This week again has that normal mixture of blowout matchups and some good....and important games. We are fast getting to the point where games can be designated as virtual playoff games instead of potential playoff games. Our game of the week falls into that category. If you look at the standings, we have 11 teams currently in the running for the 8 playoff spots. Even at 2-4, Gold Coast has a shot, but they have will have to beat at least 2 good teams to get there. The loser of our game of the week, will be in the same boat as the Samauri, not out of it, but in the long shot category.
Game of the Week #1.....Loser not out, but in deep trouble
USGD vs. Tonga:
The Dynasty lost a heartbreaker to the SAFS last week while the Terror put up 17 4th quarter points to beat Gold Coast. This game will put the loser on the precipice of looking to next season. Both of these teams have some tough games to look forward to, but I think after reviewing both remaining schedules, this game is more important to Tonga. Looking over the rosters, I think the USGD defense is stouter with better depth than the Terror and will be able to keep Tonga to a low enough score that the Dynasty Offense can pull it out. I see this game running with both teams in high 20's-30's. The Tonga defense played solid against Gold Coast and will give it another good effort, but I see the Dynasty coming on the good side of a late score and winning a close game to break that 3 game losing streak. Dynasty by 7.
Game of the Week #2.....Refuse to lose again?
Antarctica vs. SAFS
The SAFS pulled out a great win against USGD in a tough defensive struggle last week. They SAFS always come prepared and have owned the Seals since the league started, sporting a 3-0 record agasint them. Last year the Seals closed the gap and lost a close game to the SAFS on a 4th quarter TD. In that game, the Seals rushed for a total of -1 yards! If the SAFS can do that to the Seals again, expect the same results. This is an important game for the SAFS since they still are staring down the barrel at both Newcastle and Osaka on the schedule along with Chillicothe. This game is important to win if the SAFS have any hope of hosting a home playoff game. This year's Seals won't be held to -1 rushing by the SAFS. The SAFS will be able to hang tough and play it close, but the Seals have been able to minimize turnovers this year and unless they SAFS get some turnovers, they will have a hard time putting up points on the Seals defense. I see the Seals winning this game by 2 TD's in a solid win over a good SAFS team.
Game of the week #3.....Matador road kill?
Osaka vs. Tuvalu
The Matadors get their chance to slow down the Buckeye express in a game that Osaka is expected to win. Even though the Matador's are 4-2, they are not locks to make the playoffs. They start a stretch of 4 games that will go a long way to determining their season (Osaka, Chillicothe, SAFS, Tonga). The only reason I question a 4-2 team is they have not beaten a good opponent yet this year. They lost to a Wake Island team decisively...so...as far as I am concerned, the jury is out on how good Tuvalu is right now. They won't beat Osaka, but I want to see how they matchup. Is it a complete blowout or are they competitive. This is a chance for Tuvalu to gear up for the 2nd half of a tough schedule. This game though....they go to 4-3 as Osaka wins by lots.
Minimum writeup blowout games:
Newcastle vs. Penrith
Minotaurs get ready for big 7-0 matchup with the Buckeyes by rolling over the Outlaws by a lot.
Wake Island vs. Hattrick
This game could have been game of the week #3. Hattrick will not roll over and could give the Destroyers a good game. Not enough to win though as the Destroyers win by 3 TD's.
Vanuatu vs. Cairns
Volcano roll along against an overmatched Fire. Vanuatu by a lot.
Chillicothe vs. Drunk Fu
Non game of the week. Convicts roll.
Gold Coast vs. Sydney
Hammerhead put some points up, but not nearly enough with their rebuilding secondary as the Samaurai win big and easy.
Championship Contenders:
Newcastle
Osaka
Solid Contenders:
Vanuatu
Antarctica
Chillicothe
Playoff Contenders:
Wake Island
SAFS
USGD
Tonga
Tuvalu (gotta beat somebody!)
Gold Coast
Looking to Season 7:
Hattrick
Penrith
Cairns
Sydney
Drunk Fu
Game of the Week #1.....Loser not out, but in deep trouble
USGD vs. Tonga:
The Dynasty lost a heartbreaker to the SAFS last week while the Terror put up 17 4th quarter points to beat Gold Coast. This game will put the loser on the precipice of looking to next season. Both of these teams have some tough games to look forward to, but I think after reviewing both remaining schedules, this game is more important to Tonga. Looking over the rosters, I think the USGD defense is stouter with better depth than the Terror and will be able to keep Tonga to a low enough score that the Dynasty Offense can pull it out. I see this game running with both teams in high 20's-30's. The Tonga defense played solid against Gold Coast and will give it another good effort, but I see the Dynasty coming on the good side of a late score and winning a close game to break that 3 game losing streak. Dynasty by 7.
Game of the Week #2.....Refuse to lose again?
Antarctica vs. SAFS
The SAFS pulled out a great win against USGD in a tough defensive struggle last week. They SAFS always come prepared and have owned the Seals since the league started, sporting a 3-0 record agasint them. Last year the Seals closed the gap and lost a close game to the SAFS on a 4th quarter TD. In that game, the Seals rushed for a total of -1 yards! If the SAFS can do that to the Seals again, expect the same results. This is an important game for the SAFS since they still are staring down the barrel at both Newcastle and Osaka on the schedule along with Chillicothe. This game is important to win if the SAFS have any hope of hosting a home playoff game. This year's Seals won't be held to -1 rushing by the SAFS. The SAFS will be able to hang tough and play it close, but the Seals have been able to minimize turnovers this year and unless they SAFS get some turnovers, they will have a hard time putting up points on the Seals defense. I see the Seals winning this game by 2 TD's in a solid win over a good SAFS team.
Game of the week #3.....Matador road kill?
Osaka vs. Tuvalu
The Matadors get their chance to slow down the Buckeye express in a game that Osaka is expected to win. Even though the Matador's are 4-2, they are not locks to make the playoffs. They start a stretch of 4 games that will go a long way to determining their season (Osaka, Chillicothe, SAFS, Tonga). The only reason I question a 4-2 team is they have not beaten a good opponent yet this year. They lost to a Wake Island team decisively...so...as far as I am concerned, the jury is out on how good Tuvalu is right now. They won't beat Osaka, but I want to see how they matchup. Is it a complete blowout or are they competitive. This is a chance for Tuvalu to gear up for the 2nd half of a tough schedule. This game though....they go to 4-3 as Osaka wins by lots.
Minimum writeup blowout games:
Newcastle vs. Penrith
Minotaurs get ready for big 7-0 matchup with the Buckeyes by rolling over the Outlaws by a lot.
Wake Island vs. Hattrick
This game could have been game of the week #3. Hattrick will not roll over and could give the Destroyers a good game. Not enough to win though as the Destroyers win by 3 TD's.
Vanuatu vs. Cairns
Volcano roll along against an overmatched Fire. Vanuatu by a lot.
Chillicothe vs. Drunk Fu
Non game of the week. Convicts roll.
Gold Coast vs. Sydney
Hammerhead put some points up, but not nearly enough with their rebuilding secondary as the Samaurai win big and easy.
Championship Contenders:
Newcastle
Osaka
Solid Contenders:
Vanuatu
Antarctica
Chillicothe
Playoff Contenders:
Wake Island
SAFS
USGD
Tonga
Tuvalu (gotta beat somebody!)
Gold Coast
Looking to Season 7:
Hattrick
Penrith
Cairns
Sydney
Drunk Fu
Last edited Nov 23, 2008 03:34:13