Online Dynasty: The Redshirts Season 8 Preview

 

Well 7 seasons are now in the book. We have our first 2 time National Champion in Superbowlnachos’ Texas Longhorns squad. And 4 user National Championships in our 7 seasons. User teams continue to dominate the CPU and we had 10 of our 12 coaches in the Top 25. One of which (Northwestern) was very close, and just did not receive enough votes.

So it’s time to increase the challenge. Our first step will be to move to Heisman gameplay. It’s evident that the CPU loses some of it’s agressiveness and is consistently boneheaded later in games. Heisman will fix this. It will be a bit of a learning curve, as we get the sliders where we want them and we have two sets we will be trying. The first of which is a major, major change in the way we are used to playing. We will figure out what we like better before conference play begins, and roll from there.

The next step, is to attempt to increase the recruiting difficulty. We have switched to Heisman as well as scrap our 3.5 star average for the immediate future. There is also a cap of 2 per team, except for our Coach of the Year winner who will receive an extra.

Speaking of Coach of the Year… Congratulations to Coach Johnny Clutch who picks up his second in 2 years. Excellent content as well as a great product on the field propelled him to victory. Your final tally: Johnnyclutch (5 votes), Screwthebcs (3 votes), Superbowlnachos (3 votes).

Our final change for the season is more user games. The CPU gets to be a bit of a bore by now, and nothing is more exciting than user games. Each of us will have 5-6 user games which match coaches with similar winning % against each other. We’re gonna try and get some seperation for the NCAA 13 team draft.

It should be an exciting season, and I really hope that making these changes will add to everyone else’s excitement.

And now… Your 2018 Preview.

 

Coach: Superbowl Nachos
Record: 80-13 (86%)
Conference Championships: 2013, 2017
National Championships: 2013, 2017
Coach of the Year: 2013
Heisman Winners: 2016 HB Michael Royal
Redshirts MVP: None

The Texas Longhorns coached by Superbowlnachos have quickly become the team everyone loves to hate. Results both on the field with performance and always consistent recruiting make them early preseason favorites every year.

This year is no different. They return QB Zack Mosley who led a dominant passing attack for the first time in years. This team used to be a heavy running team, but not last year. Their National Championship win over Nebraska showcased the talent throwing the ball as before you know it Nebraska was down big.

They have never had any standout performers on defense even though they should with the talent they had. So I really won’t showcase any of them. This season, I expect a more balanced attack, and will be watching them closely.

Player to Watch: HB Kyle McKenzie (96 OVR)

Coach: Johnnyclutch
Record: 73-24 (75%)
Conference Championships: 2012, 2014, 2017
National Championships: None
Coach of the Year: 2015, 2017
Heisman Winners: None
Redshirts MVP: None

The Nebraska Cornhuskers made their first appearance in the National Championship game last year and looked a bit overwhelmed. They never stood a chance against a very experienced and determined Texas Longhorns team.

This team has always been about defense, and we don’t think this changes this season. Much. They run a very solid 3-4 and always seem to have the right personnel in the right positions. However, QB Jonathan Wallace returns for another season. He won Freshman of the Year in 2016, and followed that up with a QB of the Year award in 2017. This guy is good. And is surrounded by talent.

Last season saw them return to their winning ways in the Big Ten as they ousted Ohio State in the Championship game to claim coach Clutch’s 3rd Conference Title (1 in the PAC-12)

Player to Watch: LE Michael Green (93 OVR)

Coach: Ryalaman
Record: 69-24 (74%)
Conference Championships: 2016, 2017
National Championships: None
Coach of the Year: 2016
Heisman Winners: None
Redshirts MVP: None

The last two seasons Maryland has made the rest of the ACC their bitch. They have been absolutely dominant in conference, but have yet to win their 1st National Championship. I never expected to see a 6 Star program here in Maryland, and their recruiting prowess casts a large shadow over the rest of the Mid-Atlantic.

On the field, their play is a confusing mix of Fullback dives, screens and a solid if not dominant running game. Somehow, they continue to win and this year is no different. Look no further than former freshman of the year and now Senior QB Jeff Harris. One of, if not the, best QB to ever play for the Turtles. Expect them to win their 3rd straight ACC Championship. Although it took them a few seasons to build a powerhouse, coach Ryalalman has done the unthinkable and turned this team into one of the best in the country. Now… He just needs that elusive National Championship.

Player to Watch: MLB Tyrone McCarthy (90 OVR)

Coach: Matrix Monkey
Record: 77-14 (85%)
Conference Championships: 2014, 2016
National Championships: 2016
Coach of the Year: None
Heisman Winners: 2011- HB Devion Moore, 2014 HB Marcus Murphy
Redshirts MVP: 2014- HB Marcus Murphy, 2016 MLB Jack Anderson

Coach Matrix Monkey slacked off a little last season as he suffered from a Championship hangover. It was good to see one of our most consistent coaches win a National Championship in NCAA 12, and it’s only a matter of time before he wins another.

His biggest nemesis has been Texas, but the skill of Oklahoma and Missouri continue to improve. The identity of this team continues to evolve throughout his career, and what used to be one of the most fearsome running games in The Redshirts, has most recently evolved into dominating defense. This trend continues this year and you have to look no further than FS Kevin Noel (99 OVR) and SS Joel Lewis (96 OVR) to see the talent they have. These two guys form the best tandem at Safety I can even remember.

Player to Watch: HB Joel Macklin (95 OVR)

Coach: Sonn
Record: 33-7 (83%)
Conference Championships: 2015
National Championships: None
Coach of the Year: None
Heisman Winner: None
Redshirts MVP: None

It seems like an eternity since Coach Sonn’s Sooners won the Big 12. Last season saw 3 losses all by 3 points or less. What a heartbreaking season for the Sooners.

Can they get things on track this year? They are incredibly talented on the defensive side of the ball, and teams will struggle to run against them. Their secondary is a bit of a question mark though, but more importantly their offense looks to be one of the weakest in the Conference.

As it looks now, it may be a difficult year for Oklahoma. Both Missouri and Texas look much better on both sides of the ball, and of course their coaches have proven themselves to be able to run the gauntlet. Only time will tell, but right now I predict a 4th place finish for the Sooners.

Player to Watch: DT Craig Summers (99 OVR)

Coach: PAGamer07
Record: 65-28 (70%)
Conference Championships: 2015, 2016
National Championships: None
Coach of the Year: None
Heisman Winner: None
Redshirts MVP: NOne

Penn State had a pretty poor season last year. In conference losses to Ohio State and Nebraska eliminated any chance of them going for a 3rd straight Big Ten Championship. To add insult to injury, they lost to 14-0 NIU in the Rose Bowl in triple overtime.

Defense has always been their strength, and last year saw the passing offense explode for numerous single season school records. Unfortunately the tandem of QB Nick Ricks and WR Patrick Bailey have both graduated and there is no way they replicate their performance from last year.

The good news is that this is one of the most talented offsensive lines we have seen in years at Penn State, and the team should be able to move the ball. The defense should be better as the front 7 is incredibly talented. Still though, they will need some luck to repeat this year, and Nebraska will be a tough opponent as usual.

Player to Watch: DE Stephen Phillips (93 OVR)

Coach: Screwthebcs
Record: 51-13 (80%)
Conference Championships: 2013, 2014, 2015
National Championships: None
Coach of the Year: None
Heisman Winner: None
Redshirts MVP: None

Maryland, Maryland, Maryland. Did I mention Maryland? After dominating the ACC from 2013-2015 the tides have turned. Yes Virginia Tech is one of the best teams in the country year in and year out, but the just can’t be the Terps.

They need to figure out how to get over the hump, and I’ve got a tip for them… Throw the ball to WR Isaac Jones. No he doesn’t have explosive speed. But you don’t need speed to win games. Jones is one of the most talented WR in the country, with great route running and catching abilities. You throw it to him, and he catches it. It helps that the runner up in last year’s MVP race QB Luis Butler returns this year.

Defensively, this team is as good as any in the ACC. They just need to figure out how to stop Maryland. No one else in the ACC will challenge them again this year besides the Terps. Can they get over the hump? If they do, Ill bet the are in the National Championship game.

Player to Watch: SS Josh Holland (98 OVR)

Coach: Briosu99
Record: 66-30 (69%)
Conference Championships: 2011, 2013
National Championships: None
Coach of the Year: None
Heisman Winner: 2017- HB Jason Butler
Redshirts MVP: 2017- HB Jason Butler

Finally. I’m sure that’s what Brian said when he made his long awaited return to the Big Ten Championship game. Unfortuantely, he lost to Nebraska and hopes he can get 1 step closer this year.

The biggest loss of any team is the loss of their Heisman Winner HB Jason Butler. This dude was unstoppable, and deserved all accolades he recieved. He nearly ran for 2500 yards, which was the most of any running back in NCAA 12 and our first 2000 yard rusher in many seasons. He dominated users and the CPU and was one of the best to ever play for the Buckeyes.

How do you replace a guy like that? That will be the question this year, and I dont even think Ohio State knows how. Will we see a new offense completely? Or will they try to replace Butler’s production with one of the other talented backs on this roster?

I’m not sure, but on the other side of the ball, this will be one of the toughest teams to run on in NCAA this year. This front 4 is stacked and it’s been awhile since Ohio State had this much talent on the defensive line. If teams want to beat them, they have to max protect and try to air it out.

Player to Watch: TE Martin Levine (94 OVR)

Coach: Zcar352
Record: 66-28 (70%)
Conference Championships: 2011, 2012
National Championships: None
Coach of the Year: None
Heisman Winner: None
Redshirts MVP: None

What an incredible disappointment the higher of Coach Zcar has been for Miami. They thought they were getting a winner when they lured him away from UCF, and unfortunately he has not produced.

So what seems to be the problem for the ‘Canes? Well the last few years it’s been defense. They can’t stop anyone. Sure they have the occasional stud. Like last year’s mutiple Award-Winner in DT Joel Love. But they need to distribute the talent a bit better across this side of the ball.

On offense, there is no question this will easily be the most explosive offense in the ACC. Possibly the entire league. QB Matt Ray, HB Ryan Parks and WR Alex Cody are the pieces you need at skill positions, and all should be in the discussion for end of year awards.

Player to Watch: HB Ryan Parks

Coach: DNF913
Record: 69-22 (76%)
Conference Championships: 2011, 2012
National Championships: None
Coach of the Year: None
Heisman Winner: None
Redshirts MVP: None

Ever year I say it, but I still continue to be surprised at how poorly Nick has done on the field. With NCAA 11, I believe he won 3 National Championships. Since? None. And it’s been 5 years since he has won the Big 12.

He will blame it on bad QB play, but I blame it on confidence. Last year, guys were nervous to play DNF because he was so dominant. But this time around, as he has struggled, his confidence has faded. He has had the talent to compete. Numerous studs on both sides of the ball have played for the Red Raiders, yet they just can’t win the big games.

THis year’s team looks solid. Not the best I’ve seen here in Texas Tech, but solid. Defensively, the front 7 is impressive and looks like they can hold their own. I have some questions about the secondary, but I think the front 7 can generate a very good pass rush to offset this.

On the offensive side of the ball, I’m worried. Outside of Offensive Line and WR they are young and inexperienced. This will be a big test for Coach DNF this season as offense has always been his specialty.

Player to Watch: WR Drew Maddox (93 OVR)

Coach: Jcspartan2
Record: 22-12 (65%)
Conference Championships: None
National Championships: None
Coach of the Year: None
Heisman Winner: None
Redshirts MVP: None

JC is our newest coach, and he wanted a challenge. He got one in the Northwestern Wildcats. Each year they continue to get better, and he has recruited some amazing talent. Last year he actually spent a sizeable portion of the season in the Top 25. But faded off at the end.

The offensive line is solid, and should be better than last year. But can it hold up to the dominant defensive fronts he will see in the Big 10. Senior QB Cameron Henry is deadly accurate, and as long as JC does not force the ball deep, they should be able to move the ball.

In addition, the talent at running back is fantastic. I think this is the year that 6’5″ 240 LBS Sophmore Bo Amos takes the starting role. He has such an excellent skillset that he needs to be on the field. Paired with HB Patrick Quinn as power back, this is a very good RB Tandem.

Defensivley? Ouch. I thought Miami’s defense was poor, but this is the worst Ive seen in the league. No dominant pass rushers or run stoppers on the line. No shutdown Corners. Even the Safeties are blah. Man. I know I said JC Spartan was moving forward, but he needs a lot of help on the defensive side of the ball.

Player to Watch: HB Bo Amos

Coach: TeClemson53
Record: 73-21 (78%)
Conference Championships: 2013, 2014
National Championships: 2014
Coach of the Year: 2012, 2014
Heisman Winner: 2013- HB Ja Terain Douglas
Redshirts MVP: 2012- DT Derrick Jackson, 2013 HB Ja Terain Douglas, 2015 QB Cole Stoudt

My how the Mighty have fallen. It was only 4 short seasons ago that Trey won a National Championship. Since then? Yuck. The Clemson Tigers are on a downward spiral and will start 2018 as a 3* program.

It’s amazing to me how quickly things have turned south. Last year the Tigers only won 5 games, and missed a Bowl Game. With the increased difficulty this season, I have a hard time believing they will win more. But anything is possible, and I am sure Trey is determined to prove all the doubters wrong.

Surpisingly, for a team that struggled so much last year he does have some talent. Secondary, Offensive Line, and HB are all pretty solid. But as is the case with most teams, without a good front 7 on defense, it will be hard to stop guys. I see the same thing happening here. One thing to say about Trey’s success. He always had a stud on offensive that he used and abused. He hasn’t had that since the great Mike Bellamy left Clemson. He needs to find that guy.

I’m predicting another long season in Death Valley and hope nothing more than that TeClemson proves me wrong.

Player to Watch: CB Luke WIllis (88 OVR)