Well, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in these forums for their responses to my predictions. The positive feedback has really made them a pleasure to do. I regretfully inform you that this will be my final predictions thread in Africa AAA #1. I will also be stepping down from my position as Defensive Coordinator of the Eaton Beavers after the playoffs. The reasons are nothing personal with the team and I remain good friends with the owner and will probably remain with the team in some capacity, but alas, I will no longer be as active in this league. As a final farewell, I've decided to crank out the 16-game inter-conference Prediction thread for the first time ever. Hope you all enjoy and once again thank you for your support.
Somalia Wasps 16-0 @ Kampala Kerels 1-15
One of these teams has clinched the #1 seed in their Conference, the other has clinched relegation (hooray!). So with a meaningless game between two teams on completely different ends of the spectrum, will both teams come to play? The Wasps have the #2 Passing Offense in the entire league while the Kerels have the #32 Passing Defense. This also is a match up of the #2 Scoring Offense against the #30 Scoring Defense. Obviously, there's no question as to the winner of this game, the only question is how much. The Wasps will look forward to the post-season where things will get interesting again where they will face the Zimbabwe Beavers in the first round in a rematch of a stomping that just happened today. Of course, that score didn't accurately represent the game and I expect a much bigger challenge in the playoffs. This could be another #8 over #1 in Lion if the Wasps aren't careful, but I believe that the Wasps have put their egos and their playoff struggles behind them. A passing team is always susceptible in the post-season where every team has a great defense that can make big plays to shut that down, but the Wasps just may be too good. The Kerels did an alright job on the surface recruiting, but I didn't see much work down the stretch as many big players have become available due to teams folding. Hopefully, they'll work hard in the off-season and be solid in AA or A wherever they land.
Wasps 90 Kerels 0
GOTW 1*Eaton Beavers 9-6 @ Tuscaloosa Bulls 13-2
The Bulls have really been a force coming into AAA this season. They have the most suffocating defense out there, the kind that Lion really hasn't seen before. They are built very similar to the Beavers and are the #1 and #2 Rushing Offenses in the entire league. Both are also very competent at stopping the run even though we have struggled this season. With a 2 or 3 seed on the line, the Bulls have an extra home playoff game to play for. The Beavers have locked their 8 seed in the Playoffs and cannot move. For that reason, I'd be surprised if the Bulls didn't find a way to win as we will be preparing for the Malice in a rematch of a great game from earlier this season. The Bulls will probably hope that someone takes down the Wasps before they match up in the Championship game as that is the only team that I feel they don't match up well against. Currently, they are slated to play the Generals in the first round of the playoffs in a rematch of a ridiculous 21-20 game where a missed XP was the difference. GL Bulls and congrats on a great season so far.
Serengeti Wildebeest 2-13 @ Ethiopian Starvin' Marvins 13-2
Another match up of nothing compelling. The Wildebeest have earned their right to stay in AAA, but will it be taken away by Bort bumping them down? Not really sure how the system will work, but they could be a team targeted if so. The Marvins are looking at their potential playoff match ups and probably wish that the Beavers had something to play for against the Bulls as an extra home game is always nice, but they may not want the match up with the Generals in the first round anyways. The Real Marvins look to break their playoff misfortune and they currently match up with the Shadow Chasers, a team they demolished way back in week 3. Ultimately, no one has played the Wasps tougher over the past 3 seasons and it would be only fitting to see those two original teams battle it out for the Conference Championship, but history has not sided with the favorites over in Lion. Maybe that will change this time around.
Marvins 84 Wildebeest 7
African Killer Bees 6-9 @ Mozambique Starvin' Marvins 12-3
A great season so far for the Marvins and a huge disappointment for the Bees. The Bees defensive depth has just killed them this season and the Marvins will grind it out against them. It is hard for me to see the Marvins advancing far in the playoffs with the powerhouse passing teams out there in Lion, but with only 3 losses to the top 3 seeds, they've more than proven themselves in big games and have clinched the #4 seed. With neither team having nothing to gain but a +1 on their win streak and a little fan support, will Mozambique consider this a scrimmage game and blow it? I wouldn't think so. The Bees prepare for the off-season and I hope that they are able to secure themselves to depth at LB and CB and compete again next season. The Marvins will be facing the Knight Riders in the first round of the playoffs in a rematch of a 30-21 victory where the difference was 3 KNR turnovers. Will Mozambique be that lucky this time around? Guess we'll see soon enough. In this one, Bees can't get off the field.
Marvins 31 Bees 10
GOTW 2*Kalahari Knight Riders 11-4 @ Los Angeles eXtreme 10-5
The first really intriguing match up of the inter-conference games. The KNR have clinched the #5 seed, but LAX can technically move anywhere from 7th up to 4th (though with the match ups, it's unlikely). Both teams are proficient in passing the ball and just good at stopping the pass. LAX throws a few more INTs, gives up a few more QB pressures and doesn't run the ball as well. But it's difficult to compare stats between Conferences. On paper, there's a slight edge to KNR, but will they care enough to put together a good game plan when they're already guaranteed the 5 seed and Mozambique in the first round of the playoffs? I would think they'd focus on that match up as it's one they can obviously win. Both LAX and KNR are originals who have been great season in, season out, but appear to be having a little difficulty this season dealing with the added competition. LAX probably matches up well with anyone except GC, while KNR will have to overcome Somalia in the 2nd round if they do get past Mozambique, and they've never beaten Somalia. It would appear that KNR is the better team, but I'm going with the team with more to gain here to attack KNR through the air and come up with some scores.
eXtreme 24 Knight Riders 20
Mozambique Thundercats 5-10 @ Sahara Shadow Chasers 10-5
The Shadow Chasers come in with a guaranteed playoff #6 seed and will be facing either the Bulls or the Real Marvins. Here we have the most relentless passing attack in the entire league matched up against the 4th most efficient passing attack in the entire league. Neither team runs the ball very effectively averaging just 4.1 and 4.2 ypc, respectively. On paper, these teams are actually pretty close with the biggest difference being Sahara's ability to get pressure on the QB. This has been a very rough season for the Thundercats who were once again looking to make some noise this season. They leave once again scratching their heads. The Shadow Chasers are looking to spoil someone's playoff party, but had no success against either of the teams that they could be facing. As a passing team, they are always vulnerable to bad games, but also can go off and beat anyone. I'm actually tempted to take the big upset here as Mozambique has been competitive against tough teams and would love to get a big win some time this season and this is a game where they match up fairly well, but their 43-point loss to the Malice makes me think they've called it in for the season.
Shadow Chasers 38 Thundercats 24
Fort Wayne Generals 9-6 @ Sahara Sandstorm 3-12
The Generals made the playoffs!! Woohoo!! Their reward is a 1st round match up with either the Tuscaloosa Bulls or the Ethiopian Starvin Marvins. In this game, they face a team that has won the title of top gutted team in Elephant after defeating the other 3 teams. The Sandstorm have really put the pieces together to be a nice club and with a good off-season could find themselves in the thick of things next season. The Generals have damn near given every team they've faced this season a tough game and with the #7 playoff seed on the line, I don't see them faltering here. Personally, I am very happy to see the Generals finally crack the playoffs this season and I'm certain that no one wants to face them in the first round. The other question is will Sahara still be in AAA next season?
Generals 66 Sandstorm 17
GOTW 3*Morocco Camels 13-2 @ Zimbabwe Beavers 9-6
A match up of the teams that were one game away from Pro last season brings some interest. The Camels did it. They blew our chance to meet them for the 6th time in 3 seasons by getting whooped by Kilimanjaro. The question is what happened? And how can a team recreate the success that the Sno Caps had. Now we have to fight our way to the Conference Championship to have another shot at the Camels. On the flip side, the Zimbabwe Beavers have had a rough season. They only have one win over a playoff team (the Bulls) and their whooping at the hands of the Wasps cannot give them a lot of hope for their first round playoff game rematch. That's not the kind of bounce you want after making it to the Conference Championship game the season before. Out in Elephant, the Camels would like to continue a trend started by the Tractor in the playoffs: losing the Conference Championship one season means winning it the next. They certainly have the pieces to do it, but what happened with the Sno Caps might be tough to overcome. The Camels have the #2 spot clinched, but are not certain of their opponent though it will most likely be LAX. In this match up today, we have some interesting dynamics at work. The Camels are the most efficient rushing team in the league at 6.5 ypc while the Beavers have the second best rush defense, but in big games the Camels have often went pass heavy which I expect them to do here. The Beavers haven't been able to stop that and it's been a nightmare for them this season that culminated in the meltdown against the Wasps today. With that in mind, I expect the Camels to have plenty of success passing the ball and will make enough stops to overcome a solid Beaver offense.
Camels 31 Beavers 20
GOTW 4*High Plains Drifters 10-4-1 @ Zimbabwe Bush Squirrel Rebellion 7-8
A contrast of teams here in an interesting match up. Sure ZBSR has nothing to play for and they've beaten no one this season, but none of that matters now. They'd love to end their season on a good note and take down one of Elephant's playoff teams. Known for being a giant killer in their early life, anyone not taking them seriously could be in for an awakening. In this game you have the Drifters, one of the scariest passing teams in the league with no possible argument, the BEST wide receiver in the league. On the flip side, you have ZBSR who is one of the few rushing teams in Lion. Out of the league's top 10 rushing teams, 7 are in Elephant and ZBSR is one of only 3 in Lion. Drifters have given up a chunk of yards on the ground this season, but ZBSR has given up more and have a glaring weakness there. It's so rare for a rushing team to be so bad at stopping the run, but that's clearly the problem for the Bush Squirrel Rebellion. The Drifters won 4 of their first 23 games in this league. Since then, they've won 16 of their next 23 and tied the last one. That's quite a turn around and they look to make waves in their first playoff appearance ever. I'm certain that whoever matches up with them in the first round has to be a little scared of that match up. Though they can't overlook ZBSR, the Drifters should be able to run well enough to control this game and with plenty of experience stopping the run and rushing the passer, will make it a long day for the Rebellion. Speedy will also get his touches as the Drifters get ready for a probable first round match up with the Saints, a team that has given the Drifters a lot of problems in the past.
Drifters 41 Rebellion 17
San Dimas Saints 11-4 @ Uganda Silverbacks 5-10
The Silverbacks have pretty solid levels, but they have a ton of problems. Only one team throws the ball more than Uganda. The problem is that they don't throw it that well. 5 yards per attempt, 91 hurries and 40 sacks allowed, and 24 INTs are not promising numbers. The Saints don't have an elite pass rush, but they get enough pressure and have one of the best pass defenses in the league. Add to that, the Saints have a very efficient running game coupled with the Silverbacks terrible run defense, and it's pretty obvious that Uganda doesn't have a chance. The Saints get a chance to perfect their pass defense before facing one of the best passing games in the league in the Drifters. Uganda has a lot of issues to shore up. Below average builds, below average tactics. 156 missed tackles is just ugly and this team represents why the depth in elephant is so much superior to that of Lion, where the 10th place team is the Rumblers, a very solid team with a winning pedigree. In the end, Saints dominate here.
Saints 63 Silverbacks 7
Kinshasa Rumblers 7-8 @ Egypt Empire 5-10
With the Empire calling it in for the season, the Rumblers get to pad some stats and get a shot at some trophies for their individual players. Bort's "competitive" CPUs have been a joke so far. The Rumblers have had a tough season so far. Came onto the scene by beating Gold Coast and made everyone take notice. Since then, they've just gone downhill. Unable to stop the run in a running Conference has spelled doom for them as their offense has been checked by all the good defenses. They'll come back next season and compete for a playoff spot, but when you consider the level of their players, it's amazing that their bars are so low. Seemingly a slow built team with one owner, they may be destined to remain in AAA forever unless something changes. http://goallineblitz.com/game/compare_teams.pl?team1=2777&team2=2684 Egypt Empire's kicking game is the best in the GLB world.
Rumblers 200 Empire 0
South African Bulls 4-11 @ Mogadishu Malice 13-2
All I have to say is hats off to the Malice who not only get themselves into the playoffs for the first time ever, but snag the #1 seed. I mentioned that someone wouldn't be too disappointed to be matched up with them in the first round and that someone is us.
Our regular season game was awesome and I'm really hoping for a repeat with the sim going our way this time. The South African Bulls are basically finishing their first full season after the Heat gutted the season before and they have some nice pieces and I believe are fairly well run. It's a little surprising that they haven't been able to fill the roster and may be a question of dedication. Without some more players, they'll never compete, but I'd be very interested to see how good they are if they field a full squad. This is another match up where the only question is the final score.
Malice 66 Bulls 7
Jupiter Snipers 3-12 @ River Styx Jinx 11-4
The Snipers chemistry is in the pooper, but that's probably a good sign as it means they're improving their team when there is less competition in the recruiting market. That should pay dividends in the future. I wouldn't expect them to be overly competitive next season, but with a few key moves, they'll be in position in 2 seasons. The Jinx are something else. Always the enigma of a team, they just find ways to win. After a rough start to the season had me thinking they might be the odd team out of the playoff race, they've stormed back. Winners of 9 of their last 10 (the only blemish a 2-point loss to Gold Coast), the Jinx are a scary team for anyone to face in the playoffs. They just might match up against that very Gold Coast team again in the first round if things stay as they are. Though that's probably a difficult match up, this team is capable of beating anyone. Not a dominating team offensively, but a very efficient, effective offense that grinds down a defense. Another yawner in inter-league play here.
Jinx 66 Snipers 10
African Killer Frogs 3-12 @ The ALL 0-15
How the Frogs are 3-12 is beyond me. They just found ways to lose games all season long. After giving Mozambique all they could handle just last week, it really makes one wonder what's going on there. Their points scored against per game is 32.1-34.2 and they're 3-12? They have a competent passing game and a tolerable running game, but their defense just isn't good. They have solid levels, but their pass defense is especially pathetic. These are the things that NFL Coordinators get fired for, will the Frogs DC just step down? It's inexcusable for them to have this record this season and hopefully they stay together because they are a better team than that record shows. The ALL, on the other hand, will be headed down to AA or maybe A where they can compete better. As the Doormats of AAA have proven themselves in AA to be playoff contenders, the ALL has a lot of work to continue that trend. In the end, the Frogs get their 4th win.
Frogs 56 ALL 10
Sahara Death Stalkers 1-14 @ Kilimanjaro Sno Caps 7-8
Well, the Sno Caps are not headed to the playoffs this season, but they do finish the season with something to build on for next season after a shocking destruction of the Camels last week. They're trying to diversify their offense and eventually it should improve and they're a definite playoff contender next season. The Death Stalkers are headed out of AAA and as I know almost nothing about them, I feel there's little reason to learn at this point. Good luck to them, but they get run over here.
Sno Caps 98 Stalkers 0
And finally...
Madagascar Outlaws 0-15 @ Gold Coast Corsairs 10-4-1
GC has been on a roll and look nearly unbeatable. Their offense finally woke up and their pass rush has all of a sudden become unstoppable. They are arguably now the team to beat in Elephant. The Outlaws have put together a reasonable offensive roster and haven't really hurt their chemistry, but they have a lot of work to do in the off-season. In this one, GC will try to pad their stats and steal some trophies. This could get ugly.
Corsairs 146 Outlaws 0
Somalia Wasps 16-0 @ Kampala Kerels 1-15
One of these teams has clinched the #1 seed in their Conference, the other has clinched relegation (hooray!). So with a meaningless game between two teams on completely different ends of the spectrum, will both teams come to play? The Wasps have the #2 Passing Offense in the entire league while the Kerels have the #32 Passing Defense. This also is a match up of the #2 Scoring Offense against the #30 Scoring Defense. Obviously, there's no question as to the winner of this game, the only question is how much. The Wasps will look forward to the post-season where things will get interesting again where they will face the Zimbabwe Beavers in the first round in a rematch of a stomping that just happened today. Of course, that score didn't accurately represent the game and I expect a much bigger challenge in the playoffs. This could be another #8 over #1 in Lion if the Wasps aren't careful, but I believe that the Wasps have put their egos and their playoff struggles behind them. A passing team is always susceptible in the post-season where every team has a great defense that can make big plays to shut that down, but the Wasps just may be too good. The Kerels did an alright job on the surface recruiting, but I didn't see much work down the stretch as many big players have become available due to teams folding. Hopefully, they'll work hard in the off-season and be solid in AA or A wherever they land.
Wasps 90 Kerels 0
GOTW 1*Eaton Beavers 9-6 @ Tuscaloosa Bulls 13-2
The Bulls have really been a force coming into AAA this season. They have the most suffocating defense out there, the kind that Lion really hasn't seen before. They are built very similar to the Beavers and are the #1 and #2 Rushing Offenses in the entire league. Both are also very competent at stopping the run even though we have struggled this season. With a 2 or 3 seed on the line, the Bulls have an extra home playoff game to play for. The Beavers have locked their 8 seed in the Playoffs and cannot move. For that reason, I'd be surprised if the Bulls didn't find a way to win as we will be preparing for the Malice in a rematch of a great game from earlier this season. The Bulls will probably hope that someone takes down the Wasps before they match up in the Championship game as that is the only team that I feel they don't match up well against. Currently, they are slated to play the Generals in the first round of the playoffs in a rematch of a ridiculous 21-20 game where a missed XP was the difference. GL Bulls and congrats on a great season so far.
Serengeti Wildebeest 2-13 @ Ethiopian Starvin' Marvins 13-2
Another match up of nothing compelling. The Wildebeest have earned their right to stay in AAA, but will it be taken away by Bort bumping them down? Not really sure how the system will work, but they could be a team targeted if so. The Marvins are looking at their potential playoff match ups and probably wish that the Beavers had something to play for against the Bulls as an extra home game is always nice, but they may not want the match up with the Generals in the first round anyways. The Real Marvins look to break their playoff misfortune and they currently match up with the Shadow Chasers, a team they demolished way back in week 3. Ultimately, no one has played the Wasps tougher over the past 3 seasons and it would be only fitting to see those two original teams battle it out for the Conference Championship, but history has not sided with the favorites over in Lion. Maybe that will change this time around.
Marvins 84 Wildebeest 7
African Killer Bees 6-9 @ Mozambique Starvin' Marvins 12-3
A great season so far for the Marvins and a huge disappointment for the Bees. The Bees defensive depth has just killed them this season and the Marvins will grind it out against them. It is hard for me to see the Marvins advancing far in the playoffs with the powerhouse passing teams out there in Lion, but with only 3 losses to the top 3 seeds, they've more than proven themselves in big games and have clinched the #4 seed. With neither team having nothing to gain but a +1 on their win streak and a little fan support, will Mozambique consider this a scrimmage game and blow it? I wouldn't think so. The Bees prepare for the off-season and I hope that they are able to secure themselves to depth at LB and CB and compete again next season. The Marvins will be facing the Knight Riders in the first round of the playoffs in a rematch of a 30-21 victory where the difference was 3 KNR turnovers. Will Mozambique be that lucky this time around? Guess we'll see soon enough. In this one, Bees can't get off the field.
Marvins 31 Bees 10
GOTW 2*Kalahari Knight Riders 11-4 @ Los Angeles eXtreme 10-5
The first really intriguing match up of the inter-conference games. The KNR have clinched the #5 seed, but LAX can technically move anywhere from 7th up to 4th (though with the match ups, it's unlikely). Both teams are proficient in passing the ball and just good at stopping the pass. LAX throws a few more INTs, gives up a few more QB pressures and doesn't run the ball as well. But it's difficult to compare stats between Conferences. On paper, there's a slight edge to KNR, but will they care enough to put together a good game plan when they're already guaranteed the 5 seed and Mozambique in the first round of the playoffs? I would think they'd focus on that match up as it's one they can obviously win. Both LAX and KNR are originals who have been great season in, season out, but appear to be having a little difficulty this season dealing with the added competition. LAX probably matches up well with anyone except GC, while KNR will have to overcome Somalia in the 2nd round if they do get past Mozambique, and they've never beaten Somalia. It would appear that KNR is the better team, but I'm going with the team with more to gain here to attack KNR through the air and come up with some scores.
eXtreme 24 Knight Riders 20
Mozambique Thundercats 5-10 @ Sahara Shadow Chasers 10-5
The Shadow Chasers come in with a guaranteed playoff #6 seed and will be facing either the Bulls or the Real Marvins. Here we have the most relentless passing attack in the entire league matched up against the 4th most efficient passing attack in the entire league. Neither team runs the ball very effectively averaging just 4.1 and 4.2 ypc, respectively. On paper, these teams are actually pretty close with the biggest difference being Sahara's ability to get pressure on the QB. This has been a very rough season for the Thundercats who were once again looking to make some noise this season. They leave once again scratching their heads. The Shadow Chasers are looking to spoil someone's playoff party, but had no success against either of the teams that they could be facing. As a passing team, they are always vulnerable to bad games, but also can go off and beat anyone. I'm actually tempted to take the big upset here as Mozambique has been competitive against tough teams and would love to get a big win some time this season and this is a game where they match up fairly well, but their 43-point loss to the Malice makes me think they've called it in for the season.
Shadow Chasers 38 Thundercats 24
Fort Wayne Generals 9-6 @ Sahara Sandstorm 3-12
The Generals made the playoffs!! Woohoo!! Their reward is a 1st round match up with either the Tuscaloosa Bulls or the Ethiopian Starvin Marvins. In this game, they face a team that has won the title of top gutted team in Elephant after defeating the other 3 teams. The Sandstorm have really put the pieces together to be a nice club and with a good off-season could find themselves in the thick of things next season. The Generals have damn near given every team they've faced this season a tough game and with the #7 playoff seed on the line, I don't see them faltering here. Personally, I am very happy to see the Generals finally crack the playoffs this season and I'm certain that no one wants to face them in the first round. The other question is will Sahara still be in AAA next season?
Generals 66 Sandstorm 17
GOTW 3*Morocco Camels 13-2 @ Zimbabwe Beavers 9-6
A match up of the teams that were one game away from Pro last season brings some interest. The Camels did it. They blew our chance to meet them for the 6th time in 3 seasons by getting whooped by Kilimanjaro. The question is what happened? And how can a team recreate the success that the Sno Caps had. Now we have to fight our way to the Conference Championship to have another shot at the Camels. On the flip side, the Zimbabwe Beavers have had a rough season. They only have one win over a playoff team (the Bulls) and their whooping at the hands of the Wasps cannot give them a lot of hope for their first round playoff game rematch. That's not the kind of bounce you want after making it to the Conference Championship game the season before. Out in Elephant, the Camels would like to continue a trend started by the Tractor in the playoffs: losing the Conference Championship one season means winning it the next. They certainly have the pieces to do it, but what happened with the Sno Caps might be tough to overcome. The Camels have the #2 spot clinched, but are not certain of their opponent though it will most likely be LAX. In this match up today, we have some interesting dynamics at work. The Camels are the most efficient rushing team in the league at 6.5 ypc while the Beavers have the second best rush defense, but in big games the Camels have often went pass heavy which I expect them to do here. The Beavers haven't been able to stop that and it's been a nightmare for them this season that culminated in the meltdown against the Wasps today. With that in mind, I expect the Camels to have plenty of success passing the ball and will make enough stops to overcome a solid Beaver offense.
Camels 31 Beavers 20
GOTW 4*High Plains Drifters 10-4-1 @ Zimbabwe Bush Squirrel Rebellion 7-8
A contrast of teams here in an interesting match up. Sure ZBSR has nothing to play for and they've beaten no one this season, but none of that matters now. They'd love to end their season on a good note and take down one of Elephant's playoff teams. Known for being a giant killer in their early life, anyone not taking them seriously could be in for an awakening. In this game you have the Drifters, one of the scariest passing teams in the league with no possible argument, the BEST wide receiver in the league. On the flip side, you have ZBSR who is one of the few rushing teams in Lion. Out of the league's top 10 rushing teams, 7 are in Elephant and ZBSR is one of only 3 in Lion. Drifters have given up a chunk of yards on the ground this season, but ZBSR has given up more and have a glaring weakness there. It's so rare for a rushing team to be so bad at stopping the run, but that's clearly the problem for the Bush Squirrel Rebellion. The Drifters won 4 of their first 23 games in this league. Since then, they've won 16 of their next 23 and tied the last one. That's quite a turn around and they look to make waves in their first playoff appearance ever. I'm certain that whoever matches up with them in the first round has to be a little scared of that match up. Though they can't overlook ZBSR, the Drifters should be able to run well enough to control this game and with plenty of experience stopping the run and rushing the passer, will make it a long day for the Rebellion. Speedy will also get his touches as the Drifters get ready for a probable first round match up with the Saints, a team that has given the Drifters a lot of problems in the past.
Drifters 41 Rebellion 17
San Dimas Saints 11-4 @ Uganda Silverbacks 5-10
The Silverbacks have pretty solid levels, but they have a ton of problems. Only one team throws the ball more than Uganda. The problem is that they don't throw it that well. 5 yards per attempt, 91 hurries and 40 sacks allowed, and 24 INTs are not promising numbers. The Saints don't have an elite pass rush, but they get enough pressure and have one of the best pass defenses in the league. Add to that, the Saints have a very efficient running game coupled with the Silverbacks terrible run defense, and it's pretty obvious that Uganda doesn't have a chance. The Saints get a chance to perfect their pass defense before facing one of the best passing games in the league in the Drifters. Uganda has a lot of issues to shore up. Below average builds, below average tactics. 156 missed tackles is just ugly and this team represents why the depth in elephant is so much superior to that of Lion, where the 10th place team is the Rumblers, a very solid team with a winning pedigree. In the end, Saints dominate here.
Saints 63 Silverbacks 7
Kinshasa Rumblers 7-8 @ Egypt Empire 5-10
With the Empire calling it in for the season, the Rumblers get to pad some stats and get a shot at some trophies for their individual players. Bort's "competitive" CPUs have been a joke so far. The Rumblers have had a tough season so far. Came onto the scene by beating Gold Coast and made everyone take notice. Since then, they've just gone downhill. Unable to stop the run in a running Conference has spelled doom for them as their offense has been checked by all the good defenses. They'll come back next season and compete for a playoff spot, but when you consider the level of their players, it's amazing that their bars are so low. Seemingly a slow built team with one owner, they may be destined to remain in AAA forever unless something changes. http://goallineblitz.com/game/compare_teams.pl?team1=2777&team2=2684 Egypt Empire's kicking game is the best in the GLB world.
Rumblers 200 Empire 0
South African Bulls 4-11 @ Mogadishu Malice 13-2
All I have to say is hats off to the Malice who not only get themselves into the playoffs for the first time ever, but snag the #1 seed. I mentioned that someone wouldn't be too disappointed to be matched up with them in the first round and that someone is us.
Our regular season game was awesome and I'm really hoping for a repeat with the sim going our way this time. The South African Bulls are basically finishing their first full season after the Heat gutted the season before and they have some nice pieces and I believe are fairly well run. It's a little surprising that they haven't been able to fill the roster and may be a question of dedication. Without some more players, they'll never compete, but I'd be very interested to see how good they are if they field a full squad. This is another match up where the only question is the final score.Malice 66 Bulls 7
Jupiter Snipers 3-12 @ River Styx Jinx 11-4
The Snipers chemistry is in the pooper, but that's probably a good sign as it means they're improving their team when there is less competition in the recruiting market. That should pay dividends in the future. I wouldn't expect them to be overly competitive next season, but with a few key moves, they'll be in position in 2 seasons. The Jinx are something else. Always the enigma of a team, they just find ways to win. After a rough start to the season had me thinking they might be the odd team out of the playoff race, they've stormed back. Winners of 9 of their last 10 (the only blemish a 2-point loss to Gold Coast), the Jinx are a scary team for anyone to face in the playoffs. They just might match up against that very Gold Coast team again in the first round if things stay as they are. Though that's probably a difficult match up, this team is capable of beating anyone. Not a dominating team offensively, but a very efficient, effective offense that grinds down a defense. Another yawner in inter-league play here.
Jinx 66 Snipers 10
African Killer Frogs 3-12 @ The ALL 0-15
How the Frogs are 3-12 is beyond me. They just found ways to lose games all season long. After giving Mozambique all they could handle just last week, it really makes one wonder what's going on there. Their points scored against per game is 32.1-34.2 and they're 3-12? They have a competent passing game and a tolerable running game, but their defense just isn't good. They have solid levels, but their pass defense is especially pathetic. These are the things that NFL Coordinators get fired for, will the Frogs DC just step down? It's inexcusable for them to have this record this season and hopefully they stay together because they are a better team than that record shows. The ALL, on the other hand, will be headed down to AA or maybe A where they can compete better. As the Doormats of AAA have proven themselves in AA to be playoff contenders, the ALL has a lot of work to continue that trend. In the end, the Frogs get their 4th win.
Frogs 56 ALL 10
Sahara Death Stalkers 1-14 @ Kilimanjaro Sno Caps 7-8
Well, the Sno Caps are not headed to the playoffs this season, but they do finish the season with something to build on for next season after a shocking destruction of the Camels last week. They're trying to diversify their offense and eventually it should improve and they're a definite playoff contender next season. The Death Stalkers are headed out of AAA and as I know almost nothing about them, I feel there's little reason to learn at this point. Good luck to them, but they get run over here.
Sno Caps 98 Stalkers 0
And finally...
Madagascar Outlaws 0-15 @ Gold Coast Corsairs 10-4-1
GC has been on a roll and look nearly unbeatable. Their offense finally woke up and their pass rush has all of a sudden become unstoppable. They are arguably now the team to beat in Elephant. The Outlaws have put together a reasonable offensive roster and haven't really hurt their chemistry, but they have a lot of work to do in the off-season. In this one, GC will try to pad their stats and steal some trophies. This could get ugly.
Corsairs 146 Outlaws 0
Last edited Oct 20, 2008 22:08:34
