EDIT: I think it is safe to say my preseason rankings were... less than accurate.
Updated rankings (2/28/09)
1. Houston Cougars
2. Lynchburg Lightning
3. Big Whiskey Assassins
4. Mudville Bombers
5. Riverhead Blue Waves
6. San Antonio Heat
7. CPU Paper Tigers
8. Farkistan Squirrels
9. Columbus South Carlackey's
10. Auckland Raiders
11. INYA ONYA
12. Lexington Lynx
13. Austin Alcoholics
14. Gotham Crusaders
15. Chicago Whodat's
16. Austin Wineswilling Fancyboys
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Pre-season rankings
Understandably, these are in flux considering we are still in the midst of recruiting, but I have to say that the Western Conference looks like a real meat-grinder.
1. Lynchburg Lightning - Dominant is the only way to describe the regular season for the BBB8 runners-up. Before they faced CPU, they were electrifying teams with their one-two HB punch and wild air show. And they have a devastating pass rush, as well. If any team has the early edge on the Championship this season, a safe bet would be Lynchburg. 15-1
2. Big Whiskey Assassins - Coming off a disappointing loss in the BBB7 Championship Game, the Assassins will be out for blood. They have a high-flying offense that can hurt you through the air or on the ground. They'll have plenty of competition up here, and there are question marks in their defense. 13-3.
3. Central Processing Unit - The BBB8 Champs avenged their only regular season loss in the Western Conference Championship Game and then made short work of the Alexanders to win it all. They have a tough defense to match their offense. They look to be primed for another run, but Lynchburg and Big Whiskey are standing in their way. 13-3
4. Farkistan Squirrels - The Squirrels have been hardening themselves in the crucible that is A4 for a few seasons now, and they look ready to finally break out. They came so close against the top A4 teams last season, but they just could not get over that hump. They are solid, but not flashy. The only thing denying the Squirrels this season is the trio of teams mentioned above. If they can pull out a game or two against the Big Three, look for them to be promoting next season. 12-4
5. Riverhead Blue Waves - The Blue Waves will keep their rivalry with Farkistan alive and well and could throw a wrench into any hopes Farkistan has of departing A4. They will be riding their passing game once again, but will it be enough? With the high level of competition in A4 this year, it looks like they will miss out on moving up, but could pull some upsets along the way. 12-4
6. INYA ONYA - These guys were the feel good story of BBB7. Their long years of planning and waiting finally paid off as they had their best season. Their passing game was outstanding, but the lack of a dominant rushing game sunk them against Big Whiskey. If they can find a way to pound the ball, watch out! 11-5
7. Houston Cougars - They endured a deadly first few games, but streaked to an 11-5 finish before falling in teh first round of the playoffs. Despite plenty of talent, their defense is going to have to find ways to make big plays against the top teams to give them any chance of promoting. Playoffs should be a realistic goal, and possibly even a first-round upset. 10-6
8. Gotham Crusaders - The boys from the big city had a great season in BBB8, but will be hard-pressed to equal their win output in the much tougher A4. Big losses to Lynchburg and CPU expose some weaknesses, but if those are addressed in the offseason, this could be a surprise team. 9-7
9. Auckland Raiders
10. Lexington Lynx
11. Columbus South Carlackey's
12. San Antonio Heat
13. Mudville Bombers
14. Austin Alcoholics
15. Chicago Whodat's
16. Austin Wineswilling Fancy Boys
Updated rankings (2/28/09)
1. Houston Cougars
2. Lynchburg Lightning
3. Big Whiskey Assassins
4. Mudville Bombers
5. Riverhead Blue Waves
6. San Antonio Heat
7. CPU Paper Tigers
8. Farkistan Squirrels
9. Columbus South Carlackey's
10. Auckland Raiders
11. INYA ONYA
12. Lexington Lynx
13. Austin Alcoholics
14. Gotham Crusaders
15. Chicago Whodat's
16. Austin Wineswilling Fancyboys
################################################
Pre-season rankings
Understandably, these are in flux considering we are still in the midst of recruiting, but I have to say that the Western Conference looks like a real meat-grinder.
1. Lynchburg Lightning - Dominant is the only way to describe the regular season for the BBB8 runners-up. Before they faced CPU, they were electrifying teams with their one-two HB punch and wild air show. And they have a devastating pass rush, as well. If any team has the early edge on the Championship this season, a safe bet would be Lynchburg. 15-1
2. Big Whiskey Assassins - Coming off a disappointing loss in the BBB7 Championship Game, the Assassins will be out for blood. They have a high-flying offense that can hurt you through the air or on the ground. They'll have plenty of competition up here, and there are question marks in their defense. 13-3.
3. Central Processing Unit - The BBB8 Champs avenged their only regular season loss in the Western Conference Championship Game and then made short work of the Alexanders to win it all. They have a tough defense to match their offense. They look to be primed for another run, but Lynchburg and Big Whiskey are standing in their way. 13-3
4. Farkistan Squirrels - The Squirrels have been hardening themselves in the crucible that is A4 for a few seasons now, and they look ready to finally break out. They came so close against the top A4 teams last season, but they just could not get over that hump. They are solid, but not flashy. The only thing denying the Squirrels this season is the trio of teams mentioned above. If they can pull out a game or two against the Big Three, look for them to be promoting next season. 12-4
5. Riverhead Blue Waves - The Blue Waves will keep their rivalry with Farkistan alive and well and could throw a wrench into any hopes Farkistan has of departing A4. They will be riding their passing game once again, but will it be enough? With the high level of competition in A4 this year, it looks like they will miss out on moving up, but could pull some upsets along the way. 12-4
6. INYA ONYA - These guys were the feel good story of BBB7. Their long years of planning and waiting finally paid off as they had their best season. Their passing game was outstanding, but the lack of a dominant rushing game sunk them against Big Whiskey. If they can find a way to pound the ball, watch out! 11-5
7. Houston Cougars - They endured a deadly first few games, but streaked to an 11-5 finish before falling in teh first round of the playoffs. Despite plenty of talent, their defense is going to have to find ways to make big plays against the top teams to give them any chance of promoting. Playoffs should be a realistic goal, and possibly even a first-round upset. 10-6
8. Gotham Crusaders - The boys from the big city had a great season in BBB8, but will be hard-pressed to equal their win output in the much tougher A4. Big losses to Lynchburg and CPU expose some weaknesses, but if those are addressed in the offseason, this could be a surprise team. 9-7
9. Auckland Raiders
10. Lexington Lynx
11. Columbus South Carlackey's
12. San Antonio Heat
13. Mudville Bombers
14. Austin Alcoholics
15. Chicago Whodat's
16. Austin Wineswilling Fancy Boys
Last edited Feb 28, 2009 13:03:40