First, I'd like to congratulate those that made it. PGL - you guys made a good run, and have something to build on for next season.
Second, I'd would like to announce that Rome was rooting for PGL (nothing personal, we just feel we matched up better against PGL than Donegal or Coventry).
Finally, here's the games and a little BS about each:
#1 Rome vs. #8 Coventry.
First meeting: Rome won 40-19. Coventry had 430 yards of offense, to Rome's 329. The difference in the game was Coventry had 5 fumbles and 1 INT, for 6 turnovers.
My take: If Coventry can cut down on turnovers and continue to move the ball, this will be a close game. Two keys from last game were the turnovers and Romes ability to stop Coventry drives and make them kick FGs.
Prediction: Rome 30, Coventry 23
#2 Newcastle vs #7 Oslo.
First meeting: Newcastle wins 22-20. This was a close fought game, and a defensive struggle. Newcastle was able to run for 190 yards on 42 carries, and went 13/21 for 178 yards, but were sacked 7 times. Oslo ran 32 times for 166 yards, and their passing attack was slowed to 10/21 for 85 yards and 1 sack. Newcastle won on the strength of 5 FGs.
My take: This is not the game Newcastle wanted, and it can go either way. If Oslo can slow down Newcastle's league leading rushing attack (7.3 YPC), and keep them from getting their passing attack (over 7200 yards through the air) going, they have a chance to win. Defense will win this game.
Prediction: Newcastle wins 41-24.
#3 Eurotrash vs #6 West Country.
First meeting: Eurotrash won 27-19. In a defensive struggle where both teams were held to under 300 total yards, Eurotrash was able to make some big plays in the passing game as West Country worked on the ground game. Both teams put 5 scores on the board, but Eurotrash's defense kept West Country to 1 TD and 4 FGs.
My take: If West Country can get its offense to click, as well as converting 3rd downs, they can pull out a win. Eurotrash will depend on its defense to help win the game.
Prediction: West Country falls just short, losing 24-20.
#4 Whitechapel vs #5 Donegal.
First meeting: Whitechapel wins 48-14. Whitechapel's rushing offense dominated the game, helping them hold the ball for 40 minutes, while gaining over 300 yards. Meanwhile, their defense was able to suffocate Donegal's passing game.
My take: Donegal must stop Whitechapel's running game and get their own running game going to win. If Whitechapel is allowed to chew up the clock, and yards, with the running game... Donegal will need to answer with their own running game. Whichever defense can get some measure of control will win.
Prediction: Whitechapel wins, 34-24
Second, I'd would like to announce that Rome was rooting for PGL (nothing personal, we just feel we matched up better against PGL than Donegal or Coventry).
Finally, here's the games and a little BS about each:
#1 Rome vs. #8 Coventry.
First meeting: Rome won 40-19. Coventry had 430 yards of offense, to Rome's 329. The difference in the game was Coventry had 5 fumbles and 1 INT, for 6 turnovers.
My take: If Coventry can cut down on turnovers and continue to move the ball, this will be a close game. Two keys from last game were the turnovers and Romes ability to stop Coventry drives and make them kick FGs.
Prediction: Rome 30, Coventry 23
#2 Newcastle vs #7 Oslo.
First meeting: Newcastle wins 22-20. This was a close fought game, and a defensive struggle. Newcastle was able to run for 190 yards on 42 carries, and went 13/21 for 178 yards, but were sacked 7 times. Oslo ran 32 times for 166 yards, and their passing attack was slowed to 10/21 for 85 yards and 1 sack. Newcastle won on the strength of 5 FGs.
My take: This is not the game Newcastle wanted, and it can go either way. If Oslo can slow down Newcastle's league leading rushing attack (7.3 YPC), and keep them from getting their passing attack (over 7200 yards through the air) going, they have a chance to win. Defense will win this game.
Prediction: Newcastle wins 41-24.
#3 Eurotrash vs #6 West Country.
First meeting: Eurotrash won 27-19. In a defensive struggle where both teams were held to under 300 total yards, Eurotrash was able to make some big plays in the passing game as West Country worked on the ground game. Both teams put 5 scores on the board, but Eurotrash's defense kept West Country to 1 TD and 4 FGs.
My take: If West Country can get its offense to click, as well as converting 3rd downs, they can pull out a win. Eurotrash will depend on its defense to help win the game.
Prediction: West Country falls just short, losing 24-20.
#4 Whitechapel vs #5 Donegal.
First meeting: Whitechapel wins 48-14. Whitechapel's rushing offense dominated the game, helping them hold the ball for 40 minutes, while gaining over 300 yards. Meanwhile, their defense was able to suffocate Donegal's passing game.
My take: Donegal must stop Whitechapel's running game and get their own running game going to win. If Whitechapel is allowed to chew up the clock, and yards, with the running game... Donegal will need to answer with their own running game. Whichever defense can get some measure of control will win.
Prediction: Whitechapel wins, 34-24
I'm not predicting it will be us. Rome is favored for good reason. The benefit of being first is you get to play number eight. As for the other games - close is very likely.
