NCAA 2004 Dynasty: Georgia Tech (2004 Season)

[Celeval]

A checkup on the team just past a third of the way through the season.

ACC Standings
1. Florida State (4-1, 3-1)
2. NC State (5-0, 2-0)
3. Virginia (3-1, 2-0)
4. Clemson (3-1, 1-0)
5. North Carolina (3-2, 1-1)
6. Maryland (4-1, 0-1)
7. Georgia Tech (2-2, 0-2)
8. Wake Forest (2-3, 0-2)
9. Duke (0-4, 0-2)

Team Statistics:
Offense:
Total YPG: 602.5 (18th NCAA, 4th ACC)
Offensive YPG: 433.0 (28th/3rd)
Passing YPG: 272.2 (25th/4th)
Rushing YPG: 160.7 (52nd/6th)
Points Per Game: 32.2 (35th/5th)
Passing TD: 4 (77th/8th)
Rushing TD: 11 (13th/2nd)
1st Downs: 102 (45th/6th)
Sacks Allowed: 18 (100th/9th)
Redzone Attempts: 14 (66th/7th)
Redzone TD: 12 (27th/2nd)
Redzone FG: 1 (102nd/8th)
Redzone %: 92 (18th/2nd)

Offensively, we haven't moved the ball a heck of a lot. And when we have, as seen later, we turn it over.

Defense:
Total YPG: 320.5 (24th/1st)
Passing YPG: 240.5 (80th/7th)
Rushing YPG: 80.0 (2nd/1st)
Avg Pts Against: 27.7 (67th/7th)
Sacks: 16 (27th/2nd)
Interceptions: 5 (42nd/6th)
Fumbles Recovered: 2 (71st/6th)
Redzone Attempts: 8 (6th/1st)
Redzone TD: 3 (3rd/1st)
Redzone FG: 2 (12th/2nd)
Redzone %: 62 (7th/1st)

Defensively, the numbers are somewhat misleading. We're top ten in Redzone Scoring Pct and Redzone attempts, but 67th in Points Against - that just means out of 111 points scored against us, only 27 of which were from inside the red zone. Hence 84 points scored from beyond the 20 yard line - we get killed by the big play. Rushing yards are down, but teams' haven't needed to /try/ to rush against us.

Efficiency:
3rd Down Conv: 26 (82nd/6th)
3rd Down Att: 57 (104th/8th)
3rd Down %: 45 (46th/5th)
4th Down Conv: 11 (1st/1st)
4th Down Att: 11 (3rd/1st)
4th Down %: 100 (1st/1st)
2 Point Conv: 1 (8th/1st)
2 Point Att: 3 (4th/1st)
2 Point %: 33 (34th/3rd)
Penalties: 14 (1st/1st)
Pen Yards: 117 (2nd/1st)

The fourth down conversion stat means nothing other than a lot of 4th and inches, I'm not quite as aggressive as that seems to imply.

Turnovers:
Int (Thrown): 12 (115th/9th)
Fum (Lost): 4 (73rd/5th)
Giveaways: 16 (115th/9th)
Int (Defensive): 5 (42nd/6th)
Fum (Recovered: 2 (71st/6th)
Takeaways: 7 (67th/7th)
Turnover Diff: -9 (112th/9th)
Avg TO Diff: -2.2 (114th/9th)

Ah, the crux of the problem. The numbers speak for themselves.



Player Statistics
Passing:
QB Damarius Bilbo: 54-100, 796 yards, 3 TD, 10 Int
QB LaShaun Haston: 19-32, 293 yards, 1 TD, 2 Int

Bilbo is killing me with the picks. Okay, so really I'm killing me with the picks, but still. We face North Carolina State next week in a do-or-die game for D-Bo - Haston will be getting the start in Week Seven if Bilbo doesn't come through with a decent game.
Grade: D

Rushing:
HB Ajenavi Eziemefe: 88-389, 5 TD (4.4 avg)
HB P.J. Daniels: 20-99, 3 TD (4.9 avg)
FB J. Jackson: 11-65 (5.9 avg)
FB J. Dixon 6-27 (4.5 avg)
QB D. Bilbo 52-54, 2 TD (1.0 avg)

Here is where I note something left out of the Clemson game - Johnathan Jackson is done for the season. Our rushing attack has improved, after putting up 200 yards on the ground against Clemson. Eziemefe is breaking a good number of tackles, although hasn't really broken a huge run (36 long).
Grade: B-

Receiving:
WR Benjamin Holmes: 16-282, 1 TD
WR Nate Curry: 14-283, 1 TD
WR Levon Thomas: 11-174, 1 TD
TE Maurio Altman: 10-129

The receiving corps is about where we expected it, save for Altman. We still need him to step up a bit.
Grade C+

Blocking:
T Nat Dorsey: 24 Pancakes, 2 Sacks Allowed
G Leon Robinson: 18/1
T Kyle Wallace: 11/5
C Joseph Hayes: 6/1
G Brad Honeycutt: 3/3

The problem here is obvious - the Right Side of the line is responsible for 8 sacks, while the left side has allowed 3 (1 right up the middle). Hayes isn't being dominant, but is playing very solidly. Dorsey's 24 pancakes puts him second in the NCAA (Leon Robinson is 12th).
Grade: B+

Defensive: Tackling
MLB Trent Ball: 25 Tackles, 4 TFL
FS (SS) James Butler: 22/0
FS Jamar Simms: 15/2
DE Eric Henderson: 12/2
CB Venice Gilliam: 12/1
OLB Tabugbo Anyansi: 12/1
OLB Anthony Blanks: 11/0
DE Terron Pullen: 11/8
DT Alfred Malone: 11/5

The trouble here is a sign of a problematic defense - too many tackles being made in the defensive secondary. Of course, a lot of this is because of the ball being thrown so often - it's not that the tackles are being made after a back breaks through, but more after the catch. Either way, the defensive line should be making more plays.
Grade: C

Defensive: Sacks
DE Terron Pullen: 5
DT Alfred Malone: 5
CB I-Perfection Harris: 2

Justin Tuck (ND) and Caleb Fleming (Illinois) lead the NCAA with 8 sacks apiece. Pullen and Malone are doing solidly; although there's very little pressure from the right side, including AA-Candidate Eric Henderson.
Grade: B

Defensive: Pass Defense
CB Rueben Houston: 5 Pass Defl, 2 Int
CB Venice Gilliam: 3/2
FS Jamar Simms: 2/0
OLB Anthony Blanks: 2/1
FS (SS) James Butler: 2/0

For all the passing that's being done against us, this ain't so much.
Grade: D

Kicking:
K David Jordan: 6-7 FG (long 50), 13-13 XP

Nothing to really complain about here, although we could use more distance on the kickoffs - Jordan has yet to kick one into the end zone for a touchback in his two seasons (consistantly drops at the -1 - 1).
Grade: A-

Punting:
P Jermaine MacPherson: 11 Punts, 458 yards (41.6 avg)

Last in the ACC in punting average, but not by a ton (46.0 is the leader). Solid enough for a freshman.
Grade: C

Returns:
CB I-Perfection Harris: 10-218 KR, 13-189 PR
WR Benjamin Holmes: 5-175 PR

Holmes' numbers are bumped up by a nice 61 yard KR early on in the year. Either way, we're decent if not great here.
Grade: C

[Celeval]

Schedule

1. at Navy (1-5) W, 49-10
2. vs. UConn (2-3) W, 27-21
3. BYE
4. vs #22 Florida State (4-1) L, 26-52
5. at Clemson (3-1) L, 27-28
6. BYE
7. at #4 NC State (5-0)
8. vs Wake Forest (2-3)
9. vs #6 LSU (6-0)
10. at #12 Maryland (4-1)
11. BYE
12. vs Duke (0-4)
13. at North Carolina (3-2)
14. vs Virginia (3-1)
15 at #10 Georgia (3-1)

The outlook isn't brilliant for the Atlanta 22... while I think we can stick in with Maryland, LSU, and NC State; we can't reasonably expect to do better than 1-3 (and we could go 0-4) in our next four games. That puts us at 3-5 at best; needing to beat Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia to even get bowl eligible. This is going to be an ugly season unless things turn around quickly.

Job Security: B-
This could plummet quickly.

[Celeval]

Week Seven Action:

Georgia Tech (2-2) at #4 North Carolina State (5-0)

Preview:
NC State (5-0)
Overall: B+
Offense: B+
Defense: B+
Special Teams: B+

Points Per Game: 40.6 (6th)
Total Offense: 418.4 (38th)
Rush Offense: 191.6 (34th)
Pass Offense: 226.8 (52nd)
Total Defense: 345.6 (35th)
Rush Defense: 124.2 (29th)
Pass Defense: 221.4 (62nd)
Turnover Diff: +1.80 (3rd)

Key Players:
HB McLendon 474 Rush Yards
HB Blackman 454 Rush Yards
K McKinney 15 FGs Made

State has already lost their starting QB for the next five weeks, but is playing fine under his backup - it was a tough competition in the offseason for the starting spot anyhow, so not much of a loss. Jay Davis has a decent arm, but is a smart kid on the field. He's 38-72-490-5-3 passing the ball. But no bones about it - the guy to watch out for on the Wolfpack is T.A. McLendon - he's averaging 6.2 yards a carry, and has 4 rushing TDs on the year. The 'pack has some serious speed on offense - three WRs with speeds of 90+, including their top two in Richard Washington (11-111-1) and Tramain Hall (16-216-1). The offensive line is only decent, after losing their two best starters (C Jed Paulsen - 92 OVR, T Derek Morris - 89 OVR) to injury. Defensively, strong across the board. With the offensive injuries, we may be catching NC State at the right time to hold their score down - but we could just as easily be blown away by the speed on the ends.

It's pouring out as the game starts - regional broadcast opens with Lee Corso letting everyone know we should get shut out. Great.

State gets the ball first, and we hold them to a punt. Bilbo fumbles on his first possession; we come up with an interception and then punt the ball away. So far, our defense at least is playing well - but they can only do so much. State picks up their first touchdown on a pass to Washington, then picks up ten more points on turnovers. Halfway through the second quarter we trail 24-0, Bilbo has thrown his second pick of the day; and Haston is into the game.

Haston plays pretty well, actually - we put two scores on the board before the end of the first half, but stay tantalizingly out of reach.

Halftime: NC State 31, Georgia Tech 13

Turnovers are still the order of the day - wideouts fumbling the ball after the catch, interceptions... we threaten a few times, but never really make a game out of it. The story of the second half is LaShaun Haston - much more accurate than Bilbo typically is. He's earned the next start, and perhaps the biggest game of our season so far against Wake Forest.

Final Score: NC State 44, Georgia Tech 20

Leading Passers:
GT QB LaShaun Haston 25-43, 416 yards, 2 TD, 2 Int
GT QB Damarius Bilbo 4-11, 26 yards, 0 TD, 2 Int
NCS QB Jay Davis 28-41, 330 yards, 4 TD, 1 Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 7-19 yards
GT FB Jimmy Dixon 2-17 yards
NCS HB T.A. McLendon 13-29 yards

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 9-163 yards, 1 TD
GT WR Nate Curry 7-119 yards, 1 TD
GT TE Maurio Altman 4-81 yards
NCS WR Richard Washington 9-131 yards, 1 TD
NCS TE Jamesly Jean 4-44 yards, 1 TD

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT CB Reuben Houston 7 Tackles (1 TFL)
GT MLB Trent Ball 6 Tackles (2 TFL), 1 Sack
NCS CB Lamont Reid 8 Tackles
NCS SS J.J. Jones 8 Tackles
NCS OLB Pat Thomas 6 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks, 2 Int

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 9-163 yards, 1 TD
NCS OLB Pat Thomas 6 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks, 2 Int

[Celeval]

Week Seven:

SI Cover:
#7 Texas
Streak Squaker!
Texas keeps 12-game win streak alive with tough win.

Top 10:
Sic 'Em: Spirits are high in Athens as their Bulldogs beat #17 Alabama 27-21
1. Texas (33) (5-0): W 31-24 KSU
2. Miami (21) (6-0): W 48-34 WVU
3. Oklahoma (1) (6-0): W 27-22 IU
4. NC State (2) (6-0): W 44-20 GT
5. Virginia Tech (1) (5-0): W 48-14 RU
6. LSU (1) (7-0): W 30-24 S CAR
7. USC (5-0): W 42-35 ASU
8. Ohio State (4-1): BYE
9. Georgia (4-1): W 27-21 BAMA
10. Oklahoma State (5-0): BYE
UNR Georgia Tech (2-3): L 20-44 NCSTATE

Dropped out of Top Ten: #9 Auburn

Heisman Watch:

HB Lonta Hobbs (Jr), TCU - 146-978 Rushing, 19-309 Receiving, 14 TDs
HB Sam Maldonado (Jr-RS), Maryland - 171-1038 Rushing, 6-68 Receiving, 9 TDs
HB Maurice Clarett (Jr), Ohio State - 1415 All-Purpose Yards, 9 TDs
HB Jason Collins (So-RS), West Virginia - 177-872 yards, 7 Rec 116 yards, 13 TD
HB Dwight Wright (Sr-RS), Oregon State - 1400 All-Purpose Yards, 9 TDs

Players of the Week:
(NCAA)
QB Kyle York, Mississippi State (Jr-RS): 20-32, 398 yards, 5 TD
FS Marviel Underwood, San Diego State (Sr-RS): 5 Tackles (1 TFL), Int, 2 FF, TD

(ACC)
QB Jay Davis, NC State (Jr-RS): 28-41, 330 yards, 4 TD
CB Gino Kennard, Virginia (Fr): 3 Tackles, Int, FF, TD

ACC Standings
1. NC State (6-0, 3-0)
2. Virginia (4-1, 3-0)
3. Florida State (4-1, 3-1)
4. Maryland (5-1, 1-1)
5. Clemson (3-2, 1-1)
6. North Carolina (3-3, 1-2)
7. Wake Forest (2-3, 0-2)
8. Duke (1-4, 0-2)
9. Georgia Tech (2-3, 0-3)

Ugh.

[tucker342]

ouch, tough start to ACC play.... Hopefully it will turn around....

[Celeval]

Week Seven Action:

Wake Forest (2-3) at Georgia Tech (2-3)

Preview:
Wake Forest (2-3)
Overall: B-
Offense: B
Defense: C+
Special Teams: B-

Points Per Game: 26.0 (54th)
Total Offense: 396.0 (44th)
Rush Offense: 216.0 (18th)
Pass Offense: 180.0 (85th)
Total Defense: 335.0 (30th)
Rush Defense: 145.2 (50th)
Pass Defense: 189.8 (33rd)
Turnover Diff: +0.00 (56th)

Key Players:
HB C. Barclay 570 Rush Yds
OLB B. Andrews: 36 Tackles
K M. Wisnosky: 6 FG

Wake Forest is a running team - we beat them pretty well at their place last season, but they did a lot of fooling with the option. So that's what we expect again this year. Cory Randolph is their quarterback - he's thrown for 5 TDs (7 picks), and is averaging 3.7 yards/carry. Chris Barclay is their top back and a speed guy, and they also have speed at the wideout positions. Defensively, their best player is MLB Brad White (83 OVR) - he has 24 tackles this season.

This game is not televised, which is good for us - we seem to play better when no one is watching. We win the toss, take the ball, and come out throwing. We move right down the field - until the first interception of the game returned for a touchdown, down 7-0. Unlike Bilbo, however, Haston seems to bounce back. We match scores early - Wake gets their first 13 points off turnovers (2 Ints, Fumble), and we only lead 17-13 at the half; thanks to a last-second field goal by David Jordan.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 17, Wake Forest 13

Wake takes their first lead of the game by driving right down the field out of the gate - coming up with the first third down conversions by either team of the game to this point, three of them - to lead 20-17 on a 1-yard run by Barclay. A field goal makes it 23-17, but the rest of the game is LaShaun Haston and our running backs. Ajenavi Eziemefe turns out on the poor end of the final stats, simply because he would get subbed out by the time a drive got into the red zone; P.J. Daniels was the recepient of a pair of rushing touchdowns in the second half after one in the first. Haston hooks up with Holmes and Altman in the fourth quarter for 28 unanswered points, and we come away with this one.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 45, Wake Forest 23

Leading Passers:
GT QB LaShaun Haston 19-29, 322 yards, 3 TD, 2 Int
WF QB Cory Randolph 11-29, 197 yards, 0 TD, 1 Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 17-104 yards
GT HB P.J. Daniels 12-62 yards, 3 TD
GT FB Jimmy Dixon 6-24 yards
WF HB Chris Barclay 22-106 yards, 1 TD

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Nate Curry 8-74 yards
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 3-95 yards, 2 TD
GT WR Maurio Altman 1-35 yards, TD
WF TE R.D. Montgomery 5-50 yards
WF WR Chris Davis 3-77 yards

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT MLB Anthony Blanks 8 Tackles (3 TFL), Sack, 2 FF
GT MLB Trent Ball 6 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks, Int
GT DE Terron Pullen 5 Tackles (4 TFL), Sack
WF MLB Brad White 10 Tackles (3 TFL), Sack
WF DE John Finklea 7 Tackles (2 TFL), Sack, FF, FR
WF CB David Blount 2 Tackles, Int, TD

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT HB P.J. Daniels 12-62 yards, 3 TD
WF DE John Finklea 7 Tackles (2 TFL), Sack, FF, FR

[Celeval]

Week Eight:

SI Cover:
OLB Markus Clayton, Miami (Fr)
Where do they Stand?
Where are the Hurricanes in the very first Bowl Rankings?

Top 10:
Big 12 Fight: Jackson and Sooners are confident after conference victory over Texas
1. Oklahoma (39) (7-0): W 31-24 TEXAS
2. Miami (20) (7-0): W 27-24 FSU
3. NC State (7-0): W 42-37 VANDY
4. Virginia Tech (6-0): W 49-14 SU
5. LSU (8-0): W 38-31 UF
6. USC (6-0): W 37-17 STAN
7. Texas (5-1): L 24-321 OU
8. Ohio State (5-1): W 37-16 WISC
9. Maryland (6-1): W 24-7 DUKE
10. Arkansas (6-0): W 35-24 AUBURN
UNR Georgia Tech (3-3): W 45-23 WAKE

Dropped out of Top Ten: #9 Georgia, #10 Oklahoma State

Bowl Rankings:
New Batch of Rankings: The first Bowl Rankings of 2004 are unveiled.
1. Miami: 4.19
2. Oklahoma: 5.82
3. NC State: 11.35
4. Virginia Tech: 11.68
5. LSU: 14.18
6. USC: 14.69
7. Ohio State: 17.96
8. Texas: 19.85

BCS Busters
UNR Fresno State (6-0, 2-0): W 31-19, Hawaii - Next: at Rice
#18 Colorado State (6-0, 2-0): W 41-23 BYU - Next: at Air Force

Heisman Watch:
The New Favorite?: Maryland's Maldonado takes over the top spot in our Heisman Watch
HB Sam Maldonado (Jr-RS), Maryland - 216-1369 Rushing, 6-68 Receiving, 11 TDs
HB Lonta Hobbs (Jr), TCU - 155-1023 Rushing, 19-309 Receiving, 14 TDs
HB Jason Collins (So-RS), West Virginia - 189-978 yards, 7 Rec 116 yards, 14 TD
HB T.A. McLendon (Jr), NC State - 106-567 Rushing, 12-149 Receiving, 10 TD
HB David Horne (Jr), Nebraska - 205-1285-14 Rushing, 5-90 Receiving

Players of the Week:
(NCAA)
HB Erick Phillips, West Virginia (So-RS): 29 carries, 223 yards, 4 TD
SS Chris Carr, Boise State (Sr): 4 Tackles, 4 Int, TD

(ACC)
HB Sam Maldonado, Maryland (Jr-RS): 45 carries, 331 yards, 2 TD
OLB D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland (Jr): 8 Tackles (2 TFL), Sack, Int, 2 FF, 2 FR

ACC Standings
1. NC State (7-0, 3-0): W 42-37 Vanderbilt
2. Virginia (4-2, 3-1): L, 30-35 Clemson
3. Florida State (4-2, 3-1): L 24-27 Miami
4. Maryland (6-1, 2-1): W 24-7 Duke
5. Clemson (4-2, 2-1): W 35-30, Virginia
6. North Carolina (3-4, 1-2): L, 20-26 Memphis
7. Georgia Tech (3-3, 1-3): W, 45-23 Wake Forest
7. Wake Forest (2-4, 0-3): L, 23-45 Georgia Tech
8. Duke (1-5, 0-3): L, 7-24 Maryland

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr): 18 Tackles, 2 Int, 4 Pass Defl

[Celeval]

Week Eight Action:

#5 LSU (8-0) at Georgia Tech (3-3)

Preview:
LSU (8-0)
Overall: B+
Offense: B+
Defense: B-
Special Teams: B

Points Per Game: 33.6 (27th)
Total Offense: 427.1 (26th)
Rush Offense: 233.8 (14th)
Pass Offense: 193.2 (79th)
Total Defense: 354.5 (38th)
Rush Defense: 136.7 (39th)
Pass Defense: 217.8 (56th)
Turnover Diff: +1.10 (8th)

Key Players:
QB Mauck: 1417 Passing Yards
HB Addai: 752 Rushing Yards
DE Spears: 39 Tackles

The fifth-ranked team in the country wasn't what I bargained for when I put LSU on the schedule, and I'm somewhat wishing I had went with a mid-level team rather than a ranked one - we could use an easy win right now. LSU has a solid offense - three QBs who could start for many teams, but the #1 guy is Matt Mauck (93 OVR), he is 92-168 for 1417 yards, 144 TD, and only 5 picks. The top back is Joseph Addai (91 OVR); he is 148-752 yards and 4 TD right now. Their wideouts are average after Senior Michael Clayton (97 OVR), who has 517 yards receiving this season. We're also looking at a second team All-American at Center (Ben Wilkerson). Defensively, no real weaknesses or strengths; although their cornerbacks are deep. Nothing much at Strong Safety, but a quick look at the depth chart shows they shouldn't be playing much anyhow.

A familiar refrain - turnovers kill. We don't need to punt you the ball, we'll just fumble it away. The backbreaker was just before the half - we trail 21-3, but have moved the ball well; turned it over twice on our side of the field. Under a minute to play, and Haston tosses an ill-advised pass inside the ten yard line; LSU returns the pick 99 yards for a score. So rather than 21-10 with us receiving the ball after halftime, we trail 28-3.

Halftime: LSU 28, Georgia Tech 3

We come on strong in the fourth quarter, but I have a sneaking suspicion we were facing the second team defense. Either way, the stats get padded a bit, but we pick up an expected loss.

Final Score: LSU 42, Georgia Tech 24

Leading Passers:
GT QB LaShaun Haston 25-51, 480 yards, 3 TD, 2 Int
LSU QB Matt Mauck 13-20, 206 yards, 1 TD

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 14-74 yards
LSU HB Joseph Addai 22-130 yards, 4 TD

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 10 catches, 206 yards, 3 TD
GT WR Nate Curry 6 catches, 71 yards
GT TE Maurio Altman 3 catches, 104 yards
GT WR Gary Cooper 3 catches, 56 yards
LSU WR Bennie Brazell 6 catches, 74 yards
LSU WR Michael Clayton 3 catches, 105 yards, TD

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT FS James Butler 7 Tackles
GT MLB Anthony Blanks 6 Tackles (3 TFL)
LSU SS Jeff Cook 7 Tackles
LSU CB Travis Daniels 4 Tackles, Int, TD

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 10 catches, 206 yards, 3 TD
LSU HB Joseph Addai 22-130 yards, 4 TD

[Celeval]

Week Nine:

SI Cover:
MLB John Rudzinski, Air Force (Sr)
So Close!
Air Force hangs on to knock the Rams from the ranks of the unbeaten.

Top 10:
Not Getting it Done: Beavers return home after a 41-34 nightmare to Washington.
1. Oklahoma (33) (8-0): W 38-31 MIZZOU
2. Miami (23) (8-0): W 56-7 TEMPLE
3. NC State (1) (8-0): 38-3 CLEM
4. Virginia Tech (1) (7-0): W 41-13 WVU
5. LSU (1) (9-0): W 42-24 GT
6. USC (6-0): BYE
7. Texas (6-1): W 58-14 ISU
8. Ohio State (6-1): W 37-0 IOWA
9. Arkansas (7-0): W 44-14 UF
10. Maryland (6-1): BYE
UNR Georgia Tech (3-4): L 24-42 LSU

Dropped out of Top Ten: None

Bowl Rankings:
Hurricanes in the List?: Check out the latest movement in the Bowl Rankings
1. Miami: 4.83
2. Oklahoma: 6.37
3. NC State: 10.56
4. Virginia Tech: 11.56
5. LSU: 13.96
6. USC: 14.64
7. Ohio State: 18.03
8. Texas: 19.30

BCS Busters
UNR Fresno State (6-0, 2-0): W 31-19, Hawaii - Next: at Rice
#18 Colorado State (6-1, 2-1): L 24-31 Air Force

Heisman Watch:
Mid-season Form: McLendon has become a threat every week with the Wolfpack focus on the running game.
HB Sam Maldonado (Jr-RS), Maryland - 216-1369 Rushing, 6-68 Receiving, 11 TDs
HB T.A. McLendon (Jr), NC State - 126-671 Rushing, 15-164 Receiving, 12 TD
HB Jason Collins (So-RS), West Virginia - 211-1072 yards, 9-133 Receiving, 14 TD
HB Lonta Hobbs (Jr), TCU - 162-1045 Rushing, 22-335 Receiving, 14 TDs
HB David Horne (Jr), Nebraska - 209-1306-14 Rushing, 5-90 Receiving

Players of the Week:
(NCAA)
HB Lydell Ross, Ohio State (Sr): 47 carries, 272 yards, 4 TD
MLB Joe Lobendahn, Washington (Sr): 12 Tackles (1 TFL), Int, TD

(ACC)
WR Benjamin Holmes, Georgia Tech (So): 10 Receptions, 206 yards, 3 TD
CB Bryant McFadden, Florida State (Sr-RS): 6 Tackes (1 TFL), 2 Int

ACC Standings
1. NC State (8-0, 4-0): W 38-3 Clemson
2. Florida State (5-2, 4-1): W 38-21 Virginia
3. Virginia (4-3, 3-2): L, 21-38 Florida State
4. Maryland (6-1, 2-1): BYE
5. Clemson (4-3, 2-2): L 3-38 NC State
6. North Carolina (3-4, 1-2): BYE
7. Georgia Tech (3-4, 1-3): L 24-42 LSU
8. Wake Forest (3-4, 1-3): W, 42-21 Duke
9. Duke (1-6, 0-4): L, 21-42 Wake Forest

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr): 5 Tackles, 1 Int (23 Tackles, 3 Int, 4 Pass Defl Season)

[Vegas Vic]

Originally posted by Celeval
Big 12 Fight: Jackson and Sooners are confident after conference victory over Texas

What was Mack Brown's excuse this year? Perhaps that will be a built in feature for NCAA 2005.

[Celeval]

Week Nine Action:

Georgia Tech (3-4) at #10 Maryland (6-1)

Preview:
Maryland (6-1)
Overall: B+
Offense: B
Defense: B+
Special Teams: A+

Points Per Game: 31.7 (30th)
Total Offense: 468.9 (5th)
Rush Offense: 258.7 (6th)
Pass Offense: 210.2 (66th)
Total Defense: 330.4 (23rd)
Rush Defense: 93.1 (6th)
Pass Defense: 237.2 (74th)
Turnover Diff: -0.80 (98th)

Key Players:
HB S. Maldonado: 1369 Rush Yards
QB R. Gates: 1431 Pass Yards
WR Steve Suter: 569 Rec Yards

Maryland's stats are surprisingly similar to ours - points per game (31.1 (31st) and 31.7 (30th)), Total Offense (462.4 (6th) and 468.9 (5th)), Total Defense (338.8 (25th), 330.4 (23rd)), Rush Defense (91.4 (4th), 93.1 (6th)), and Pass Defense (247.4 (92nd) and 237.2 (74th)) are all directly the comparable. The big difference - and the reason for the difference in records - is our -3.20 per game turnover differential (117th).

In terms of Maryland the team, they're running a true freshman at quarterback - Robin Gates has thrown for 1400 yards (14/11 TD/Int), and is averaging 4.8 yards a carry. Their #1 running back is a Heisman Candidate (another one?); Sam Maldonado has rushed by himself for nearly as many yards as Gates has thrown for - indeed, he's only about 85 yards behind. Senior WR Steve Suter is a second team All-American, and LG C.J. Brooks (99 OVR) probably should have been. Defensively, their top cornerback is injured - Domonique Foxworth is a 96 OVR and not available for the game against us. Their three remaining CBs are no great shakes; and being that we're facing the single best Defensive Tackle we'll see all year (Randy Starks - 28 Tackles, 4 Sacks, 95 OVR), we'll probably be throwing a good bit.

Beautiful weather for a Thursday night game, and the stadium is packed. We start off playing well, moving the ball on offense and holding Maryland up on defense. We trail 7-0 after the first quarter, and 7-3 midway through the second before falling well behind. Again, just before halftime kills us - down 17-3 heading into the half is something I'm willing to deal with; but a 46-yard pass play to Suter, including three missed tackles, puts Maryland up three scores at the half.

Halftime: Maryland 24, Georgia Tech 3

The second half is a different story. Our first drive takes up nearly five minutes and ends in a touchdown - Jimmy Dixon's first. Swapping field goals in the third puts us down 27-13, and within two scores - then Ace Eziemefe breaks off a run with 7:20 on the clock to put us only back one at 27-20. Third and long for Maryland, and they break out an 80-yard play to get into the red zone. Novak with another field goal is 30-20 with six minutes to play. Another extended drive puts us third and goal from the 11 yard line. Benjamin Holmes comes open in the end zone... and drops the pass. Not only drops the pass, but drops it, and it's picked off by the free safety. Instead of pulling within one score either on a touchdown or a field goal, we're still down two scores. Maryland is able to run out the clock with a two-and-a-half minute drive to end the game, and we leave depressed after a solid effort.

Final Score: Maryland 30, Georgia Tech 20

Leading Passers:
GT QB LaShaun Haston 16-36, 259 yards, 0 TD, 2 Int
MARY QB Robin Gates 14-33, 311 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 16-58 yards, TD
GT FB Jimmy Dixon 11-41 yards, TD
MARY HB Mario Merrils 16-70 yards, TD
MARY HB Sam Maldonado 7-28 yards, TD

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Nate Curry 5-66 yards
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 4-74 yards
GT TE Maurio Altman 4-82 yards
MARY WR Ryan Hogan 4-118 yards
MARY WR Steve Suter 3-65 yards, TD

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT FS Jamar Simms 7 Tackles (1 TFL), Sack
MARY FS Raymond Custis 6 Tackles, Int
MARY MLB William Kershaw 6 Tackles, Int

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT K David Jordan: 2-2 FG (29 long), 2-2 XP
MARY K Nick Novak: 3-3 FG (45 long), 3-3 XP

[MrBug708]

Dude, you need a QB....

[Celeval]

Week Ten:

SI Cover:
MLB Caleb Miller, Arkanasas (Sr-RS)
Razorbacks Upset!
#9 Arkansas loses a shocker to SEC opponent Ole Miss 24-19.

Top 10:
Downed!: The SEC race takes an unexpected turn as Arkansas stumbles.
1. Oklahoma (34) (9-0): W 28-6 CU
2. Miami (22) (8-0): BYE
3. NC State (1) (9-0): W 41-7 DUKE
4. Virginia Tech (1) (7-0): BYE
5. USC (7-0): W 43-13 WASH
6. Texas (7-1): W 38-20 BAYLOR
7. Ohio State (7-1): W 48-13 IU
8. Maryland (7-1): W 30-20 GT
9. Tennessee (7-1): W 37-21 BAMA
10. Nebraska (7-1): W 42-7 ISU
UNR Georgia Tech (3-5): L 20-30 Maryland

Dropped out of Top Ten: #5 LSU, #9 Arkansas

Bowl Rankings:
In the Driver Seat: Miami's excited about the possibilities of playing in the championship game.
1. Miami: 4.73
2. Oklahoma: 5.91
3. NC State: 10.70
4. Virginia Tech: 11.67
5. USC: 12.08
6. Ohio State: 16.03
7. Texas 17.34
8. Maryland 21.84

BCS Busters
#19 Fresno State (7-0, 3-0): W 63-16, Rice - Next v. SMU

Heisman Watch:
Heisman Buzz Grows: No one is putting up better Heisman numbers than Maryland's Maldonado
HB Sam Maldonado (Jr-RS), Maryland - 223-1397 Rushing, 6-68 Receiving, 12 TDs
HB T.A. McLendon (Jr), NC State - 144-754 Rushing, 18-210 Receiving, 13 TD
HB David Horne (Jr), Nebraska - 237-1503-15 Rushing, 5-90 Receiving
HB Dwight Wright (Sr-RS), Oregon State - 1844 All-Purpose Yards, 12 TDs
HB Jason Collins (So-RS), West Virginia - 211-1072 yards, 9-133 Receiving, 14 TD

Players of the Week:
(NCAA)
HB Uluis Jaunarajs, Colorado State (Jr-RS): 45 carries, 209 yards, 4 TD
RE Jason Wardlow, Boise State (Jr): 6 Tackles (4 TFL), 4 sacks, 3 FF, 3 FR

(ACC)
HB Alvin Pearman, Virginia (Sr): 38 carries, 190 yards, 3 TD; 3 rec, 38 yards
MLB Leroy Hill, Clemson (Sr): 10 Tackles, 2 FF, 2 FR

ACC Standings
1. NC State (9-0, 5-0): W 41-7 Duke
2. Florida State (6-2, 5-1): W 42-25 Wake Forest
3. Maryland (7-1, 3-1): W 30-20 Georgia Tech
4. Clemson (5-3, 3-2): W 28-12 North Carolina
5. Virginia (5-3, 3-2): W, 44-0 Akron
6. North Carolina (3-5, 1-3): L 12-28 Clemson
7. Georgia Tech (3-5, 1-4): L 20-30 Maryland
8. Wake Forest (3-5, 1-4): L 25-42 Florida State
9. Duke (1-7, 0-5): L, 7-41 NC State

Award Semifinalists
Maxwell Award:
HB David Horne, Nebraska (Jr)
QB Matt Mauck, LSU (Sr-RS)
HB De'Arrius Howard, Arkansas (Jr-RS)
HB Lonta Hobbs, TCU (Jr)
HB Cedric Humes, Virginia Tech (Jr-RS)
HB Joseph Addai, LSU (Jr-RS)
HB Donta Jackson, Oklahoma (Jr-RS)
HB Darrell Blackman, NC State (Fr-RS)
HB Darnell Stephens, Air Force (Sr)
HB Sam Maldonado, Maryland (Jr-RS)
HB Brian Calhoun, Colorado (Jr)
HB T.A. McLendon, NC State (Jr)

Bednarik Award:
OLB Pat Thomas, NC State (Sr)
DE Marcus Spears, LSU (Sr)
OLB Manny Lawson, NC State (Jr)
DE Jeremy Van Alstyne, Michigan (Jr)
DE Matt Sanders, Louisville (So-RS)
DT Vince Wilfolk, Miami (Sr)
CB Marcus Hudson, NC State (Sr)
MLB Caleb Miller, Arkansas (Sr-RS)
OLB Clarke Moore, Arkansas (Jr-RS)
DE Bill Swancutt, Oregon State (Sr)
MLB Robert Watts, Utah State (Sr-RS)
DE Dan Cody, Oklahoma (Sr-RS)

T Nat Dorsey (Sr) has been named a Semi-Finalist for Best OL

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr): Bye Week (23 Tackles, 3 Int, 4 Pass Defl Season)

[Celeval]

Originally posted by MrBug708
Dude, you need a QB....

Well, most of the QB mistakes now are because I'm passing the ball. The QBs are wild enough that passes will go awry - but with Haston in there, it happens much less often than with Bilbo; so I'm happy about that.

What I need is a defense. More specifically, what I need, is a pass defense.

[Celeval]

Week Eleven:

We have a bye week to prepare for the last run in the schedule. We need at least 3 of 4 from Duke, UNC, Virginia, and Georgia - not an easy road to plow.

SI Cover:
Coach, Virginia Tech
Smash Mouthed!
Hurricanes knock off previously-unbeated Virginia Tech 34-17.

Top 10:
Stunned!: The shocker of the week is #3 NC State falling to ACC rival Virginia.
1. Oklahoma (36) (10-0): W 35-31 OK ST
2. Miami (22) (9-0): W 34-17 VT
3. USC (8-0): W 30-10 WSU
4. Ohio State (8-1): W 52-31 PSU
5. Nebraska (9-1): W 34-6 TEXAS
6. Maryland (8-1): W 34-16 UNC
7. Tennessee (8-1): W 60-3 DUKE
8. Virginia Tech (7-1): L 17-34 MIAMI
9. LSU (9-1): BYE
10. Georgia (6-2): W 37-14 UF
UNR Georgia Tech (3-5): BYE
Dropped out of Top Ten: #3 North Carolina State, #6 Texas

Bowl Rankings:
Will They Be There?: The lastest bowl rankings have Miami playing for the National Title
1. Miami: 3.15
2. Oklahoma: 6.24
3. USC: 8.51
4. Ohio State: 10.06
5. Nebraska: 13.48
6. Maryland 18.16
7. Tennessee: 18.40
8. Virginia Tech: 20.17

BCS Busters
#3 USC (8-0, 5-0): W 30-10 Washington State, Next at #16 Oregon State
#17 Fresno State (8-0, 4-0): W 51-10 SMU, Next v. Nevada

Heisman Watch:
Watch Out!: Horne has rushed for 1725 yards and 17 TD in his Junior Year
HB Sam Maldonado (Jr-RS), Maryland - 235-1465 Rushing, 6-68 Receiving, 13 TDs
HB De'Arrius Howard (Jr-RS), Arkansas - 186-1116 Rushing, 14-270 Receiving 18 TDs
HB David Horne (Jr), Nebraska - 274-1725-17 Rushing, 6-101 Receiving
HB Dwight Wright (Sr-RS), Oregon State - 2042 All-Purpose Yards, 14 TDs
HB T.A. McLendon (Jr), NC State - 160-840 Rushing, 19-216 Receiving, 13 TD

Players of the Week:
(NCAA)
HB Lydell Ross, Ohio State (Sr) - 51 carries, 306 yards, 4 TD; 3 rec, 51 yards
RE Eric Moore, Florida State (Sr): 8 tackles (1 TFL), Sack, FF, FR

(ACC)
HB Alvin Pearman, Virginia (Sr): 37 carries, 156 yards, 4 Rec, 43 yards, 2 TDs
RE Eric Moore, Florida State (Sr): 8 tackles (1 TFL), Sack, FF, FR

ACC Standings
1. NC State (9-1, 5-1): L 25-37, Virginia
2. Florida State (7-2, 5-1): W 47-27. Southern Mississippi
3. Maryland (8-1, 4-1): W 34-16 North Carolina
4. Clemson (6-3, 4-2): W 26-10 Wake Forest
5. Virginia (6-3, 4-2): W, 37-25 NC State
6. Georgia Tech (3-5, 1-4): BYE
7. North Carolina (3-6, 1-4): L 16-34 Maryland
8. Wake Forest (3-6, 1-5): L 10-26 Clemson
9. Duke (1-8, 0-5): L, 3-60 Tennessee

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr): 2 Tackles, 3 Passes Deflected (25 Tackles, 3 Int, 7 Pass Defl Season)

[Celeval]

Week Twelve Action:

Duke (1-8) at Georgia Tech (3-5)

Preview:
Duke (1-8)
Overall: C
Offense: C-
Defense: C+
Special Teams: C+

Points Per Game: 11.9 (114th)
Total Offense: 267.7 (113th)
Rush Offense: 91.5 (106th)
Pass Offense: 185.2 (86th)
Total Defense: 514.8 (117th)
Rush Defense: 226.2 (114th)
Pass Defense: 288.6 (115th)
Turnover Diff: -0.20 (72nd)

Key Players:
OLB Aguano, 57 tackles
DE Martin, 50 Tackles
WR Sharpe, 686 Rec. Yards

After finishing in front of North Carolina last season, Duke is back to their regular position as doormat of the ACC. Their best player is on the defensive line - Senior Orrin Thompson (76 OVR) has 31 tackles and 2 sacks on the year. There is hope, as two decent true freshmen running backs have combined for 650 yards between them. The (slightly) better of the two is injured, and we get Dylan Glover up against us - he's averaging 3.4 yards per carry on the season.

A safety and a punt return for a touchdown in the first half. Also four interceptions... okay, I was getting greedy. We were never in danger in this one.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 19, Duke 0

Heh. I spoke too soon. Not for the score, but for our quarterback - LaShaun Haston is out, he'll be gone for six weeks (strained back). It'll be Bilbo the rest of the way. He already has an interception by this point (Haston was hurt for some of the second quarter as well), but throws a pair more before the end of the game. Not fun. Of course, he didn't fail to complete a pass the entire game!

Final Score: Georgia Tech 40, Duke 21

Leading Passers:
GT QB LaShaun Haston 9-18, 154 yards, 4 Int
GT QB Damarius Bilbo 6-10, 146 yards, 3 Int
DUKE QB Adam Smith 12-19, 183 yards, 2 TD, 4 Sacks
DUKE QB Chris Dapolito 9-17, 92 yards, 4 Sacks

I've got to admit, I was playing this one after midnight, with a desire to get some damn passing going. I pushed more than a few of those passes through - and I'm regretting it with Haston done for the season.

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 19-162 yards, TD
GT FB Jimmy Dixon 10-30 yards, 2 TD
DUKE HB Dylan Glover 15-24 yards (Long 33 - this with under a minute to play)
DUKE WR Godfrey Dalton 1-4 yards
DUKE HB Cedric Dargan 1-3 yards
DUKE QB Adam Smith 10-(-17) yards
DUKE QB Chris Dapaliot 4-(-28) yards

Duke ends with -14 yards rushing. This was -47 with a minute to play, before Glover broke off a 33-yarder.

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Nate Curry 7-86 yards
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 3-98 yards
GT TE Maurio Altman 3-74 yards
DUKE WR Lance Johnson 6-79 yards, TD
DUKE WR Charlie Johnson 5-73 yards, TD

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT CB Venice Gilliam 8 Tackles
GT OLB Kingi McNair 7 Tackles (6 TFL), 4 Sacks
GT MLB Trent Ball 6 Tackles (4 TFL), 2 Sacks
DUKE CB Kenneth Stanford 10 Tackles
DUKE FS Alex Green 7 Tackles (1 TFL), Int
DUKE OLB Guiseppe Aguanno 3 Tackles (3 TFL), 3 Sacks
DUKE SS Mark Thompson 3 Tackles, 4 Int
DUKE WR Senterrio Landrum 2 Tackles, 2 Int, Def. TD

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT OLB Kingi McNair 7 Tackles (6 TFL), 4 Sacks
DUKE SS Mark Thompson 3 Tackles, 4 Int

[Celeval]

Week Twelve:

SI Cover:
Coach, Georgia
Tough Loss
Georgia is stunned in a nail-biter to Notre Dame.

Top 10:
So Close!: Notre Dame defeats #10 Georgia in one of the largets upsets in school history.
1. Oklahoma (39) (11-0): W 36-6 TAMU
2. Miami (20) (9-0): BYE
3. Ohio State (9-1): W 49-19 MSU
4. Nebraska (10-1): W 44-30 KU
5. Maryland (8-1): BYE
6. Tennessee (8-1): BYE
7. Virginia Tech (8-1): W 38-6 PITT
8. LSU (9-1): BYE
9. USC (8-1): L 14-29 OR ST
10. NC State (9-1): BYE
20. Georgia (6-2): L 17-23 ND
UNR Georgia Tech (4-5): W 40-21 DUKE
Dropped out of Top Ten: #10 Georgia

Bowl Rankings:
Can They Do It? Hurricanes are slated to play in the championship game at season's end
1. Miami: 2.46
2. Oklahoma: 6.04
3. Ohio State: 8.30
4. Nebraska: 11.86
5. Maryland 15.92
6. Tennessee: 17.18
7. Virginia Tech: 17.85
8. USC: 20.50

BCS Busters
USC (8-0, 5-0): L 14-29, Oregon State
Fresno State (8-0, 4-0): L 6-20, Nevada

Heisman Watch:
Heisman Hopeful: Maldonado is the biggest reason why the 8-1 Terrapins are playing well in 2004
HB David Horne (Jr), Nebraska - 303-1921-20 Rushing, 7-126 Receiving
HB Sam Maldonado (Jr-RS), Maryland - 235-1465 Rushing, 6-68 Receiving, 13 TDs
HB De'Arrius Howard (Jr-RS), Arkansas - 194-1167 Rushing, 14-270 Receiving 18 TDs
HB Dwight Wright (Sr-RS), Oregon State - 2178 All-Purpose Yards, 14 TDs
WR Josh Davis (Sr-RS), Marshall - 2081 All-Purpose Yards, 12 TDs

Players of the Week:
(NCAA)
HB Maurice Clarett (Jr), Ohio State: 29 Carries, 222 yards, 4 TD; 2 Rec, 27 yards
OLB Spencer Toone (Jr), Utah: 8 Tackles, 2 Int, TD

(ACC)
HB Lorenzo Booker (So-RS), Florida State: 24 carries, 144 yards, 2 TD; 2 Rec, 43 yards
SS Mark Thompson (Jr-RS), Duke: 3 Tackles, 4 Int

ACC Standings
1. Florida State (8-2, 6-1): W 41-18 Clemson
2. NC State (9-1, 5-1): BYE
3. Maryland (8-1, 4-1): BYE
4. Virginia (6-3, 4-2): BYE
5. Clemson (6-4, 4-3): L 18-41 Florida State
6. Georgia Tech (4-5, 2-4): W, 40-21 Duke
7. North Carolina (4-6, 2-4): W 17-14 Wake Forest
8. Wake Forest (3-7, 1-6): L 14-17 North Carolina
9. Duke (1-9, 0-6): L, 21-40 Georgia Tech

Bowl Projections
Tangerine Bowl: Missouri (3-7) at Clemson (6-4)
Continental Tire Bowl: Georgia Tech (4-5) at Pittsburgh (5-4)
Gator Bowl: Virginia Tech (8-1) at NC State (9-1)
Peach Bowl: Auburn (7-3) at Virginia (6-3)
Rose Bowl: UCLA (8-1) at Ohio State (9-1)
Fiesta Bowl: Maryland (8-1) at Nebraska (10-1)
Sugar Bowl: Florida State (8-2) at Tennessee (8-1)
Orange Bowl: Oklahoma (11-0) at Miami (9-0)

Awards Finalists
Maxwell Award:
HB David Horne, Nebraska (Jr)
HB De'Arrius Howard, Arkansas (Jr)
QB Matt Mauck, LSU (Sr-RS)

Best QB:
QB Paul Thompson, Oklahoma (So-RS)
QB Matt Mauck, LSU (Sr-RS)
QB Andrew Walter, Arizona State (Sr-RS)

Best RB:
HB David Horne, Nebraska (Jr)
HB De'Arrius Howard, Arkansas (Jr)
HB Cory Ross, Nebraska (Jr)

Best WR:
WR Britton Komine, Hawaii (Sr-RS)
WR Bill Flowers, Ole Miss (Sr-RS)
WR Will Peoples, Oklahoma (Sr-RS)

Best OL:
T Nat Dorsey, Georgia Tech (Sr)
T Shawn Andrews, Arkansas (Sr)
T Bryce Cowan, Nebraska (Fr)

Bedarnik Award:
OLB Pat Thomas, NC State (Sr)
DE Marcus Spears, LSU (Sr)
DT Vince Wilfork, Miami (Sr)

Best DL:
DE Brady Poppinga, BYU (Sr)
DE Marcus Spears, LSU (Sr)
DT Vince Wilfork, Miami (Sr)

Best LB:
OLB Pat Thomas, NC State (Sr)
MLB Caleb Miller, Arkansas (Sr-RS)
OLB Manny Lawson, NC State (Jr)

Thorpe:
FS Jaxson Appel, Texas A&M (Jr-RS)
FS Marvel Underwood, San Diego State (Sr-RS)
CB Brandon Cathy, Colorado State (So-RS)

Groza:
K Dusty Magnum, Texas (Sr)
K Kevin McKinney, NC State (Fr)
K Michael Baker, Buffalo (Jr-RS)

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr): BYE (25 Tackles, 3 Int, 7 Pass Defl Season)

[MrBug708]

Go UCLA!

[Celeval]

Well, my laptop crashed while I was playing the UNC game, so the thread misses out on my insightful pre-game commentary. Quick notes:

o UNC ain't great, but ain't bad
o Bilbo is starting, SS Dawan Landry (a converted QB) is our backup
o We need to run the ball, since their run D sucks.

Ace Eziemefe has an outstanding game - breaking off a couple long runs; although he gets caught from behind eventually on all of them. He's not the fastest guy - but I'm drooling over getting someone with serious speed in the backfield. Must make a note of it.

I'm much better playing this game awake. We play very well - Bilbo throws a pair of interceptions; but one was on an end-of-half Hail Mary, and the other was tipped. I've caught onto audibling extra players into blocking - the RB, TE, or slot receiver - out of necessity, since I don't want to get Bilbo hurt too. That's helped a ton, and I'm beginning to realize how many of my bad throws were thrown because I had to rush it and pick someone; or I was on the run. We're up three scores heading into the fourth quarter, and put Dawan Landry in to see how he does - not great, but not outstanding either. 1-4 passing. The Tarheels score twice in the final minute to put a scare into us, but we draw even at a 5-5 record.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 38, North Carolina 31

Leading Passers:
GT QB Damarius Bilbo 10-14, 245 yards, 2 TD, 2 Int
UNC QB Matt Baker 20-35, 402 yards, 3 TD, 2 Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 32-202 yards, TD
GT FB Jimmy Dixon 8-35 yards, TD
UNC HB Jacque Lewis 14-44 yards, TD

Leading Receivers:
GT TE Maurio Altman 3-57 yards, TD
GT WR Nate Curry 3-61 yards
GT WR Levon Thomas 1-83 yards, TD
UNC WR Jarwarski Pollock 9-207 yards, TD

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT MLB Anthony Blanks 11 Tackles (2 TFL), Sack
GT DT Travis Parker 3 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks
GT CB Rueben Houston 3 Tackles, Int, 3 Pass Defls.
UNC FS Chris Curry 9 Tackles (1 TFL), 2 Int

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 32-202 yards, TD
UNC QB Matt Baker 20-35, 402 yards, 3 TD, 2 Int

[MrBug708]

I'm assuming a heavy emphasis on DB's in this next recruiting class?

[Celeval]

Yes. Corners. Safeties. With speed.

Kevin

[Celeval]

Week Thirteen:

SI Cover:
HB Brandon Jacobs, Auburn (Jr-RS)
Time to Celebrate!
Jacobs and Auburn knock off SEC opponent Georgia 34-14.

Top 10:
Too Little, Too Late: Oregon State can't overcome the road crowd, loses 24-6 to Stanford.
1. Oklahoma (34) (12-0): W 45-7 BAYLOR
2. Miami (25) (10-0): W 30-10 SU
3. Ohio State (10-1): W 42-10 PURDUE
4. Nebraska (11-1): W 37-7 KSU
5. Maryland (9-1): W 33-7 UVA
6. Tennessee (9-1): W 52-30 MISS ST
7. Virginia Tech (9-1): W 45-0 TEMPLE
8. LSU (10-1): W 42-38 BAMA
9. USC (9-1): W 27-10 ARIZONA
10. Auburn (8-3): W 34-14 UGA
23. Georgia (6-3): L 14-34 AUBURN
UNR Georgia Tech (5-5): W 38-31 UNC

Dropped out of Top Ten: #10 North Carolina State

Bowl Rankings:
Title Bound?: The Gore-led Hurricanes are looking at a potential NC appearance.
1. Miami: 2.82
2. Oklahoma: 6.44
3. Ohio State: 8.66
4. Nebraska: 11.63
5. Maryland 15.37
6. Tennessee: 16.92
7. Virginia Tech: 17.89
8. LSU: 20.38

Heisman Watch:
Making a Statement!: Horne has rushed for 2117 yards and 20 TD in his Junior year.
HB David Horne (Jr), Nebraska - 335-2117-20 Rushing, 10-50-1 Receiving
HB Maurice Clarett (Jr), Ohio State - 1999 All-Purpose Yards, 16 TDs
HB Sam Maldonado (Jr-RS), Maryland - 247-1516 Rushing, 7-101 Receiving, 13 TDs
HB T.A. McLendon (Jr), NC State - 177-903 Rushing, 22-256 Receiving, 15 TDs
HB De'Arrius Howard (Jr-RS), Arkansas - 194-1167 Rushing, 14-270 Receiving 18 TDs

Players of the Week:
(NCAA)
HB Jabari Davis (Sr), Tennessee: 20 carries, 111 yards; 2 rec, 11 yards; 5 TDs
OLB Roy Manning (Sr-RS), Michigan: 13 Tackles (3 TFL), 2 Sacks, FF, TD

(ACC)
HB Mario Merrills (Jr-RS), Maryland: 31 carries, 118 yards, 3 TD; 2 rec, 17 yards
OLB Kai Parham (So-RS), Virginia: 11 Tackles (2 TFL), Int, TD

ACC Standings
1. Florida State (9-2, 7-1): W 49-28 North Carolina State
3. Maryland (9-1, 5-1): W 33-7 Virginia
2. NC State (9-2, 5-2): L 28-49 Florida State
5. Clemson (7-4, 5-3): W 47-7 Duke
4. Virginia (6-4, 4-3): L 7-33 Maryland
6. Georgia Tech (5-5, 3-4): W 38-31 North Carolina
7. North Carolina (4-7, 2-5): L 31-38 Georgia Tech
8. Wake Forest (3-7, 1-6): BYE
9. Duke (1-10, 0-7): L, 7-47 Clemson

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr): 3 Tackles, Pass Defl (28 Tackles, 3 Int, 8 Pass Defl Season)

[MizzouRah]

Have you changed slider settings since the dynasties inception?


Todd

[Celeval]

Once halfway through the first season; the changes are reflected in the first post of the dynasty.

I'm going to be making some more slider changes during the offseason - penalties for certain, possibly some general tweaking; but not until the offseason.

Kevin

[Celeval]

Week Fourteen Action:

Virginia (6-4) at Georgia Tech (5-5)

Preview:
Virginia (6-4)
Overall: B
Offense: B
Defense: B
Special Teams: B+

Points Per Game: 27.8 (40th)
Total Offense: 393.1 (45th)
Rush Offense: 160.9 (51st)
Pass Offense: 232.2 (49th)
Total Defense: 341.4 (26th)
Rush Defense: 133.0 (28th)
Pass Defense: 208.4 (46th)
Turnover Diff: -0.20 (76th)

Key Players:
OLB K. Parham: 73 Tackles
DE C. Canty: 50 Tackles
HB A. Pearman: 543 Rush Yards

Possibly the game to decide our season, we come home for a matchup against the Cavaliers needing that home field advantage. Virginia has cracked the top 25 a couple of times this season, although not quite there at this point. Offensively, they have four quarterbacks who could push for playing time; the starter is redshirt sophmore Anthony Martinez. Martinez (77 OVR) is an accurate passer - completing 121 of 226 for 1600 yards and 14 TDs against 8 interceptions. His receiving corps is unspectacular, but we've been burnt by decent corps before. The focus of this offense is the running backs; headlined by on-again, off-again Heisman candidate Wali Lundy. Lundy is carrying for a 6.3 ypc average, but with only four touchdowns. He's shared carries with Michael Johnson (314 yards - injured) and Alvin Pearman (543 yards, 5 TDs). On defense, we're looking at an extremely strong defensive line anchored by an All-American at Right End - Chris Canty has 50 tackles and 9 sacks. The secondary is decent but not great.

Our strategy is similar to the Carolina game - Bilbo behind center with Landry an emergency in the wings. In case of catastrophe, we can take off Burnett's redshirt, but I don't want to do that at this point in the season. To keep DeBo safe, we'll be audibling backs in to block during passing downs - a good bet against this defensive line to begin with.

Bah. Damarius Bilbo is not the answer to this Georgia Tech team. It's killing me, here. He just isn't making the throws Haston could while healthy. After interceptions on three of the first four drives (and negative total yards rushing), we trail 21-0 in the second quarter. Oh, and we've lost Ace Eziemefe for the rest of the season (torn pectoral). We finally show life in the second quarter, getting the ground game going some, and a great catch by Benji Holmes puts us on the board for the second time in under a minute to end the half.

Halftime: Virginia 21, Georgia Tech 10

We immediately turn the ball over (P.J. Daniels fumbles) and give up a touchdown to fall behind 28-10. Bilbo is still throwing regular interceptions, but the defense somehow keeps us in the game - looking back, we don't allow anything other than a three-and-out the entire second half. Still, movement up the field. 28-17. With three minutes to play and a fourth-and-thirteen at the UVa 30, we elect to kick, and move to 28-20. I-Perfection Harris just... misses... an onside kick, so we have to wait out the Cavelier attack. Three incomplete passes later (a surprise mistake by the AI), and we get the ball back. Bilbo promptly throws an interception. So we wait UVa out again, using all three timeouts... under 30 to play, and no timeouts. One complete pass over the middle, and we're at midfield with the clock running. A deep incompletion (towards Curry), and we're at 0:04 with fifty yards to go for a chance to tie. The deep ball toward Holmes is tipped away, and we drop a game that we should have been closer to. Too. Many. Interceptions. I think this game made the decision for me to move the defensive sliders next season, nobody is really this bad.

Final Score: Virginia 28, Georgia Tech 20

Greatness Score: 333 (#5)

Leading Passers:
GT QB Damarius Bilbo 20-42, 325 yards, 2 TD, 6 Int
UVA QB Anthony Martinez 10-25, 134 yards, 2 TD

Leading Rushers:
GT HB P.J. Daniels 13-40
GT FB Jimmy Dixon 5-27
UVA HB Wali Lundy 17-80, TD

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 6-118 yards, 2 TD
UVA WR Ron Morton 5-70 yads

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT MLB Anthony Blanks 5 Tackles (1 TFL)
UVA SS Joey Sands 7 Tackles (2 TFL), Sack
UVA CB Robbie Catterton 6 Tackles, 2 Int

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 6-118 yards, 2 TD
UVA CB Robbie Catterton 6 Tackles, 2 Int

[tucker342]

Damn tough loss!

[Celeval]

Week Fourteen:

SI Cover:
HB Joseph Addai, LSU (Jr-RS)
Rivals Collide
THe #8 Tigers flirt disaster against rival Ole Miss.

Top 10:
Whoa!: Los Angeles is deathly quiet following the upset loss to the hated Bruins.
1. Oklahoma (34) (13-0): W 34-3 TXTECH
2. Miami (25) (11-0): W 37-6 RU
3. Ohio State (11-1): W 49-16 MICH
4. Nebraska (11-1): BYE
5. Tennessee (10-1): W 34-24 VANDY
6. Virginia Tech (10-1): W 30-6 BC
7. LSU (11-1): W 44-41 MISS
8. Auburn (9-3): W 45-20 BAMA
9. Texas (9-2): BYE
10. Florida State (9-2): BYE
21. Georgia (7-3): W 31-10 UK
UNR Georgia Tech (5-6): L 28-20 UVA

Dropped out of Top Ten: #5 Maryland, #9 USC

Bowl Rankings:
Alive and Well: Miami's excited about the possibilities of playing in the championship game
1. Miami: 3.70
2. Oklahoma: 6.46
3. Ohio State: 8.46
4. Nebraska: 11.75
5. Tennessee: 15.58
6. Virginia Tech: 15.80
7. LSU: 18.45
8. Auburn 18.97

Heisman Watch:
Heisman BUzz Grows: If the Buckeyes keep on winning, Clarett supporters will continue to grow.
HB David Horne (Jr), Nebraska - 335-2117-20 Rushing, 10-50-1 Receiving
HB Maurice Clarett (Jr), Ohio State - 2330 All-Purpose Yards, 17 TDs
HB T.A. McLendon (Jr), NC State - 196-1021 Rushing, 23-263 Receiving, 16 TDs
HB Jason Collins (So-RS), West Virginia - 2770 All-Purpose Yards, 18 TDs
HB De'Arrius Howard (Jr-RS), Arkansas - 209-1230 Rushing, 14-270 Receiving, 19 TDs

Players of the Week:
(NCAA)
HB Frederick Collins (Jr), San Diego State - 15-65 Rushing, 4 TDs
OLB Derek Wake (Sr-RS), Penn State - 7 Tackles (2 TFL), Sack, Int, TD

(ACC)
QB Matt Baker (Jr-RS), North Carolina - 21-35, 247 yards, 4 TDs
CB Lamont Reid (Sr), North Carolina State - 4 Tackles, 2 Int, FF, FR

ACC Standings
1. Florida State (9-2, 7-1): BYE
2. NC State (10-2, 6-2): W 27-17 Maryland
3. Maryland (9-2, 5-2): L 17-27 NC State
4. Clemson (8-4, 5-3): W 29-22 South Carolina
5. Virginia (7-4, 5-3): W 28-20 Georgia Tech
6. Georgia Tech (5-6, 3-5): L 20-28 Virginia
7. North Carolina (5-7, 3-5): W 47-28 Duke
8. Wake Forest (4-7, 1-6): W, 35-16 Notre Dame
9. Duke (1-11, 0-8): L, 28-47 North Carolina

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr): 2 Tackles (30 Tackles, 3 Int, 8 Pass Defl Season)

[Celeval]

Week Fifteen Action:

Georgia Tech (5-6) at #21 Georgia (7-4)
Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate

Preview:
Georgia (7-4)
Overall: B+
Offense: B+
Defense: B+
Special Teams: B+

Points Per Game: 31.8 (27th)
Total Offense: 443.0 (17th)
Rush Offense: 195.8 (25th)
Pass Offense: 247.2 (36th)
Total Defense: 329.4 (21st)
Rush Defense: 138.6 (36th)
Pass Defense: 190.8 (23rd)
Turnover Diff: +0.80 (14th)

Key Players:
QB Shockley: 2559 Pass Yards
HB Browning: 734 Rush Yards
WR Hicks: 8 Rec TDs

The game of the year, every year. The Georgia game. After being embarressed for the last two seasons, we travel to Sanford Stadium as pretty solid underdogs. We'd like nothing better than to knock them out of the top 25, but they'd like nothing better than to keep us from going bowling, so this has enough meaning on both sides. The Bulldogs are led by redshirt Junior D.J. Shockley (91 OVR), an option quarterback similar to Bilbo but more accurate (23 TD, 11 Int). At least we're not facing David Greene, who burned us for seven touchdown passes last season. Shockley also has 3 rushing TDs, and is averaging 4.9 yards/carry. The top halfback is Tony Milton; but he is out for the season so we'll be facing Sophmore Tyson Browning. Browning is a scatback type with great speed; but not so good between the tackles. He has just over 700 yards on the year. There isn't a standout receiver like Fred Gibson last year; there are three WRs over 450 yards but none over 600. Domingo Hicks is the top guy with 564 yards and 8 scores. The stud on the offensive line (Max Jean-Gilles) is also hurt; which leaves them just solid.

Junior Kedric Golston (91 OVR) is the latest in the line of NFL-caliber defensive linemen coming out of Georgia; he has 32 tackles and 6 sacks on the season. He had 6 in 2003 as well, and is looking to bump that up. MLB Chris Shaw (90 OVR) owns the middle of the field, but is coming off injury. The final piece of the puzzle for the Dawgs is their true freshman cornerback J.B. Gant - out of the game for injury as well. He's the best on the squad; and that leaves Georgia with a very thin secondary; although talented.

Our game plan is to leave it all on the table. We're planning to try and keep some semblance of a ground game; but with an opportunity in the secondary and Eziemefe's injury, we may have more success through the air.

Kirk Herbstreit predicts the Bulldogs by two touchdowns; Corso agrees.

Georgia wins the toss and elects to receive - and FUMBLE! But Georgia recovers. Damn. Still, we get a three-and-out on the first series. I-Perfection Harris comes up with maybe his best punt return of the season - we start on the UGA 37. We pick up two yards, and try a 52-yard field goal... perhaps a mistake, as Jordan misses it short two yards. Another three and out by the Bulldogs leads to Bilbo's traditional first quarter interception (to Chris Shaw), but our defense is playing well. In fact, they're playing outstanding. Neither team can get something going; both teams get inside the fifty, and each start from inside their own 10. Finally the Bulldogs get first blood - catching a seam on 3rd and 17 with under a minute left in the half for a touchdown and the first score of the day. Bilbo then tosses an interception returned to the three yard line; which, of course, goes in for a score just before the half.

Halftime: Georgia 14, Georgia Tech 0

We're still within striking distance of this game, if we can solve some of this Georgia defense. Early on - we can't. Bilbo's third pick, and a 21-0 lead. The game gets out of hand soon after, with three Georgia scores in the third quarter. We pick up a score late in the game to avoid the goose egg, but that's going to be all, folks.

Final Score: Georgia 45, Georgia Tech 7

Leading Passers:
GT QB Damarius Bilbo 18-42, 187 yards, TD, 5 Int
UGA QB D.J. Shockley 19-34, 306 yards, 2 TD

Leading Rushers:
GT HB P.J. Daniels 9-9
GT FB Jimmy Dixon 3-5
UGA HB Tyson Browning 18-37, TD
UGA FB Blake Cross 6-18, 2 TD

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 6-51, TD
GT TE Maurio Altman 4-38
UGA WR Domingo Hicks 7-146

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT FS Jamar Simms 7 Tackles
UGA CB DeMario Minter 6 Tackles (TFL), 2 Int

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT FS Jamar Simms 7 Tackles, FF, FR
UGA QB D.J. Shockley 19-34, 306 yards, 2 TD

[Celeval]

Week Fifteen:

SI Cover:
WR Akiemm Jolla, Miami (So-RS)
Heading for the Title
Miami has secured one of the two spots in the championship game.

Top 10:
Dazed and Confused: #9 Texas loses a stunner to Texas A&M in the annual Lone Star Showdown.
1. Oklahoma (36) (13-0): BYE
2. Miami (23) (12-0): W 41-24 PITT
3. Ohio State (11-1): BYE
4. Nebraska (12-1): W 45-31 CU
5. Tennessee (11-1): W 24-6 UK
6. Virginia Tech (11-1): W 30-20 UVA
7. Auburn (9-3): BYE
8. Florida State (10-2): W 51-21 UF
9. Arkansas (11-1); W 34-16 LSU
10. NC State (10-2): BYE
20. Georgia (8-3): W 45-7 GT
UNR Georgia Tech (5-7): L 7-45 UGA

Dropped out of Top Ten: #7 LSU, #9 Texas

Bowl Rankings:
Clinched It!: Hurricanes clinch a spot in the National Championship game.
1. Miami: 3.70
2. Oklahoma: 6.56
3. Ohio State: 8.50
4. Nebraska: 11.93
5. Tennessee: 15.31
6. Virginia Tech: 15.64
7. Auburn: 18.44
8. Arkansas: 18.87

Heisman Watch:
Closer to the Heisman?: No one is putting up better Heisman numbers than Nebraska's Horne
HB David Horne (Jr), Nebraska - 357-2246-20 Rushing, 10-150-1 Receiving
HB Maurice Clarett (Jr), Ohio State - 2330 All-Purpose Yards, 17 TDs
Hb Jason Collins (So-RS), West Virginia - 3037 All-Purpose Yards, 19 TDs
HB T.A. McLendon (Jr), NC State - 196-1021 Rushing, 23-263 Receiving, 16 TDs
HB De'Arrius Howard (Jr-RS), Arkansas - 219-1273 Rushing, 14-270 Receiving, 19 TDs

Players of the Week:
(NCAA)
HB Walter Reyes (Sr-RS), Syracuse: 22 carries, 224 yards, 4 TD; 2 Rec, 27 yards, TD
MLB Ryan Brown (Fr), UCF: 11 Tackles (3 TFL), Sack, FF, FR

(ACC)
QB Robin Gates (Fr), Maryland: 12-17, 257 yards, 7 car, 40 yards, 6 TDs
FS Kyler Hall (Sr), Florida State: 3 Tackles, Int, TD

ACC Standings
1. Florida State (10-2, 7-1): W 41-21 Florida
2. NC State (10-2, 6-2): BYE
3. Maryland (10-2, 6-2): BYE
4. Clemson (8-4, 5-3): BYE
5. Virginia (7-5, 5-3): L 20-0, Virginia Tech
6. Georgia Tech (5-7, 3-5): L 7-45, Georgia
7. North Carolina (5-7, 3-5): BYE
8. Wake Forest (4-7, 1-7): L 20-59, Maryland
9. Duke (1-11, 0-8): BYE

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr): 5 Tackles, 2 Pass Defl (35 Tackles, 3 Int, 10 Pass Defl Season)

[Celeval]

Week Sixteen:

Our season is over.

SI Cover:
DT Tommie Harris, Oklahoma (Sr)
Let's Settle This
The Big 12 Championship features #1 Oklahoma against #4 Nebraska.

Top 10:
A Job Well Done: Gore and the Hurricanes celebrate winning the Big East Championship
1. Oklahoma (35) (13-0): BYE
2. Miami (24) (12-0): BYE
3. Ohio State (11-1): BYE
4. Nebraska (12-1): BYE
5. Tennessee (11-1): BYE
6. Virginia Tech (11-1): BYE
7. Auburn (9-3): BYE
8. Florida State (10-2): BYE
9. Arkansas (11-1): BYE
10. NC State (10-2): BYE
20. Georgia (8-3): BYE
UNR Georgia Tech (5-7): BYE

Dropped out of Top Ten: None

Bowl Rankings:
Go Hurricanes!: The latest Bowl Rankings have Miami playing for the National Title.
1. Miami: 3.66
2. Oklahoma: 6.56
3. Ohio State: 8.54
4. Nebraska: 11.93
5. Tennessee: 15.27
6. Virginia Tech: 15.64
7. Auburn: 18.44
8. Arkansas: 18.75

Heisman Watch:
The Real Deal: If the Buckeyes keep winning, Clarett supporters will continue to grow.
HB David Horne (Jr), Nebraska - 357-2246-20 Rushing, 10-150-1 Receiving
HB Maurice Clarett (Jr), Ohio State - 2330 All-Purpose Yards, 17 TDs
Hb Jason Collins (So-RS), West Virginia - 3037 All-Purpose Yards, 19 TDs
HB T.A. McLendon (Jr), NC State - 196-1021 Rushing, 23-263 Receiving, 16 TDs
HB De'Arrius Howard (Jr-RS), Arkansas - 219-1273 Rushing, 14-270 Receiving, 19 TDs

Players of the Week:
(NCAA)
QB Timmy Chang (Sr-RS), Hawaii: 22-32, 314 yards, 6 TDs
FS Matt Manuma (Sr-RS), Hawaii: 2 Tackles, FF, TD

(ACC)
[No Games]

ACC Standings
1. Florida State (10-2, 7-1): BYE
2. NC State (10-2, 6-2): BYE
3. Maryland (10-2, 6-2): BYE
4. Clemson (8-4, 5-3): BYE
5. Virginia (7-5, 5-3): BYE
6. Georgia Tech (5-7, 3-5): BYE
7. North Carolina (5-7, 3-5): BYE
8. Wake Forest (4-7, 1-7): BYE
9. Duke (1-11, 0-8): BYE

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr): BYE (35 Tackles, 3 Int, 10 Pass Defl Season)

[Celeval]

Conference Championship Week

MAC: UCF (9-4) over Toledo (8-5) 21-3
Big 12: Oklahoma (14-0) over Nebraska (12-2) 31-7
SEC: Tennessee (12-1) over Arkansas (11-2) 15-10

SI Cover:
RB Donta Hickson, Oklahoma (Jr)
Top 10 Showdown
Oklahoma downs rival Nebraska 31-7 with the help of Junior Hickson.

Top 10:
Rivals Collide!: The Sooners triumph over #4 Nebraska 31-7
1. Oklahoma (31) (14-0): W 31-7, NEB
2. Miami (28) (12-0): BYE
3. Ohio State (11-1): BYE
4. Tennessee (12-1): W 15-10, ARKANSAS
5. Virginia Tech (11-1): BYE
6. Auburn (9-3): BYE
7. Florida State (10-2): BYE
8. NC State (10-2): BYE
9. Nebraska (12-1): L 7-31, UO
10. Maryland (10-2): BYE
20. Georgia (8-3): BYE
UNR Georgia Tech (5-7): BYE

Dropped out of Top Ten: #9 Arkansas

Bowl Rankings:
Holiday Madness! The Buckeyes are going to the Rose Bowl
1. Miami: 3.61
2. Oklahoma: 5.81
3. Ohio State: 8.62
4. Tennessee: 12.80
5. Virginia Tech: 13.75
6. Auburn: 15.65
7. Florida State 16.14
8. NC State 20.89

Heisman Trophy:
The Elite Fraternity: Voters name Nebraska's HB Horne the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner.
HB David Horne (Jr), Nebraska - 369-2340-21 Rushing, 10-150-1 Receiving

HB David Horne (Jr), Nebraska: 264-329-146 : 1596
HB Maurice Clarett (Jr), Ohio State: 88-190-219 : 863
HB Jason Collins (So-RS), West Virginia: 65-158-269 : 780
HB T.A. McLendon (Jr), NC State: 42-102-140 : 470
HB De'Arrius Howard (Jr-RS), Arkansas: 2-6-11 : 29

Award Winners:
Maxwell Award: HB David Horne, Nebraska (369-2340-21 Rush, 10-150-1 Rec)
Best QB: QB Matt Mauck, LSU (146-259, 2171 yards, 25 TD)
Best RB: HB David Horne, Nebraska (369-2340-21 Rush)
Best WR: WR Britton Komine, Hawaii (74 catches, 1353 yards, 17 TD)
Best OL: T Nat Dorsey, Georgia Tech (57 pancakes, 3 sacks allowed)
Bednarik: DT Vince Wilfork, Miami (74 tackles (19 TFL), 12 Sacks)
Best DL: DT Vince Wilfork, Miami (74 tackles (19 TFL), 12 Sacks)
Best LB: OLB Pat Thomas, NC State (81 tackles (13 TFL), 3 Sacks, 4 Int)
Thorpe: FS Jaxon Appel, Texas A&M (62 tackles (4 TFL), Sack, 5 Int, 3 FF, TD)
Groza: K Kevin McKinney, NC State (27-32 FG (52 long), 49-50 XP)
Best Coach: Oklahoma Coach (14-0)

All-Americans of Note
T Nat Dorsey, Georgia Tech: First Team T
G Leon Robinson, Georgia Tech: First Team G
CB Bryant McFadden, Florida State: First Team CB

HB Chris Barclay, Wake Forest: Second Team HB
G C.J. Brooks, Maryland: Second Team G
OLB Pat Thomas, NC State: Second Team LB
K DeMarco Livingston, Clemson: Second Team K

Congratulations to Nat and Leon!

[Celeval]

Bowl Matchups
New Orleans Bowl: TCY (6-6) at New Mexico State (8-4)
GMAC Bowl: Ohio (7-5) at Cincinnati (6-6)
Tangerine Bowl: #25 Oklahoma State (8-4) at Clemson (8-4)
Fort Worth Bowl: Washington (7-5) at #24 Oregon State (8-4)
Las Vegas Bowl: #19 Oregon (9-3) at San Diego State (10-2)
Hawaii Bowl: SMU (6-6) at Utah (6-6)
Motor Cit Bowl: Marshall (9-3) at UCF (9-4)
Insight Bowl: Notre Dame (7-5) at Stanford (7-5)
Continental Tire Bowl: Virginia (7-5) at Buffalo (7-5)
Humanitarian Bowl: Nevada (10-2) at Hawaii (7-5)
Alamo Bowl: #18 Texas (9-3) at #22 Iowa (8-4)
Houston Bowl: Southern Mississipi (8-4) at Kansas State (7-5)
Holiday Bowl: USC (9-3) at #23 Texas A&M (8-5)
Silicon Valley Classic: Toledo (8-5) at #16 Fresno State (11-1)
Sun Bowl: Arizona State (9-4) at Indiana (7-5)
AXA Liberty Bowl: #15 Colorado State (11-1) at #11 Louisville (11-1)
Music City Bowl: Washington State (6-6) at Air Force (8-4)
Independence Bowl: North Texas (8-4) at Colorado (6-6)
San Francisco Bowl: UNLV (7-5) at West Virginia (7-5)
Outback Bowl: Alabama (7-5) at #21 Michigan (10-3)
Gator Bowl: Pittsburgh (7-5) at #8 NC State (10-2)
Capital One Bowl: #14 Arkansas (11-2) at #13 Penn State (11-1)
Peach Bowl: #20 Georgia (8-4) at #10 Maryland (10-2)
Cotton Bowl: #12 LSU (11-2) at #9 Nebraska (12-2)
Rose Bowl: #17 UCLA (9-2) at #3 Ohio State (11-1)
Fiesta Bowl: #6 Auburn (9-3) at #5 Virginia Tech (11-1)
Sugar Bowl: #7 Florida State (10-2) at #4 Tennessee (12-1)
Orange Bowl: #1 Oklahoma (14-0) at #2 Miami (12-0)

[Celeval]

Bowl Week One
New Orleans Bowl: TCU 38, New Mexico State 21
GMAC Bowl: Cincinnati 25, Ohio 14
Tangerine Bowl: Clemson 27, Oklahoma State 24 (OT)

SI Cover
HB Frank Gore, Miami (Jr)
Heavyweight Fight
Miami can't wait to take it to Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl.

[Celeval]

Bowl Week Two
Fort Worth Bowl: Oregon State 29, Washington 7
Las Vegas Bowl: Oregon 21, San Diego State 14
Hawaii Bowl: SMU 26, Utah 14
Motor City Bowl: Marshall 31, UCF 7
Insight Bowl: Stanford 28, Notre Dame 21
Continental Tire Bowl: Virginia 27, Buffalo 16
Humanitarian Bowl: Nevada 40, Hawaii 39

SI Cover
CB DeAngelo Hall, VT (Sr)
Proving Them Wrong!
Hokies are excited about their Fiesta Bowl contest with Auburn.

[Celeval]

Bowl Week Three
Houston Bowl: Southern Mississippi 50, Kansas State 19
Holiday Bowl: Texas A&M 42, USC 37
Silicon Valley Classic: Toledo 34, Fresno State 31 (OT)
Sun Bowl: Arizona State 37, Indiana 30
AXA Liberty Bowl: Louisville 41, Colorado State 13
Music City Bowl: Washington State 25, Air Force 22 (OT)
Independence Bowl: Colorado 35, North Texas 14
San Francisco Bowl: West Virginia 27, UNLV 17
Outback Bowl: Alabama 28, Michigan 24
Gator Bowl: Pittsburgh 16, NC State 13
Capital One Bowl: Arkansas 34, Penn State 21
Peach Bowl: Maryland 21, Georgia 19
Cotton Bowl: Nebraska 64, LSU 58 (OT)
Rose Bowl: Ohio State 41, UCLA 21
Fiesta Bowl: Auburn 35, Virginia Tech 32
Sugar Bowl: Florida State 30, Tennessee 9
Orange Bowl: Miami 34, Oklahoma 31

SI Cover
Coach, Miami
The Season to Believe!
Miami (13-0) takes home the 2004 National Championship.

[Celeval]

Final Top 25
1. Miami (13-0)
2. Ohio State (12-1)
3. Oklahoma (14-1)
4. Florida State (11-2)
5. Auburn (10-3)
6. Nebraska (13-2)
7. Maryland (11-2)
8. Tennessee (12-2)
9. Virginia Tech (11-2)
10. Louisville (12-1)
11. Arkansas (12-2)
12. NC State (10-3)
13. Texas (10-3)
14. LSU (11-3)
15. Penn State (11-2)
16. Oregon (10-3)
17. UCLA (9-3)
18. Texas A&M (9-5)
19. Colorado State (11-2)
20. Oregon State (9-4)
21. Pittsburgh (8-5)
22. Stanford (8-5)
23. Clemson (9-4)
24. Alabama (8-5)
25. Georgia (8-5)
UNR. Georgia Tech (5-7)

New Record
HB David Horne (Nebraska) broke the all-time single season rushing record with 2642 yards.
Previous Holder: 1988 HB (OK State) [Barry Sanders]: 2628 yards

Note here - Horne had over 300 yards rushing in the Fiesta Bowl and broke the record by under 20 yards. That Fiesta Bowl also went at least 3 OTs - LSU scored 16 in the overtime, Nebraska scored 22.

[Celeval]

huve Watch 2004:
37 Tackles, 3 Int, 12 Pass Deflections

Ratings:
OVR 84
SPD 91 STR 45 AWR 64 AGI 92 ACC 89 CTH 56 CAR 50 JMP 88 BTK 46
TAK 47 THP 37 THA 37 PBK 37 RBK 37 KPW 37 KAC 37 STA 88 INJ 86

[Celeval]

Final Coach Stats, 2004

"Now that the season is over, hit the road and get some student athletes in here."

Job Security: D

Fan Base:
[Local TV] x8 = 1-7 record
[Regional TV] x 0 = 0-0 record

Avg. Attendence: 42,063

Season Record: 5-7
Current Streak: Lost 2
Winning Seasons: 1
Longest Win Streak: 3
Record vs. Top 25: 2-9
Record vs. Rival: 0-2
Bowl Record: 0-1
Conference Titles: 0
National Titles: 0

Contract Info:
Years at Georgia Tech: 2
Record at Georgia Tech: 13-12 (.520)
Contract Status: Year 2 of 3

Team Goals:
Maintain Team Prestige
Win Conference Title

I'll continue the dynasty with 2005 recruiting, and I'll need a hell of a year. Link will be posted here when it starts.

[Wolfpack]

Damn well took long enough to beat Maryland, though I can't believe we blew chunks in the Gator Bowl. Also, if I'm thinking right, we would play at UVa in 2004. We suck at Scott Stadium, so no surprise that our first loss came there.

[Celeval]

Yeah, I was surprised to see that - Pitt was unranked going in, although they had a ranking at a couple points during the season before getting clobbered by Miami. Either way, Maryland, NCS, and FSU have definately established themselves - although looking ahead at the start of recruiting, I noticed T.A. McLendon was looking to go pro. So we'll see.

[Celeval]

Recruiting begins here.