NCAA Football 14: Picking A Dynasty Team - AAC - jmik58's Blog

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NCAA Football 14: Picking A Dynasty Team - AAC

Posted on July 8, 2013 at 10:28 AM.

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Would an undefeated season by Louisville earn them a spot in the BCS title game?

There have always been legitimate reasons to dislike the BCS system depending on which side of the spectrum you reside. If you're a fan of the little guy, feeling left out was a common theme that resounded for a little over a decade. However, if you're a fan of the powerful BCS conferences, it's disheartening to watch a seemingly mediocre three-way conference champion from the Big East take a spot in a BCS Bowl.

Considering this is the going away party for the BCS (you get to relive it throughout your entire dynasty in NCAA Football 14) what better way to shake up the clubhouse? Step into the old Big East -- now the AAC -- and grab a team fresh to the BCS scene, then walk through a cupcake schedule and cruise into a BCS bowl. The SEC's number three team might be crying foul, but hey, what can you do? You're just playing the same system that played you for so long.

If you're looking to make a journey out of your dynasty experience, the AAC may be a must-stop conference. The lack of competition affords the opportunity to gain recognition in a "BCS conference" on your way to bolstering that resume' for a spot at the big-boy coaching table.

Be careful who you pick though. Consider the following on-field pros and cons before deciding which team to rent for a few years on your way to dynasty glory.

Cincinnati Bearcats
Offense: Spread (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) Great offensive line features a total of 83 career starts.
(+) Linebacker group is one of the best in the conference.
(-) Must replace a 1,000 yard rusher.
(-) The defense is a concern as they lack experience and must develop.

Connecticut Huskies
Offense: Multiple (HB, FB, 2 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) HB Lyle McCombs is poised for a huge year.
(+) Not just a cool name, linebacker Yawin Smallwood brings plenty of skill.
(-) Top two tight ends from last year are gone.
(-) Fielded one of the worst offensive lines in the nation last year.

Houston Cougars
Offense: Multiple (HB, 4 WR)
Defense: 4-3

(+) A pass happy offense will benefit from ten returning starters.
(+) Linebacker Trevon Randle is a talented transfer player from LSU.
(-) Lacking a clear-cut answer at the quarterback position.
(-) Only one starter returns to the defensive line.

Louisville Cardinals
Offense: Multiple (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) QB Teddy Bridgewater was the conference POY in '12 and a Heisman candidate.
(+) Pryor and Smith form an excellent tandem at the safety positions.
(-) A poor offensive line could carry forward to this season.
(-) Even if they go undefeated, do they get a national title shot?

Memphis Tigers
Offense: Spread (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 3-4

(+) HB Brandon Hayes leads an offense filled with eight returning starters.
(+) Johnnie Farms is a stud at nose tackle for a defense that also returns eight.
(-) The defense has allowed over 30 ppg in six of the past seven years.
(-) A porous pass-blocking effort must be corrected in the offensive line.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Offense: Pro Set (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) Three of the five best offensive linemen in the conference play here.
(+) Merrill and Hamilton have all-conference potential on the defensive line.
(-) Questions at the halfback spot are problematic for a team that likes to run.
(-) Only four starters return on the defensive side.

SMU Mustangs
Offense: Run n' Shoot (HB, 4 WR)
Defense: 3-4

(+) QB Garrett Gilbert is a Texas transfer that should excel in this offense.
(+) If you take the time to learn it, the Run n' Shoot is a potent attack.
(-) The defense won't win many games, leading to high-stakes scoring battles.
(-) Two of the top three have departed from the linebacker corps.

Temple Owls
Offense: Multiple (2 Backs, 2 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) Eight starters return on offense and should help shift to a more balanced attack.
(+) LB Tyler Matakevich was the Big East Fr-DPOY in '12.
(-) The loss of big playmakers at halfback makes things tricky on the offense.
(-) Must face a tough non-conference schedule including a matchup with Notre Dame.

UCF Knights
Offense: Single Back (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) QB Blake Bortles earned 2nd Team All-Conference last year.
(+) Features a top-15 pass defense on a yearly basis.
(-) A weak backfield usually means struggles for the running game and win column.
(-) Skill and experience takes a step back among the linebackers in '13.

USF Bulls
Offense: No-Huddle Spread (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) Florida transfer Chris Dunkley should shine at wide receiver.
(+) One of the best defensive lines in the AAC.
(-) Lose their top two performers at the halfback position.
(-) A bad pass defense in '12 is compounded by only two returning starters in the secondary.

Which AAC program would be your choice for dynasty mode in NCAA Football 14?