Lion Conference
#4 seeded Kilwa comes into Port Harcourt to take on the #2 seeded Playmakers.
The game will be a defensive battle, with one of the top rated passing offenses, Kilwa, comes up against possibly the best overall defensive unit in PHP.
The key to victory for Kilwa will be to contain PHP's ground attack, while PHP absolutely must stifle Kilwa's passing game. Two very different offensive strategies, yet both very effective, and I believe that neither team will find their legs on the offensive side of the ball.
Kilwa's passing game will show flashes of brilliance in this game, but will inevitably be stalled by the excellent pass defense of PHP. PHP, on the other hand, will manage a respectable YPC, eating up clock in the process, and winning the field position battle.
In the end, the game is going to be won by defensive play makers and special teams play, and on both counts I give the edge to PHP and their MVP candidate returner, who has finished the regular season 2nd in the MVP race.
Final Analysis:
PHP 16 (3 FGs, 1 TD - Field position wins the game for them)
Kilwa 14 (2 TDs, passing game can't be completely stopped)
Elephant Conference
The #3 seeded Boston Dogs travel to Dakar to take on the undefeated #1 seeded Dakar Dragons.
In stark contrast to the battle that will occur in the Lion conference, this game will be a shootout in every sense of the word.
Dakar is the #1 rated passing team in the conference. Boston is #2. Dakar is also the #1 rated rushing team. Boston is #6. They are essentially tied in terms of pass defense, and Dakar holds a sizable advantage versus the run, which is going to be largely irrelevant for this game, as both teams will be airing it out.
If you were to just examine the statistics for the season, comparing the two teams, you would be an idiot not to give the advantage to Dakar, as they have come as close to domination as anyone in such a competitive conference can. However, as I said, both teams have a prolific passing attack and excellent defenses to match. The battle on offense and defense is going to be a near wash, with a very slight edge going to Dakar due to their ability to run the ball with success.
Once you factor in Swifty, the conference ST MVP return man, you're faced with a 3-headed Dragon, and I don't believe Boston has enough in the tank to cut off all 3 heads.
In the end, much like the Lion game, this game will be won by field position, but not via field goals. Both teams will put up points, seemingly at will, but the difference is going to be Swifty's returns, and the field position he gives Dakar. In the end, the undefeated Dakar Dragons will move on to the league championship.
Final Analysis
Dakar 48
Boston 38
#4 seeded Kilwa comes into Port Harcourt to take on the #2 seeded Playmakers.
The game will be a defensive battle, with one of the top rated passing offenses, Kilwa, comes up against possibly the best overall defensive unit in PHP.
The key to victory for Kilwa will be to contain PHP's ground attack, while PHP absolutely must stifle Kilwa's passing game. Two very different offensive strategies, yet both very effective, and I believe that neither team will find their legs on the offensive side of the ball.
Kilwa's passing game will show flashes of brilliance in this game, but will inevitably be stalled by the excellent pass defense of PHP. PHP, on the other hand, will manage a respectable YPC, eating up clock in the process, and winning the field position battle.
In the end, the game is going to be won by defensive play makers and special teams play, and on both counts I give the edge to PHP and their MVP candidate returner, who has finished the regular season 2nd in the MVP race.
Final Analysis:
PHP 16 (3 FGs, 1 TD - Field position wins the game for them)
Kilwa 14 (2 TDs, passing game can't be completely stopped)
Elephant Conference
The #3 seeded Boston Dogs travel to Dakar to take on the undefeated #1 seeded Dakar Dragons.
In stark contrast to the battle that will occur in the Lion conference, this game will be a shootout in every sense of the word.
Dakar is the #1 rated passing team in the conference. Boston is #2. Dakar is also the #1 rated rushing team. Boston is #6. They are essentially tied in terms of pass defense, and Dakar holds a sizable advantage versus the run, which is going to be largely irrelevant for this game, as both teams will be airing it out.
If you were to just examine the statistics for the season, comparing the two teams, you would be an idiot not to give the advantage to Dakar, as they have come as close to domination as anyone in such a competitive conference can. However, as I said, both teams have a prolific passing attack and excellent defenses to match. The battle on offense and defense is going to be a near wash, with a very slight edge going to Dakar due to their ability to run the ball with success.
Once you factor in Swifty, the conference ST MVP return man, you're faced with a 3-headed Dragon, and I don't believe Boston has enough in the tank to cut off all 3 heads.
In the end, much like the Lion game, this game will be won by field position, but not via field goals. Both teams will put up points, seemingly at will, but the difference is going to be Swifty's returns, and the field position he gives Dakar. In the end, the undefeated Dakar Dragons will move on to the league championship.
Final Analysis
Dakar 48
Boston 38
