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

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NCAA Football 14: Picking A Dynasty Team - Independents

Posted on July 8, 2013 at 10:29 AM.

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Customize your path to prominence with wide-open scheduling as an Independent.

Taking on the challenge of an Independent has the potential to be a glorious ride or a painful experience of which there is no end. The freedom that comes with scheduling freedom gives the opportunity to build a resume' that is unmatched.

Do you load up with tough teams and hope to conquer the world? Is that worth the risk in case your team falls apart? And can you find enough programs willing to take on a respectable opponent such as yourself, risking their win total?

Regardless of your scheduling philosophy, access to a couple of military academies and their option attacks await as does the most popular of choices in Notre Dame and their far-reaching recruiting power. If you're looking for a project, New Mexico State is a great selection, and then there are the new guys to FBS, the Old Dominion Monarchs.

Whatever philosophy or side story grabs your attention, consider the following on-field elements before taking your chances in the grab-bag of Independents.

Army Black Knights
Offense: Triple Option (3 Backs, 2 WR)
Defense: 4-3

(+) You get to honor the military while running the triple option.
(+) Despite the impact of the academy on personnel turnover, the entire squad returns fifteen starters.
(-) The defense gave up an embarrassing 35 ppg in 2012.
(-) A tough schedule includes Stanford, Wake Forest, and Boston College.

BYU Cougars
Offense: Multiple (HB, FB, 2 WR, TE)
Defense: 3-4

(+) Speed and Power threats at the halfback position.
(+) Eight starters return to a respectable offensive unit.
(-) Lose their top three defensive linemen.
(-) Only four starters are back from a defense that gave up 14 ppg last year.

Idaho Vandals
Offense: Multiple (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) Compete pressure free as the Vandals should be underdogs in every game.
(+) Play at Florida State a week before their contest with rival Florida -- can you catch them looking past you?
(-) A freshman QB hopes to improve on their 16 ppg average from last year.
(-) Only three starters are back on defense after gaving up 42 ppg in '12.

Navy Midshipmen
Offense: Triple Option (3 Backs, 2 WR)
Defense: 3-4

(+) Like Army (military and triple option) but with better talent.
(+) A manageable schedule considering Independent status.
(-) Defensive points per game worsened by almost a touchdown last year.
(-) Limited recruiting opportunities due to academy connection.

New Mexico State Aggies
Offense: Spread (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 3-4

(+) Seven starters return on offense and defense, respectively.
(+) A fun rebuilding project with scheduling freedom.
(-) An average score of 18-40 in 2012.
(-) '13 includes opponents like Texas, Minnesota, and UCLA.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Offense: Spread (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 3-4

(+) A fantastic group of offensive linemen and receivers.
(+) Defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt was 2nd Team All-American last year.
(-) Quarterback questions aren't a sign of a national title contender.
(-) Replacing Manti Te'o won't be an easy task at linebacker.

Old Dominion Monarchs
Offense: Spread (HB, 4 WR)
Defense: 4-3

(+) Taylor Heinicke is the best QB among all of the Independent squads.
(+) The schedule features mostly FCS opponents as they transition to the FBS.
(-) Against lesser competition, the defense allowed 30 ppg in '12.
(-) Not eligible for postseason in real life for '13, but how will you play it?

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