Let me begin by apologizing in advance for any bitterness and anger towards this game that may show itself in today's preview. The honest truth is that I am livid about the Butchers' loss to the Elk. This is not intended in any way to belittle the Elk, for they played a great game defensively, keeping us from picking up key first downs. What I am angry about is the six points that inexplicably were left off the board because of the sim. This game has repeatedly shown problems with not kicking field goals at the appropriate times, an issue that is definitely not a problem with the Offensive AI inputs. I have seen how the offensive AI is set up, I know that isn't the problem. The sim chose not to kick an easy field goal to end the first half, and kicked a 19 yard punt toward the end of the game when within field goal range, both things that should not have happened based upon the AI settings. That six points is the difference between a win and an unexplainable loss, the difference between home field or traveling in the playoffs. In other words, no offense to the Elk, but I call serious shenanigans on the sim. I know, it's a beta, but it's a beta that we pay serious money to play.
Anyway, stuff happens, it is now water under the bridge, and we still have three weeks to play before we head into the postseason. Upsets are still obviously an issue that all teams must try to plan against, even the mighty Hounds, so it is still anyone's ball game, so to speak.
Czechoslavakia Mates vs WhatsaMatta U Fighting Elk: The Elk can no longer be overlooked after the major upset they handed to the Butchers. While they won't be able to move up much in the standings without some serious losses by other teams, they are completely in control of their own destiny. A loss in any of the next three games may put them out, as Kazakhstan is still on their heels looking for the number eight spot, but it could easily remain unclear until those two meet in week 16. The question now is how well they can compete against the Mates, a team that is capable enough but still a bit inconsistent against strong teams. I can't in good conscience call this game for the Elk, regardless of how well they played the Butchers, as the Mates are still the better team. It is certainly possible that the Elk will surprise me though.
Mombasa Wombats vs Bratislava Butchers: This game has serious implications for both teams. The Wombats are currently ranked number five, just above the Butchers at number six. For Bratislava to make the most out of their remaining schedule, they absolutely must win this game, while the Wombats face three tough opponents to finish the season, any one of whom could knock them down to the last playoff spot. The saving grace for Mombasa could end up being their win early in the season against the Dragons, a situation that will keep them ahead of Kazakhstan should they end the season with the same record. Despite the loss to the Elk, or perhaps because of it, the Butchers will come into this game hungry and come away with the win.
Kazakhstan Dragons vs Secretville Offtopics: The Dragons pulled off something of a surprise of their own last week with an impressive fourth quarter stand against the Lions, and now face a Secretville team that couldn't put any points on the board against the Bucks. The Dragons have an easy time of it the next two weeks before facing off against the Elk in what could be a decisive battle for the final playoff spot. Secretville will lose this one against a better team.
Maribor Triforce vs Warsaw Wolfpack: Another game of nothing but pride on the line, as the Triforce can pretty much count themselves out of playoff contention. Even if another team drops all three of their next games, the Triforce are looking at a loss in week 16 against the Hounds, and so must face the fact that they will end with a losing record. Next season for them will be much better, as they build on the limited successes they have had this season and work their way into the playoffs. Warsaw still has major issues to work out, starting with keeping their roster intact enough to start the season with good chemistry and give themselves a fighting chance. Maribor should be able to count this game amongst their successes, defeating the Wolfpack at home to give their fans something to look forward to next season.
Prague Beersteins vs South City Chiefs: These teams come into the game with 4-9 records and a "wait til next year" attitude. This is another difficult game to call, with the two teams matching up very well against each other, even having defeated the same opponents. I can call this game with no other criteria than personal bias, so the Chiefs will come away with the win. I have to stick with my former EEA4 homies, and the prowess they showed last season.
Jefferson City Bucks vs Cypriot Freedom; Macedonian Lions vs Maladorous Football Beavers: The gimme games are even more gimme than usual this week, both featuring quality opponents against the worst of the conference. The Bucks and Lions will both add one to the win column this week. Just as only one team can possibly stay undefeated throughout an entire season, only one of these teams will remain completely winless, but it will be a fun game between the Freedom and the Beavers since it is in week sixteen.
Zeta Conference Game of the Week - Berlin Hounds from Hell vs Hill Valley Deloreans: Despite the lack of confidence on the part of Hill Valley, it is true that they are the only team in the conference that could put an end to the Hounds' dream of entering the postseason undefeated. While the Hounds have shown themselves to be a dominant force in the conference, the Deloreans have shown their tenacity, beating every team in the conference so far. Only the Alpha Conference leader, the Arkadak Arsenal, have been able to defeat them, and it is believed by many that they will be the league champion. This game is not only the conference game of the week, it is the biggest matchup of the season. Hill Valley does not play the underdog often, so it remains to be seen whether they can rise to the challenge or fail as everyone else has failed before them. Given the challenges that the Hounds have faced so far, and the way they have come out ahead after dodging the bullets that the Lions, Butchers, Bucks, and Dragons have fired their way, it is likely that Berlin will be able to withstand yet another barrage. That said, I am feeling good about Hill Valley's chances, so I call this win for them. Where others have only come close, the Deloreans are all about success.
Like all of the previews before this one, I make no claims of superior knowledge or prediction ability. My confidence in my understanding of this game and the way the sim works has been somewhat shattered by the events of last week, but I will not let it stop me from continuing to have fun with these previews. While most agents who play this game enjoy the roleplaying of player or owner, for myself the most fun lies in playing the role of sports reporter, and no wins or losses by my team will be able to take at least that aspect of the game away. It is more fun when we're winning, though
Anyway, stuff happens, it is now water under the bridge, and we still have three weeks to play before we head into the postseason. Upsets are still obviously an issue that all teams must try to plan against, even the mighty Hounds, so it is still anyone's ball game, so to speak.
Czechoslavakia Mates vs WhatsaMatta U Fighting Elk: The Elk can no longer be overlooked after the major upset they handed to the Butchers. While they won't be able to move up much in the standings without some serious losses by other teams, they are completely in control of their own destiny. A loss in any of the next three games may put them out, as Kazakhstan is still on their heels looking for the number eight spot, but it could easily remain unclear until those two meet in week 16. The question now is how well they can compete against the Mates, a team that is capable enough but still a bit inconsistent against strong teams. I can't in good conscience call this game for the Elk, regardless of how well they played the Butchers, as the Mates are still the better team. It is certainly possible that the Elk will surprise me though.
Mombasa Wombats vs Bratislava Butchers: This game has serious implications for both teams. The Wombats are currently ranked number five, just above the Butchers at number six. For Bratislava to make the most out of their remaining schedule, they absolutely must win this game, while the Wombats face three tough opponents to finish the season, any one of whom could knock them down to the last playoff spot. The saving grace for Mombasa could end up being their win early in the season against the Dragons, a situation that will keep them ahead of Kazakhstan should they end the season with the same record. Despite the loss to the Elk, or perhaps because of it, the Butchers will come into this game hungry and come away with the win.
Kazakhstan Dragons vs Secretville Offtopics: The Dragons pulled off something of a surprise of their own last week with an impressive fourth quarter stand against the Lions, and now face a Secretville team that couldn't put any points on the board against the Bucks. The Dragons have an easy time of it the next two weeks before facing off against the Elk in what could be a decisive battle for the final playoff spot. Secretville will lose this one against a better team.
Maribor Triforce vs Warsaw Wolfpack: Another game of nothing but pride on the line, as the Triforce can pretty much count themselves out of playoff contention. Even if another team drops all three of their next games, the Triforce are looking at a loss in week 16 against the Hounds, and so must face the fact that they will end with a losing record. Next season for them will be much better, as they build on the limited successes they have had this season and work their way into the playoffs. Warsaw still has major issues to work out, starting with keeping their roster intact enough to start the season with good chemistry and give themselves a fighting chance. Maribor should be able to count this game amongst their successes, defeating the Wolfpack at home to give their fans something to look forward to next season.
Prague Beersteins vs South City Chiefs: These teams come into the game with 4-9 records and a "wait til next year" attitude. This is another difficult game to call, with the two teams matching up very well against each other, even having defeated the same opponents. I can call this game with no other criteria than personal bias, so the Chiefs will come away with the win. I have to stick with my former EEA4 homies, and the prowess they showed last season.
Jefferson City Bucks vs Cypriot Freedom; Macedonian Lions vs Maladorous Football Beavers: The gimme games are even more gimme than usual this week, both featuring quality opponents against the worst of the conference. The Bucks and Lions will both add one to the win column this week. Just as only one team can possibly stay undefeated throughout an entire season, only one of these teams will remain completely winless, but it will be a fun game between the Freedom and the Beavers since it is in week sixteen.
Zeta Conference Game of the Week - Berlin Hounds from Hell vs Hill Valley Deloreans: Despite the lack of confidence on the part of Hill Valley, it is true that they are the only team in the conference that could put an end to the Hounds' dream of entering the postseason undefeated. While the Hounds have shown themselves to be a dominant force in the conference, the Deloreans have shown their tenacity, beating every team in the conference so far. Only the Alpha Conference leader, the Arkadak Arsenal, have been able to defeat them, and it is believed by many that they will be the league champion. This game is not only the conference game of the week, it is the biggest matchup of the season. Hill Valley does not play the underdog often, so it remains to be seen whether they can rise to the challenge or fail as everyone else has failed before them. Given the challenges that the Hounds have faced so far, and the way they have come out ahead after dodging the bullets that the Lions, Butchers, Bucks, and Dragons have fired their way, it is likely that Berlin will be able to withstand yet another barrage. That said, I am feeling good about Hill Valley's chances, so I call this win for them. Where others have only come close, the Deloreans are all about success.
Like all of the previews before this one, I make no claims of superior knowledge or prediction ability. My confidence in my understanding of this game and the way the sim works has been somewhat shattered by the events of last week, but I will not let it stop me from continuing to have fun with these previews. While most agents who play this game enjoy the roleplaying of player or owner, for myself the most fun lies in playing the role of sports reporter, and no wins or losses by my team will be able to take at least that aspect of the game away. It is more fun when we're winning, though
