Okay, a few players I'm having trouble deciding on good ratings. I want a more realistic version of the Notre Dame team before I start my new dynasty.

Here's the players I'm looking for ratings on, and my opinions on them having watched a majority of the ND games this year....

Carlyle Holiday: So far I'm thinking well below average accuracy, and not a real strong arm, but among the better scramblers in the league, and very smart and safe with the ball. He would have a QB rating right around 76.5 using the NFL formula, mainly due to a solid YPA and very good INT % (he's only thrown 2 in 176 attempts), but his completion percentage is very low due to an inability to locate the ball on his target. He can HIT his target, but he's not pinpoint by any means, and misses quite a few passes.

Ryan Grant: The Irish offense has been poor most of the season, and outside of 2 or 3 games, very good at NOT turning the ball over. This guy is part of the reason, but I'm having trouble deciding on his ratings because he could be benifiting from an outstanding run blocking offensive line rather than being a great back. He doesn't have much speed, but good power.

Most of the freeking defense: Probably one of the top 5 defenses in the nation, but where do I put the points to reflect that. Walton and Duff are obvious, but the rest of the team seems fairly rated (outside of maybe the linebackers which are a bit under what they should be). Is this a reflection of good coaching rather than good talent, or the other way around. I think it's both... they had a decent defense last year, this year it's dominant... where do I put the points?

Well I have Ryan Grant at the mid 80's level for a running back. Not outstanding speed, but basically good all around. Sometime when I'm home I'll add a reply post with my exact ratings for him. The only significant upgrade on defense goes to Courtney Watson (LB #33) who is, imho despite the fact I HATE the Irish, a pretty good linebacker. The other guy you're forgetting is Arnez (or is it Arnaz?) Battle. He is a standount wide receiver (WR #3) and I have him rated in the high 80's. While he's not blindingly fast, he has great hands and good awareness and seems to break big plays at crucial times. The other receiver, Maurice Stovall (#21) is fairly good and I have him rated in the low 80's. Good hands and quickness, no gamebreaking speed, average to good awareness. Otherwise, I have things about the same as you do with Holliday as an excellent scrambling quarterback with a pretty good arm. Duff and Walton are pretty well rated, although Walton's may be a tad low (I didn't alter it on my game).

And by the way, GO BLUE!. We'll see you in Ann Arbor next year :-).