I would like to try to make this a "weekly" thing. But due to my admitted unfamilariy with the Zeta Conference, I will not be making predicitons for our neighbors to the "south". However, I do hope someone else steps up to make predicitons for those guys. It seems to definitely be a fun potential forum for an open-ended discussion... not to mention grounds for some intense motivation, as well. 
But all of these predictions are based purely on my viewing of each team. And if I am picking you to lose, please don't take it personally; someone has to lose. It's definitely not a belittlement of your team... it is just how I view the matchup as an outside observer. But with that said.. here we are. Hope you guys enjoy.
Oklahoma (U.S.A.) Outlaws vs. London Chiefs
Oklahoma will likely win this one big. Not a knock on the Chiefs at all. Just from a personnel standpoint, I think Oklahoma will just overpower them.
Ithaca Space Munkees vs. Warsaw Knuckleheads
Warsaw pulls a big win. Ithaca got shutout last week by a team I would think the Knuckleheads could handle. Still starting a few CPU's, and just a decent number of lvl 1 players.
St. Louis Storm vs. Belfast Mafia
Belfast's performance in Game 1 is very convincing. St. Louis may be fielding the strongest player in this particular game, but I think Belfast has the better team. If Belfast can contain the St. Louis HB, then they should win this game. Belfast is the more well-rounded team, and I think that will pave the way for a second-half win for the Mafia.
Vatra Dornei Wraiths vs. Dublin Drunken Monkeys
I have to go with the Wraiths on this one. It has "Game of the Week" potential to it, with both teams fielding very complete squads. I just think the Monkeys' few vulnerabilities on defense will prove to be their undoing. Monkeys have a strong OL and a solid HB, though... so they could prove me wrong. This game is going to have a Denver Nuggets feel to it for Dublin: Just try to score more than the other team. Defense isn't going to win this one.
Wrexham Maelor Brionnfhionn vs. Transylvania Bloodsuckers
How do you pick against a team with a gaelic name? Have that team playing against one of the best teams in the conference. Wrex aren't going to lie down for it, though... I am not predicting this to be a blowout, but I think Tran will have a convincing win... once again it just comes down to the personnel advantage... Nothing against anything in Wrexham. Bloodsuckers kept it down to the wire with the team most are calling the best in the conference. That is a powerful statement.
Amsterdam Arctic Blast vs. Kilkenny Cannibals
Amsterdam wins. The gap is just too big at this point. Not a 40-point win or anything, but it should be by at least 20, I would guess.
Crimson and Cream Sooner Machine vs. Grim Reapers
Grim Reapers didn't have a good Game 1, but I think they bounce back with a vengeance from it here. Sooner Machine is still fielding a lot of CPU players on the field and that loss of advanced tactics might prove to be too much to contain the Grim Reapers Rushing attack. Reapers win it early.
South Yorkshire Stars vs. Basin City Blues
The Blues lost a heartbreaker in Game 1, and they have a very solid and promising passing attack, but I think their defense isn't going to be strong enough to slow down the Stars Offense. This one could turn into a shootout. It's possible. It will just come down to which team can get that early lead to force the other team to deviate from gameplan. I think the Stars win it, though.
But all of these predictions are based purely on my viewing of each team. And if I am picking you to lose, please don't take it personally; someone has to lose. It's definitely not a belittlement of your team... it is just how I view the matchup as an outside observer. But with that said.. here we are. Hope you guys enjoy.
Oklahoma (U.S.A.) Outlaws vs. London Chiefs
Oklahoma will likely win this one big. Not a knock on the Chiefs at all. Just from a personnel standpoint, I think Oklahoma will just overpower them.
Ithaca Space Munkees vs. Warsaw Knuckleheads
Warsaw pulls a big win. Ithaca got shutout last week by a team I would think the Knuckleheads could handle. Still starting a few CPU's, and just a decent number of lvl 1 players.
St. Louis Storm vs. Belfast Mafia
Belfast's performance in Game 1 is very convincing. St. Louis may be fielding the strongest player in this particular game, but I think Belfast has the better team. If Belfast can contain the St. Louis HB, then they should win this game. Belfast is the more well-rounded team, and I think that will pave the way for a second-half win for the Mafia.
Vatra Dornei Wraiths vs. Dublin Drunken Monkeys
I have to go with the Wraiths on this one. It has "Game of the Week" potential to it, with both teams fielding very complete squads. I just think the Monkeys' few vulnerabilities on defense will prove to be their undoing. Monkeys have a strong OL and a solid HB, though... so they could prove me wrong. This game is going to have a Denver Nuggets feel to it for Dublin: Just try to score more than the other team. Defense isn't going to win this one.
Wrexham Maelor Brionnfhionn vs. Transylvania Bloodsuckers
How do you pick against a team with a gaelic name? Have that team playing against one of the best teams in the conference. Wrex aren't going to lie down for it, though... I am not predicting this to be a blowout, but I think Tran will have a convincing win... once again it just comes down to the personnel advantage... Nothing against anything in Wrexham. Bloodsuckers kept it down to the wire with the team most are calling the best in the conference. That is a powerful statement.
Amsterdam Arctic Blast vs. Kilkenny Cannibals
Amsterdam wins. The gap is just too big at this point. Not a 40-point win or anything, but it should be by at least 20, I would guess.
Crimson and Cream Sooner Machine vs. Grim Reapers
Grim Reapers didn't have a good Game 1, but I think they bounce back with a vengeance from it here. Sooner Machine is still fielding a lot of CPU players on the field and that loss of advanced tactics might prove to be too much to contain the Grim Reapers Rushing attack. Reapers win it early.
South Yorkshire Stars vs. Basin City Blues
The Blues lost a heartbreaker in Game 1, and they have a very solid and promising passing attack, but I think their defense isn't going to be strong enough to slow down the Stars Offense. This one could turn into a shootout. It's possible. It will just come down to which team can get that early lead to force the other team to deviate from gameplan. I think the Stars win it, though.
Last edited Jun 15, 2008 02:37:45
