilson. Great to see.

Indeed. The inconsistency between Culver and Wilson the last couple of seasons has been maddening, but at the very least it seems if one of them struggles and/or leaves to injury, the other will more often than not pick up the slack. It could certainly be a lot worse at quarterback, as evidenced by the early days of this report when I had a raw Justin Keyes and sub-60 overall guys behind him!

Can't overstate how huge that victory was for the season ahead. Miami was the toughest MAC test remaining on the schedule, and the only really tricky game I have left is the Navy one - which is meaningless when it comes to our conference title pursuits. That being said, I've lost some winnable games the last two seasons that have derailed by title hopes, so I won't be taking any of these remaining contests for granted!

[Careless Whisper]

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

Around the NCAA – Week 7 Edition
Unranked Hawaii pulls its second straight road upset, knocking off No. 18 Notre Dame in South Bend, 36-31

ESPN The Magazine Cover Story
Heisman Material? – The Nittany Lions are 6-1 and Jackson is a big part of their success.

Penn State redshirt senior quarterback Star Jackson is one of the most accomplished players in recent college football history, and looks to cap his decorated career by becoming the first Heisman Trophy winner for the Nittany Lions since John Cappelletti in 1973. Jackson, a three-year starter and captain of last season’s BCS championship side, has thrown for 7,335 yards and 86 touchdowns in his career, while posting a quarterback rating of 169.8. The 2011 All-Big Ten Second Team selection is coming off a 274-yard, four-touchdown performance last weekend in a 50-3 win over Purdue, and leads the nation in passing yards (2,309) and passing touchdowns (29) this season, while compiling a 178.9 quarterback rating.

USA Today Coaches’ Top 25
1 | USC [39 first-place votes] (6-0)
2 | Wisconsin [21] (6-0)
3 | Virginia Tech [1] (7-0)
4 | Texas A&M (6-0)
5 | Florida (6-0)
6 | Michigan (5-0)
7 | LSU (6-1)
8 | Penn State (6-1)
9 | Nebraska (7-0)
10 | Oklahoma (6-0)
11 | Virginia (7-0)
12 | Clemson (5-1)
13 | Missouri (6-0)
14 | Georgia (6-0)
15 | Boise State (6-0)
16 | Texas (5-2)
17 | Ohio State (4-2)
18 | Miami (Fla.) (5-2)
19 | UCLA (4-1)
20 | Arkansas (5-1)
21 | West Virginia (6-1)
22 | Texas Tech (4-2)
23 | Central Florida (6-1)
24 | Notre Dame (4-2)
25 | Tennessee (5-2)

Others Receiving Votes: TCU (149), Maryland (73), Washington (42), BYU (24), Carnegie Mellon (24)

Heisman Watch
Eddie Williams, R-Jr., WR, Carnegie Mellon | 60 catches, 1,180 yards, 17 TD (3 rush)
Jordan Jefferson, R-Sr., QB, Missouri | 184.3 QB rtg., 111-168, 1,523 yards, 22 TD, 1 INT; 65 carries, 411 yards, 7 TD
Star Jackson, R-Sr., QB, Penn State | 178.9 QB rtg., 156-238, 2,309 yards, 29 TD, 10 INT
Mike Glennon, R-Sr., QB, LSU | 168.9 QB rtg., 150-229, 1,948 yards, 25 TD (1 rush), 3 INT
Dan Frazier, R-Sr., QB, Nebraska | 176.6 QB rtg., 142-211, 1,968 yards, 26 TD (2 rush), 7 INT

NCAA Players of the Week
Offensive: Cedric Slaughter, R-Jr., HB, Florida | 30 carries, 205 yards; 6 catches, 137 yards, 3 TD in 56-24 win against South Carolina
Defensive: Dwight Ellison, Sr., MLB, Notre Dame | 4 tackles (1 TFL), 2 INT, 1 FF, 2 TD in 31-36 loss against Hawaii

NCAA Statistical Leaders
QB Rating: Dak Prescott, So., Florida (201.3)
Passing Yards: Star Jackson, R-Sr., Penn State (2,309)
Passing Touchdowns: Jackson (29)
Passing Interceptions: Aaron Jones, Jr., Marshall (20)
Rushing Yards: Joe Henry, R-Sr., TCU (1,030)
Rushing Touchdowns: Nate Peterson, R-Sr., Navy (13)
Receptions: Eddie Williams, R-Jr., Carnegie Mellon (60)
Receiving Yards: Williams (1,180)
Receiving Touchdowns: Williams (14)
Tackles: Keith Miller, R-So., Bowling Green (65)
Sacks: Tim Dunn, Sr., Central Michigan; Adam Goodwin, R-Sr., Texas (9)
Interceptions: Matt Elam, Jr., Arkansas (6)
Made Field Goals: David Smith, Sr., Vanderbilt (10)
Net Punting Average: Kevin Pittman, So., BYU (41.2)
Kick Return Average: Ryan Frederick, R-Jr., Oklahoma (33.3)
Punt Return Average: Matt Kirkpatrick, Jr., UAB (17.1)

Injury Report
Chris Tepper, R-Jr., QB, Toledo | Hip fracture (season)
Leo Considine, R-So., QB, Cincinnati | Torn hamstring (season)
Kenyan Drake, Fr., HB, Arkansas | Abdominal tear (2 weeks)
Terrence Joseph, R-Jr., WR, Nebraska | Abdominal tear (5 weeks)
Davante Adams, So., WR, Oregon State | Strained shoulder (3 weeks)
Sheldon Richardson, Sr., DT, Florida State | Strained back (7 weeks)
Travis Mackey, So., OLB, LSU | Torn quadricep (7 weeks – medical redshirt)

Week 7 Notable Top 25 Scores
#2 Wisconsin 42, #17 Ohio State 35
#6 Michigan 35, Minnesota 7
#4 Texas A&M 28, Oklahoma State 17
#13 Missouri 47, #16 Texas 22
#10 Oklahoma 37, Kansas State 7
#21 West Virginia 38, Louisville 13
#8 Penn State 50, Purdue 3
#11 Virginia 45, #18 Miami (Fla.) 10
#14 Georgia 28, #25 Tennessee 23
#5 Florida 56, South Carolina 24
#1 USC 45, Washington 21
Hawaii 36, #24 Notre Dame 31
#3 Virginia Tech 16, Florida State 7

Week 8 National Broadcasts
#7 LSU (6-1) at Auburn (5-2) | 10/20, 12:30 PM (Rivalry Game)
#17 Ohio State (4-2) at Iowa (4-2) | 10/20, 12:30 PM
#5 Florida (6-0) at #14 Georgia (6-0) | 10/20, 3:30 PM (Florida/Georgia Game; Game of the Week)
Oklahoma State (4-3) at #13 Missouri (6-0) | 10/20, 3:30 PM
#3 Virginia Tech (7-0) at #12 Clemson (5-1) | 10/20, 3:30 PM
#16 Texas (5-2) at #22 Texas Tech (4-2) | 10/20, 6:00 PM (Rivalry Game)
#19 UCLA (4-1) at Oregon (4-2) | 10/20, 8:00 PM
#6 Michigan (5-0) at Illinois (4-2) | 10/20, 8:00 PM

[Careless Whisper]

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

Around the MAC – Week 7 Edition
Fresh off its first loss in 18 games, Kent State rebounds with a convincing 42-7 win against Kansas

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

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

MAC Players of the Week
Offensive: James Brown, R-Jr., HB, Ohio | 33 carries, 184 yards, 3 TD; 3 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD in 31-17 win at Western Michigan
Defensive: Chauncey Johnson, Sr., MLB, Kent State | 4 tackles (3 TFL), 1 sack, 1 INT, 1 TD in 42-7 win at Kansas

MAC Statistical Leaders
QB Rating: Gerald Culver, Jr., Carnegie Mellon (191.3)
Passing Yards: Brett Hicks, R-Jr., Ball State (2,037)
Passing Touchdowns: Chris Tepper, R-Jr., Toledo (18)
Passing Interceptions: Jeff Smith, R-Sr., Akron (11)
Rushing Yards: Tanner Phillips, Sr., Central Michigan (893)
Rushing Touchdowns: Phillips; Jonathan Dukes, R-Sr., Ball State (9)
Receptions: Eddie Williams, R-Jr., Carnegie Mellon (60)
Receiving Yards: Williams (1,180)
Receiving Touchdowns: Williams (14)
Tackles: Keith Miller, R-So., Bowling Green (65)
Sacks: Tim Dunn, Sr., Central Michigan (9)
Interceptions: Jabari London, R-So., Carnegie Mellon (5)
Made Field Goals: Corey Thomas, Jr., Eastern Michigan (8)
Net Punting Average: Zach Riley, Sr., Northern Illinois (39.7)
Kick Return Average: Kelvin Butler, Jr., Carnegie Mellon (27.0)
Punt Return Average: Dustin Kane, R-Jr., Toledo (11.5)

Week 7 Scores
Carnegie Mellon 42, Miami (Ohio) 35
Ball State 17, Toledo 7
Kent State 42, Kansas 7
Bowling Green 27, Buffalo 23
Ohio 31, Western Michigan 17
Eastern Michigan 13, Northern Illinois 10

Week 8 Matchups
Carnegie Mellon (6-1, 4-0 MAC) at Akron (2-4, 1-2 MAC) | 10/20, 12:30 PM
Western Michigan (2-5, 1-3 MAC) at Miami (Ohio) (4-2, 0-2 MAC) | 10/20, 12:30 PM
Kent State (5-1, 2-1 MAC) at Ball State (3-4, 2-1 MAC) | 10/20, 12:30 PM
SMU (5-1) at Northern Illinois (2-4) | 10/20, 1:00 PM
Toledo (3-4) at Navy (3-3) | 10/20, 3:30 PM
Eastern Michigan (2-5, 2-2 MAC) at Ohio (2-4, 1-1 MAC) | 10/20, 3:30 PM
Bowling Green (3-4, 3-1 MAC) at Central Michigan (2-4, 1-1 MAC) | 10/20, 6:00 PM

[studbucket]

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

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

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

I think you may have some typos/copy+paste errors in your standings? I was trying to get a sense for where things are at, but CMU isn't present and the other schools are all listed twice and nobody has a winning record.

[Careless Whisper]

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

I think you may have some typos/copy+paste errors in your standings? I was trying to get a sense for where things are at, but CMU isn't present and the other schools are all listed twice and nobody has a winning record.

Appreciate you catching that - just fixed it! Not sure why I wrote down the MAC West standings twice.

[studbucket]

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

Wow, the MAC West stinks. Love to see CMU doing so well in a tough East.

[Careless Whisper]

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

Wow, the Mac West stinks. Love to see CMU doing so well in a tough East.

If I remember correctly, Ball State is currently on a bowl ban and Toledo had scholarships stripped and a TV ban following its undefeated season in 2009, which makes the performances of the directional Michigan schools and Northern Illinois that more pathetic.

The East has been a beast lately, with us, Kent State, Bowling Green, and Miami being better than anything the West offers. It makes that much more baffling that Carnegie Mellon-Kent State isn't a matchup this season despite both being in the East, because that would absolutely be the defacto MAC Championship Game.

[moose141]

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

2011 Season as I go through it (Pages 92-97)

Spoiler

Before the season: Great season previews, pretty much everyone summed it up... the team is honestly filthy good for a MAC school, but can the QB play get the team to live up to expectations? Honestly, changing QB styles after playing a certain way for a few seasons is going to be very difficult. Love seeing my boy Jabari London in the lineup as well! Also, Nate Satele feels like he's been on this team for 40 years.

Season opener vs. Penn: Jaw dropped. After you guys *worked* them in the bowl game, to come out and drop the opener is so deflating. Brutal day passing the ball, with neither QB making much happen, though seems like if Wilson is gonna be as bad as he has been, might as well live with Culver's inacurracy to at least have his legs in play. Eddie the Eagle still the goat though, leading receiver AND rusher, haha.

Game two vs Nebraska: Tough to win a game when your only 2 TDs come from a pick-6 and a kick return. Wilson is brutal, I feel like the call has to go to Culver at this point, as long as his knee isn't too busted up. Hopefully Eddie's injury is minor as well, that's a huge loss.

Game three vs Pitt: YES! Well, brutal to see you guys drop to 0-3, but I can't say I'm too disappointed for my Panthers to stay unbeaten in this rivalry matchup, haha. Those old blue and golds are so nostalgic but also so brutal to look at compared to our new threads. It's insane with how much Satele keeps playing considering he fumbles what seems like every game. Eddie back to his old ways, huge day for him, and Wilson at least looked shades better in this one, so maybe something to build on since he's not looking over his shoulder with Culver out injured. Also, the names of QBs are hilarious, you have an entire roster of Hey Arnold characters out there between Gerald for you and Eugene Halterman over there for Pitt.

I'll tell you what, I miss those old NCAA games with the suspensions and stuff they would throw in, and that you would actually get injuries once in a while without having to nerf everyone on the team's injury rating.

Game four vs Buffalo: Eddie Williams, my word. Guy is a freak. Nice to see the running game looking a bit more consistent as well, has to help the overall offensive attack for sure. Wilson looking a bit more consistent, clearly the changes to the offensive line play have helped him out. Some crazy stats in this game, Buffalo having THREE different players over 100 yards receiving is wild.

[moose141]

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

2011 Season Continued (Pages 98-109)

I put spoiler tags just because my post is so long...

Spoiler

Have to sign Frederick. Absolutely have to. 4-star QB could be a night and day change for this program, especially if Eddie stay for another season, this guy could even be a day one starter (maybe not if Wilson keeps playing well) depending on his arm talent.

Gave five vs CMU: Nice to see the running game finally chip in an contribute! McIntire is a good talent, was waiting for a big breakout game like this from him. Two pick 6's from Wilson is brutal, but glad to see Eddie still get his even in a relatively lower passing output day.

Game six vs BGSU: Wilson loves a pick six, two more is honestly hilarious. Glad to see he is playing well overall though, because we've seen a lot of points against the defense so you've really needed to outscore everyone. Feel like the Falcons knew what Culver was there to do, with 1 yard on 14 touches that is not ideal. Eddie just continues to put up video game numbers (wink wink) with another bananas statline. Guy should be in the league yesterday. The Madeira monster Butler with another KR TD is always a nice add as well.

Gave seven vs MiamiOH: It's insane how Eddie having a 4-80-1 statline is an off day. Tough loss, nice to see Mac steup with a 4 TD century mark performance, but it's a shame to waste it. The D has really been feast or famine for you this year, seems to give up a lot of yards through the air, but usually you can count on a few turnovers to help bail you out. None to be had in this one and that's a tough loss. Another pick six from Wilson again because heaven forbid he goes a game without one, haha.

Shame to see Hawaii's streak come to an end, I always have a soft spot for them (might be my CFB 24 team if I run a little side project with the new game) and wanted to see them run the table in the PAC-10 so that they finally got a chance at a natty.

Game eight vs Akron: Crazy one here. Nice to see Culver step up, 4 TDs is still 4 TDs even with the INTs. Huge bounce back for the defense as well, 6 picks is massive and the lower yardage totals is the better thing to see for sure.

Game nine vs MSU: As soon as I saw you playing against that bum Tino at QB, I knew your defense would have a nice day. Shame that the offense couldn't take advantage though, turnovers as always with the fumble this time seeming to be the killer.

Sidenote: MY BOY JOHNNY FOOTBALL!

Game ten vs Ohio: YUUUUGE day for Culver. Has to help in recruiting the big 4-star QB as well having a day like that. Just dominant from start to finish, you love to see it. Love hearing about the impact player icons in your comments, that was always such a fun feature to see a guy "in the zone."

Love seeing some 4-star commits in the class! Huge to get Frederick and then some line help on both sides on the ball. Will be interesting to see if Frederick can usurp a rising Culver next season.

Game eleven vs WMU: HOLD ON. Culver wears gloves?! He's been watching futuristic highlights of Kenny Heisman, I take it. Seems like he's really settling in, and Sledge has been a great complement to Eddie in the last few weeks. Seems like the team is gelling and at least making that push for the MAC, even if non-con play didn't go how you had hoped.

Game twelve vs NIU: Props to Wilson for coming in in a tough spot and really putting in a solid performance. Going to make things really interesting heading into next offseason, though I would expect him to transfer still especially with the stud freshman coming in as well. Larry Mac with a massive game on the ground, what a day for him. Toth with a TD was a nice cap for his senior season as well. Hopefully things finish strong!

Love seeing Johnny Football win the Heisman, hate seeing Penn State in the title game.

Bowl game vs USF: Big day, as much as I malign Satele it was nice to see him finish with a solid game. Another huge day for Eddie, hope it isn't his last in a CMU uni!

[Careless Whisper]

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

2011 Season Continued (Pages 98-109)

I put spoiler tags just because my post is so long...

Spoiler

Have to sign Frederick. Absolutely have to. 4-star QB could be a night and day change for this program, especially if Eddie stay for another season, this guy could even be a day one starter (maybe not if Wilson keeps playing well) depending on his arm talent.

Gave five vs CMU: Nice to see the running game finally chip in an contribute! McIntire is a good talent, was waiting for a big breakout game like this from him. Two pick 6's from Wilson is brutal, but glad to see Eddie still get his even in a relatively lower passing output day.

Game six vs BGSU: Wilson loves a pick six, two more is honestly hilarious. Glad to see he is playing well overall though, because we've seen a lot of points against the defense so you've really needed to outscore everyone. Feel like the Falcons knew what Culver was there to do, with 1 yard on 14 touches that is not ideal. Eddie just continues to put up video game numbers (wink wink) with another bananas statline. Guy should be in the league yesterday. The Madeira monster Butler with another KR TD is always a nice add as well.

Gave seven vs MiamiOH: It's insane how Eddie having a 4-80-1 statline is an off day. Tough loss, nice to see Mac steup with a 4 TD century mark performance, but it's a shame to waste it. The D has really been feast or famine for you this year, seems to give up a lot of yards through the air, but usually you can count on a few turnovers to help bail you out. None to be had in this one and that's a tough loss. Another pick six from Wilson again because heaven forbid he goes a game without one, haha.

Shame to see Hawaii's streak come to an end, I always have a soft spot for them (might be my CFB 24 team if I run a little side project with the new game) and wanted to see them run the table in the PAC-10 so that they finally got a chance at a natty.

Game eight vs Akron: Crazy one here. Nice to see Culver step up, 4 TDs is still 4 TDs even with the INTs. Huge bounce back for the defense as well, 6 picks is massive and the lower yardage totals is the better thing to see for sure.

Game nine vs MSU: As soon as I saw you playing against that bum Tino at QB, I knew your defense would have a nice day. Shame that the offense couldn't take advantage though, turnovers as always with the fumble this time seeming to be the killer.

Sidenote: MY BOY JOHNNY FOOTBALL!

Game ten vs Ohio: YUUUUGE day for Culver. Has to help in recruiting the big 4-star QB as well having a day like that. Just dominant from start to finish, you love to see it. Love hearing about the impact player icons in your comments, that was always such a fun feature to see a guy "in the zone."

Love seeing some 4-star commits in the class! Huge to get Frederick and then some line help on both sides on the ball. Will be interesting to see if Frederick can usurp a rising Culver next season.

Game eleven vs WMU: HOLD ON. Culver wears gloves?! He's been watching futuristic highlights of Kenny Heisman, I take it. Seems like he's really settling in, and Sledge has been a great complement to Eddie in the last few weeks. Seems like the team is gelling and at least making that push for the MAC, even if non-con play didn't go how you had hoped.

Game twelve vs NIU: Props to Wilson for coming in in a tough spot and really putting in a solid performance. Going to make things really interesting heading into next offseason, though I would expect him to transfer still especially with the stud freshman coming in as well. Larry Mac with a massive game on the ground, what a day for him. Toth with a TD was a nice cap for his senior season as well. Hopefully things finish strong!

Love seeing Johnny Football win the Heisman, hate seeing Penn State in the title game.

Bowl game vs USF: Big day, as much as I malign Satele it was nice to see him finish with a solid game. Another huge day for Eddie, hope it isn't his last in a CMU uni!

Man, I really appreciate you taking the time to catch up, Moose! I loved reading through these last two posts and taking a moment to reminisce on the previous season - I provided some thoughts on each of your blurbs in the spoiler below.

Spoiler

Before the season: Appreciate the kind words as always on the preview! The season preview is always so fun to write, and this current season's - once you catch up to that point - may be my favorite of them all. You're spot-on regarding the talent on this team - it was terrific, but there were huge question marks, particularly at quarterback. at the Nate Satele line, it's completely true though! I think that feels even more so because he was part of the recruiting class I inherited when I had to switch games, and sat behind Jim Manning for two seasons.

Penn game: That game came as a complete shock to me as well. Without looking back, I think I had some layoff on the sticks leading into that game that contributed, but really it was just the unfamiliarity of Wilson/Culver at quarterback that did me in. Eddie is one of the best finds I've ever had in any version of NCAA - he progressed really well after his redshirt year, and the summer training drills in these older titles also helped boost his attributes.

Nebraska game: Definitely one that I didn't expect to win, yet felt like we hung in there relatively well with the Williams injury. Without mobility and the talent gap against someone as good as Nebraska, Wilson is basically a sitting duck and makes it that much harder to move the ball.

Pitt game: What a frustrating game, haha. At this point I feel the talent gap isn't there with Pitt - to the point where I plan on taking them over soon so they don't completely fall apart prestige and talent-wise - but continually making the same mistakes in a winnable rivalry game is irritating. Never caught that with the QB names, but that is hilarious!

Buffalo game: This might have been the craziest game I've played all report, which is saying something. Frustrating that it was so close considering the talent gap and entering at 0-3, but Williams really saved the day. I think I remember missing user picks constantly in this game, which led to the three 100-yard receiving days on their end.

Frederick blurb: The timing really worked out perfectly with my prestige level reaching the required mark to recruit him, his awareness level being high enough to recruit, and him being really interested in the program. Definitely the biggest signing I've ever had and a true game-changer for the program to reach the next level, even if he doesn't immediately get on the field.

Central Michigan game: Really needed that game from McIntire after a rough start to the season. The two first-quarter pick sixes from Wilson were brutal, and basically forced me to use the ground game in hopes that it would be effective enough to steady the ship. I thought my defense played one of its best games - obviously the six interceptions were nice, but we really stopped their run game.

Bowling Green game: Outside of the pick six problem, Wilson has really turned things around. This was just another typical crazy game against Bowling Green - they really have the pieces to do that to me with Gilmore being a really good quarterback and their weapons on the outside. Thankfully they don't have anyone as good as Eddie Williams - agreed completely on his pro prospects, he's completely ready for the NFL.

Miami (Ohio) game: I wish I the record was available for most pick sixes in a season, because Wilson definitely broke it, haha. The defense really struggled over the last two games - even then they usually cause a turnover or two to keep me afloat, but that wasn't the case. Sucks that we wasted another stellar McIntire performance (outside the fumble).

Hawaii blurb: Agreed on the Rainbow Warriors. I've always had a spot for them particularly during the Colt Brennan years, and since they've showcased their dominance and moved to the Pac-10, I was really hoping they'd sim well and win a national title. They should be in the mix moving forward though, particularly with how well they recruit.

Akron game: This felt like one of my most complete games, even with the four interceptions thrown. Culver was terrific outside of the turnovers, and I really thought I got a decent handle on what he can do with his mobility, and what he can't do with his inaccuracy. The defense was on point and really bounced back after the last two performances.

Michigan State game: What a weird one. MSU didn't have that big of a talent edge but really just kept the ball and churned out drives. I like it from a realism standpoint though, because as well as I have recruited and built something at CMU, these non-conference tilts with BCS-conference teams should be difficult to win.

Manziel blurb: Let's hope the pixelated version doesn't torpedo his career after winning the Heisman.

Ohio game: Really surprising and eye-opening performance by Culver. Despite his flashes, I never really thought of him as anymore more than a good, change-of-pace backup option, but the way he commanded the offense - particularly in the second half - was special. Can't believe he was a one-star prospect!

Recruiting blurb: Glad to finally get Frederick and friends on the board! As I mentioned before, Frederick is a foundational piece and the most important recruit I've landed, but the others - Andrew Graham, Mario Williams (eventually), and Brian Adams - were big gets as well. The bump to recruiting four-stars really will allow me to build a roster that dominates the MAC soon and at make a Boise-type run to a BCS game.

Western Michigan game: I honestly didn't realize Culver was a two-glove guy until I took that photo! His play really earned him the starting job at this point, and it was good to see him put up good numbers on the ground because he's added a Keyes-lite element in that department. This was a strange game though - everything was clicking in the first half, and then WMU just flipped the script. Toth was immense and hopefully will make a good pro when he transfers over to Madden.

Northern Illinois game: While it's been frustrating to have inconsistency at quarterback this season, it's good to have two talented guys that can come in and win a game at the MAC level. It was nice to see Wilson perform well, and between this and his performance in the bowl, it provided more questions than answers to the quarterback conundrum. That was a Jim Manning-type game by McIntire, felt like he couldn't be stopped!

Penn State blurb: I feel like the sim engines in this report just want to make you miserable with Penn State winning titles, WVU making two title games, and the Steelers losing all their real-life studs. Penn State making another championship game is pretty boring though as a neutral, but they're set up to be good for a while unfortunately.

South Florida game: It was a pretty cool moment to see Satele have a career day in his final game and help lift us to a good bowl win. Of course Wilson had to get another pick six in there (), but his connection with both Williams and Sledge was superb throughout the game. Won't spoil anything on Williams if you haven't gotten that far yet, but will say that he's an absolute legend and will go down as one of the best players from this report!

[Careless Whisper]

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

by Jeff Greenberg, Carnegie Mellon insider for Rivals.com

Carnegie Mellon receiving votes for the first time since returning to Division I

After improving to 6-1 overall and 4-0 in the Mid-American Conference, Carnegie Mellon is receiving votes in the national polls, receiving 24 points in the most recent USA Today Coaches’ Top 25 and 38 points in the Associated Press Media Poll.

This marks the first time the Tartans have received votes in a Division I college football poll in almost exactly 73 years. CMU’s last poll appearance came in the Oct. 16, 1939 version of the Associated Press version, when it garnered the No. 15 national ranking ahead of a matchup at New York University. The Tartans hope that isn’t a precursor for the remainder of the season, as they would drop that 1939 matchup to the Violets, 6-0, and finish the year with a 3-5 record.

CMU last received recognition in any college football national poll following the 1999 season, as it earned votes in the D3football.com Top 25 after a 28-10 win over Frostburg State in the ECAC Bowl to finish 8-3 on the campaign.

Wilson to start at Akron; Culver misses with mild concussion

The Carnegie Mellon quarterback carousel takes another spin this weekend as senior Kevin Wilson will return to the starting lineup following a mild concussion to junior Gerald Culver.

Wilson was superb off the bench in the Tartans’ 42-35 win against Miami (Ohio), throwing for 330 yards and four touchdowns on 16-of-26 passing. He has posted a 155.9 quarterback rating with 964 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and six touchdowns this season, and has thrown for 3,837 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 29 interceptions over his career.

Culver struggled against the Redhawks before the injury, going 3-of-7 for 26 yards with an interception and lost fumble. The former one-star prospect has been excellent outside of last week however, leading the MAC with a 191.3 quarterback rating to go along with 1,175 passing yards, 18 total touchdowns (15 passing, 3 rushing), and five interceptions. Over his career, he has compiled 2,639 passing yards, 34 total touchdowns (28 passing, 6 rushing), and 19 interceptions.

True freshman Eric Frederick will serve as Wilson’s backup at Akron.

CMU lands three more commits in Russell, Dodds, and Simon

Carnegie Mellon’s stellar in-season recruiting period continued over the weekend, as it secured three more verbal commitments in four-star cornerback DeShawn Russell (Rockville Centre, N.Y.), four-star free safety Jamaal Dodds (Fort McKinley, Ohio), and three-star outside linebacker Aaron Simon (Cambridge, Ohio). All three commitments fell in love with the program’s tradition and pushed to be a part of it.

Russell, a six-foot-two, 180-pound defensive back from South Side High School, was also considering Penn State and Michigan. He could be an early start for the Tartans, and reportedly boasts a 4.43 40-yard dash and 39.2-inch vertical leap.

Dodds, a six-foot-one, 190-pound defensive back from McKinley High School, also had Notre Dame and Clemson in his top three. He likely will be the heir to current free safety Jabari London’s throne, and reportedly runs a 4.45 40-yard dash with a 41.6-inch vertical leap.

Simon, a five-foot-eleven, 225-pound linebacker from Cambridge High School, also considered Virginia Tech and Michigan. He could play early with the outside linebacker room being thin for CMU, and reportedly owns a 4.76 40-yard dash and 32.7-inch vertical leap.

Byrd gives soft verbal to CMU, plans to take other visits

Four-star outside linebacker Joshua Byrd (North Bethesda, Md.) reportedly gave a soft verbal commitment to Carnegie Mellon over the weekend, but plans to take his other official visits before completely locking in.

Byrd, a six-foot, 217-pound linebacker from Georgetown Prep, put the Tartans ahead of Virginia Tech and Penn State after they entered the weekend in third place. He reportedly enjoyed his official visit but wants to see all three schools before making a decision. Byrd is a model student with a 4.7 GPA and has been clocked at 4.49 in the 40-yard dash and owns a 37.5-inch vertical.

Glover, Harper to make official visits on Navy weekend

CMU will have two in-season recruiting targets making official visits in three weeks, as three-star wide receiver Don Glover (Pennsauken, N.J.) and three-star outside linebacker Andrew Harper (Middleburg Heights, Ohio) will be in attendance for the game against Navy on Nov. 10.

Glover, a six-foot-four, 208-pound wide receiver from Pennsauken High School, is considering Virginia, Virginia Tech, and CMU. The Tartans currently rank third for his services but will receive his first official visit.

Harper, a six-foot, 248-pound linebacker from Berea-Midpark High School, also has Virginia Tech and Wisconsin in his top three. Like Glover, CMU ranks third but gets the first official visit. Harper reportedly doesn’t care about early playing time or coaching style, but is looking for the right fit.

Dunbar, Jones leave Tartans out of top three

It wasn’t a perfect recruiting weekend for Carnegie Mellon, as it saw two of its in-season targets – four-star cornerback Doug Dunbar (Cumberland, Md.) and four-star defensive end Jeremy Jones (Cudahy, Wisc.) – remove the Tartans from consideration.

Dunbar, a five-foot-eleven, 170-pound defensive back from Fort Hill High School, will move forward with Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Clemson as his top three. He reportedly didn’t like the fit at CMU, and the relationship soured after DeShawn Russell’s commitment over the weekend.

Jones, a six-foot-two, 225-pound pass rusher from Cudahy High School, has Michigan, Nebraska, and Wisconsin as his top three. He reportedly liked the Tartans and their coaching staff, but his parents want him to go elsewhere.

Carnegie Mellon In-Season Recruiting Targets
Robert Allen, SS, **** (6’2”, 213 lbs.; Oxford, Ohio / Talawanda) – Verbal Commit
Jamaal Dodds, FS, **** (6’1”, 190 lbs.; Fort McKinley, Ohio / McKinley) – Verbal Commit
DeShawn Russell, CB, **** (6’2”, 180 lbs.; Rockville Centre, N.Y. / South Side) – Verbal Commit
Aaron Simon, OLB, *** (5’11”, 225 lbs.; Cambridge, Ohio / Cambridge) – Verbal Commit
Joshua Byrd, OLB, **** (6’0”, 217 lbs.; North Bethesda, Md. / Georgetown Prep) – Soft Commit, Official Visit 10/13
- Carnegie Mellon, Virginia Tech, Penn State
Don Glover, WR, *** (6’4”, 208 lbs.; Pennsauken, N.J. / Pennsauken) – Top 3, Official Visit 11/10
- Virginia, Virginia Tech, Carnegie Mellon
Andrew Harper, OLB, *** (6’0”, 248 lbs.; Middleburg Heights, Ohio / Berea-Midpark) – Top 3, Official Visit 11/10
- Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, Carnegie Mellon
Quinton Smith, C, **** (6’1”, 277 lbs.; Odessa, Texas / Permian) – Top 5
- Carnegie Mellon, Texas Tech, Nebraska, LSU, Texas
Josh Greene, MLB, *** (6’1”, 225 lbs.; Dundalk, Md. / Dundalk) – Top 5
- Penn State, Carnegie Mellon, Virginia, Clemson, Notre Dame
Carlton Norton, DE, *** (6’3”, 225 lbs.; Greensburg, Pa. / Greensburg Central Catholic) – Top 5
- Carnegie Mellon, Penn State, Clemson, Virginia, Ohio State
Doug Dunbar, CB, **** (5’11”, 170 lbs.; Cumberland, Md. / Fort Hill) – Removed
Jeremy Jones, DE, **** (6’2”, 225 lbs.; Cudahy, Wisc. / Cudahy) – Removed
Mark Davis, MLB, **** (5’11”, 237 lbs.; Enid, Okla. / Enid) – Removed
Lawrence Clark, CB, *** (6’2”, 182 lbs.; New Brunswick, N.J. / New Brunswick) – Removed
Greg Taylor, OLB, *** (6’3”, 213 lbs.; Mercedes, Texas / Mercedes) – Removed

[studbucket]

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

I was wondering when you would start to get top 25 votes. Glad it has begun.