Week 4 our first foray into non-divisional play. The season has had three bid surprises so far (two for me , but three for most).. Alpine at a slow start at 1-2 and Stark and Texas A&M showing a strong 2-1 start in challenging divisions. This week we start to get some answers on relative division strength.
Must See TV
Texas A&M (2-1) vs. D'Haran Empire (2-1)
We knew the Empire would be good and Texas A&M would be underrated, battling hard in a tough division. A&M has changed the math... they look like contenders at this point, but contenders for what, a wild card spot , possible division title in a scrap; or do they have what it takes to win it all? Handling the Empire might prove the latter - HOWEVER the Empire has never lost two regular season games in a row, given the strength of this league thats saying something. Will they bounce back from the 20-7 loss to Stark or will they suffer their first back to back defeat?
Next Best Game
Shell City Shockers (3-0) vs. Rhode Island Falcons (2-1)
Shell City has gone right through BETA with 3 straight to start the season but now faces a big challenge in Rhode Island, last year Rhode Island routed them 42-7 as the Falcons sacked Maravich 23 times. Luckily for him Corndogs "jitters" script doesn't overlap game to game against the same opponent. I expect Rhode Island to cruise, that said how interesting is this league if the Shockers hang tough or even better still secure an outright victory?
Other Games
Stark Dire Wolves (2-1) vs. Shangrila Dragons Revenge (1-2)
Another good Gamma vs Alpha matchup, Shangrila has a shorter roster with 7 superstars and 37 players, Stark is a bit deeper with 5 superstars and a full 43. On paper Stark has the defensive advantage while the Dragons hold the edge on offense. The Dragons don't want to fall behind 1-3 in a stout Alpha division, but Stark certainly does not want to squander a 2-1 three way tie at the start. No game this early should be do or die, but I estimate the losers playoff chances take a 10-15% chance hit.
Alpine Affineurs(1-2) vs. Gwilce Lions (1-2)
Alpine has to be disappointed with their early season start, they need a "feel good" game and the Lions may just give them one. Having noted thats the probable outcome if Alpine struggles, it maybe katy bar the door time and Alpine maybe in serious trouble as a victim of the new meta changes.
Tortuga Pirates (2-1) vs. Factory of Sadness (0-3)
Tortuga has beaten exactly 1 non-CPU team from Alpha or Gamma in two full seasons worth of play; and it was the factory two seasons ago. Factory has the pride of Gamma on the line here, last year they went 1-5 versus gamma and 6-2 versus all others. They got outscored 7-106 the first three games this season, so will they find the offense and defense (heck even special teams) to show Gamma pride.
Snoozer
Victorious Secret(2-1) vs. Charlotte Strikers (0-3 CPU)
Stat padder for the Secret who could end up in sole possession of first place in Alpha very early in the season
Must See TV
Texas A&M (2-1) vs. D'Haran Empire (2-1)
We knew the Empire would be good and Texas A&M would be underrated, battling hard in a tough division. A&M has changed the math... they look like contenders at this point, but contenders for what, a wild card spot , possible division title in a scrap; or do they have what it takes to win it all? Handling the Empire might prove the latter - HOWEVER the Empire has never lost two regular season games in a row, given the strength of this league thats saying something. Will they bounce back from the 20-7 loss to Stark or will they suffer their first back to back defeat?
Next Best Game
Shell City Shockers (3-0) vs. Rhode Island Falcons (2-1)
Shell City has gone right through BETA with 3 straight to start the season but now faces a big challenge in Rhode Island, last year Rhode Island routed them 42-7 as the Falcons sacked Maravich 23 times. Luckily for him Corndogs "jitters" script doesn't overlap game to game against the same opponent. I expect Rhode Island to cruise, that said how interesting is this league if the Shockers hang tough or even better still secure an outright victory?
Other Games
Stark Dire Wolves (2-1) vs. Shangrila Dragons Revenge (1-2)
Another good Gamma vs Alpha matchup, Shangrila has a shorter roster with 7 superstars and 37 players, Stark is a bit deeper with 5 superstars and a full 43. On paper Stark has the defensive advantage while the Dragons hold the edge on offense. The Dragons don't want to fall behind 1-3 in a stout Alpha division, but Stark certainly does not want to squander a 2-1 three way tie at the start. No game this early should be do or die, but I estimate the losers playoff chances take a 10-15% chance hit.
Alpine Affineurs(1-2) vs. Gwilce Lions (1-2)
Alpine has to be disappointed with their early season start, they need a "feel good" game and the Lions may just give them one. Having noted thats the probable outcome if Alpine struggles, it maybe katy bar the door time and Alpine maybe in serious trouble as a victim of the new meta changes.
Tortuga Pirates (2-1) vs. Factory of Sadness (0-3)
Tortuga has beaten exactly 1 non-CPU team from Alpha or Gamma in two full seasons worth of play; and it was the factory two seasons ago. Factory has the pride of Gamma on the line here, last year they went 1-5 versus gamma and 6-2 versus all others. They got outscored 7-106 the first three games this season, so will they find the offense and defense (heck even special teams) to show Gamma pride.
Snoozer
Victorious Secret(2-1) vs. Charlotte Strikers (0-3 CPU)
Stat padder for the Secret who could end up in sole possession of first place in Alpha very early in the season
GG guys
