NCAA 2004 Dynasty: Georgia Tech (2005 Season) [Archive]

Celeval

08-09-2003, 10:42 PM

2005 Roster: Quarterbacks - Grade B-

#8 Damarius Bilbo, Sr-RS
6'3", 227 lbs
113-219 passing for 1726 yards, 8 TD, 28 Int
90-(-19) rushing for 3 TD
OV SP ST AW AG AC CR BT TP TA
92 72 58 82 75 71 58 57 87 84
What are we going to do with this guy? He lost the starting job to LaShaun Haston last season after throwing an incredible amount of interceptions; but by overall rating, he's a top-10 QB in the NCAA. On top of that disconnect between stats and ratings; he's also being pushed by Burnett. He'll get playing time, but it's a question of wasted potential, and most likely a second stringer.

#19 M.J. Burnett, Fr-RS
6'0", 213 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CR BT TP TA
85 84 50 57 87 74 56 51 88 81
M.J. Burnett is one year removed from being the top quarterback prospect in the nation; and seems ready to take over the reins. The worry? His similarity to Bilbo's ratings of last season. The upside? Did I mention that he's the third fastest quarterback in the league, behind only a Freshman at Oregon State and Marcus Vick? He just has to make plays; but he may be on a tight leash once the big games start. Our offense isn't potent enough to survive turnovers, even if the defense is stronger.

#12 LaShaun Haston, So
6'1", 192 lbs
113-208 passing for 1924 yards, 9 TD, 14 Int
39-(-117) rushing
OV SP ST AW AG AC CR BT TP TA
77 40 49 63 41 44 44 41 84 88
LaShaun Haston won the starting job for much of last season before getting knocked out of the lineup, and did a solid job in that role. This year, he may move right into third string. To avoid a wasted season, we'll be Redshirting Haston at the start of the year; although that RS will come off quickly of Burnett/Bilbo can't ge things done.

#17 Howard Manning, Fr
6'3", 196 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CR BT TP TA
66 55 48 41 53 52 54 44 80 77
Howard is an emergency quarterback of the type we realized we needed after playing a strong safety last season. He'll be in charge of the scout team; although, honestly, he's better than I expected in recruiting.

(OVerall, SPeed, STrength, AWareness, AGility, ACceleration, CaTch, CArry, JuMp, Break Tackle, TacKle, Throw Power, Throw Accuracy, Pass Block, Run Block, Kick Power, Kick Accuracy, StAnima, INjury)

Celeval

08-09-2003, 10:52 PM

2005 Roster: Running Backs - Grade B-

#28 Ajenavi Eziemefe, Jr-RS
6'2", 228 lbs
197-1014 rushing for 8 TDs
15-161 receiving for 1 TD
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT CA BT SA
85 83 66 62 82 84 63 74 76 83
Eziemefe was decent for us in the backfield last season, and inherits the starting role again this year. He's not overly inspiring, but will get the job done.

#45 P.J. Daniels, Sr-RS
5'10", 207 lb
66-258 rushing for 7 TDs
2-(-1) receiving
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT CA BT SA
78 76 61 66 77 76 61 70 71 86
Eziemefe's backup last season, Daniels falls back to the third string back behind Hanson this year. He'll still see the playing field, as we seem to tire our backs out pretty well; but with less frequency than previous seasons. Still, he'll take over the starting role if Ace is knocked out.

#26 Mike Hanson, Fr-RS
5'10", 217 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT CA BT SA
70 77 62 47 74 74 56 66 62 71
Hanson is a decent two-back, and will spell Eziemefe when a rest is needed. He doesn't have the stanima to be a number one back, however; and will stay as second string (jumped by PJ) if Ace gets knocked out for any length of time.

(OVerall, SPeed, STrength, AWareness, AGility, ACceleration, CaTch, CArry, JuMp, Break Tackle, TacKle, Throw Power, Throw Accuracy, Pass Block, Run Block, Kick Power, Kick Accuracy, StAnima, INjury)

Celeval

08-09-2003, 10:58 PM

2005 Roster: Fullbacks - Grade C+

#42 Lyle Talley, Fr
6'1", 225 lbs
OV SP ST AW AC CT CA BT PB RB SA
73 80 59 48 81 61 62 65 51 55 80
Woah-ho. That is some kind of speed for a fullback. Talley isn't the killer blocker, but he'll carry the ball awfully well out of that spot, and will be a real threat coming out of the backfield. We'll need to find ways to get him the ball.

#39 Byron Wingate, Fr
6'0", 242 lbs
OV SP ST AW AC CT CA BT PB RB SA
69 57 70 42 60 57 60 70 47 64 61
And here's our blocker. Wingate is strong, and a good fundamental run blocker; but doesn't have the stanima to grind out play-by-play. He'll get a lot of looks as the lead man in the Maryland I and in the goal-line set; we're not shy about using our fullbacks.

(OVerall, SPeed, STrength, AWareness, AGility, ACceleration, CaTch, CArry, JuMp, Break Tackle, TacKle, Throw Power, Throw Accuracy, Pass Block, Run Block, Kick Power, Kick Accuracy, StAnima, INjury)

Celeval

08-09-2003, 11:09 PM

2005 Roster: Wide Receivers - Grade C+

#82 Benjamin Holmes, Jr
Preseason First Team All-American
6'2", 189 lbs
59-1112 Receiving for 10 TD
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT CA JM BT SA
83 90 43 52 89 91 84 48 95 44 91
Holmes did an outstanding job last season, putting up very good stats even while missing a couple games. This year, we'll need him to step up even more; as he will likely be our only threat at Wide Receiver. The NCAA thinks he will, at least, naming Benji preseason first-team.

#87 Darnell Spivey, Fr
6'7", 200 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT CA JM BT SA
69 87 43 45 79 83 67 50 89 52 76
Spivey has the measurables to be a very good #2 receiver - the height, the leaping ability, the speed. What he doesn't have are the hands. He'll be Redshirting this season with an eye at improving his route-running and his catching.

#14 Josh Baker, Fr
6'0", 194 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT CA JM BT SA
68 87 40 52 84 85 66 48 75 42 84
Baker is another speedy guy with bad hands. We can't afford to redshirt him as well, so Josh will step into the third receiver/slot role to start things off.

#85 LeKeldrick Bridges, Jr-RS
6'0", 172 lbs
2-20 Receiving
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT CA JM BT SA
69 78 42 57 83 82 68 50 78 44 90
Our fourth receiver, Bridges doesn't stand out much.

#80 George Cooper, Jr-RS
6'3", 215 lbs
20-287 Receiving
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT CA JM BT SA
69 76 52 54 79 78 71 60 87 48 79
By virtue of a halfway-decent pair of hands, George Cooper has won the #2 receiver slot in the offense. We won't be running too many sets with two receivers, but he's the man when we do.

(OVerall, SPeed, STrength, AWareness, AGility, ACceleration, CaTch, CArry, JuMp, Break Tackle, TacKle, Throw Power, Throw Accuracy, Pass Block, Run Block, Kick Power, Kick Accuracy, StAnima, INjury)

Celeval

08-09-2003, 11:27 PM

2005 Roster: Tight Ends - Grade C+

#88 Maurio Altman, So
6'3", 258 lbs
35-668 Receiving for 2 TDs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT CA BT PB RB SA
79 67 72 57 69 72 73 68 65 65 67 84
Altman is showing signs of developing into a top of the line TE. He had a solid season last year, both blocking and receiving. He'll be option 1a this season from the tight end slot.

#81 Freeman Dempsey, Fr
6'5", 240 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT CA BT PB RB SA
78 75 66 50 71 77 76 63 65 58 66 84
It's entirely possible Freeman Dempsey may end up lining up as the #2 receiver in certain sets by midseason, he's that good. Dempsey will be option 1b as Tight End - a better receiver than Altman right now with a year's less experience; both are in the top 20 TEs ratings-wise in the NCAA. I expect 80 catches between these two next season.

#84 Max Vance, So
6'4", 238 lbs
12-142 receiving
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT CA BT PB RB SA
66 69 61 48 67 71 70 68 58 51 54 82
Vance is a solid player, and will be the third Tight End on the roster. He'll see playing time mainly in the Goal-Line set, but also likely to give the top two breathers.

(OVerall, SPeed, STrength, AWareness, AGility, ACceleration, CaTch, CArry, JuMp, Break Tackle, TacKle, Throw Power, Throw Accuracy, Pass Block, Run Block, Kick Power, Kick Accuracy, StAnima, INjury)

Celeval

08-09-2003, 11:38 PM

2005 Roster: Tackle - Grade C

#71 Cal Crawford, Jr
6'3", 306 lbs
OV ST AW PB RB SA
75 82 53 78 77 73
We're going to miss Nat Dorsey and Kyle Wallace something fierce. Crawford takes over at LT; a JUCO transfer. He's a balanced blocker and a better pass blocker than Jerrell Craig, but will tire easily. We're not deep here.

#79 Jerrell Craig, Jr-RS
6'4", 228 lbs
OV ST AW PB RB SA
74 82 72 70 80 72
The redshirt season definately helped Craig out. We'll look to be running the ball to the right side, a change from last season where we ran Dorsey and Robinson all day. The trouble here is as with Crawford - a lack of stanima could cause problems.

#70 Alonzo McDowell, Fr
6'6", 269 lbs
OV ST AW PB RB SA
68 77 38 76 77 70
McDowell has some potential, but is very green. He'll Redshirt this season.

#76 Randall Madison, Fr
6'7", 267 lbs
OV ST AW PB RB SA
64 69 46 73 71 70
Madison will be Redshirting as well.

#74 Rod Kirk, Fr
6'5", 327 lbs
OV ST AW PB RB SA
60 67 45 71 71 71
Kirk will be our emergency tackle. The true backup will be one of our Guards, but Kirk will stay eligible "just in case".

Celeval

08-10-2003, 12:06 AM

2005 Roster: Guard - Grade C

#72 Brad Honeycutt, Sr-RS
6'4", 298 lbs
11 pancakes, 13 sacks allowed
OV ST AW PB RB SA
77 85 61 78 79 79
Honeycutt is one of only two returning starters from the offensive line. As the elder statesman of the group, he'll be counted on to keep the line together. The weak link of last season's OL, he's not a strong point - which is worrisome. He'll stay at RG.

#65 Andy TidwallNeal, Sr-RS
6'4", 300 lbs
OV ST AW PB RB SA
70 81 58 66 74 67
A decent run blocker if not much against the pass; TidwallNeal will be our starting LG at the beginning of the season. We'll be watching the pocket carefully - if there are a lot of problems, he may move to backup and Denison may move into the lineup.

#69 Snoop Denison, Fr
6'5", 319 lbs
OV ST AW PB RB SA
68 80 45 70 77 60
I thought about starting Denison right off the bat at LG, but I'm going to take advantage of a possible opportunity and Redshirt him this season. As noted, I'll re-assess this after a few games.

#73 Merrill Ashley, Fr-RS
6'1", 281 lbs
OV ST AW PB RB SA
66 73 48 74 71 75
Ashley isn't a player ready for a starting role; he'll be the top backup across the line during the season. If anyone goes down with injury for an extended period, we'll take the redshirt off one of our freshmen - Ashley will remain a backup.

#75 Sam Randall, Fr
6'0", 287 lbs
OV ST AW PB RB SA
57 70 52 58 62 81
Randall will be Redshirted, but is a likely candidate to be cut next year.

(OVerall, SPeed, STrength, AWareness, AGility, ACceleration, CaTch, CArry, JuMp, Break Tackle, TacKle, Throw Power, Throw Accuracy, Pass Block, Run Block, Kick Power, Kick Accuracy, StAnima, INjury)

Celeval

08-10-2003, 12:08 AM

2005 Roster: Centers - Grade C

#66 Joseph Hayes, So
6'2", 281 lbs
6 Pancakes, 1 Sack Allowed
OV ST AW PB RB SA
77 73 58 73 85 82
Hayes was a solid starter last season, and will continue in that role.

#68 Devin Duffy, Fr-RS
6'4", 301 lbs
OV ST AW PB RB SA
59 72 53 63 68 64
Duffy is an emergency player, and shouldn't see time.

(OVerall, SPeed, STrength, AWareness, AGility, ACceleration, CaTch, CArry, JuMp, Break Tackle, TacKle, Throw Power, Throw Accuracy, Pass Block, Run Block, Kick Power, Kick Accuracy, StAnima, INjury)

Celeval

08-10-2003, 12:34 AM

Offensive Roundup

We have some strengths and a lot of weaknesses. Our biggest problem is the lack of a steady line. However, we have an incredible amount of talent at QB, and a number of non-standard receiving threats. We're going to run a number of different looks, mainly out of strong/weak/I formations - a short-pass, ball-control offense with Benji Holmes to stretch the field. The goal will be to get Burnett outside of the pocket early and often to avoid the rush, and give him the opportunity to turn upfield if need be.

With that in mind, I'm looking at the TCU Playbook for this season:
Ace Bunch (4 WR, HB)
Ace Y-Trips (3 WR, TE, HB)
I Form-Normal (2 WR, HB, FB, TE)
I Form-Tight (WR, HB, FB, 2 TE)
I Form-Twins (2 WR, HB, FB, TE)
Shotgun-Ace (2 WR, 2 TE, HB)
Shotgun-Ace Twins(2 WR, 2 TE, HB)
Shotgun-Normal (3 WR, TE, HB)
Weak-Twins (2 WR, TE, HB, FB)
Goal Line (3 TE, HB, FB)
Hail Mary (5 WR)

This rules out one of our main playsets from last season - the Maryland I. This isn't a terrible loss, however; as we don't have the offensive line to pull it off. We do keep a number of I- and offset I- formations in play; and can run option and triple-option out of those if we need to. There are more 2- and 3- WR sets than I had hoped for; but we'll actually be splitting Dempsey out as a WR in a few of those.

Celeval

08-10-2003, 02:39 PM

2005 Roster: Defensive End - Grade B

#56 Eric Henderson, Sr-RS
6'3", 270 lbs.
35 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 FR
OV SP ST AW AG AC TK ST
91 67 78 78 70 71 79 80
Eric Henderson had a down year, seeing his sack totals drop from 13 to 3 as he moved to the right side of the line. A key cog on the defensive line (perhaps our strong point), Henderson will be counted on to make some big plays this year.

#93 Terron Pullen, Jr-RS
6'2", 279 lbs
30 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 FF
OV SP ST AW AG AC TK ST
82 64 71 69 65 67 74 75
Pullen stepped up well and took up a lot of the slack that Henderson left behind when he inherited the left end slot. With a year of experience left, we'll be looking for more of the same.

#98 Norman Miles, Fr
6'3", 252 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC TK ST
74 69 65 40 68 72 62 74
Miles could certainly do with a redshirt year; but again, we're too thin to provide. He'll be seeing the field a good bit, though - subbing for Pullen and Henderson both on particular passing downs (i.e. out of Nickel and Dime sets). A speed rusher, we hope to get him along the outside edge.

Celeval

08-10-2003, 02:48 PM

2005 Roster: Defensive Tackle - Grade B-

#91 R.J. Wagner, Fr
6'4", 285 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC TK ST
79 61 79 48 62 65 74 77
R.J. Wagner stepped onto campus and immediately made an impact on the defensive line. He could start at DT right now, but we're going to take it easy with him early - the D-Line is enough of a strength of ours that we can afford to Redshirt Wagner, and we'll do so. He'll start next season.

#94 Travis Parker, Sr-RS
6'5", 269 lbs
16 tackles, 4 sacks
OV SP ST AW AG AC TK ST
79 54 78 73 53 52 80 83
Another player on the line who took a statistical step back, Parker had less tackles and sacks than in 2003; but still did a strong job against the run. He'll end as a three-year starter, in this his final season on the flats.

#99 Omar Billy, Sr-RS
6'2", 274 lbs
4 tackles, 2 sacks
OV SP ST AW AG AC TK ST
75 55 77 54 58 70 73 73
Billy is the player benefitting from Wagner's redshirt, as he moves into a starting role for the first time in his career. Billy has seen playing time in most games, substiuting for a tired Alfred Malone or Travis Parker; he'll start this season.

#50 Brad Brezina, Jr-RS
6'2", 277 lbs
1 tackle
OV SP ST AW AG AC TK ST
71 48 79 56 49 49 73 71
Brezina is the top option off the bench. He may see some first string time in the goal-line set as well.

(OVerall, SPeed, STrength, AWareness, AGility, ACceleration, CaTch, CArry, JuMp, Break Tackle, TacKle, Throw Power, Throw Accuracy, Pass Block, Run Block, Kick Power, Kick Accuracy, StAnima, INjury)

Celeval

08-10-2003, 02:55 PM

2005 Roster: Outside Linebacker - Grade C+

#16 Kingi McNair, Jr-RS
6'1", 225 lbs
40 tackles, 9 sacks
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT TK ST
83 76 66 66 74 78 57 76 85
Kingi McNair took his game up a level, matching his tackle numbers and picking up four more sacks. He's the elder statesman and leader of the starting linebackers, although only a Redshirt Junior.

#49 Gerris Wilkinson, Sr-RS
6'3", 235 lbs
16 tackles
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT TK ST
75 64 71 63 65 64 48 74 73
Wilkinson takes over the role of Tabugbo Anyansi, top backup for all three linebacking positions and starter at ROLB in the 3-4 and 4-4 sets. He's a balanced run stopper, and took this role after a good step forward during spring practice.

#57 C.J. Ashley, Fr
5'11", 217 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT TK ST
63 61 60 50 63 65 50 66 59
There's really not much to Ashley - he fills a role on special teams and will see time in emergencies and blowout situations. No redshirt possible due to lineup minimums.

(OVerall, SPeed, STrength, AWareness, AGility, ACceleration, CaTch, CArry, JuMp, Break Tackle, TacKle, Throw Power, Throw Accuracy, Pass Block, Run Block, Kick Power, Kick Accuracy, StAnima, INjury)

Celeval

08-10-2003, 03:02 PM

2005 Roster: Middle Linebacker - Grade C

#59 Anthony Blanks, So
6'2", 224 lbs
61 tackles, 3 sacks, Int, 5 FF
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT TK ST
76 86 64 52 84 73 56 83 87
An outstanding coverage linebacker, Blanks found a home at the outside backer spot last season, and will stay there. He moves well to the ball, although is not strong enough to really shed blocks - he'll also play the second MLB spot in the 3-4 and 4-4 defenses.

#43 Trent Ball, So
6'3", 233 lbs
61 tackles, 7 sacks, Int, 2 FF, FR
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT TK ST
76 70 60 59 76 70 52 85 82
Ball remains our middle linebacker; he, Blanks, and McNair are a cadre of starting linebackers I feel very comfortable with.

#51 Charles Roberts, Fr-RS
6'3", 224 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT TK ST
56 57 59 49 53 56 43 68 63
Roberts is emergency depth.

(OVerall, SPeed, STrength, AWareness, AGility, ACceleration, CaTch, CArry, JuMp, Break Tackle, TacKle, Throw Power, Throw Accuracy, Pass Block, Run Block, Kick Power, Kick Accuracy, StAnima, INjury)

korme

08-10-2003, 03:22 PM

yay!! Go Jackets!

Celeval

08-11-2003, 10:09 AM

2005 Roster: Corner - Grade C+

#9 Reuben Houston, Sr-RS
6'0", 196 lbs
35 tackles, 3 Int, FR, 14 Pass Defls.
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT JM TK ST
83 88 48 70 87 85 53 89 48 90
Reuben Houston will remain the #1 cornerback in our system. He's the fastest guy in the secondary, and will match up with the top receiver on the other side when we're in man coverage - although that won't be often.

#7 Stanford Ingram, Fr
6'1", 186 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT JM TK ST
78 86 46 51 89 86 60 84 49 84
The top of our cornerback recruits. Ingram will take the #2 corner spot, stepping into the role vacated by Gilliam last season. He brings a good bit of speed to the other side of the field.

#1 Shane Rodgers, Fr
6'2", 194 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT JM TK ST
73 87 46 50 83 83 55 80 45 73
The second of our CB recruits, Rodgers takes our Nickel back spot; bumping I-Perfection Harris down a notch. He'll see a lot of time blitzing from the outside corner.

#32 Freddie Holiday, Fr
6'2", 180 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT JM TK ST
73 81 41 45 86 82 63 84 48 88
Holiday is a touch slower than our top two incoming corners; with that and a lower awareness, he'll be one of the two we're allowed to Redshirt this season.

#4 Delvyn Aristegui, Fr
6'1", 192 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT JM TK ST
72 79 51 45 78 78 66 87 54 94
Aristegui is Redshirting as well. He's the best tackler of our recruits, and that should get him a role in the top three next season.

#11 I-Perfection Harris, Jr-RS
5'10", 172 lbs
23 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 Pass Defls.
31 KR, 603 yards
47 PR, 699 yards, TD
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT JM TK ST
83 88 48 70 87 85 53 89 48 90
Harris falls a notch in the depth chart to dime back. This is a good sign from my viewpoint - Harris was under consideration for the 2 spot last season, and is down to five now. Hopefully that increase in quality will show up on the field.

(OVerall, SPeed, STrength, AWareness, AGility, ACceleration, CaTch, CArry, JuMp, Break Tackle, TacKle, Throw Power, Throw Accuracy, Pass Block, Run Block, Kick Power, Kick Accuracy, StAnima, INjury)

Celeval

08-11-2003, 10:19 AM

2005 Roster: Free Safety - Grade C+

#24 Jamar Simms, So
5'11", 204 lbs
44 tackles, Sack, Int, 3 FF, 8 Pass Defl
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT JM TK ST
76 83 51 56 87 82 58 87 60 90
Simms was in our top free safety role last season, and will continue to start there.

#30 Terrance Gonzalez, Fr
6'2", 195 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT JM TK ST
69 77 56 47 80 79 63 82 55 77
Gonzalez was a 3-star recruit out of Kennesaw this past season; he'll Redshirt this year, and provide depth the following seasons.

(OVerall, SPeed, STrength, AWareness, AGility, ACceleration, CaTch, CArry, JuMp, Break Tackle, TacKle, Throw Power, Throw Accuracy, Pass Block, Run Block, Kick Power, Kick Accuracy, StAnima, INjury)

Celeval

08-11-2003, 10:23 AM

2005 Roster: Strong Safety - Grade C

#20 Dawan Landry, Sr-RS
6'2", 216 lbs
23 tackles, 2 Pass Defls.
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT JM TK ST
69 72 58 68 77 74 50 75 60 83
Landry played a bit of SS, and a bit of quarterback last season. This year he'll back Cage up at SS, and Simms at FS.

#21 Domonique Woodard
6'1", 215 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT JM TK ST
67 81 50 47 82 82 58 83 61 85
Woodard was only a 2-star coming in, but he surprises me with pretty solid ratings. He'll Redshirt this season, and will most likely be a starter next season.

#29 Tracy Cage
6'0", 185 lbs
OV SP ST AW AG AC CT JM TK ST
67 77 46 62 77 75 57 81 54 80
Tracy Cage will get a tryout in the starting strong safety position. He'll be backed up by Dawan Landry, and may get replaced if he doesn't perform well.

(OVerall, SPeed, STrength, AWareness, AGility, ACceleration, CaTch, CArry, JuMp, Break Tackle, TacKle, Throw Power, Throw Accuracy, Pass Block, Run Block, Kick Power, Kick Accuracy, StAnima, INjury)

Celeval

08-11-2003, 10:27 AM

2005 Roster: Kicker - Grade B-

#33 David Jordan, Jr-RS
6'4", 201 lbs
14-16 FG, 50 Lng, 39-39 XP, 0 Blocked
OV AW KP KA
78 61 90 83
David Jordan didn't have quite as good stats as his first season; although that was mostly due to our offensive troubles. He'll handle kickoffs and field goals.

2005 Roster: Kicker - Grade C+

#33 Jermaine MacPherson, So
6'0", 197 lbs
34 punts, 1397 yards (41.1 Avg)
OV AW KP KA
74 63 83 87
Jermaine MacPherson won the starting job, and will look to improve his punting average. I'm looking for an average in the 43 yard range this season.

(OVerall, SPeed, STrength, AWareness, AGility, ACceleration, CaTch, CArry, JuMp, Break Tackle, TacKle, Throw Power, Throw Accuracy, Pass Block, Run Block, Kick Power, Kick Accuracy, StAnima, INjury)

Celeval

08-11-2003, 10:29 AM

2005 Roster: Special Teams

Kick Returners:
CB I-Perfection Harris: 31 Returns, 603 yards
WR Benjamin Holmes: 27 Returns, 573 yards

Punt Returners:
CB I-Perfection Harris: 47 Returns, 699 yards, TD

No changes here, a pair of solid guys returning the ball.

Celeval

08-11-2003, 10:30 AM

Coach Report Card
Kevin Donnelly (13-12), 2 Years
Coach Prestige: ***

"Georgia Tech is only as good as you coach them to be. Make sure you help these young men succeed."

Job Security: D

Next Game: Week 1 vs. RU

Celeval

08-11-2003, 10:46 AM

Preseason:

SI Cover:
HB Frank Gore, Miami (Sr)
The Streak Continues
Miami carries their ridiculous 26-game winning streak into 2005.

Preseason Top 25:
Hope Renew: #3 Sooners expect to have great 2005 campaign.
1. Miami
2. Ohio State
3. Oklahoma
4. Auburn
5. Florida State
6. Virginia Tech
7. Tennessee
8. Nebraska
9. Maryland
10. Arkansas
11. Texas
12. NC State
13. Penn State
14. Texas A&M
15. Louisville
16. Pittsburgh
17. Georgia
18. LSU
19. UCLA
20. Oregon State
21. Oregon
22. Alabama
23. Michigan
24. USC
25. Virginia
28. Clemson
40. Georgia Tech
61. Wake Forest
63. North Carolina
85. Kentucky
104. Duke
102. Rutgers
107. Central Michigan
117. Army

Heisman Watch:
Give it to Him!: Ohio State's offense depends heavily on the legs of Clarett.
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State
HB De'Arrius Howard (Sr-RS), Arkansas
HB Albert Young (So-RS), Iowa
HB Selvin Young (Sr), Texas
HB Donta Hickson (Sr-RS), Oklahoma

Preseason All-Americans
Players to Watch: Strong gives the Cornhuskers an All-American at the crucial DT position.
First Team:
QB Paul Thompson, Oklahoma
HB De'Arrius Howard, Arkansas
HB Donta Hickson, Oklahoma
HB Chris Barclark, Wake Forest
WR Benjamin Holmes, Georgia Tech
WR Maurice Avery, Memphis
TE Elliot Hough, Louisville
T Bryce Cowan, Nebraska
C Kurt Mann, Nebraka
G Mike Nelson, Ohio
G Jason Murphy, Virginia Tech
T Greg Adkins, Wake Forest
DE Bryan Mattison, Iowa
DE Jeremy Van Alstyne, Michigan
DT Jose Strong, Nebraska
DT Michael Purcell, Tulane
OLB Manny Lawson, NC State
MLB Ryan Brown, UCF
OLB Banks Floodman, Kansas
CB Edmond Peters, Tulsa
CB Chris Davis, New Mexico State
CB Tarell Brown, Texas
FS Travis Williams, Illinois
SS John Paul Riggs, North Texas
K Gino Baird, Navy

Second Team:
QB Paul Pinegar, Fresno State
HB Maurice Clarett, Ohio State
HB Tyrone Moss, Miami
WR Nichiren Flowers, Nevada
WR D'Juan Woods, Oklahoma State
TE Darcy Johnson, UCF
G Troy Reddick, Auburn
C Stephen Culp, TCU
G Malcolm McClain, Rice
T Mike McGrath, Air Force
T Robbie Rucker, Nebraska
DE Timi Madison, Hawaii
DE Matt Lisek, Eastern Michigan
DT Rashard Smith, Hawaii
DT Graham Tyson, New Mexico
OLB Nick Reid, Kansas
MLB Chris Moore, ECU
OLB Lawrence Reid, Michigan
CB Marley Atkinson, Houston
CB Terrell Lemon, Syracuse
CB Dee Durham, Auburn
FS Darren Williams, Mississippi State
SS Willie Andrews, Baylor
K David Abdul, Pittsburgh

Preseason ACC Prediction
1. Florida State
2. Maryland
3. NC State
4. Virginia
5. Clemson
6. Georgia Tech
7. Wake Forest
8. North Carolina
9. Duke

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Sr)
OVR: 88
SPD: 92 STR: 47 AWR: 72
AGI: 93 ACC: 89 CTH: 58
CAR: 51 JMP: 89 BTK: 47
TAK: 59 THP: 37 THA: 37
PBK: 37 RBK: 37 KPW: 37
KAC: 37 STA: 89 INJ: 87

Sharpe is the top-rated cornerback on the Miami squad.

Celeval

08-11-2003, 10:59 AM

Argh.

Messed up while putting this all together, and none of my CBs got redshirted. Ah well. The new CB lineup:

1. Houston
2. Ingram
3. Rodgers
4. Harris
5. Holiday

Aristegui will start at SS, bumping Cage/Landry down a notch.

Celeval

08-11-2003, 11:21 AM

Slider Changes

Penalties
False Start: +5
Holding: +5
Offensive Pass Interference: +5
Defensive Pass Interference: +5
Clipping: +5
Intentional Grounding: +5
Unsportsmanlike: +5

Sliders
<CODE>
Sliders:
...............Hum...CPU
QB Acc.........10...14 -> 12
PassBlk........8....10
WR Ctch........12...12 -> 11
RB Abil........12...15
RB Blk.........8....20

Aware..........5....20 -> 7/18
KnockD.........10...15
Ints...........8....8
BrkBlk.........12...14
Tackle.........10...10
</CODE>

Some slider changes here. Increased my own defensive awareness, and lowered the CPU defensive awareness - this should being the CPU picks and my complete lack of pass defense into more of a balance. Also bumped the CPU QB Ability slightly lower as well.

Penalty changes were made basically since we didn't ever see a lot of these.

Celeval

08-11-2003, 12:48 PM

Week One Action:

This game was lost due to a power failure. I'll re-edit the post after replaying.

Rutgers (0-0) at Georgia Tech (0-0)

I'll pass on the previews since I don't feel like rewriting them.

Scoring-wise, this game was much like the first, although it happened in very different manners.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 14, Rutgers 3

Rather than being very inefficient, Burnett completes his first seven passes, and doesn't rush much at all. Halfway through the third quarter, he is knocked out and Bilbo takes over; but it doesn't matter. The biggest difference between the two games is Holmes - Benji caught one ball the 'first' game, but comes away with the player of the game this week.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 31, Rutgers 10

Leading Passers:
GT QB M.J. Burnett 7-9, 143 yards
GT QB Damarius Bilbo 7-13, 157 yards, 2 TD
RU QB Ryan Hart 14-30, 210 yards, 2 Int

Leading Rushers:
GT FB Lyle Talley 9-47 yards, TD
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 18-41 yards, TD
RU HB Markis Facyson 20-60 yards, TD

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 10-243 yards, 2 TD
GT TE Freeman Dempsey 2-43 yards
RU WR Corey Barnes 4-67 yards

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT CB Delvyn Aristegui 7 Tackles
GT MLB Trent Ball 5 Tackles (TFL), Sack
GT FS Jamar Simms 5 Tackles, Int
RU CB Zack Cochran 9 Tackles
RU CB Reshard Mitchell 3 Tackles (3 TFL), 3 Sacks

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 10-243 yards, 2 TD
RU CB Reshard Mitchell 3 Tackles (3 TFL), 3 Sacks

Celeval

08-11-2003, 01:44 PM

Week One Results:

Some of Week One has been wiped out due to a power loss. Will edit this post again when I catch back up.

SI Cover:
Coach, Virginia Tech
Hokies Need to Regroup
Virginia Tech's high hopes are dismantled on opening weekend.

Top 10:
Off on the Right Foot: Bullogs win their non-conference game against Virginia Tech.
1. Miami (32) (0-0): BYE
2. Ohio State (21) (0-0): BYE
3. Oklahoma (3) (0-0): BYE
4. Auburn (1) (1-0): W 31-24 FSU
5. Tennessee (1) (0-0): BYE
6. Nebraska (1) (0-0): BYE
7. Maryland (1-0): W 32-29 UCONN
8. Arkansas (0-0): BYE
9. Texas (0-0): BYE
10. NC State (0-0): BYE
16. Georgia (0-0): BYE
UNR. Georgia Tech (1-0): W 31-10 RU

Dropped out of Top Ten: #5 Florida State, #6 Virginia Tech

Coach Report Card
"We're 1-0 now thanks to that last win over Rutgers."
Job Security: D+
Average Attendance: 47,774
Next Game: Week 2 at UK

Heisman Watch:
He Got Next?: Oklahoma's Hickson has all the ingredients of a Heisman-quality running back.
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State
HB De'Arrius Howard (Sr-RS), Arkansas
HB Albert Young (So-RS), Iowa
HB Brandon Jacobs (Sr-RS), Auburn
HB Josh Allen (Sr), Maryland

Players of the Week
(NCAA)
HB Jerious Norwood (Sr), Mississippi State: 25-107-3 Rushing, 3-35-1 Receiving
FS Darren Williams (Sr), Mississippi State: 7 Tackles (1 TFL), Sack, FF, FR

(ACC)
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 10-243-2 Receiving
CB Shane Rodgers (Fr), Georgia Tech: 4 Tackles (2 TFL), Sack, Int, FF, FR

ACC Standings
1. Maryland (1-0, 0-0): W 31-28 Connecticut
2. Wake Forest (0-0, 0-0): BYE
3. Clemson (0-0, 0-0): BYE
4. Georgia Tech (1-0, 0-0): W 31-10 Rutgers
5. Duke (0-0, 0-0): BYE
6. North Carolina (0-0, 0-0): BYE
7. Virginia (0-0, 0-0): BYE
8. NC State (0-0, 0-0): BYE
9. Florida State (0-1, 0-0): L 24-31 Auburn

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr): BYE

Celeval

08-11-2003, 02:59 PM

Week Two Action:

A great game by Eziemefe wiped out by a power loss. I'll edit this post back when I catch back up.

Georgia Tech (1-0) at Kentucky (0-0)

Preview:
Kentucky (0-0)
Overall: C+
Offense: C+
Defense: C+
Special Teams: B-

Key Players:
HB A. Bwenge (77 OVR)
HB M. Gibson (77 OVR)
DE B. Wyatt (77 OVR)

Kentucky has an offense similar to Rutgers with slightly more depth - the starting QB will be Redshirt Sophmore Andre Woodson - coming off limited action last season (22-47, 287 yards, TD, Int), throwing to Glenn Holt (57 caetches) and J.T. Perry (14 catches). Perry looks to step up this season, with serious speed. The running backs are deep, but the starter will be Alexis Bwenge (667 yards, 7 TDs). Defensively, Kentucky is a balanced team, no real standout areas.

Maybe it's something about Kentucky weather - but this game begins with 25-30mph winds as well. Hm. We again choose to kick into the wind, and again get an early turnover as the first play of the game is a Kentucky pass - picked and returned for a touchdown by Jamar Simms. Kentucky gets on the board after a muffed punt return by Harris sets up the Wildcats with great field position; still, we lead 14-7 after one.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 28, Kentucky 7

The third quarter is an odd one - three interceptions by our defensive secondary; two returned for touchdowns. This game becomes a laugher quickly, and the fourth quarter is all second teams. Except David Jordan, who boots a 60-yard field goal and follows it up with the kickoff through the uprights. Gotta love a 30-mph wind at your back.

We do need to call back in the first team defense after two UK scores - that, and the second team is so tired that when our K is subbed in on the defensive line, it's time to let the real guys play.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 65, Kentucky 22

Leading Passers:
GT QB M.J. Burnett 12-18, 198 yards, 3 TD, Int
GT QB Damarius Bilbo 4-6, 70 yards
UK QB Andre Woodson 12-29, 270 yards, 2 TD, 5 Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 15-103 yards, TD
GT FB Lyle Talley 8-58 yards
GT HB Mike Hanson 8-15 yards, TD
UK HB Alexis Bwenge 12-66 yards

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 7-116 yards, 3 TD
GT TE Maurio Altman 3-25 yards
UK WR Glenn Holt 5-155 yards

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT MLB Trent Ball 7 Tackles (3 TFL)
GT DT Travis Parker 5 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks
GT FS Jamar Simms 1 Tackle, 2 Int, TD
GT CB Reuben Houston 3 Tackles (1 TFL), Int, TD
GT CB Stanford Ingram Int, TD
GT CB Delyn Aristegui 3 Tackles, Int
UK OLB Deion Holts 8 Tackles (1 TFL)
UK SS Muhammad Abdullah 4 Tackles, 1 Int

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 7-116 yards, 3 TD
UK SS Muhammad Abdullah 4 Tackles, 1 Int

Celeval

08-11-2003, 03:09 PM

I'll have to get back to this. We just lsot power, and I think I may have lost each of the first two games.

Kevin

Buzzbee

08-11-2003, 03:22 PM

Originally posted by Celeval
I'll have to get back to this. We just lsot power, and I think I may have lost each of the first two games.

Kevin

Man, that SUCKS!! I hope it didn't wipe out a 175 yard, 5 TD performance!

Celeval

08-11-2003, 08:30 PM

Originally posted by Buzzbee
I hope it didn't wipe out a 175 yard, 5 TD performance!

It did. Ah well. At least it was Rutgers and UK, though - if I had lost wins over, say, FSU and Maryland; I'd be pissed. :-D

Kevin

Celeval

08-12-2003, 09:46 PM

Week Two Results:

SI Cover:
QB Jonathan Kidd, NC State (Sr)
ON the Wrong Foot?
#10 NC State hangs on to win season opener 27-20 against Notre Dame.

Top 10:
First Win a Close One: Oklahoma State wins a tight battle in their season opener.
1. Miami (36) (1-0): W 44-17 MINN
2. Ohio State (21) (1-0): W 27-17 TAMU
3. Oklahoma (1) (1-0): W 16-7 IOWA
4. Auburn (1) (2-0): W 59-13 UCF
5. Tennessee (1-0): W 48-16 SU
6. Maryland (2-0): W 29-7 BAMA
7. Arkansas (1-0): W 49-7 LATECH
8. Texas (1-0): W 50-10 UNM
9. NC State (1-0): W 27-20 ND
10. Penn State (1-0): W 38-7 UTEP
14. Georgia (1-0): W 34-17 MEMPH
UNR. Georgia Tech (2-0): W 65-22 UK

Dropped out of Top Ten: #6 Nebraska

Coach Report Card
"The fans were pleased with last week's win over Kentucky."
Job Security: C-
Average Attendance: 47,774
Next Game: Week 3 vs. CMU

Heisman Watch:
Household Name: Ohio State's offense depends heavily on the legs of Clarett.
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 25-159 Rushing, 20 Receiving
HB De'Arrius Howard (Sr-RS), Arkansas: 15-144 Rushing
HB Albert Young (So-RS), Iowa: 25-91-1 Rushing, 2-13 Receiving
HB Brandon Jacobs (Sr-RS), Auburn: 43-241-6 Rushing
HB Selvin Young (Sr), Texas: 16-105 Rushing, 5-26 Receiving

Players of the Week
(NCAA)
HB Matt Ward (Sr), Air Force: 34 carries, 215 yards, 3 TD; 35 Rec Yards
MLB Aaron Harris (Sr), Texas: 3 Tackles, Int, FF, TD

(ACC)
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 7-116-3 Receiving
OLB Kai Parham (Jr-RS), Virginia: 8 Tackles (1 TFL), Sack, TD

ACC Standings
1. Virginia (1-0, 1-0): W 55-7 Duke
2. Florida State (1-1, 1-0): W 41-14 North Carolina
3. Georgia Tech (2-0, 0-0): W 65-22 Kentucky
4. Maryland (2-0, 0-0): W 29-7 Alabama
5. Clemson (1-0, 0-0): W 31-28 Kansas
6. North Carolina State (1-0, 0-0): W 27-20 Notre Dame
7. Wake Forest (0-1, 0-0): L 28-45 Marshall
8. North Carolina (0-1, 0-1): L 14-41 Florida State
9. Duke (0-1, 0-1): L 7-55 Virginia

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr)
This Week: 1 Tackle, Int, Pass Deflection
2005 Season: 1 Tackle, 1 Int, 1 Pass Defl.

Celeval

08-12-2003, 11:25 PM

Week Three Action:

Central Michigan (0-1) at Georgia Tech (2-0)

Preview:
Central Michigan (0-1)
Overall: C-
Offense: C-
Defense: C-
Special Teams: C+

Key Players:
DE A. Robinson: 2 Sacks
FS B. Young: 1 Int
DT A. Thompson: 1 FR

Season Stats:
Points/Game: 0.0 (112)
Total Offense: 168.0 (112)
Rush Offense: 47.0 (109)
Pass Offense: 121.0 (100)
Total Defense: 402.0 (69)
Rush Defense: 238.0 (98)
Pass Defense: 164.0 (32)
Turnover Diff: +0.00 (44)

The third and final out of conference cupcake to start the season will be our final week to ease into things with Burnett - with Florida State and Clemson next on the docket. Central Michigan was crushed last week by ____, which says something about their program. The starting quarterback will be true freshman Seymour McLaughlin (67 OVR), 10-24 for 121 and two picks last week. His main target was Sophmore Ricky Ware, the only player with speed on the CMU offense (88 SPD). We should roll this team pretty easily, and hopefully without injury.

Unsurprisingly, this is an untelevised game. That'll hurt some when recruiting comes around, but I'll just be happy to have a job then.

We may have gone a little too cupcakey in our scheduling this game. The only blemish on the 37-0 score late in the second quarter is an interception in the end zone - that turned into a safety two plays later. The play of the first half isn't even a score - it's M.J. Burnett dropping back in shotgun, feeling the rush, stepping forward into the pocket and drawing the linebackers up - then firing a bullet to Maurio Altman in stride for a 25-yard pickup on third and 12. Burnett and Holmes have outstanding days and are done at the half, while Eziemefe is merely good.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 44, Central Michigan 0

The second half sees our second team offense. We stick with the first team defense because of our lack of depth on the line.

Actually, here I discover one problem with our redshirt setup - we've redshirted so tightly that we don't /have/ a second string offensive or defensive line, and we get players going both ways. So I'm manually subbing players we have replacements for for this half, rather than going second team. We do get one big loss, on defense - Sophmore Free Safety Jamar Simms breaks his jaw returning an interception, and is out for eleven weeks. At least it's someplace we have some depth.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 58, Central Michigan 7

Leading Passers:
GT QB M.J. Burnett 13-19, 254 yards, 3 TD, Int
GT QB Damarius Bilbo 4-8, 65 yards
GT QB Howard Manning 8-12, 128 yards, TD, Int
CMU QB Seymour McLaughlin 19-35, 204 yards, 2 Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 7-64 yards, 2 TD
GT FB Lyle Talley 11-58 yards, TD
GT HB Mike Hanson 6-34 yards
GT QB M.J. Burnett 3-26 yards, TD
CMU HB Mike Pryce 18-36 yards
CMU FB Justin Lynch 6-24 yards, TD

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 9-201 yards, 3 TD
GT TE Maurio Altman 5-103 yards
GT WR George Cooper 3-27 yards
CMU WR Justin Harper 9-121 yards
CMU WR Ricky Ware 4-24 yards

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT CB Reuben Houston 7 Tackles (1 TFL), Int
GT CB Stanford Ingram 4 Tackles (1 TFL), Int
CMU CB Marlin Maxwell 8 Tackles (1 TFL)
CMU DT Elliot Ratliff 4 Tackles (1 TFL), Sack, FF

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 9-201 yards, 3 TD
CMU DT Elliot Ratliff 1 Tackles (1 TFL), Sack, FF, FR

Celeval

08-12-2003, 11:46 PM

Roster Note:

We are removing the redshirt from Terrance Gonzalez; the true freshman will start at Free Safety due to the injury to Jamar Simms.

Celeval

08-12-2003, 11:47 PM

Week Three Results:

SI Cover:
Coach, Georgia
Unfriendly Confines
Eagles invalide Georgia's turf and walk away with a 20-17 victory.

Top 10:
By a Razor's Edge: Bulldogs bow out at the end to Boston College 20-17.
1. Miami (34) (2-0): W 82-7 BAYLOR
2. Ohio State (24) (2-0): W 51-0 MIZZOU
3. Oklahoma (1) (2-0): W 34-12 OR ST
4. Auburn (3-0): W 73-7 ARMY
5. Tennessee (2-0): W 38-21 TEMPLE
6. Arkansas (2-0): W 41-6 TULSA
7. Texas (1-0): BYE
8. Florida State (2-1): W 44-33 UMD
9. NC State (2-0): W 38-35 WAKE
10. Penn State (1-0): BYE
22. Georgia (1-1): L 17-20 BC
UNR. Georgia Tech (3-0): W 58-7 CMU

Dropped out of Top Ten: #6 Maryland

Coach Report Card
"Winners win. Losers lose. Right now you're a winner."
Job Security: C
Average Attendance: 42,976
Next Game: Week 4 at #8 FSU

Not exactly confidence-inspiring.

Heisman Watch:
A Candidate Emerges: Howard's Heisman candidacy is in full force in Fayetteville
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 52-339 Rushing, 4-62 Receiving, 3 TDs
HB De'Arrius Howard (Sr-RS), Arkansas: 33-259-1 Rushing, 4-88 Receiving
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 26-560-8 Receiving
HB Josh Allen (Sr), Maryland: 66-456-5 Rushing, 9-135 Receiving
HB Albert Young (So-RS), Iowa: 5-233-4 Rushing, 3-17 Receiving

Of course, now that we hit conference play, Holmes' stats will start to fall.

Players of the Week
(NCAA)
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 27-180 Rushing, 3-42 Receiving, 3 TDs
CB Jovan Nixon (So), Texas Tech: 6 Tackles, 2 Int, FF, TD
(ACC)
QB Jonathan Kidd (Sr), NC State: 17-23, 242 yards, 4 carries, 50 yards, 4 TDs
OLB Kai Parham (Jr-RS), Virginia: 11 Tackles (4 TFL), 2 Sacks, Int, FF, FR

ACC Standings
1. Florida State (2-1, 2-0): W 44-33 Maryland
2. Virginia (2-0, 1-0): W 43-14 SMU
3. NC State (2-0, 1-0): W 38-35 Wake Forest
4. Clemson (2-0, 0-0): W 30-25 Buffalo
5. Georgia Tech (3-0, 0-0): W 58-7 Central Michigan
6. Maryland (2-1, 0-1): L 33-44 Florida State
7. Wake Forest (0-2, 0-1): L 35-38 North Carolina State
8. Duke (0-2, 0-1): L 19-36 Utah
9. North Carolina (0-2, 0-1): L 28-35 Iowa

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr)
This Week: [no stats]
2005 Season: 1 Tackle, 1 Int, 1 Pass Defl.

Celeval

08-13-2003, 03:00 PM

Week Four Action:

Georgia Tech (3-0) at #8 Florida State (2-1)

Preview:
Florida State (2-1)
Overall: B+
Offense: B+
Defense: B
Special Teams: B+

Key Players:
HB L Booker: 4 Ints
HB W. Reid: 3 Rush TD
FB B. Dean: 5 Total TD

Season Stats:
Points/Game: 36.3 (21)
Total Offense: 486.6 (11)
Rush Offense: 250.3 (9)
Pass Offense: 236.3 (48)
Total Defense: 427.3 (86)
Rush Defense: 179.3 (80)
Pass Defense: 247.9 (77)
Turnover Diff: +2.30 (7)

Our conference opener is our first (and perhaps toughest) test of the season, traveling to Tallahassee to take on the eigth-ranked Seminoles. As always, Florida State has tremendous talent, and this season it's absolutely obscene how good their running backs are. A trio of backs - Willie Reid, Lorenzo Booker, and Leon Washington - are /all/ rated 96+ overall. The talent at wide receiver is almost thin by comparison - the top three wideouts are all Freshmen or Sophmores, rated 80+. The recruit we chased last season, Ricky Harrington, hasn't seen game action yet, and is buried at fifth on the depth chart - despite a 75 OVR and 96 SPD. The one that got away. We luck out to an extent at quarterback - Florida State's top two quarterbacks are out due to injury, and we get Redshirt-Junior Wyatt Sexton (73 OVR). Sexton is 17-33 for 242 yards, a TD, and a pick on the season. The defense doesn't have the offensive stars, but is still solid - the main man is So-RS cornerback Antonio Cromartie. A true shutdown corner and only a Sophmore, Cromartie has two picks so far this season. The nuts thing is the guy lining up against him - Lorenzo Booker, one of those 96 OVR halfbacks, is also playing corner; and has four interceptions.

Our game plan revolves around keeping the game short - move the ball on the ground, and do our best to stop the Florida State running game. If they're going to beat us, I want it to happen through the air with Sexton throwing the ball.

The first quarter is just about what we want - each team gets one decent drive but can't convert - I-Perfection Harris comes up with an intereception to hold the Seminoles short, while David Jordan misses a 53-yard field goal (really out of his range). The first quarter ends at 0-0 - we're moving the ball not a whole lot, but balanced. The start of the second quarter sees Florida State begin to rely on Reid - a couple draws out of the shotgun, and an extended drive puts them into the red zone. A third and ten throw into the end zone is broken up, however, and both teams settle for a field goal attempt - Wide Right! Still scoreless, but our offense is three and out and our defense is still tired. Another field goal attempt, from in the red zone; and this time Seneca Boulware (what a name)... misses again! We're getting all kinds of breaks, but need to do something with them to have a chance. We hit a couple solid pass plays and start moving the ball near the ned of the half, but we go for a second and one playfake on the twelve yard line; and Burnett is intercepted throwing to a wide-open Maurio Altman in the end zone. That gets the crowd chanting, but with under :30 to play in the half, there's no time to get anything going, and we end the half scoreless.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 0, Florida State 0

We get the ball to start the second half, with some confidence after a solid drive to end the first. A couple more passes, and a great third-and-six scramble by Burnett put us at the same spot on the field; this time a handoff to Hanson picks up six, and we have first and goal. No playing around, it's power right up the gut, and it's the redshirt freshman Mike Hanson who picks up the first score of the game. Final stats on that drive are 10 plays, 71 yards, and 3:01 off the clock. We get some good pressure off the line, and force a punt after three-and-out... and I-Perfection Harris comes up with another big play, returning the punt to inside the thirty-five yard line! Lyle Talley has been a workhorse for us today - the fullback has been carrying the ball a good bit, and with some success. We ride him this drive, right inside the ten yard line again. Third and six at the seven - and Holmes can't hang onto the ball in the end zone. We're forced to kick, from an angle, but it's good and we now lead 10-0. A BIG sack to start off the next series, as FSU tries to set up a screen pass but fails - but the first big play for the Seminoles is a 35-yard pass to Fagg, and a new set of downs. We're throwing as many looks as we can at this offense, and the next big play is made by the kid Ricky Harrington; a seven yard pickup under the zone on third and seven for the first. We're seeing a lot of 4- and 5- wide sets now, Noles are looking to put points on the board. The third quarter comes to an end here, with Florida State driving but facing another third and seven. Shotgun trips formation, we run a straight Cover 2 out of the 4-3. The pass is complete under the zone, but not enough for the first. A big call for Bobby Bowden, and he's going on fourth and three. The pass is complete to Kelley, inside the 20 yard line; and the warchants start up again. Another third down - Florida State is doing it the hard way - third and six at the fifteen, and the call is a draw to Reid, stopped at the twelve. AGAIN, the Seminoles go for it. A throw into the end zone, to Reid - and he comes up with it between a pair of Yellow Jacket defenders for the score. A huge score, and we lead only 10-7 now; but it was length, and there is under seven minutes left to play. Another third down scramble by BUrnett gives us a big first down, and the clock ticks under five. We're using the full play clock on every down now. Another first down, inside the 20 and we're under 4 to play. Our first big penalty takes a toll here - with 3:18 to play, setting up for a third and three, first-year-starter Cal Crawford jumps offsides. Third and eight at the fourteen yard line, and the playcall is for Burnett to roll out to his left (strong side - lefty thrower), and look for Benji Holmes in the end zone. No dice - the pass is knocked down, and out trots David Jordan for the kick. Kick is good, we lead 13-7.

3:07 to play, and we kick off with the wind at our back. Reid takes the ball at the goal line and retuns it up to the twenty - FUMBLE, ball loose - but we can't recover it. That would have been a clincher. The 'Noles run the ball twice with Reid, and face a third and two with under two and a half. Time to take a chance - we put on a heavy blitz, leaving our men in man coverage. Sexton drops back to throw - and is sacked! Pullen with a great play! Fourth and eight, under two minutes with the clock rolling. Florida State comes out in a five-wide set, we counter with Dime coverage and a Cover Three zone. The throw over the middle - complete to Davis, first down. No-huddle to the line, and Sexton throws it up into single coverage - overthrown, Reuben Houston NEARLY makes the pick of the day, but the ball falls incomplete. 1:32 on the clock, FSU has it on their own 34. Another deep throw - and it's DELVYN ARISTEGUI! He was supposed to redshirt this season, but instead is our starting strong safety; he comes down with a huge interception and a solid return. We take over with 1:24 to play. We give the ball to Eziemefe and Talley - picking up one first down, and using all the timeouts. 1:10 on the clock. Burnett kneels - the clock ticks down to 38 seconds. Third and seven. Another kneeldown. We're going to have to snap the ball on fourth down - there's a five second difference. We take the delay of game, and call for the punt unit on the Florida State 30. MacPherson kicks the hell of it - out of the end zone, time runs out with the ball in the air - and THAT'S THE BALLGAME! We come out of the game with our biggest win of the dynasty.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 13, Florida State 7

Greatest Game! #4: 369 points

Leading Passers:
GT QB M.J. Burnett 9-20, 126 yards, Int
FSU QB Wyatt Sexton 12-23, 136 yards, 1 TD, 2 Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 15-83 yards
GT FB Lyle Talley 11-73 yards
GT HB Mike Hanson 5-13 yards, TD
GT QB M.J. Burnett 3-26 yards, TD
FSU HB Willie Reid 17-65 yards

Leading Receivers:
GT TE Maurio ALtman 3-39 yard
GT WR LeKeldrick Bridges 3-28 yards
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 2-51 yards
FSU HB Willie Reid 4-38 yards, TD
FSU WR Chris Davis 3-27 yards

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT OLB Kingi McNair 6 Tackles (2 TFL)
GT CB I-Perfection Harris 3 Tackles, Int
GT CB Delvyn Aristegui 2 Tackles, Int
FSU CB Antonio Cromartie 7 Tackles
FSU DE Mike Eaton 3 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT CB I-Perfection Harris 3 Tackles, Int
FSU HB Willie Reid 17-65 Rushing, 4-38-1 Receiving

Celeval

08-13-2003, 03:14 PM

Week Four Results:

SI Cover:
K David Jordan, Georgia Tech (Jr)
Starting Strong
The ACC Season begins on a high note for Georgia Tech.

Great, just what we need - the SI Cover Jinx.

Top 10:
Seminoles in Shock: Georgia Tech's upset of Florida State raises some eyebrows around the league.
1. Miami (31) (3-0): W 41-0 MINN
2. Ohio State (23) (3-0): W 56-17 PITT
3. Oklahoma (1) (2-0): BYE
4. Auburn (2) (4-0): W 41-13 VANDY
5. Tennessee (1) (3-0): W 48-21 MSU
6. Arkansas (1) (2-0): W 49-10 RU
7. Texas (2-0): W 35-14 VT
8. NC State (3-0): W 28-11 NAVY
9. Penn State (2-0): W 54-16 ULM
10. UCLA (4-0): W 35-13 UNLV
18. Georgia Tech (4-0): W 13-7 FSU
19. Georgia (2-1): W 36-3 S CAR

Dropped out of Top Ten: #8 Florida State

Coach Report Card
"Good work in finding a way to beat Florida State, Coach"
Job Security: C+
Average Attendance: 42,976
Next Game: Week 5 vs. #25 Clemson

That's it? Good work? And a C+ to job security? Booooo.

Heisman Watch:
Rolling Along: Holmes is mentioned on everybody's Heisman list.
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 81-579 Rushing, 6-74 Receiving, 6 TDs
HB Josh Allen (Sr), Maryland: 93-597-8 Rushing, 11-177 Receiving
HB Frank Gore (Sr-RS), Miami: 51-364-4 Rushing, 14-298-4 Receiving
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 28-611-8 Receiving
HB De'Arrius Howard (Sr-RS), Arkansas: 42-323-2 Rushing, 4-88 Receiving

Holmes stays on the board despite a low statistical week. This next game will be interesting, as we'll be facing the best corner we'll see all season in Justin Miller out of Clemson.

Players of the Week
(NCAA)
HB Dane Scott (So), New Mexico State: 45-205-5 Rushing
CB Marcus Cassel (Sr-RS), UCLA: 3 Tackles, 2 Int, TD
(ACC)
HB Jose Allen (Sr), Maryland: 27-141-3 Rushing, 2-42 Receiving
MLB Oliver Hoyte (Sr), NC State: 16 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks

ACC Standings
1. Florida State (2-2, 2-1): L 7-13 Georgia Tech
2. Georgia Tech (4-0, 1-0): W 13-7 Florida State
3. NC State (3-0, 1-0): W 28-11 Navy
4. Virginia (2-1, 1-0): L 9-37 Michigan
5. Clemson (2-0, 0-0): BYE
6. Maryland (3-1, 0-1): W 28-23 Texas A&M
7. North Carolina (1-2, 0-1): W 35-20 East Carolina
8. Duke (0-3, 0-1): L 14-48 Florida
9. Wake Forest (0-3, 0-1): L 21-24 Oklahoma State

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr)
This Week: [no stats]
2005 Season: 1 Tackle, 1 Int, 1 Pass Defl.

Radii

08-13-2003, 03:23 PM

Nice win!!!

Buzzbee

08-13-2003, 05:02 PM

Sweeeeeet!!! I was on the edge of my seat! Wide RIGHT!!! What a classic. This game seems eerily accurate. :D

Congrats on a well played win.

Celeval

08-13-2003, 05:45 PM

Week Five Action:

#25 Clemson (2-0) at #18 Georgia Tech (4-0)

Preview:
Clemson (2-0)
Overall: B
Offense: B
Defense: B-
Special Teams: A

Key Players:
QB C. Whitehurst: 435 Pass Yards
HB T. Billie: 192 Rush Yards
WR K. Grant: 2 Rec. TDs.

Season Stats:
Points/Game: 30.5 (25)
Total Offense: 342.0 (78)
Rush Offense: 124.5 (86)
Pass Offense: 217.5 (54)
Total Defense: 292.5 (16)
Rush Defense: 122.0 (24)
Pass Defense: 170.5 (22)
Turnover Diff: +0.00 (54)

A different matchup against the Clemson Tigers, and we're looking to avoid the Cover Jinx and a letdown after last week's win. QB Charlie Whitehurst burnt us last season to the tune of 372 yards and 3 touchdowns; this year, he's looking even sweeter with 5 touchdowns and no picks in their two games. The man in the backfield is Tramaine Billie, averaging just under four yards/carry, but he has speed. He hurt us last year running out of the shotgun. The receiving corps is solid, led by Redshirt Junior Kelvin Grant (14-160-2). Defensively, Clemson is not strong in the center of the field - their cornerstones are Senior CBs Justin Miller (99 OVR) and Tye Hill (84 OVR). The linebackers and defensive line don't look so hot; we'll be looking to run on these guys.

It's a beautiful day in Atalnta, bright blue skies, and away we go. This is Clemson's first conference game; they win the toss and elect to kick to us to start things off. We said we wanted to run the ball, and we do - 11 plays, 73 yards, all on the ground, and we lead 7-0. Touchdown goes to Mike Hanson. It's not as easy as that, and Whitehurst shows us - Clemson's second play from scrimmage is a big pass play over our defense, eventually tracked down by Ingram at the three. The fullback McClendon rumbles in to tie the game up.

It's an offensive game - we drive down and score, Clemson drives and scores. We drive and score again - two touchdowns for Lyle Talley - and Clemson fumbles the kickoff, Talley falls on it. This time it's a touchdown pass to Maurio Altman, and we lead 28-14. We get burnt near the end of the half by the Clemson no-huddle, drive all the way down to inside the ten - but Burnett tosses his first interception in two games to end the drive. Still, we lead by a couple scores at the midpoint of the game.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 35, Clemson 21

We swap up touchdowns to start the second half - where's the defense - but a big problem as Burnett gets knocked out of the game. Nothing serious, but done for the game, which could be a problem if this stays a shootout. The Tigers move right down the field - Ingram is getting picked on pretty badly in both zone and man coverage; and Whitehurst has completed seven straight at this point. The only rushes Clemson are putting up now are draws out of the shotgun, and it's nine straight completions and a touchdown. Within a score now - and Bilbo stalls the offense with a sack on third and four, that's our first punt of the day. The fourth quarter starts with Clemson down a touchdown and the ball. Eric Henderson is having a stellar day - he steps up with 2 TFL and a sack to shut down that drive, and picks up the 100th tackle of his Georgia Tech career. We get a measure of relief with a 50-yard field goal by David Jordan to push the lead to two scores, but Clemson doesn't give up - it takes a 75-yard interception return by Reuben Houston for a score to wrap this game up. A very different ballgame than the Florida State win, but we'll take it. Whitehurst leads the Tigers down to one final score, but it's too little, too late - despite an incredible game by Charlie Whitehurst.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 52, Clemson 42

Leading Passers:
GT QB M.J. Burnett 7-8, 231 yards, 2 TD, Int
GT QB Damarius Bilbo 0-5
CLEM QB Charlie Whitehurst 21-27, 417 yards, 3 TD, Int

Leading Rushers:
GT RB Ajenavi Eziemefe 22-136 yards
GT FB Lyle Talley 12-56 yards, 2 TD
GT QB M.J. Burnett 5-34 yards
GT HB Mike Hanson 4-16 yards, TD
CLEM HB Tramaine Billie 14-87 yards
CLEM FB Rob McClendon 5-10 yards, 2 TD

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 3-140 yards, TD
GT TE Maurio Altman 2-39 yards, TD
CLEM WR Michael Collins 8-170 yards
CLEM WR Curtis Baham 6-86 yards

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT DE Eric Henderson 11 Tackles (3 TFL), Sack
GT CB Reuben Houston 10 Tackles, Int, TD
GT DE Terron Pullen 3 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks
CLEM OLB Paul Walters 6 Tackles (2 TFL), Sack
CLEM CB Tye Hill 5 Tackles, Int

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT CB Reuben Houston 10 Tackles, Int, TD
CLEM QB Charlie Whitehurst 21-27, 417 yards, 3 TD, Int

Celeval

08-13-2003, 05:56 PM

Week Five Results:

SI Cover:
DT Kwakou Robinson, Virginia (Sr)
A Thin Win
The Cavaliers inch past Texas, 23-17.

Top 10:
Heart Stopper! #7 Texas couldn't keep the opportunistic Cavaliers from pulling the upset.
1. Miami (30) (4-0): W 27-13 BC
2. Ohio State (22) (4-0): W 54-13 KENT
3. Oklahoma (1) (3-0): W 34-0 UTAH
4. Auburn (4) (5-0): W 63-3 NAVY
5. Tennessee (1) (4-0): W 28-23 UF
6. Arkansas (1) (3-0): W 27-9 NIU
7. NC State (4-0): W 38-21 BYU
8. Penn State (3-0): W 16-14 BAYLOR
9. UCLA (4-0): BYE
10. Maryland (4-1): W 35-28 WASH
16. Georgia Tech (5-0): W 52-42 CLEM
18. Georgia (3-1): W 45-10 LSU

Dropped out of Top Ten: #7 Texas

Coach Report Card
"Whether by ground or air, all that matters is scoring more than the other team."
Job Security: B-
Average Attendance: 41,837
Next Game: Week 7 vs #7 NCSU

Heisman Watch:
Checking the Ballots: There's a new leader atop the Heisman list
HB Josh Allen (Sr), Maryland: 111-736-10 Rushing, 11-177 Receiving
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 107-800 Rushing, 7-81 Receiving, 8 TDs
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 31-751-9 Receiving
HB Frank Gore (Sr-RS), Miami: 78-533-4 Rushing, 17-346-4 Receiving
HB Tre Smith (Sr), Auburn: 106-651-8 Rushing, 7-126-1 Receiving

We'll see how Holmes fares in the polls during a bye week.

Players of the Week
(NCAA)
QB Brad Smith (Sr-RS), Missouri: 15-32-184 Passing, 23-156 Rushing, 4 TDs
OLB Nick Borsetti (Jr), Notre Dame: 11 Tackles (1 TFL), Int, FF, TD
(ACC)
WR Chris Davis (Sr), Wake Forest: 6 Receptions, 95 yards, 2 TD
DE Brennan Schmidt (Sr-RS), Virginia: 11 Tackles (4 TFL), 2 Sacks, 2 FF, 2 FR

ACC Standings
1. Georgia Tech (5-0, 2-0): W 52-42 Clemson
2. Florida State (2-3, 2-1): L 19-24 Iowa
3. NC State (4-0, 1-0): W 38-21 BYU
4. Virginia (3-1, 1-0): W 23-17 Texas
5. Maryland (4-1, 0-1): W 35-28 Washington
6. Clemson (2-1, 0-1): L 42-52 Georgia Tech
7. North Carolina (2-2, 0-1): W 23-20 Idaho
8. Wake Forest (1-3, 0-1): W 38-13 Memphis
9. Duke (0-4, 0-1): L 20-34 Michigan

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr)
This Week: 2 Tackles, Int, Pass Deflection
2005 Season: 3 Tackle, 2 Int, 2 Pass Defl.

tucker342

08-14-2003, 10:00 AM

Wow, great start!:D

Who would've thought that you would be 5-0

Celeval

08-14-2003, 10:32 AM

Yeah, I'm surprised somewhat too. I don't think it's (entirely) because of the slider changes - the games I've won against FSU and Clemson were different enough; and I'm not dominating anything.

I think the biggest difference, honestly, is M.J. Burnett - his mobility in and out of the pocket makes a huge difference. When Haston was our starter last season, I knew I had to get rid of the ball before the rush got there; and that worked relatively well. With Burnett in, I can get away from the rush and out of the pocket, and that works well. With Bilbo, he's not quite fast enough to get out easily.

What I've been taking extreme advantage of is mobility down the line of scrimmage - if Burnett gets outside of the tackles, it's all over; I've completed a half dozen passes by coming right up to the line and drawing in the linebackers in a zone. If they're in man and not zone, M.J. has gone for 10-12-15 yards. Very realistic, I think, as this is what drove defenses nuts with Vick at VT - and it reminds me what kind of a weapon this guy really is.

Kevin

Celeval

08-14-2003, 10:41 AM

Well, that and when you're outside the pocket, you can throw the ball away. Less interceptions that way. :-D

Celeval

08-14-2003, 10:26 PM

Bye Week Review

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-0)
National Rank: 16

Overall: B
Offense: B
Defense: B
Special Teams: B-

Season Stats:
Points/Game: 43.8 (4)
Total Offense: 437.8 (18)
Rush Offense: 163.4 (50)
Pass Offense: 274.4 (21)
Total Defense: 319.0 (20)
Rush Defense: 70.6 (2)
Pass Defense: 248.4 (84)
Turnover Diff: +1.20 (9)

The biggest difference from last season? Turnover ratio - from a negative 3.30 to a positive 1.20. A swing of 4.5 turnovers/game in our favor, that'll do to swing a few results our way.

Passing Statistics
QB M.J. Burnett: 48-74, 952 yards, 8 TD, 4 Int (197.8 Rating)
QB Damarius Bilbo: 15-32, 292 yards, 2 TD, 0 Int (144.2 Rating)
QB Howard Manning: 8-12, 128 yards, TD, Int (167.1 Rating)

Our biggest improvement.

Rushing Statistics
HB Ajenavi Eziemefe: 77-427 yards, 4 TD (5.5 Avg)
FB Lyle Talley: 51-292 yards, 4 TD (5.7 Avg)
HB Mike Hanson 24-83 yards, 3 TD (3.4 Avg)
QB M.J. Burnett 30-31 yards, TD (1.0 Avg)

Lyle Talley has been a great boost here, with much more of a threat up the middle of the field.

Receiving Statistics
WR Benjamin Holmes: 31-751 yards, 9 TD (24.2 Avg)
TE Maurio Altman: 13-206 yards, TD (15.8 Avg)
WR George Cooper: 8-88 yards (11.0 Avg)
WR Lekeldrick Bridges: 6-103 yards (17.1 Avg)
TE Freeman Dempsey: 5-77 yards, TD (15.3 Avg)

As expected, Holmes with the lion's share of catches and yards - although Altman has stepped up to make some plays. I'd like to expand his role a bit.

Blocking Statistics
T Jerrell Craig: 12 pancakes/2 sacks allowed
G Brad Honeycutt: 6/0
TE Freeman Dempsey: 5/0
T Cal Crawford: 4/4
C Joseph Hayes: 4/1
G Andy TidwellNeal: 3/1

Some great blocking by Dempsey - that's a surprise to me. I'll have to keep an eye, see where he's picking up these blocks.

Tackling Statistics
CB Reuben Houston: 25 Tackles (3 TFL)
DE Eric Henderson: 24 Takles (5 TFL)
MLB Trent Ball: 23 Tackles (4 TFL)
OLB Kingi McNair: 21 Tackles (8 TFL)

Sack Statistics
DE Terron Pullen: 6 Sacks
DT Travis Parker: 4 Sacks
DE Eric Henderson: 2 Sacks
DT Omar Billy: 2 Sacks

Pullen is setting himself up for another very nice year.

Interceptions
FS Jamar Simms: 4 Interceptions, TD
CB Reuben Houston: 3 Interceptions, 2 TD
CB Delvyn Aristegui: 2 Interceptions
CB Stanford Ingram: 2 Interceptions, TD

A big reason for the turnover number switch - although Simms was on a great roll before the injury. Bleah.

Celeval

08-14-2003, 10:36 PM

Week Six Results:

Bye week for us, as we prepare for the Wolfpack of NC State.

SI Cover:
QB Shayne Kincaid, North Carolina (Fr-RS)
Rivals Collide
NC State survives a major scare against the rival Tar Heels.

Top 10:
Conference Clash!: #5 Tennessee loses a shocker to SEC opponent South Carolina 45-17.
1. Miami (39) (4-0): BYE
2. Ohio State (20) (5-0): W 38-10 NU
3. Oklahoma (4-0): W 20-3 LOUIS
4. Auburn (6-0): W 66-16 BALL ST
5. Arkansas (4-0): 41-17 BAMA
6. NC State (5-0): W 17-10 UNC
7. Penn State (4-0): W 35-23 MINN
8. UCLA (5-0): W 42-9 TROY
9. Maryland (5-1): W 40-20 WVU
10. Oregon (5-0): W 48-24 WSU
15. Georgia Tech (5-0): BYE
18. Georgia (4-1): W 48-3 SJSU

Dropped out of Top Ten: #5 Tennessee

Coach Report Card
"Use this time to rest up, but make sure we get a few practices in."
Job Security: B-
Average Attendance: 41,837
Next Game: Week 7 vs #6 NCSU

Heisman Watch:
A New Face on the List: Ohio State's Clarett takes over the top spot in our Heisman Watch.
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 131-979 Rushing, 9-103 Receiving, 9 TDs
HB Josh Allen (Sr), Maryland: 120-794-10 Rushing, 14-230 Receiving
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 31-751-9 Receiving
HB Frank Gore (Sr-RS), Miami: 78-533-4 Rushing, 17-346-4 Receiving
HB Tre Smith (Sr), Auburn: 123-746-10 Rushing, 8-129-1 Receiving

Benji Holmes stays steady in the Heisman balloting. A good performance against a top ten team in NC State can only help him here.

Players of the Week
(NCAA)
HB Lonta Hobbs (Sr), TCU: 33-187 Rushing, 2-40 Receiving, 3 TDs
DE Mike Mendenhall (Sr), Temple: 12 Tackles (2 TFL), Sack, TD

(ACC)
RB Willie Reid (Sr-RS), Florida State: 19-139-4 Rushing
DE Mario Williams (Jr), North Carolina State: 4 Tackles (1 TFL), Sack, FF, FR

ACC Standings
1. Florida State (3-3, 3-1): W 77-10 Duke
2. Georgia Tech (5-0, 2-0): BYE
3. NC State (5-0, 2-0): W 17-10 North Carolina
4. Virginia (4-1, 2-0): W 27-14 Wake Forest
5. Maryland (5-1, 0-1): W 40-20 West Virginia
6. Clemson (3-1, 0-1): W 32-21 Bowling Green
7. North Carolina (2-3, 0-2): L 10-17 North Carolina State
8. Wake Forest (1-4, 0-2): L 14-27 Virginia
9. Duke (0-5, 0-2): L 10-77 Florida State

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr)
This Week: Bye Week
2005 Season: 3 Tackle, 2 Int, 2 Pass Defl.

Celeval

08-15-2003, 12:22 AM

Week Seven Action:

#6 North Carolina State at #15 Georgia Tech

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

Key Players:
QB J. Kidd: 1087 Pass Yards
HB D. Blackman: 454 Rush Yards
OLB S. Tulloch: 31 Tackles

Season Stats:
Points/Game: 29.6 (37)
Total Offense: 383.6 (54)
Rush Offense: 166.2 (50)
Pass Offense: 217.4 (55)
Total Defense: 269.8 (6)
Rush Defense: 117.8 (17)
Pass Defense: 152.0 (7)
Turnover Diff: +0.40 (35)

We face one of the better if not the best defensive team on our schedule this week in North Carolina State. This was the team that knocked Damarius Bilbo out of the starting lineup last year in a 44-20 loss that wasn't as close as it sounded - we threw 4 interceptions and fumbled at least twice, but we hope to stick with them a bit better this year.

The starting quarterback for the Wolfpack is Senior Jonathan Kidd - he's back after injury last season, and playing well. Just over 1000 yards passing now, and a 9/3 TD/Int ratio. Last year's Heisman candidate (T.A. McLendon) has departed for greener pastures, and the starter is a speedy kid who played pretty well in the #2 slot, Darrell Blackman. Blackman (91 OVR) has over 450 yards on the ground, but only one touchdown. We catch a huge break in that their two top receivers (Tramain Hall and Richard Washington) are both out due to injury this week, leaving them short with only 3 wideouts on the roster. Washington is good news to us, he caught 9 passes for 131 yards last year. Still, TE Jamesly Jean is one of the best in the ACC.

The defense is very good all around - led by Preseason First-Team All-American OLB Manny Lawson (90 OVR). Lawson makes a ton of plays, with nearly 200 tackles in his career at State, 37 this season. The defensive line is strong as well, led by Junior DE Mario Williams (26 tackles, 2 sacks). In the secondary, the sides are equally strong with near-twin CBs Greg Golden and Jimmie Sutton (both 88 OVR and 90 SPD).

Special Teams are solid - Kevin McKinney is 8-9 this season with a long of 47 yards; Tom Spencer is averaging 42.2 yards/punt.

This matchup of the two remaining unbeaten teams in the ACC (and two of only fourteen left in the NCAA) is Nationally Televised - the game of the week is #4 Auburn v. #16 Tennessee. Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso are both picking State to win through the air, but we'll see.

We win the toss and choose to kickoff to start the game - a good call, as we hold State to a three-and-out, and Harris returns the ball inside the 50. Ace breaks off a great run to put us into the red zone, but the drive stalls inside the 10, and we're forced to kick a field goal for a 3-0 lead. Wolfpack have third and short the next time around - and a big break, as Blanks breaks up the triple option with a huge hit; Omar Billy falls on the ball. Still, we don't move the ball well, and Jordan has to make his second kick of the day. Wasted opportunities, but we'll take the lead. Outside of that first run by Eziemefe, we haven't been able to move the ball much - we're facing our first speedy defensive line set, and through three possessions, Burnett is 0-2 passing with a pair of sacks. North Carolina State gets their first break on the last play of the first quarter - Lyle Talley coughs the ball up, and the 'pack gets the ball on our side of the field. Three plays later, and it's the TE Jean catching the ball in the back of the end zone for a 7-6 North Carolina State lead.

Jean is all over us - catching three straight passes himself; I'm trying to man up a corner on him by the playcalling but it's not working too well yet. State has taken a page from our defensive playbook, blitzing off the corners which is forcing Burnett into bad positions - he's picked up another sack and had to throw another ball away since the last check. State driving again, into the red zone - stopped on fourth and one, and a surprising call to go for it - stuffed at the line, and we take the ball back over. Still, we trail 10-6 before Burnett finally stays in the pocket long enough to get a pass off - finding Benji Holmes behind the defense for a long touchdown and a 13-10 lead. We're having no time at all to look for passes, and Burnett is beginning to suffer from the same happy feet Bilbo did for much of last season. The end of the half sees Burnett 2-8 for 81 yards (and a touchdown) passing, while Jonathan Kidd is 15-26 for 162 - 7 for 89 of those to Jamesly Jean. We do lead, however, and get the ball to start the second.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 13, North Carolina State 10

Our ball to start the half, we get one first down on the ground, but that's all. Our mantra for the second half is pressure on the quarterback - and it works, as Kidd calls a QB draw on play number one, and Eric Henderson slams him to the turf. Kidd is knocked out of the game, but he'll return; meanwhile, the second stringer throws a pick to Kingi McNair, and we have the ball back. Our first really solid drive through the air ensues; and Burnett hooks up with Holmes for another touchdown - that's Benji's second of the day, and eleventh of the season. That number 11 is a new Georgia Tech single season record, and we're barely halfway through the year.

Kidd is back in the game for the next State drive, but the defense holds and we take over with a ten point lead and an opportunity to spend some clock. No go - State's Nickel back is Jamison, one of their WRs, and he picks up his third sack of the day. We're into the fourth quarter now, still leading by two scores. Our already-thin line is diminished even more when Travis Parker is knocked out of the game, and State goes for their second fourth down attempt of the game (this fourth and five at midfield), and connects with Jean (his first catch of the half) for the first down. Still alive. Kidd is knocked out of the game again, this time for the rest of the game (same as Parker), and the Wolfpack drive is stalled just within field goal range. Hooked left on a 48-yard attempt, we keep the ten point lead now with 6:36 to play. The run game hasn't been great this half, so we look for play action right off the bat - but Burnett is forced to throw it right away. There's a lot of speed on that defensive line. We line up to punt with just under 5 minutes to play, after the seventh sack of the day. Bringing blitzers off the corners is killing Burnett, even keeping a back in to block.

Three minutes to play now, and the new NCS quarterback is Stone - picks up another successful fourth down conversion before tossing an interception to Reuben Houston, returned all the way to the five yard line. The home crowd is going wild, that just about clinches the game - but three plays from the five won't get it into the end zone, and we're forced to settle for the field goal and a 13 point lead. Dangerous, even with under 1:40 to play. Stone is working the underneath pass this drive, and five straight completions gets the 'pack to inside our 25. A good two-minute drill, but under a minute left, and they need two scores. We bring in our own corner blitzes on three straight plays - a sack, a throw-away pass, and one panic throw just-too-long. Fourth and sixteen with :41 left, we set up in a Dime defense, Cover Three bringin the MLB on a blitz - the pass is tipped away by Houston, and that finishes it. The OVER-RATED chant starts up as we come off the field, our second win against a top-10 team this season.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 23, North Carolina State 10

I'm happy to win this one, although less surprised than the Florida State game - we have a good enough secondary now that we don't count on giving up three touchdown passes a game, and Burnett's throws may not be complete (at least 5 passes thrown away to avoid a sack this game), but they're not ending up in the wrong hands.

Leading Passers:
GT QB M.J. Burnett 5-14, 156 yards, 2 TD
NCS QB Jonathan Kidd 17-29, 171 yards, TD
NCS QB Marcus Stone 9-17, 121 yards, 2 Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 20-96 yards
GT FB Lyle Talley 7-23 yards
NCS HB Darrell Blackman 9-16 yards

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 4-155 yards, 2 TD
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 1-1 yard
NCS WR Robert Jamison 8-96 yards
NCS TE Jamesly Jean 8-94 yards, TD

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT CB Shane Rodgers 6 Tackles (1 TFL), Sack
GT CB Reuben Houston 4 Tackles (2 TFL), Int
NCS WR Robert Jamison 4 Tackles (3 TFL), 3 Sacks

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 4-155 yards, 2 TD
NCS WR Robert Jamison 8-96 yards; 4 Tackles, 3 TFL, 3 Sacks

Celeval

08-15-2003, 12:37 AM

Week Seven Results:

SI Cover:
HB Eduardo Fragoso, Texas (Sr-RS)
A Slam Dunk
THe Longhorns earn some respect with a 31-14 beating of Kansas State.

Top 10:
Run Over!: Tennessee looks impressive after a 31-14 victory over #4 Auburn.
1. Miami (33) (5-0): W 87-14 WVU
2. Ohio State (23) (5-0): BYE
3. Oklahoma (2) (5-0): W 33-17 ISU
4. Arkansas (1) (5-0): BYE
5. Penn State (6-0): W 18-16 WISC
6. UCLA (6-0): W 48-24 WASH
7. Maryland (6-1): W 30-17 CLEM
8. Oregon (6-0): W 40-19 UTAH ST
9. Michigan (6-0): W 35-31 IOWA
10. Georgia Tech (6-0): W 23-10 NCSU
18. Georgia (5-1): W 41-17 BAMA

Dropped out of Top Ten: #4 Auburn, #6 NC State

Coach Report Card
"The key to winning is continuing to do what works and discontinuing what doesn't"
Job Security: B
Average Attendance: 41,957
Next Game: Week 8 at Wake Forest

Gee, thanks boss. A six-game winning streak and a top-10 ranking only worth a B?

Heisman Watch:
The New Favorite?: A 234 yard, 2 TD performance pushes Maryland's Allen to the top spot.
HB Josh Allen (Sr), Maryland: 160-1028-12 Rushing, 16-253 Receiving
HB Frank Gore (Sr-RS), Miami: 89-599 Rushing, 19-381 Receiving, 11 TDs
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 35-906-11 Receiving
HB Tyler Ebell (Sr-RS), UCLA: 132-729-9 Rushing, 19-187-4 Receiving
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 131-979 Rushing, 9-103 Receiving, 9 TDs

Holmes is holding steady, while Clarett's bye week drops him to fifth in the poll. Tyler Ebell is UCLA's only weapon, and they're a top-ten team as well - he deserves his spot up here. The Holmes-Allen matchup in three weeks may have huge Heisman implications as well as ACC Championship possiblities.

Somehow, with NC State and Florida State out of the way; Maryland and Virginia are the only remaining contenders - I'm forced to wonder whether the slider changes I made were too much, as I didn't expect this much success. We'll see.

Players of the Week
(NCAA)
HB Tyler Ebell (Sr-RS), UCLA: 34-216-4 Rushing, 4-46-1 Receiving
DT Quinton Harris (Jr-RS), UAB: 5 Tackles (3 TFL), 3 Sacks, 2 FF, 2 FR
(ACC)
HB Michael Johnson (Sr), Virginia: 22 carries, 143 yards, 4 TD
DE Kwame Fitzpatrick (So), Clemson: 12 tackles (1 TFL), Sack, 2 FF, 2 FR

ACC Standings
1. Georgia Tech (6-0, 3-0): W 23-10 North Carolina State
2. Virginia (5-1, 3-0): W 42-20 North Carolina
3. Florida State (4-3, 3-1): W 54-24 Houston
4. NC State (5-1, 2-1): L 10-23 Georgia Tech
5. Maryland (6-1, 1-1): W 30-17 Clemson
6. Clemson (3-2, 0-2): L 17-30 Maryland
7. Wake Forest (1-4, 0-2): BYE
8. Duke (0-5, 0-2): BYE
9. North Carolina (2-4, 0-3): L 20-42 Virginia

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr)
This Week: 8 Tackles
2005 Season: 11 Tackles, 2 Int, 2 Pass Defl.

Celeval

08-16-2003, 08:27 PM

Week Eight Action:

#10 Georgia Tech at Wake Forest

Preview:
Wake Forest (1-4)
Overall: B-
Offense: B
Defense: C+
Special Teams: B-

Key Players:
HB C. Birgs: 455 Rush Yards
WR C. Davis: 5 TDs
OLB B. Andrews: 39 Tackles

Season Stats:
Points/Game: 27.2 (47)
Total Offense: 344.0 (79)
Rush Offense: 199.6 (22)
Pass Offense: 144.4 (107)
Total Defense: 409.4 (82)
Rush Defense: 153.8 (57)
Pass Defense: 255.6 (93)
Turnover Diff: +0.60 (27)

Wake Forest is the most rush-heavy team in the ACC, and the only one on our schedule that I know of that averages more on the ground than in the air. With that, the emphasis is on their running backs - they've got a stellar one in first-team All-American Chris Barclay.. but he's done for the season and for his career at Wake Forest. We'll see a different pair of seniors in Cornelius Birgs (455 yards, 5 TD) and Dominic Anderson (263 yards, 4 TD). Wake will be an interesting team to watch in the offseason - a running team who is graduating all three of their running backs. Senior quarterback Cory Randolph has thrown for 6 scores and a pick - they have a pair of solid receivers in Chris Davis and Willie Idlette; Idlette is the only major part of their offense returning next season. The leading tackler on defense is OLB Bryan Andrews with 39 - there's not much in terms of star power on D at Wake.

We kick off in front of a half-empty stadium - Wake comes out strong and picks up a couple first downs before being forced to punt, and putting the ball down inside the ten yard line. We see on the first drive what I hope is a big step in the maturation of Stanford Ingram - in one on one coverage with Willie Idlette on a deep fly route, Ingram stays on his shoulder the whole way, lets Idlette get his hands on the ball and drills him to drop it. A play that I've seen go for touchdowns a few times, and a nice breakup.

Some bad news for us on our drive, as Ace breaks off a pair of nice runs, but is knocked out for the game at the end of his second. Mike Hanson puts the ball on the ground on third and three, and Wake returns the fumble for a 7-0 lead. The fumble predicates a sloppy game on both sides - we come up with a pair of turnovers, and George Cooper fumbles away a ball after a catch; all in the first half. We do a good bit of catching up, mostly with Benji Holmes doing his thing - he ends up well over 100 yards and three touchdown catches by halftime, nearly all of it after the catch. It's nice playing against a secondary slower than our receivers - now I know how other teams felt last season.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 27, Wake Forest 7

We plan to ride Holmes throughout the third quarter - if they can't stop him, why not get him some Heisman pub? Reuben Houston returns another pick for a score - he's been doing a lot of that lately - and Kingi McNair runs a fumble in as well. With a more than comfortable lead, we sit Burnett and Holmes down for the fourth quarter. Might as well get Manning some work.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 64, Wake Forest 10

Leading Passers:
GT QB M.J. Burnett 24-37, 412 yards, 4 TD
GT QB Howard Manning 6-15, 81 yards, TD, Int
WF QB Cory Randolph 17-37, 249 yards, 2 Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Mike Hanson 19-51 yards
GT FB Lyle Talley 4-22 yards
WF HB Cornelius Birgs 11-46 yards

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 8-230 yards, 3 TD
GT WR George Cooper 7-107 yards
GT TE Maurio Altman 6-42 yards
GT TE Freeman Dempsey 5-52 yards, TD
WF WR Nate Morton 4-54 yards
WF HB Cornelius Birgs 3-56 yards

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT FS Terrance Gonzalez 8 Tackles (2 TFL)
GT CB Delvyn Aristegui 4 Tackles, Int
GT LB Kingi McNair 4 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks, FF, FR, TD
GT CB Reuben Houston Tackle, (TFL), Int, TD
WF SS Darin Boone 9 Tackles (TFL)
WF CB Robert Simmons 7 Tackles (TFL), Sack
WF LB Bryan Andrews 3 Tackles (2 TFL), FR, TD

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 8-230 yards, 3 TD
WF LB Bryan Andrews 3 Tackles (2 TFL), FR, TD

Celeval

08-16-2003, 08:57 PM

Week Eight Results:

SI Cover:
HB Frank Gore, Miami (Sr-RS)
Fresh off the Press
The season's first Bowl Rankings are announced.

Top 10:
Finding A Way: Clemson lifts its ACC record to 1-2 with a close win over Virginia
1. Miami (38) (6-0): W 45-21 FSU
2. Ohio State (21) (6-0): W 35-14 WISC
3. Penn State (6-0): W 43-14 PURDUE
4. UCLA (7-0): W 45-27 ARIZONA
5. Maryland (7-1): W 58-13 DUKE
6. Oregon (7-0): W 42-24 ASU
7. Michigan (7-0): W 25-11 MINN
8. Auburn (7-1): W 39-30 ARK
9. Georgia Tech (7-0): W 64-10 WAKE
10. Texas (5-1): W 51-31 OU
14. Georgia (6-1): W 31-28 TENN

Dropped out of Top Ten: #3 Oklahoma, #4 Arkansas

Bowl Rankings
Hot n' Fresh Rankings
1. Miami: 5.50
2. Ohio State: 6.40
3. Penn State: 10.20
4. UCLA: 12.03
5. Maryland: 14.08
6. Auburn: 18.20
7. Georgia Tech: 18.20
8. Michigan: 19.15

Unbeaten Watch (BCS Busters)
#1 Miami (Big East): 6-0 (2-0) - next vs. Temple
#2 Ohio State (Big Ten): 6-0 (2-0) - next vs #22 Iowa

#3 Penn State (Big Ten): 6-0 (3-0) - next at Navy
#4 UCLA (Pac-10): 7-0 (2-0) - next vs. Cal
#6 Oregon (Pac-10): 7-0 (3-0) - next vs. Stanford
#7 Michigan (Big Ten): 7-0 (3-0) - next vs. Illinois
#9 Georgia Tech (ACC): 7-0 (4-0) - next vs #5 Maryland
North Texas (Sun Belt): 7-0 (2-0) - next vs. Utah State

Coach Report Card
"I can already see people hopping on Georgia Tech's bandwagon. Great win, Coach!"
Job Security: B
Average Attendance: 41,957
Next Game: Week 10 vs #5 UMD

Heisman Watch:
Rolling Along: Holmes' performance has the fans in Atlanta believing in their Yellow Jackets.
HB Frank Gore (Sr-RS), Miami: 115-785 Rushing, 23-496 Receiving, 14 TDs
HB Josh Allen (Sr), Maryland: 179-1163-13 Rushing, 19-295-1 Receiving
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 43-1136-14 Receiving
HB Lonta Hobbs (Sr), TCU: 174-1169 Rushing, 18-235 Receiving, 15 TDs
HB Tyler Ebell (Sr-RS), UCLA: 161-925-9 Rushing, 23-237-4 Receiving

Holmes still holding at third, even after his performance at Wake Forest.

Players of the Week
In Control!: Georgia Tech clobbers the Demon Deacons as McNair earns Player of the Week honors.
(NCAA)
HB Reggie Bradshaw (Jr-RS), Louisville: 30 carries, 211 yards, 5 TD
FS Conrad Hilliard (So), Alabama: 3 Tackles, 2 Int, 2 TD
(ACC)
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 8 receptions, 230 yards, 3 TD
LB Kingi McNair (Jr-RS), Georgia Tech: 4 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks, TD

ACC Standings
1. Georgia Tech (7-0, 4-0): W 64-10 Wake Forest
2. Virginia (5-2, 3-1): L 28-31 Clemson
3. Florida State (4-4, 3-1): L 21-45 Miami
4. Maryland (7-1, 2-1): W 58-13 Duke
5. NC State (6-1, 2-1): W 48-20 Mississippi State
6. Clemson (4-2, 1-2): W 31-28 Virginia
7. North Carolina (3-4, 0-3): W 14-3 New Mexico
8. Wake Forest (1-5, 0-3): L 10-64 Georgia Tech
9. Duke (0-6, 0-3): L 13-58 Maryland

Clemson over Virginia was huge for us - we're now the only unbeaten ACC team.

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr)
This Week: 4 Tackles, Pass Deflection
2005 Season: 15 Tackle, 2 Int, 3 Pass Defl.

Celeval

08-16-2003, 09:00 PM

I'm worried about the slider changes I made being too drastic in my favor - nothing moved too far, but I'm having such an easier time of things this year. I'm not certain how much of that is my improvement as a player.

Some questions, if anyone is reading this now. :-D

When should I change the sliders?
A) Now, before Maryland
B) After the regular season, before the bowl game
C) During the offseason

How much should I change the sliders?
A) Halfway to where it was before the season (1 pt changes)
B) Where it was before the season (2 pt changes)
C) Harder than before the season

Celeval

08-16-2003, 09:46 PM

Week Nine Results:

We have a Bye week to prepare for the Thursday night Maryland game.

SI Cover:
HB Brandon Jacobs, Auburn (Sr-RS)
Stuffed!
Auburn's defense comes through in a big way.

Top 10:
In Their Own Backyard: Razorbacks lose a tough home game against Florida
1. Miami (31) (7-0): W 54-3 TEMPLE
2. Ohio State (25) (7-0): W 24-7 IOWA
3. Penn State (1) (7-0): W 27-24 NAVY
4. UCLA (7-0) (1): W 61-10 CAL
5. Maryland (7-1): BYE
6. Oregon (1) (7-0): BYE
7. Michigan (8-0): W 26-0 ILLINI
8. Auburn (8-1): W 62-0 MISS ST
9. Georgia Tech (7-0): BYE
10. Texas (6-1): W 45-7 ISU
24. Georgia (6-2): L 24-31 VANDY

Dropped out of Top Ten: None

Bowl Rankings
The Poll Picture: Bowl Rankings acknowledge Buckeyes in latest poll.
1. Miami: 5.21
2. Ohio State: 5.72
3. Penn State: 10.49
4. UCLA: 12.29
5. Maryland: 14.02
6. Auburn: 18.25
7. Georgia Tech: 18.30
8. Michigan: 19.38

Unbeaten Watch (BCS Busters)
#1 Miami (Big East): 7-0 (3-0) - next vs. UConn
#2 Ohio State (Big Ten): 7-0 (3-0) - next at Indiana

#3 Penn State (Big Ten): 7-0 (3-0) - next at Iowa
#4 UCLA (Pac-10): 8-0 (3-0) - next vs. Arizona State
#6 Oregon (Pac-10): 7-0 (3-0) - next vs. Stanford
#7 Michigan (Big Ten): 8-0 (4-0) - next vs. Purdue
#9 Georgia Tech (ACC): 7-0 (4-0) - next vs #5 Maryland
<S>North Texas (Sun Belt): 7-1 (2-1)</S> - L 6-24 Utah State

Coach Report Card
"The bye week is over. Now check out what the rest of your schedule looks like."
Job Security: B
Average Attendance: 41,957
Next Game: Week 10 vs #5 UMD

Heisman Watch:
Heisman Form: Ebell, UCLA's Senior HB has fans outside of Pasadena talking about the Heisman
HB Frank Gore (Sr-RS), Miami: 134-919 Rushing, 28-577 Receiving, 16 TDs
HB Josh Allen (Sr), Maryland: 179-1163-13 Rushing, 19-295-1 Receiving
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 43-1136-14 Receiving
HB Tyler Ebell (Sr-RS), UCLA: 186-1085-10 Rushing, 25-302-4 Receiving
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 186-1386 Rushing, 12-147 Receiving, 13 TDs

The matchup of the year should be Josh Allen up against Benji Holmes on Thursday night.

Players of the Week
(NCAA)
HB Brandon Jacobs (Sr-RS), Auburn: 24-148 Rushing, 2-34 Receiving, 5 TDs
LB Jason Leimberger (Sr-RS), Purdue: 8 Tackles (1 TFL), Sack, TD
(ACC)
HB Cornelius Birgs (Sr-RS), Wake Forest: 41-193-4 Rushing, 12 Rec. Yards
LB M.J. Geathers (So), Clemson: 6 Tackles (1 TFL), Sack, FF, FR

ACC Standings
1. Georgia Tech (7-0, 4-0): BYE
2. Florida State (5-4, 4-1): W 28-24 Virginia
3. Virginia (5-3, 3-2): L 24-28 Florida State
4. Maryland (7-1, 2-1): BYE
5. Clemson (5-2, 2-2): W 38-28 NC State
6. NC State (6-2, 2-2): L 28-38 Clemson
7. Wake Forest (2-5, 1-3): W 34-21 Duke
8. North Carolina (3-4, 0-3): BYE
9. Duke (0-7, 0-4): L 21-34 Wake Forest

This is turning into an odd season in the ACC - with NC State losing to us and Clemson for two conference losses, and Florida State barely above .500.

ESPN is drooling over this week's matchup, however - two top ten teams in the polls and in the BCS Standings, each with a Heisman candidate, and on Thursday Night Prime Time.

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr)
This Week: [No stats]
2005 Season: 15 Tackle, 2 Int, 3 Pass Defl.

SirFozzie

08-17-2003, 02:30 AM

Change it halfway back before game 1 next year

Celeval

08-17-2003, 07:11 PM

I agree with Sir Fozzie, so that's where I'm going.

Celeval

08-17-2003, 07:12 PM

Week Eight Action:

#5 Maryland at #9 Georgia Tech

Preview:
Maryland (7-1)
Overall: B+
Offense: B
Defense: B+
Special Teams: B+

Key Players:
HB J. Allen: 1163 Rush Yards
QB L. McKinney: 1623 Pass Yards
HB M. Merrils: 9 Total TD

Season Stats:
Points/Game: 35.6 (14)
Total Offense: 450.7 (13)
Rush Offense: 243.7 (7)
Pass Offense: 207.0 (71)
Total Defense: 356.0 (43)
Rush Defense: 145.1 (42)
Pass Defense: 210.8 (54)
Turnover Diff: +0.70 (16)

I take back what I said against Wake Forest - Maryland is a bigger rushing team than Wake, and also emphasizes Rush over Pass. Much (all?) of that is due to Heisman Candidate Josh Allen - over 1100 yards on the ground this season, a 6.5 yards/carry average, and 13 scores to go with it. For the second straight season, the Terrapins are starting a true freshman at quarterback - after Robin Gates throws for 2700 yards and 22 TDs as a frosh last season, London McKinney comes in and takes the job right away. He's thrown for 1600, 7 TDs and only 4 picks so far. The wideouts are fast but not the greatest - Ryan Hogan caught four balls for 118 against us last season; he and Adrian Cochran are the starters, combining for nearly 50 catches and 900 yards. On top of it, we'll be going against the best offensive line in the ACC, led by Seniors T Stephon Heyer and G Akil Patterson (both 91 OVR).

The defense is strong across the board, led by MLB William Kershaw (92 OVR) with 50 tackles.

The Game of the Week and on Thursday night, the weather is cool and clear. 59 degrees, a beautiful night for football. Either way, one team will drop out of the top ten here; a loss by us will tie us with Florida State for the ACC Lead, while a win will put us through our last major hurdle towards an ACC title. Herbstreit and Corso both pick Maryland, we kick off to the Terrapins to start the game. The first play from scrimmage is not a good one - a deep ball into a Cover-Two zone; the FS Gonzalez gets a hand on it but Hogan catches the ball in stride and heads 72 yards for the score and a 7-0 lead while the crowd is still finding their seats. The second play of our drive - Ace breaks off a 68-yard run, the longest of his career, getting pulled down inside the five. It takes three plays to put it into the end zone - a nice reversal of fortunes, as the first two drives see the big plays made by our RB and their WR instead of the other way around. We fall behind again, and are forced into a couple punting situations, but Burnett finally breaks outside the pocket for a decent game and all of a sudden the passing game opens right up. Some play-action, some rolling to the outside, and a couple big pass plays to Altman and Holmes; and we take a 24-21 lead into halftime after a long touchdown run by Allen just before the half.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 24, Maryland 21

Again, the first play of the half is a touchdown the other way. Setting up a short flare to Eziemefe out of the backfield; the pass is read perfectly by a Maryland OLB and picked for a short touchdown. All of a sudden, we find ourselves down; and M.J. is knocked out on the next series. We get word that we may get our quarterback back in the fourth quarter, and we'll need him - Maryland is driving right through our defense, and extend the lead to 31-24 after driving inside the ten yard line. After another three and out, Kingi McNair comes up with his trademark big play - knocking the ball out on a QB draw and coming up with the recovery. Bilbo sets up play action and hits Holmes on a deep play to get inside the ten, but Dbo can't find the end zone and we settle for getting three closer. The Terrapins are driving again, hitting on a pair of third down conversions before getting sacked on a huge third and six on our end of the field. The fourth quarter starts with a long field goal attempt by Maryland's K Walden - off the right upright, and we're still within four points.

Burnett back on the field, relying on Maurio Altman for a pair of nice receptions, then Eziemefe inside the red zone - and into the end zone. We take the lead back on a seven-play, 62 yard drive with 5:12 to play. Plenty of time - we key on Josh Allen, expecting this to be his time; but the Terrapins go to the air. 3:42 left, and we find we have a serious big play guy in the secondary - Delvyn Aristegui comes up with a diving interception, the second big last-minute interception he's made this season. We pick up two first downs on Burnett scrambles, and find ourself on fourth and inches from the Maryland 13 yard line with just over a minute to play. The key play of the game, as Burnett signs up for a QB sneak - he picks it up, and that's going to be the game as Maryland uses their last time out and Burnett downs the ball to run out the clock. There's no overrated chant this time around, but a solid win puts us solidly in BCS contention.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 34, Maryland 31

Leading Passers:
GT QB M.J. Burnett 10-19, 223 yards, TD, Int
GT QB Damarius Bilbo 2-5, 52 yards
UMD QB London McKinney 18-34, 288 yards, TD, Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 23-132 yards, 2 TD
GT QB M.J. Burnett 10-24 yards
GT HB Mike Hanson 3-(-2) yards, TD
UMD HB Josh Allen 9-100 yards, TD
UMD HB Mario Merrils 4-21 yards, TD

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 5-177 yards, TD
GT TE Maurio Altman 3-64 yards
UMD WR Ryan Hogan 6-125 yards, TD
UMD WR Adrien Coachran 5-94 yards

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT DE Terron Pullen 7 Tackles (4 TFL), 3 Sacks
GT CB Reuben Houston 7 Tackles
GT CB Delvyn Aristegui 3 Tackles, Int
UMD DE Adam Bowden 6 Tackles (4 TFL), 3 Sacks
UMD FS Matt Avery 3 Tackles (1 TFL), Int, TD

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 23-132 yards, 2 TD
UMD FS Matt Avery 3 Tackles (1 TFL), Int, TD

On a day of two Heisman candidates mixing it up, the player of the game is neither - Ace rumbles for 132 yards and a pair of scores - should have had a third as well, but came out due to tiring for Hanson's score.

Celeval

08-18-2003, 12:51 AM

Oops. I lost the Week Ten results post.

Week Eleven Results:

Bye week for us.

SI Cover:
Players, Miami, Virginia Tech
The Race is On!
Latest Bowl Ranking have Hurricanes playing for title.

Top 10:
Over by the Half: The Cavaliers pound NC State to improve to 4-2 in the ACC.
1. Miami (32) (9-0): W 38-12 VT
2. Ohio State (23) (9-0): W 41-20 PSU
3. UCLA (10-0) (1): W 28-20 STAN
4. Oregon (1) (9-0): W 54-31 WASH
5. Georgia Tech (1) (8-0): BYE
6. Michigan (1) (10-0): W 37-9 MSU
7. Auburn (9-1): BYE
8. Texas (8-1): W 26-14 NEB
9. Oklahoma (8-1): W 59-10 OK ST
10. Pittsburgh (7-1): W 37-14 BC
UNR. Georgia (6-3): L 27-28 UF

Dropped out of Top Ten: None

Bowl Rankings
New #1! Ohio State is the new top dog in the Bowl Rankings.
1. Ohio State: 4.87
2. Miami: 5.78
3. UCLA: 10.11
4. Georgia Tech: 11.77
5. Oregon 14.34
6. Michigan 15.03
7. Auburn: 17.53
8. Texas: 18.11

Unbeaten Watch (BCS Busters)
#1 Miami (Big East): 9-0 (4-0) - next vs Syracuse
#2 Ohio State (Big Ten): 9-0 (5-0) - next vs Michigan State

#3 UCLA (Pac-10): 10-0 (5-0) - next at Washington State
#4 Oregon (Pac-10): 9-0 (5-0) - next vs Cal
#5 Georgia Tech (ACC): 8-0 (5-0) - next at Duke
#6 Michigan (Big Ten): 10-0 (6-0) - next at Northwestern

Coach Report Card
"THe Atlanta newspaper has some good things to say about the Yellow Jacket football program."
Job Security: B+
Average Attendance: 42,581
Next Game: Week 12 at Duke

Well, now I know it's not realistic. :-D

Heisman Watch:
Heisman Hype: Ebell has rushed for 1331 yards and 14 TD in his Senior year.
HB Frank Gore (Sr-RS), Miami: 152-1028 Rushing, 32-640 Receiving, 18 TDs
HB Tyler Ebell (Sr-RS), UCLA: 230-1331-14 Rushing, 34-406-5 Receiving
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 24-1747 Rushing, 16-192 Receiving, 17 TDs
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 48-1313-15 Receiving
HB Michael Johnson (Sr), Virginia: 157-995 Rushing, 29-405 Receiving, 16 TDs

Players of the Week
(NCAA)
HB Joe Bwire (Jr-RS), Nevada: 26-155 Rushing, 8-61 Receiving, 3 TDs
WR Dennis Randall (So), USC: TD
(ACC)
HB Michael Johnson (Sr), Virginia: 14-58 Rushing, 5-66 Receiving, 3 TDs
FS Devon Sampson (So), North Carolina: 3 Tackles, Int

Awards Semi-finalists
On the List!: Holmes is named as a semifinalist for the Best WR.
Maxwell Award:
HB Frank Gore, Miami
HB Tyler Ebell, UCLA
HB Brandon Jacobs, Auburn
HB Maurice Clarett, Ohio State
WR Benjamin Holmes, Georgia Tech
HB Josh Allen, Maryland
HB Dane Scott, New Mexico State
HB Tre Smith, Auburn
HB Lonta Hobbs, TCU
HB Shermar Bracey, Arkansas State
HB Darrell Blackman, North Carolina State
HB Albert Hollis III, Georgia

Bednarik Award:
OLB A.J. Hawk, Ohio State
MLB Andy Huffman, Michigan
OLB Josh Chilsom, East Carolina
OLB Michael Craven, Stanford
OLB Lawrence Pinson, Oklahoma State
OLB Nick Stuart, SMU
MLB Donta Smith, Ball State
MLB Ryan Brown, UCF
OLB Steve Tulloch, NC State
MLB Chris Moore, East Carolina
OLB Chris Benson, Auburn
MLB Serge Sanders, Akron

WR Benjamin Holmes has been named a semifinalist for Best WR
DE Todd Pullen has been named a semifinalist for Best DL
CB Reuben Houston has been named a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award
K David Jordan has been named a semifinalist for the Groza Award
I have been nominated as a semifinalist for Coach of the Year

ACC Standings
1. Georgia Tech (8-0, 5-0): BYE
2. Florida State (6-4, 5-1): BYE
3. Clemson (7-2, 4-2): W 47-14 Wake Forest
4. Virginia (6-3, 4-2): W 45-21 North Carolina State
5. NC State (7-3, 3-3): L 21-45 Virginia
6. Maryland (7-3, 2-3): L 24-31 North Carolina
7. North Carolina (4-5, 1-4): W 31-24 Maryland
8. Wake Forest (2-7, 1-5): L 14-47 Clemson
9. Duke (1-8, 0-5): W 27-23 Navy

We haven't guarenteed our BCS spot yet, but we're pretty close - with Duke, North Carolina and Virginia left on the ACC slate; even if we lose to Virginia, we should still get the nod over Florida State.

This is a very odd season in the ACC. Given some of the losses these teams have suffered - Maryland to North Carolina? - I worry less about the sliders letting me beat top ten teams as I do that the ACC in general has been overrated this season. But we'll see - Clemson has climbed up to the top 15, I'd love to get them in the top ten and get the BCS bonus for that.

Duke finally won a game!

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Sr)
This Week: 2 Tackles
2005 Season: 17 Tackle, 2 Int, 3 Pass Defl.

Celeval

08-18-2003, 06:34 PM

Week Eleven Action:

#5 Georgia Tech at Duke

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

Key Players:
OLB B. Dewan: 74 Tackles
DE D. Winborne: 68 Tackles
OLB M. Ruff: 48 Tackles

Season Stats:
Points/Game: 15.6 (108)
Total Offense: 269.1 (116)
Rush Offense: 94.5 (107)
Pass Offense: 174.5 (95)
Total Defense: 520.3 (117)
Rush Defense: 226.4 (115)
Pass Defense: 293.8 (116)
Turnover Diff: -0.90 (104)

There's not much to say about Duke that the statistics don't already - they don't put points on the board, and they're the worst defense in the country. I hope to not play any of our major players more than a half. The starting quarterback is true Freshman Byron Felton (1300 yards, 6 TD, 11 Int), Running back is Sophmore Dylan Glover (448 yards, 3 TD), and the two best WR are Sophmores as well. At least they're young at the skill positions, because they sure aren't talented. The best player on the team is Sr-RS DE David Martin (78 OVR) - Martin has 54 tackles and 3 sacks on the year. Wonder why Duke's three impact players are all defensive? It's because their defense is always on the field.

I'm not sure how much longer Duke will stay in the ACC.

The Blue Devils come out strong - driving into our territory before being forced to punt, and then pushing us three and out on the first possession. Surprised - until the native Dukeness shows up with a fumble recovered by Eric Henderson on the next play. Brandon Holmes extends his school record to 16 touchdown catches in a season on the second play. Dawan Landry falls on a fumble on the kickoff return to set up a Jordan field goal, and the rout is on. Holmes' second catch (and second touchdown catch) of the day also breaks the school record for receiving yardage in a season, we lead 17-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Okay, I take that back. I actually typed that with 30 seconds to play, but Blanks picks off a pass on Duke's first play, and a short comeback route to Holmes turns into another touchdown. We lead 24-0 after one. Still fourteen seconds left, though, so we'll see.

We get some great news (Sorry, MrBug) halfway through the first quarter - UCLA lost to Washington State by a field goal. One less team in the ranks of the unbeaten.

Our initial call for player of the game? SS Dawan Landry - who recovers his second fumble of the game off a kickoff in the second quarter, returning this one for a touchdown before the band stops playing after the first score.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 45, Duke 0

Not much to say about the second half.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 62, Duke 7

Leading Passers:
GT QB M.J. Burnett 12-24, 202 yards, 5 TD
GT QB Damarius Bilbo 11-16, 191 yards, Int
DUKE QB Byron Felton 14-21, 140 yards, Int
DUKE QB Deshan Kent 0-1, Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 21-89 yards, TD
GT QB Damarius Bilbo 8-31 yards, TD
DUKE HB Keenan Lowe 15-129 yards

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 5-76 yards, 3 TD
GT TE Freeman Dempsey 4-58 yards, 2 TD
GT TE Maurio Altman 4-75 yards
DUKE WR Godfrey Dalton 5-55 yards
DUKE WR Carson Covington 5-44 yards

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT MLB Anthony Blanks 9 Tackles, Int, 3 FF
GT DE Eric Henderson 8 Tackles (4 TFL), 3 Sacks
GT DE Todd Pullen 6 Tackles (3 TFL), Sack
GT CB Reuben Houston 2 Tackles, Int
DUKE SS Mark Thompson 11 Tackles (2 TFL)
DUKE OLB Brendan Dewan 6 Tackles (3 TFL), 3 Sacks

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT MLB Anthony Blanks 9 Tackles, Int, 3 FF
DUKE OLB Brendan Dewan 6 Tackles (3 TFL), 3 Sacks

SirFozzie

08-18-2003, 06:48 PM

G Tech, the Ramblin Wreck! Keep up the good work!

Celeval

08-18-2003, 07:01 PM

Week Eleven Results:

SI Cover:
Coach, UCLA
Wild, Wild Week!
In a day of upsets, Bruins swallow a bitter pill in Martin Stadium.

Top 10:
Can Anyone Survice?: Tigers are one of the many upse ictims this week, falling to Ole Miss.
1. Miami (32) (9-0): BYE
2. Ohio State (24) (10-0): W 24-13 MSU
3. Oregon (2) (10-0): W 37-24 CAL
4. Georgia Tech (1) (9-0): W 62-7 DUKE
5. Michigan (10-0): BYE
6. Texas (9-1): W 40-20 OK ST
7. Oklahoma (9-1): W 38-19 TAMU
8. Tennessee (7-2): W 41-27 ND
9. UCLA (10-1): L 35-38 WSU
10. Penn State (8-2): W 51-26 NU
UNR. Georgia (6-3): BYE

Dropped out of Top Ten: #7 Auburn, #10 Pittsburgh

Bowl Rankings
In the Driver Seat: Ohio State's excited about the possibilities of playing in the championship game.
1. Ohio State: 4.83
2. Miami: 5.50
3. Georgia Tech: 10.14
4. Oregon: 12.46
5. Michigan: 12.95
6. Texas: 13.88
7. Oklahoma: 15.02
8. Tennessee: 21.16

Unbeaten Watch (BCS Busters)
#1 Miami (Big East): 9-0 (4-0) - next vs Syracuse
#2 Ohio State (Big Ten): 10-0 (6-0) - next vs Purdue

#3 Oregon (Pac-10): 10-0 (6-0) - next at #9 UCLA
#4 Georgia Tech (ACC): 9-0 (6-0) - next vs North Carolina
#5 Michigan (Big Ten): 10-0 (6-0) - next at Northwestern
<S>UCLA (Pac-10): 10-1 (5-1)</S> L 35-38 Washington State

Coach Report Card
"We're 9-0 now thanks to that last win over Duke."
Job Security: B+
Average Attendance: 42,581
Next Game: Week 13 vs. UNC

Heisman Watch:
Where Does He Stand?: If the Yellow Jackets keep on winning, Holmes supporters will continue to grow
HB Tyler Ebell (Sr-RS), UCLA: 259-1492-16 Rushing, 37-441-5 Receiving
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 267-2007 Rushing, 18-218 Receiving, 20 TDs
HB Frank Gore (Sr-RS), Miami: 152-1028 Rushing, 32-640 Receiving, 18 TDs
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 53-1389-18 Receiving
HB Brandon Jacobs (Sr-RS), Auburn: 184-1129 Rushing, 7-139 Receiving, 21 TDs

No more pulling Holmes at the half. We've got three games remaining (UNC, Virginia, Georgia), and we're making an all-out Heisman push.

Players of the Week
(NCAA)
QB Nic Costa (Sr-RS), Arizona: 19-32, 482 yards; 7-74 Rushing, 4 TDs
MLB Anthony Blanks (So), Georgia Tech: 9 Tackles, Int, 3 FF, 3 FR

(ACC)
QB M.J. Burnett (Fr-RS), Georgia Tech: 12-24, 202 yards, 5 TD
MLB Anthony Blanks (So), Georgia Tech: 9 Tackles, Int, 3 FF, 3 FR

Awards Finalists
Maxwell Award:
HB Maurice Clarett, Ohio State (Sr)
HB Tyler Ebell, UCLA (Sr-RS)
HB Frank Gore, Miami (Sr-RS)

Best QB Award:
QB Kellen Clemens, Oregon (Sr-RS)
QB Brad Smith, Missouri (Sr-RS)
QB Kyle Wright, Miami (So-RS)

Best RB Award:
HB Maurice Clarett, Ohio State (Sr)
HB Tyler Ebell, UCLA (Sr-RS)
HB Frank Gore, Miami (Sr-RS)

Best WR Award:
WR Brandon Holmes, Georgia Tech (Jr)
WR Demetrius Williams, Oregon (Sr-RS)
WR Pete Woods, San Diego State (Fr)

Best OL Award:
T Josh Day, Colorado State (Jr-RS)
G Terrance Perry, Ohio State (So)
T Stephon Heyer, Maryland (Sr)

Bednarik Award:
OLB A.J. Hawk, Ohio State (Sr)
OLB Nick Stuart, SMU (Fr)
MLB Andy Huffman, Michigan (So)

Best DL Award:
DE Guy Whimper, ECU (Sr-RS)
DE Elvis Dumeril, Louisville (Sr)
DE Quinton Harris, UAB (Jr-RS)

Best LB Award:
OLB Nick Stuart, SMU (Fr)
OLB Josh Chilsom, ECU (Sr-RS)
MLB Andy Huffman, Michigan (So)

Thorpe Award:
FS Bryce Young, Central Michigan (So)
CB Eddrian McCullough, Texas (Sr)
FS Zach Parsons, UCLA (Fr)

Groza Award:
K Michael Baker, Buffalo (Sr-RS)
K Gaylon Kirk, Oklahoma State (So)
K Todd Pegram, Texas A&M (Sr)

Coach of the Year:
Oregon (10-0)
UCLA (10-1)
North Texas (9-1)

Bowl Projections
Tangerine Bowl: Texas Tech (5-5) at #21 Clemson (7-3)
Motor City Bowl: #20 Maryland (7-3) at Northern Illinois (6-4)
Continental Tire Bowl: #25 NC State (7-3) at Temple (5-4)
Gator Bowl: #11 Virginia Tech (7-3) at #18 Florida State (7-4)
Peach Bowl: #8 Tennessee (7-2) at #19 Virginia (6-3)
Sugar Bowl: #6 Texas (9-1) at #14 Florida (8-2)
Fiesta Bowl: #7 Oklahoma (9-1) at #3 Oregon (10-0)
Orange Bowl: #5 Michigan (10-0) at #4 Georgia Tech (9-0)
Rose Bowl: #1 Miami (9-0) at #2 Ohio State (10-0)

ACC Standings
1. Georgia Tech (9-0, 6-0): W 62-7 Duke
2. Florida State (7-4, 6-1): W 34-31 Clemson
3. Virginia (6-3, 4-2): W 45-21 North Carolina State
4. Clemson (7-3, 4-3): L 31-34 Florida State
5. NC State (7-3, 3-3): L 21-45 Virginia
6. Maryland (7-3, 2-3): BYE
7. Wake Forest (3-7, 2-5): W 34-21 North Carolina
8. North Carolina (4-6, 1-5): L 21-34 Wake Forest
9. Duke (1-9, 0-6): L 7-62 Georgia Tech

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr)
This Week: BYE
2005 Season: 17 Tackle, 2 Int, 3 Pass Defl.

MrBug708

08-18-2003, 11:12 PM

How good is Parson's at UCLA

Celeval

08-19-2003, 11:03 PM

MrBug -

Zach Parsons (Freshman FS) is 77 OVR. He has good speed and moves well (87 SPD, 90 AGI, 85 ACC). Good hands (63 CTH), and a decent tackler for a free safety (59 TAK). He's a contender for the Thorpe based on his stats - as a full-time starter, he has 35 Tackles, 4 Int, 4 FR, and 4 passes deflected.

Celeval

08-20-2003, 01:04 AM

Week Twelve Action:

North Carolina at #4 Georgia Tech

Preview:
North Carolina (4-6)
Overall: C+
Offense: B-
Defense: C+
Special Teams: B

Key Players:
HB M. Carey: 12 Total TD
WR A. Bowman: 1087 Rec. Yards
OLB M. Brown: 76 Tackles

Season Stats:
Points/Game: 21.2 (86)
Total Offense: 318.5 (99)
Rush Offense: 86.0 (112)
Pass Offense: 232.5 (43)
Total Defense: 365.8 (50)
Rush Defense: 179.0 (88)
Pass Defense: 186.8 (22)
Turnover Diff: -0.40 (80)

The North Carolina Tarheels are a decent team, better than their 4-6 record might show. They're noted as the 56th overall team in the nation; despite a poor record they've put up pretty good defensive numbers.

UNC is working behind a redshirt-freshman quarterback - Shayne Kincaid is completing 45% of his passes for just over 2000 yards, 9 TD, and 11 picks. There's not much to the running game (Mahlon Carey - 3.8 ypc average, but 11 TDs), and the lions share of the receiving yards go to Adarius Bowman (1000+ yards, 4 scores). The consensus best player on the team coming into the season is So-RS Mike Mason - the WR is rated an 82 OVR, but was hurt during the first week of play and has not yet returned to action.

Defensively no great shakes, the defensive leader is Jr OLB Melik Brown, whose 76 tackles (and 8 sacks) put him at 240 for his 3-year UNC career.

We're caught somewhat off guard on the first drive - a very straightforward move down the field by the Tarheels - 14 plays and 82 yards for a touchdown. Mixed run and pass, nothing like what they've been doing all year. In fact, Carolina plays the whole first half very well - we trail 7-6 for much of it, and get into the end zone finally for the first time just before the halfway point.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 13, North Carolina 7

Burnett is intercepted after a solid starting drive; and I'm beginning to think we're trying to force the pass too much - after all, the UNC weakness is the running defense. Keeping the ball on the ground nets us another David Jordan field goal, not exactly what we want, but a start. We grind out the second half slowly - our defense is keeping the Heels bogged down, but the offense isn't pushing it in. If we were playing a top-level team, we might be in trouble; it's four field goals by Jordan keeping us on top. It does keep Carolina in the game, however, and a touchdown with 5:22 left on the board pulls the Tarheels to 26-14.

This is when Mr. Heisman steps up - while Holmes hasn't been shutdown in the field, he's been kept out of the end zone. That all changes when he receives the kickoff at the one yard line, and returns the ball 99 yards for the touchdown, striking the Heisman pose in the end zone.

Shane Rodgers breaks the collective back two minutes later with an interception returned for a score, and the game is in the bag.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 40, North Carolina 24

Leading Passers:
GT QB M.J. Burnett 13-25, 221 yards, Int
UNC QB Shayne Kincaid 14-30, 206 yards, 2 TD, 2 Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 15-66 yards, TD
UNC HB Mahlon Carey 16-57 yards

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 6-102 yards
GT TE Freeman Dempsey 3-69 yards
UNC WR Wallace Wright 6-123 yards, TD

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT FS Terrance Gonzalez 7 Tackles (1 TFL), Sack, Int
GT CB Shane Rodgers 5 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks, Int, TD
UNC CB Chad Ricks 7 Tackles (3 TFL), 2 Sacks

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT CB Shane Rodgers 5 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks, Int, TD
UNC WR Wallace Wright 6-123 yards, TD

Celeval

08-20-2003, 01:20 AM

Week Twelve Results:

SI Cover:
Players, UCLA
Yes!
#3 Oregon is no match for the Bruins in Pac-10 action.

Top 10:
First Painful Loss: UCLA needs overtime to knock off unbeaten Oregon.
1. Miami (35) (10-0): W 48-10 SU
2. Ohio State (22) (11-0): W 41-17 PURDUE
3. Georgia Tech (1) (10-0): W 40-21 UNC
4. Michigan (1) (11-0): W 37-23 NU
5. Texas (10-1): W 52-19 TXTECH
6. UCLA (11-1): W 26-23 OREGON
7. Oklahoma (10-1): W 27-3 BAYLOR
8. Tennessee (8-2): W 37-34 MISS ST
9. Oregon (10-1): L 23-26 UCLA
10. Penn State (9-2): W 44-18 IU
UNR. Georgia (6-4): L 17-50 AUBURN

Dropped out of Top Ten: None.

Bowl Rankings
The Late Push: The Clarett-led Buckeyes are looking at a potential NC appearance.
1. Ohio State: 4.71
2. Miami: 5.74
3. Georgia Tech: 9.11
4. Texas: 11.98
5. Michigan: 12.55
6. UCLA: 15.56
7. Oklahoma: 15.76
8. Tennessee: 20.94

Unbeaten Watch (BCS Busters)
#1 Miami (Big East): 10-0 (5-0) - next vs Rutgers
#2 Ohio State (Big Ten): 11-0 (7-0) - next at #4 Michigan

#3 Georgia Tech (ACC): 9-0 (6-0) - next at Virginia
#4 Michigan (Big Ten): 11-0 (7-0) - next at #2 Ohio State
<S>Oregon (Pac-10): 10-1 (6-1)</S> - L 23-26, UCLA

Coach Report Card
"40-21 Victory! This is why we made you head coach."
Job Security: A-
Average Attendance: 41,234
Next Game: Week 14 at UVA

Heisman Watch:
Heisman Hype: No one is putting up better Heisman numbers than Miami's Gore
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 295-2253 Rushing, 20-249 Receiving, 22 TDs
HB Tyler Ebell (Sr-RS), UCLA: 270-1538-16 Rushing, 39-475-6 Receiving
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 59-1491 Receiving, 19 TDs
HB Frank Gore (Sr-RS), Miami: 158-1099 Rushing, 32-640 Receiving, 18 TDs
HB Brandon Jacobs (Sr-RS), Auburn: 219-1329 Rushing, 7-139 Receiving, 23 TDs

Holmes moves up a spot, but we only have two regular season matchups (and a bowl) to get him to the Ebell/Clarett level.

Players of the Week
(NCAA)
QB Brad Smith (Sr-RS), Missouri: 30-37, 430 yards Passing, 15-89 Rushing, 9 Total TDs
CB Shane Rodgers (Fr), Georgia Tech: 5 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks, Int, FF, TD

(ACC)
HB Tramaine Billie (So-RS), Clemson: 34-193-1 Rushing, 1 Rec. TD
CB Shane Rodgers (Fr), Georgia Tech: 5 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks, Int, FF, TD

ACC Standings
1. Georgia Tech (10-0, 7-0): W 40-21 North Carolina
2. Florida State (8-4, 7-1): W 38-16 North Carolina State
3. Clemson (8-3, 5-3): W 41-17 Duke
4. Virginia (6-4, 4-3): L 31-39 Maryland
5. Maryland (8-3, 3-3): W 39-31 Virginia
6. NC State (7-4, 3-4): L 16-38 Florida State
7. Wake Forest (3-7, 2-5): BYE
8. North Carolina (4-7, 1-6): L 21-40 Georgia Tech
9. Duke (1-10, 0-7): L 17-41 Clemson

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr)
This Week: 2 Tackles
2005 Season: 19 Tackles, 2 Int, 3 Pass Defl.

Celeval

08-20-2003, 08:10 PM

Week Fourteen Action:

#3 Georgia Tech (10-0) at Virginia (6-4)

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

Key Players:
HB M. Johnson: 1099 Rush Yards
OLB K. Parham: 84 Tackles
MLB A. Brooks: 76 Tackles

Season Stats:
Points/Game: 32.7 (21)
Total Offense: 421.8 (22)
Rush Offense: 181.2 (38)
Pass Offense: 240.6 (39)
Total Defense: 346.8 (35)
Rush Defense: 122.6 (17)
Pass Defense: 224.2 (66)
Turnover Diff: -0.40 (81)

The Cavaliers may be unranked, but they are not a pushover team. This is a strong all-around team who has had some tough losses; including by 8 to #18 Maryland, by 4 to #17 Florida State, by 3 to #19 Clemson, and being blown out by #4 Michigan. They do represent #5 Texas' sole loss - a 23-17 win in Week 5. We are the third one- or no-loss team UVa has faced this season.

The starting passer is Junior-RS Anthony Martinez. Despite matching his yardage totals for last year - two straight 2200+ yard seasons - Martinez has more than doubled his interception numbers from 9 to 25 (against 14 touchdowns). His step back, and Michael Johnson's outplaying of Wali Lundy (1100 yards, 13 TDs for Johnson) are the two biggest surprises on the UVa offense. Johnson is also the leading receiver with 34 catches, although Senior Marques Hagans has his fair share as well. Heath Miller leads in TD receptions with 5 - the Senior TE is also an outstanding blocker. The Virginia defense is solid if not deep - OLB Kai Parham has a shot at 100 tackles (86 now, along with 4 sacks) to lead the team.

Ryan Simms returns to the lineup this week.

The skies are blue in Charlottesville, with a strong wind - feeling like fall. Scott Stadium is packed, and the crowd is loud. Corso and Herbstreit both pick us to win, through the air. The winds are blowing in the 20-25mph downfield, we kick into the wind to start things off. We expect a tough matchup and get it right away, with the Cavs moving right down the field for a score. Johnson rushes for about 15 yards, and catches one passout of the backfield - that's going to be a problem to stop.

Our first three drives are very similar - a couple first downs, but stalling just out of field goal range. Our third is at the end of the first quarter - we wait it out on fourth and three and set up for a 59-yard kick with the wind at our backs - about a yard short, and we still trail 7-0. We've handled Johnson pretty well so far since that first drive; with a combinations of blitzes off the corners and line stunting, although the Cavs have countered for a pair of first downs off fullback runs. We finally get the ball moving with some play-action midway through the second quarter - a 30-yard completion to Holmes after a scramble/rollout; and a playaction on second and one inside the ten sets up a touchdown completion to Max Vance and a 7-7 score.

Virginia answers with a drive of their own - from midfield with two minutes left down into the red zone; but Reuben Houston comes up with a shoestring interception to keep Virginia at seven. We're sitting at just over a minute to play and the ball at the twenty; but can't do a thing and we're content to be tied at the midway point.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 7, Virginia 7

We start the half receiving the ball, and need a nice, long drive. We get a decent one, but stall out and need to kick - but Jordan's kick gets caught by the wind and is pushed wide left. Would have been a 46-yard kick, but no-good. Virginia gets an attempt on their next drive - with the wind behind them, it's a better shot, and the Cavs take a 10-7 lead. Still plenty of time - and Benji Holmes takes advantage of it, catching a short slant over the middle and taking it 60+ yards for the touchdown. In this wind, nothing is guarenteed - but we pick up the extra point for a 14-10 lead. The Caveliers punt it away - and we catch a huge break with a kick interference penalty, and take over at midfield. We can't do anything with the field position - three and out, and at the start of the fourth quarter, Virginia is taking over just inside their own 20.

Score update - Oregon State all over Oregon, looks like the Ducks will pick up a second loss.

Virginia's opening fourth quarter drive is a good one - at the six minute mark, they're all the way inside our twenty yard line, third and about five - tosses the ball into the end zone for a diving catch to beat man coverage by Houston, and UVA takes a 17-14 lead. Still plenty of time - and two big passes to Holmes gets us inside the 13 with three to play. A big third and seven set up now - Burnett rolling out, chased - fires the ball, and George Cooper makes a sliding catch in the end zone, 21-17. 2:21 to play. Shane Rodgers comes up with a sack on the nickel corner blitz - third and eleven now, with 1:40 and counting. Cover 2 Zone out of the Nickel - and the pass is knocked down. Fourth down, and they have to go. Another zone - Cover 3 - from the dime package. Martinez has plenty of time, and airs it out deep - well overthrown, and we take over. The game isn't done yet, with 1:24 and all three Cavalier timeouts. Third and six, one timeout left and 1:15. Burnett is sacked - possibly the worst thing that could happen, as this puts us out of field goal range. Time for a squib punt - we let the clock wind down to take the 5 extra yards and set up with 1:09 on the clock. The kick is from the 45 yard line, bounces at the five... but Cooper can't get possession on the goal line, and Virginia takes over at the 20. First and ten is a short, six-yard pass - stays in bounds, and Martinez is forced to spike the ball to stop the clock. 0:47 at the 26 yard line. The pass is to the right, dropped - but Ingram is flagged for pass interference, and our coach is going wild. 0:42 to play at the Virginia 41 yard line, and a first down. Three yard completion and out of bounds (0:38). Complete over the middle, down to our 37 yard line. Spiked to stop the clock (0:30). Pass to the right - Shane Rodgers gets his hands on it, but drops the pass. 0:26, third and ten. Martinez is hit as he releases the ball, and it's a duck - Reuben Houston comes down with it! His second interception of the day, and Burnett takes a knee to finish the game. This is the third big win of the season decided by a late interception, and we move to an incredible 11-0.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 21, Virginia 17

Congratulations! You have just finished the #2 Greatest Game of all Time!
Greatness Score: 516

Leading Passers:
GT QB M.J. Burnett 13-23, 241 yards, 3 TD
UVA Anthony Martinez 15-32, 287 yards, 2 TD, 2 Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 21-77 yards
UVA HB Michael Johnson 19-59 yards

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 6-194 yards, TD
GT TE Maurio Altman 3-23 yards
UVA TE Heath Miller 4-106 yards, TD
UVA WR Warren Reeves 3-83 yards
UVA WR Marques Hagans 3-40 yards, TD

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT OLB Kingi McNair 6 Tackles (4 TFL), Sack
GT CB Reuben Houston 2 Tackles, 2 Int
UVA SS Joey Sands 9 Tackles (1 TFL)

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT QB M.J. Burnett 13-23, 241 yards, 3 TD
UVA TE Heath Miller 4-106 yards, TD

Celeval

08-20-2003, 08:19 PM

...........1st.2nd.3rd.4th..Total
Ohio State..3...7...0...7.....17
Michigan....0...6..10...0.....16

Players of the Game:
M. Green (Ohio State): 8 Tackles (3 TFL), 2 Sacks, FF, FR
E. Shazor (Michigan): 5 Tackles, Interception

The Michigan Wolverines lose, at home, in the fourth quarter to Ohio State - the Buckeye 24-game winning streak remains intact, and it looks to be Ohio State and Miami in the National Championship game.

MrBug708

08-20-2003, 08:25 PM

Ouch.....so close....

Celeval

08-20-2003, 08:36 PM

Week Fourteen Results:

SI Cover:
DT Marcus Green, Ohio State (Sr-RS)
Clinched It!
Buckeyes sew up a spot in the national title game.

Top 10:
So Close!: Michigan's no longer undefeated after a nail-biter with Ohio State.
1. Miami (31) (11-0): W 45-10 RU
2. Ohio State (27) (12-0): W 17-16 MICH
3. Georgia Tech (1): W 21-17 UVA
4. Texas (10-1): BYE
5. UCLA (12-1): W 34-14 USC
6. Oklahoma (11-1): W 59-21 TXTECH
7. Tennessee (9-2): W 27-10 VANDY
8. Michigan (11-1): L 16-17 BUCKS
9. Penn State (10-2): W 30-27 MSU
10. Virginia Tech (9-3): W 31-24 BC
UNR. Georgia (7-4): W 44-19 UK

Dropped out of Top Ten: #9 Oregon

Bowl Rankings
Heading for the Title: Ohio State (12-0) seals their fate in the National Championship

Game.
1. Ohio State: 3.75
2. Miami: 6.56
3. Georgia Tech: 9.15
4. Texas 9.74
5. UCLA: 13.56
6. Oklahoma: 13.75
7. Tennessee: 18.84
8. Michigan: 20.70

Unbeaten Watch (BCS Busters)
#1 Miami (Big East): 11-0 (6-0) - next at #14 Pittsburgh
#2 Ohio State (Big Ten): 12-0 (8-0) - [Regular Season Complete]

#3 Georgia Tech (ACC): 11-0 (8-0) - next vs Georgia
<S>Michigan (Big Ten): 11-1 (7-1)</S> L 16-17 Ohio State

Coach Report Card
"Be on the lookout for a nice contract extension package."
Job Security: A
Average Attendance: 42,234
Next Game: Week 15 vs. UGA

Heisman Watch:
Closer to the Heisman?: Clarett looks to garner AA honors, along with the coveted

Heisman.
HB Tyler Ebell (Sr-RS), UCLA: 298-1690 Rushing, 41-498 Receiving, 24 TDs
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 303-2314 Rushing, 21-264 Receiving, 22 TDs
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 65-1685 Receiving, 20 TDs
HB Frank Gore (Sr-RS), Miami: 163-1145 Rushing, 32-640 Receiving, 19 TDs
HB Brandon Jacobs (Sr-RS), Auburn: 222-1348 Rushing, 7-139 Receiving, 23 TDs

Holding steady in third with just one regular season game left. However - and this could be

huge - Ohio State and UCLA have both finished their regular seasons, which gives Benji

Holmes this week against Georgia to pass both Ebell and Clarett.

Players of the Week
(NCAA)
HB Mike Imoh (Sr), Virginia Tech: 34-222 Rushing, 3 TDs
DE Devan Long (Sr-RS), Oregon: 14 Tackles (7 TFL), 5 Sacks, FF, FR

(ACC)
QB M.J. Burnett (Fr-RS), Georgia Tech: 13-23, 241 yards, 3 TD
OLB Jeremy Johnson (Fr), North Carolina: 6 Tackles (1 TFL), Sack, Int, TD

ACC Standings
1. Georgia Tech (11-0, 8-0): W 21-17 Virginia
2. Florida State (8-4, 7-1): BYE
3. Clemson (8-4, 5-3): L 10-25 South Carolina
4. Virginia (6-5, 4-4): L 17-21 Georgia Tech
5. NC State (8-4, 4-4): W 32-17 Maryland
6. Maryland (8-4, 3-4): L 17-32 North Carolina State
7. Wake Forest (4-7, 2-5): W 31-14 Connecticut
8. North Carolina (5-7, 2-6): W 38-18 Duke
9. Duke (1-11, 0-8): L 18-38 North Carolina

We have officially clinched the ACC Championship.

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr)
This Week: Tackle, Pass Defl.
2005 Season: 20 Tackles, 2 Int, 4 Pass Defl.

SirFozzie

08-20-2003, 08:43 PM

Oof. Well, at least the you're going BCSing :)

Its Vanilla

08-20-2003, 09:05 PM

I guess all you can say now is, "Let's go Pitt!"

Anyway, great dynasty. Good luck in the postseason.

MrBug708

08-20-2003, 09:35 PM

Recruiting will be nice

Celeval

08-21-2003, 12:36 AM

Week Fifteen Action:

Clean, Old Fashioned Hate

Georgia (7-4) at #3 Georgia Tech (11-0)

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

Key Players:
HB A. Hollis III: 1351 Rush Yards
MLB C. Shaw: 83 Tackles
OLB T. Davis: 76 Tackles

Season Stats:
Points/Game: 33.0 (16)
Total Offense: 391.1 (47)
Rush Offense: 184.1 (34)
Pass Offense: 206.8 (69)
Total Defense: 347.3 (33)
Rush Defense: 130.8 (24)
Pass Defense: 216.5 (60)
Turnover Diff: +0.60 (17)

And it's time for the Georgia game.

We've gotten crushed by the Bulldogs both times we've faced them in this dynasty, and there are plenty of fans out there who would love to do it again. We'll be facing another strong unranked team - in a similar mold to the close win we just managed over Virginia. The quarterback is redshirt-freshman Frederick Randall (75 OVR) - he is very similar to our LaShaun Haston, and Haston did a good bit of gaming as Randall with the scout team in the leadup week. Randall has thrown for just under 2200 yards, and has hooked up for 16 touchdowns against 14 interceptions.

Georgia brings three solid halfbacks to the table - the top of the class being Albert Hollis III - Hollis has 260 carries on the season for 1351 yards (5.2 average), and 13 touchdowns. Tony Milton isthe top backup, and has nearly 500 yards himself. Both are RS-Seniors.

The Bulldogs will spread the ball around in the passing game - the two top receivers are WRs Domingo Hicks and Sean Bailey - the two have combined for over 70 catches and 1200 yards, in addition to 10 of Randall's 14 touchdowns.

The defense is extremely strong - led by MLB Chris Shaw's 83 tackles and 2 sacks; Georgia doesn't give up much in the rushing game at all; and is very deep up and down the defense with the exception of cornerback. We'll need to go to the air for our points, but we won't be able to just stick with the passing game. This could be a tough one.

It's a cool, crisp night in Atlanta - at least we're home - and playing to a packed house. Scattered red and black in the stands, and the 'Dawgs win the toss, electing to receive.

A pair of redshirt freshmen battling here - Randall gets first crack at the game, and comes out wild, ending the first series with two overthrown balls and one sack. The ensuing punt puts us in good field position on the right side of the 50. Burnett is sacked early as well, but comes out with both good throws and good luck - completions to Maurio Altman and Ben Holmes gets us into the red zone before a laser pass towards Holmes is tipped into the air - and into the waiting arms of Freeman Dempsey in the corner of the end zone. An incredibly lucky play, but we'll take it - and the 7-0 lead.

The Georgia response comes quickly - the first play is up top to Bailey for 30 yards. The next, however, comes down in the arms of Travis Ball - who stumbles his way all the way back to the five yard line. Lyle Talley saunters into the end zone from there untouched - 14-0. The Bulldog first play from scrimmage - fumbled handoff, and someone from the GT defensive line falls on it. The Georgia defense holds on this third possession, and Jordan puts the field goal through, but we still lead by 17 midway through the first quarter; not what we expected from this matchup.

Randall seems to have settled down some - he hits on a series of throws to drive Georgia down to the Tech 33; but a hard hit on third and six knocks Randall out of the game. The backup QB is Brian Best - he comes in with orders to go on fourth and eight. He throws the ball up into the corner of the end zone, and hits a streaking Sean Bailey in stride - a huge lift for Georgia, and the lead is cut to 17-7. We find out before the kickoff that it's Best's game - Randall is done for the game with hip bursitis. Our next drive is cut short by a Burnett interception, and it looks like we're in for the battle we expected. Tony Milton catches the swing pass and drags a couple defenders into the end zone to close out the first quarter.

The start to the second quarter sees the defenses take stock for a bit - after two consecutive punts, we assemble a 10-play, 96 yard drive to a Burnett option touchdown run to extend the lead with just over two minutes to play in the half. After the Bulldogs punt it away, a costly pass interference penalty gives us the ball inside the red zone with time to spare - but David Jordan hooks it to the right, and we miss a golden opportunity to add another three points before the half.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 24, Georgia 14

We get the ball to start the half - as well as some expected but poor news. #1 Miami over #14 Pittsburgh; we're definately out of the Rose Bowl. Ah well.

We first strike pay dirt in the second half with a field goal to extend the lead to thirteen... then to twenty as Reuben Houston abuses Brian Best with an interception returned for a score. Our next possession is Holmes' first touchdown catch of the day, a 41-14 lead, and we begin to relax and work Benjamin Holmes. I'm under no illusions that he'll come back next season easily - this may well be his last regular season game, and we feed him the ball in a variety of patterns from a variety of formations. He's already set the school record for touchdowns in a season - today he sets the records for catches and yards in a single game, as well as catches and yards in a single season. This is Holmes' Heisman attempt, let's see how it pans out.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 58, Georgia 21

One back for the good guys after two years of being on the wrong side of things.

Leading Passers:
GT QB M.J. Burnett 28-50, 455 yards, 3 TD, 2 Int
UGA QB Frederick Randall 3-9, 69 yards, Int
UGA QB Brian Best 4-16, 82 yards, 2 TD, Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 10-26 yards
UGA HB Albert Hollis III 2-70 yards, TD
UGA HB Tony Milton 13-43 yards

Leading Receivers:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 18-354 yards, 2 TD
UGA WR Sean Bailey 2-70 yards, TD

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT MLB Trent Ball 5 Tackles, Int
GT CB Reuben Houston 3 Tackles, Int, TD
UGA CB J.B. Gant 11 Tackles
UGA MLB Chris Shaw 7 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks, Int
UGA OLB Tony Davis 5 Tackles (4 TFL), 3 Sacks

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 18-354 yards, 2 TD
UGA MLB Chris Shaw 7 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks, Int

Celeval

08-21-2003, 12:37 AM

Week Fifteen Results:

SI Cover:
WR Benjamin Holmes, Georgia Tech (Jr)
A Bad Moon Rising...
The Yellow Jackets sneak up to a #3 ranking in the latest Coaches Poll.

Top 10:
Whew!: #4 Texas slips past Texas A&M 37-34.
1. Miami (37) (12-0): W 37-22 PITT
2. Ohio State (21) (12-0): BYE
3. Georgia Tech (1) (12-0): W 58-21 UGA
4. Texas (11-1): W 37-34 TAMU
5. UCLA (12-1): BYE
6. Oklahoma (11-1): BYE
7. Tennessee (10-2): W 36-11 UK
8. Michigan (11-1): BYE
9. Penn State (10-2): BYE
10. Virginia Tech (10-3): W 41-17 UVA
UNR. Georgia (7-5): L 21-58 GT

Dropped out of Top Ten: None

Bowl Rankings
Go Buckeyes!: Ohio State's excited about the possibilities of playing in the championship game.
1. Ohio State: 3.82
2. Miami: 6.00
3. Georgia Tech: 9.04
4. Texas 9.71
5. UCLA: 13.63
6. Oklahoma: 13.71
7. Tennessee: 19.16
8. Michigan: 20.96

Unbeaten Watch (BCS Busters)
#1 Miami (Big East): 12-0 (7-0) - [Regular Season Complete]
#2 Ohio State (Big Ten): 12-0 (8-0) - [Regular Season Complete]

#3 Georgia Tech (ACC): 12-0 (8-0) - [Regular Season Complete]

So we finish the season unbeaten, and are shut out of the title game. Does any of it have to do with the poor strength of schedule due to those early cupcakes?

Realistically? Nah. Not when we're going against Ohio State (24-game winning streak) and Miami (37-0 since dynasty inception).

Coach Report Card
"Okay, your coaching skills are important, but now your skills as a recruiter will be tested."
Job Security: A
Average Attendance: 42,834
Next Game: TBA

Heisman Watch:
The One to Watch: Holmes catches everything that comes his way, including Heisman hype.
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 83-2039 Receiving, 22 TDs
HB Tyler Ebell (Sr-RS), UCLA: 298-1690 Rushing, 41-498 Receiving, 24 TDs
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 303-2314 Rushing, 21-264 Receiving, 22 TDs
HB Josh Allen (Sr), Maryland: 291-1843-19 Rushing, 30-375-2 Receiving
HB Frank Gore (Sr-RS), Miami: 163-1145 Rushing, 32-640 Receiving, 19 TDs

That game did it, Holmes is first in the Heisman balloting for the first time this season. Only bowl games remain for any of the contenders.

Players of the Week
(NCAA)
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 18 Rec, 354 yards, 2 TD
OLB Durrell White (Jr), Kentucky: 16 Tackles (2 TFL), Int, TD

(ACC)
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 18 Rec, 354 yards, 2 TD
CB Reuben Houston (Sr-RS), Georgia Tech: 3 Tackles, Int, TD

ACC Standings
1. Georgia Tech (12-0, 8-0): W 58-21 Georgia
2. Florida State (8-5, 7-1): L 24-40 Florida
3. Clemson (8-4, 5-3): BYE
4. Maryland (9-4, 4-4): W 37-21 Wake Forest
5. Virginia (6-6, 4-4): L 17-41 Virginia Tech
6. NC State (8-4, 4-4): BYE
7. Wake Forest (4-8, 2-6): L 21-37 Maryland
8. North Carolina (5-7, 2-6): BYE
9. Duke (1-11, 0-8): BYE

We have officially clinched the ACC Championship.

huve Watch
CB Glenn Sharpe, Miami (Jr)
This Week: 2 Tackles, Int
2005 Season: 22 Tackles, 3 Int, 4 Pass Defl.

Celeval

08-21-2003, 12:51 AM

Week Sixteen Results:

"Congratulations! You have won the ACC Championship."

SI Cover:
HB Maurice Clarett, Ohio State (Sr)
Shoo-In?
Buckeyes are slated to play in the championship game at season's end.

Top 10:
Success!: Gore and the HUrricanes celebrate winning the Big East Championship.
1. Miami (37) (12-0): BYE
2. Ohio State (21) (12-0): BYE
3. Georgia Tech (1) (12-0): BYE
4. Texas (11-1): BYE
5. UCLA (12-1): BYE
6. Oklahoma (11-1): BYE
7. Tennessee (10-2): BYE
8. Michigan (11-1): BYE
9. Penn State (10-2): BYE
10. Virginia Tech (10-3): BYE
UNR. Georgia (7-5): BYE

Dropped out of Top Ten: None

Bowl Rankings
The Mad Dash!: Columbus's anxious to see where their Buckeyes rank in the latest rankings.
1. Ohio State: 3.78
2. Miami: 5.96
3. Georgia Tech: 9.00
4. Texas 9.67
5. UCLA: 13.55
6. Oklahoma: 13.71
7. Tennessee: 19.16
8. Michigan: 20.88

Coach Report Card
"It feels good to be representing the ACC in the Orange Bowl, doesn't it?"
Job Security: A+
Average Attendance: 42,834
Next Game: TBA

Never-mind that bowl bids aren't official yet. I don't. :-)

Heisman Watch:
Where Does He Stand?: Clarett has rushed for 2314 yards and 18 TD in his Senior Year.
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 83-2039 Receiving, 22 TDs
HB Tyler Ebell (Sr-RS), UCLA: 298-1690 Rushing, 41-498 Receiving, 24 TDs
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 303-2314 Rushing, 21-264 Receiving, 22 TDs
HB Josh Allen (Sr), Maryland: 291-1843-19 Rushing, 30-375-2 Receiving
HB Frank Gore (Sr-RS), Miami: 163-1145 Rushing, 32-640 Receiving, 19 TDs

Players of the Week
(NCAA)
WR Nate Ilada (Sr-RS), Hawaii: 12 Receptions, 197 yards, 5 TD
MLB Chris Barrios (Sr-RS), Boise State: 6 Tackles (2 TFL), Sack, 2 FF, 2 FR

Celeval

08-21-2003, 01:13 AM

Conference Championship Week

MAC: Ball State (10-3) over UCF (7-6) 31-3
Big 12: Texas (12-1) over Missouri (9-4) 51-21
SEC: Auburn (12-2) over Tennessee (10-3) 52-14

SI Cover:
HB Maurice Clarett, Ohio State (Sr)
Bringing the Passion
The big one's the battle between Ohio State and Miami.

Top 10:
Conference Champs!: Jacobs and the Tigers celebrate after winning the Conference Championship.
1. Miami (38) (12-0): BYE
2. Ohio State (21) (12-0): BYE
3. Georgia Tech (12-0): BYE
4. Texas (12-1): W 51-21 MIZZOU
5. UCLA (12-1): BYE
6. Oklahoma (11-1): BYE
7. Michigan (11-1): BYE
8. Penn State (10-2): BYE
9. Auburn (12-2): W 52-14 TENN
10. Virginia Tech (10-3): BYE
UNR. Georgia (7-5): BYE

Dropped out of Top Ten: #7 Tennessee

Bowl Rankings
Bowl-a-rama!: See where the Yellow Jackets are playing this bowl season.
1. Ohio State: 3.76
2. Miami: 5.96
3. Georgia Tech: 9.12
4. Texas 9.39
5. UCLA: 13.59
6. Oklahoma: 13.67
7. Michigan: 19.10
8. Auburn: 21.23

Coach Report Card
"We received an Orange Bowl bid. Excellent job coaching these young men!"
Job Security: A+
Average Attendance: 42,834
Next Game: Bowl vs. #5 UCLA

Heisman Trophy:
Defining Moment: Georgia Tech's Holmes is selected as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner.
WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 83-2039 Receiving, 22 TDs

WR Benjamin Holmes (Jr), Georgia Tech: 174-308-216 : 1345
HB Tyler Ebell (Sr-RS), UCLA: 83-245-245 : 984
HB Maurice Clarett (Sr), Ohio State: 67-162-235 : 760
HB Brandon Jacobs (Sr-RS), Auburn: 20-66-86 : 278
HB James Allen (Sr), Maryland: 1-4-3: 14

Award Winners:
Maxwell Award: HB Maurice Clarett, Ohio State (303-2314 Rush, 21-264 Rec, 22 TDs)
Best QB: QB Brad Smith, Missouri (211-378, 3043 yards, 134-799 Rush, 36 TDs)
Best RB: HB Maurice Clarett, Ohio State (303-2314 Rush, 21-264 Rec, 22 TDs)
Best WR: WR Benjamin Holmes, Georgia Tech (83-2039 Rec, 22 TDs)
Best OL: T Josh Day, Colorado State (45 pancakes, 4 sacks allowed)
Bednarik: OLB A.J. Hawk, Ohio State (89 Tackles (14 TFL), 9 Sacks, Int, 5 FF, TD)
Best DL: DE Guy Whimper, East Carolina (66 Tackles (15 TFL), 13 Sacks)
Best LB: OLB Josh Chilsom, East Carolina (100 Tackles (21 TFL), 4 Sacks, 3 Int)
Thorpe: FS Bryce Young, Central Michigan (70 Tackles (5 TFL), Sack, 10 Int)
Groza: K Michael Baker, Buffalo (32-37 FG, 48 Long, 24-25 XP)
Coach of the Year: Kevin Donnelly, Georgia Tech (12-0)

All-Americans of Note
WR Benjamin Holmes, Georgia Tech: First Team WR
CB Reuben Houston, Georgia Tech: First Team CB

HB James Allen, Maryland: Second Team RB
T Stephon Heyer, Maryland: Second Team T

QB M.J. Burnett, Georgia Tech: Freshman QB
CB Shane Rodgers, Georgia Tech: Freshman CB
CB Delvyn Arstegui, Georgia Tech: Freshman CB
SS Freddie Rhodes, Florida State: Freshman SS

Congratulations to Benji, Reuben, M.J., Shane, Delvyn, and... uh... me, I guess.

Celeval

08-21-2003, 01:23 AM

Bowl Matchups
New Orleans Bowl: UAB (9-3) at North Texas (10-2)
GMAC Bowl: UCF (7-6) at Southern Mississippi (8-4)
Tangerine Bowl: #20 North Carolina State (8-4) at #25 Maryland (9-4)

FYI, it states here that NC State has earned an At Large bid to play Maryland (ACC #4).

Fort Worth Bowl: Tulane (7-5) at LSU (7-5)
Las Vegas Bowl: #22 USC (9-3) at Colorado State (9-3)
Hawaii Bowl: Nevada (9-3) at TCU (8-4)
Motor City Bowl: Arizona (6-6) at Ball State (10-3)
Insight Bowl: #18 Pittsburgh (9-3) at #19 Oregon State (7-5)
Continental Tire Bowl: Virginia (6-6) at Utah (7-5)
Humanitarian Bowl: #13 Fresno State (11-1) at Toledo (7-5)
Alamo Bowl: #23 Kansas State at Iowa (7-5)
Houston Bowl: East Carolina (8-4) at Arkansas State (6-6)
Holiday Bowl: #14 Oregon (10-2) at Oklahoma State (8-4)
Silicon Valley Classic: Buffalo (6-6) at SMU (8-4)
Sun Bowl: #15 Washington State (9-3) at Purdue (7-5)
AXA Liberty Bowl: UNLV (6-6) at #11 Louisville (11-2)
Music City Bowl: Arkansas (8-4) at Alabama (6-6)
Independence Bowl: #21 South Carolina (8-4) at Stanford (6-6)
San Francisco Bowl: San Diego State (7-5) at Boston College (7-5)
Outback Bowl: Georgia (7-5) at Washington (8-4)
Gator Bowl: #10 Virginia Tech (10-3) at #24 Florida State (8-5)
Capital One Bowl: #16 Tennessee (10-3) at #8 Penn State (10-2)
Peach Bowl: #17 Ole Miss (7-5) at Clemson (8-4)
Cotton Bowl: #12 Florida (10-2) at Missouri (9-4)

Sugar Bowl: #6 Oklahoma (11-1) at #9 Auburn (12-2)
Fiesta Bowl: #7 Michigan (11-1) at #4 Texas (12-1)
Orange Bowl: #5 UCLA (12-1) at #3 Georgia Tech (12-0)
Rose Bowl: #1 Miami (12-0) at #2 Ohio State (12-0)

Celeval

08-21-2003, 03:36 PM

Bowl Week One
New Orleans Bowl: North Texas 28, UAB 9
GMAC Bowl: UCF 41, Southern Mississippi 24

SI Cover
HB Maurice Clarett, Ohio State (Sr)
Classic Showdown
The Rose Bowl welcomes the #2 Ohio State Buckeyes to Pasadena.

Celeval

08-21-2003, 03:38 PM

Bowl Week Two
Tangerine Bowl: North Carolina State 33, Maryland 21
Fort Worth Bowl: Tulane 31, LSU 26
Las Vegas Bowl: Colorado State 44, USC 10
Hawaii Bowl: TCU 28, Nevada 23
Motor City Bowl: Ball State 35, Arizona 18
Insight Bowl: Oregon STate 30, Pittsburgh 20
Continental Tire Bowl: Virginia 47, Utah 21

SI Cover
HB Maurice Clarett, Ohio State (Sr)
#1 vs. #2!
Ohio State can't wait to take it to Miami in the Rose Bowl.

Celeval

08-22-2003, 09:45 PM

Bowl Week Action:

The Orange Bowl

#5 UCLA (12-1) at #3 Georgia Tech (12-0)

Preview:
UCLA (12-1)
Overall: B
Offense: B
Defense: B
Special Teams: A-

Key Players:
HB T. Ebell: 1690 Rush Yards
QB M. Moore: 2827 Pass Yards
HB W. Mathis: 15 Total TDs

UCLA Season Stats:
Points/Game: 37.7 (6)
Total Offense: 441.4 (12)
Rush Offense: 200.0 (23)
Pass Offense: 241.3 (41)
Total Defense: 302.9 (9)
Rush Defense: 116.0 (9)
Pass Defense: 186.8 (22)
Turnover Diff: +1.00 (8)

Welcome to Miami, Florida and the FedEx Orange Bowl!

This should be a great matchup - two overacheiving teams led by the Heisman Trophy winner and runner-up going against each other for the right to be the #2 team in the nation (very likely passing the winner of the National Championship game.

UCLA starts at quarterback Senior Matt Moore (81 OVR) - his second season as starter for the Bruins, Moore had a very good year passing the football with a QB Rating of 144.2. He completed 58% of his passes for 2827 yards, 21 TDs, and 11 interceptions; he is somewhat mobile, rushing for 97 yards on the year.

His top targets are Sophmore WR Jamar Ratliff and Junior Tight End Marcedes Lewis - Lewis was named a second-team All-American, catching 42 passes for 707 yards and six touchdowns. For comparison, Altman and Dempsey combined for 56 catches, 765 yards, and six touchdowns. Ratliff had similar numbers, with 46 catches for 726 yards and 3 scores.

The biggest threat on offense is the Heisman Trophy runnerup - Halfback Tyler Ebell. Ebell not only rushed the ball (298 carries for 1690 yards, 17 touchdowns), but was one of the leading receivers as well, with 41 catches for nearly 500 yards and six more scores. We'll do what many other teams tried to - take away Ebell, let UCLA beat us through the air.

The unquestioned leader on defense is OLB Spencer Havner - the RS-Senior led the team with 106 tackles (next was 62). He also added 15 TFLs, and four sacks. The defensive line is solid, and the secondary led by two great safeties - the surprise player there is Freshman All-American FS Zach Parsons. Parsons was a finalist for the Thorpe Award after racking up 43 tackles and 5 interceptions; while SS Jarrad Page is a first team All-American himself.

It's a overcast but warm night at Pro Player Stadium, flashbulbs popping everywhere - 70 degree heat on the day after New Years'. Ah, Miami.

UCLA receives the ball, and gives it to Ebell right off - stopped behind the line for a loss. The next play is a perfectly run play-action, and Ratliff catches the ball downfield; they're into Georgia Tech territory. It's a long field goal attempt for the first score of the game - good from 47, and UCLA takes an early 3-0 lead. Our answering possession picks up a couple first downs but stops short, but the punt is downed inside the ten and we take possession back quickly. More good movement, but Burnett tries to do too much on a downfield scramble and turns the ball over via fumble in the red zone. We get the ball back and drive downfield again - but this time it's Ace Eziemefe who puts the ball on the ground and turns it over at the UCLA 15. Turnovers could turn out to be a big problem.

Into the second quarter now, and we're playing good run defense - Ebell is only at about ten yards, but Matt Moore is 8-8 for about 150 yards, and counting. His first two incompletions are from within the ten yard line, and would have both gone for scores - third and goal is knocked away by Reuben Houston, and Medlock comes onto the field to kick a second field goal and a six-nothing lead.

Benji Holmes hasn't done much this game, so we look his way on a play-action - caught him in single coverage, up top for about 70 yards, and to the UCLA five yard line. It takes Ace two tries, but we're in for a 7-6 lead. Moore comes out back on his game, hitting his first two passes to get up to 200 yards with still four minutes to play in the first half. Another third and short play for the Bruins on our end of the field falls short, and Medlock hits his third kick. 9-7 - and we're apparently playing bend-but-don't-break.

We knew Ebell would get his yards, and he's starting to heat up. Not breaking anything - but getting three where he got one in the first quarter, and seven where he got three - but Moore finally makes his first real mistake trying to force an out pattern - Houston jumps it and takes it 60 yards to the house! That's his 10th interception of the season, a new school record, and a 14-9 lead. UCLA's first turnover hurts them more than our two have - and we have a chance to break the game open if we can get the ball back before the half. We do, and then some! Another forced out, another pick (this one by Stanford Ingram), and another return for a touchdown. The defense is pumped - and even worse news for the Bruins as Tyler Ebell goes out on the kick return clutching his knee. The report comes back before halftime - he sprained his PCL, and is done for the game. Shouldn't affect his NFL draft status, but it's painful and Ebell's career at UCLA ends in injury.

We do get the ball back with just over 30 seconds left in the half - but it's not Benji Holmes, it's LeKeldrick Bridges who catches a ball long over the middle down inside the ten. He's stopped just outside the end zone, but with two seconds to play; enough to call a timeout and get David Jordan on the field for the kick. Up and good, and it's a very confident Georgia Tech team heading into the half.

Halftime: Georgia Tech 24, UCLA 9

The first half keys have definately been the turnovers - while we've picked up fourteen points off of turnovers, UCLA has picked up six of their own - and most likely taken away at least six of ours. With Ebell out of the game, we look to strike the killing blow quick, and a Burnett hookup with Dempsey downfield seems to be it. Eziemefe rushes in for his second touchdown, and we're up 31-9. We can now just sit on the pass; and Moore throws his third interception of the day (this time it's Trent Ball returning for a touchdown), and we extend the lead.

I think one under-rated aspect of our defense at this point is linebacker speed. We've gotten great interception returns, a number of sacks from the linebacker corps, and a lot of TFLs on rushes around the edges - that's what kept our rush defense so good. I think that's going to be an emphasis of sorts in recruiting - Kingi McNair will be out soon, and we'll need a replacement.

UCLA is starting to work their way back in - Moore leads the Bruins down for one touchdown, and inside the ten on the next drive. He's crushed on a quarterback draw, however - and he's just done. Herbstreit and Corso are talking about how bad the injury is right away; turns out it's a fractured forearm, done for the season. Luckily for UCLA, that means this game - although he's over 400 yards passing at this point. The backup gets them into the end zone, although not for the two-point conversion; and entering the fourth quarter, we lead 38-22. UCLA still has a chance if they can keep us contained; and a clipping penalty on the return will help them out. So will Burnett's first interception on the day - and a fourth down play is a short completion from Olson for a touchdown. Down 16, they have to go for two, but don't get it - still a two point margin at 38-28, but way too much time for my comfort (7:52).

It's UCLA's turn to start stepping up on defense now - two rushes are stopped for negative yards, and we're facing third and long. We run only a minute off the clock before being forced to punt. First play from scrimmage - why is Trent Ball covering an outside receiver! Down inside the 25 yard line, Mathis running the ball very well in relief. Olson over the top to Ratliff, in for the score; and all of a sudden, the score is 38-35 with UCLA breathing down our necks. 5:41 on the clock, and we need a long drive. It doesn't help when Ace is knocked out of the game; knee bursitis, he'll be back. Two straight third down conversions, and we're getting our drive - inside of three minutes and inside the 30; but disaster on third and long, as a toss across the middle to Holmes is picked off. 1:40 on the clock, and UCLA takes over on their own 26 yard line down a field goal.

Up top on the first play, to Ratliff again - that's 500+ yards passing for UCLA and inside our 40. 1:15 on the clock, second and five from the 32. A heavy rush from the right side, and Terron Pullen gets in for his sixteenth sack of the season, a Georgia Tech record. Third and ten, clock running, at the GT 37 yard line. We run a Cover-2 Man out of the Nickel. Olson over the middle - and complete for the first down. Time out UCLA, 0:44 on the 26. Again over the middle and complete. Time out UCLA, 0:39, at the 14. Swing pass to the TE under the zone - complete, inside the ten yard line. Clock is running - Olson hasn't missed a pass this drive. Well, until the spike to stop the clock. 0:19, third and five on the nine. The pass over the middle is caught - hit just short of the end zone - but he's in! Ratliff again, he has killed us today, and UCLA takes a 42-38 lead after the extra point.

Just 0:15 on the clock, and we need a touchdown. We call a kick return up the right side, and I-Perfection Harris returns the ball to the 30 before getting stopped. With ten seconds on the clock, we have time for one play underneath, trying to get to midfield before pushing to the end zone. The pass is tipped and knocked away, and there's one last shot. The Hail Mary is short... and we are crushed by 33 unanswered points in the third and fourth quarters. What an end to the season.

Final Score: UCLA 42, Georgia Tech 38

Greatness Score: 962 (#1 Greatest Game)

Leading Passers:
GT QB M.J. Burnett 16-33, 345 yards, 2 Int
UCLA QB Drew Olson 9-12, 149 yards, 3 TD
UCLA QB Matt Moore 19-30, 405 yards, 3 Int

Leading Rushers:
GT HB Ajenavi Eziemefe 16-50 yards, 2 TD
UCLA HB Wendell Mathis 5-18 yards, TD
UCLA HB Tyler Ebell 11-18 yards

Leading Receivers:
GT WR George Cooper 5-58 yards
GT TE Maurio Altman 4-69 yards
GT WR Benjamin Holmes 4-96 yards
UCLA WR Jamar Ratliff 9-208 yards, TD
UCLA WR Ben Morton 7-92 yards, TD
UCLA WR Antwuan Smith 5-134 yards, TD

Outstanding Defensive Players:
GT MLB Anthony Blanks 10 Tackles (1 TFL), Int, TD
GT CB Stanford Ingram 6 Tackles (2 TFL), Int, TD
GT LB Kingi McNair 6 Tackles (2 TFL), 2 Sacks
GT CB Reuben Houston 2 Tackles, Int, TD
UCLA SS Jarrad Page 7 Tackles (2 TFL)

Old Spice Players of the Game:
GT MLB Anthony Blanks 10 Tackles (1 TFL), Int, TD
UCLA WR Jamar Ratliff 9-208 yards, TD

I'm just sick at how this season ended. About the only good that might come out of it is Benjamin Holmes for his senior season to complete the unbeaten season. Maybe. Hopefully.