Well the regular season is over once again, but for some teams, it's too early to put the cleats back in the box and clean out the locker until next season - that's right folks, the playoffs are here!!
So, to the predictions, conference by conference;
Zeta
Spaniard Quebrantagüesos vs Lyon Loups *LFU*
When these teams met earlier in the season, Spaniard won 34-10. Lyon did well to make the playoffs, but face a WEAA#3 powerhouse, and shouldn't expect to see the second round.
Prediction: Spaniard 43-13
Stirling Crusaders vs Yorkshire Rippers
The Rippers will be looking to their secondary to stop the aerial bombardment the Crusaders will be bringing their way - Stirling are one of themost improved teams since last season, and have a legitimate chance to go all the way. Yorkshire are not to be underestimated, but lack the overall talent of Stirling.
Prediction: Stirling 36-10
Bath Killer Bees vs Munchen The Fearless Lion
Juicy matchup between two good Zeta teams - Bath edged the tie earlier this season, and the Lions will be looking for revenge. It's hard to argue against Bath given their gameplanning, but they did slip a few games ago versus Antwerp.
Prediction: Bath 21-17
Wales Whales vs Bergen Black Bears
Looking like a true #1 seed early on, Wales dropped down the table after some close losses to top tier opponents, and face a Bergen team who may favour their chances of causing an upset here. Wales have the talent and narrowly beat Knossos last game, but Bergen have excellent balance and a betting man wouldn't bet against them making the second round.
Prediction: Wales 24-22
Alpha
Vice City Crack Whores vs Fareham Demons
SingleSam and his army of players host Fareham in what promises to be a short post-season for the Demons. Vice City can shut down an aerial attack, and the Demons running game hasn't been able to win games against good opposition without the threat of the pass. Don't expect a blowout, but if Vice City don't make the second round, I'll print this off and eat it.
Prediction: Vice City 27-10
Seville Naranjas vs Yorkshire Knights
Meeting just 4 games ago, Seville beat the Knights 23-14. The Naranjas must have a secret stockpile of invisible juice, because they've been making plays as needed all season, even when outlevelled. Yorkshire won't give them quarter, but Seville may not need any. This game figures to be a lot closer than many #2vs#7 games you'll see across GLB.
Prediction: Seville 24-20
Montcuq Beserker Trolls vs Dorset Stampede
The Stampede are 0-2 against the Trolls, losing 23-14 6 games into the season. Montcuq's trademark passing game meets one of the top 3 secondary units, so this could be a good game. Dorset have been balancing their attack the latter stages of the season, but a running game would suit them - grinding down the clock and keeping the score close.
Prediction: Montcuq 27-20
Black Watch vs Knossos Mintotaurs
The Black Watch boosted late after a few early losses, and launched themselves into the hearts and minds.. sorry, the top tier with some big wins. Black Watch took the fixture 29-10 when these teams met earlier in the season and Knossos will be looking for revenge. Two strong running teams with tough defenses, the turnover battle will be key here.
Prediction: Black Watch 22-16
Expect a few upsets, the playoffs seem to generate a few here and there!
So, to the predictions, conference by conference;
Zeta
Spaniard Quebrantagüesos vs Lyon Loups *LFU*
When these teams met earlier in the season, Spaniard won 34-10. Lyon did well to make the playoffs, but face a WEAA#3 powerhouse, and shouldn't expect to see the second round.
Prediction: Spaniard 43-13
Stirling Crusaders vs Yorkshire Rippers
The Rippers will be looking to their secondary to stop the aerial bombardment the Crusaders will be bringing their way - Stirling are one of themost improved teams since last season, and have a legitimate chance to go all the way. Yorkshire are not to be underestimated, but lack the overall talent of Stirling.
Prediction: Stirling 36-10
Bath Killer Bees vs Munchen The Fearless Lion
Juicy matchup between two good Zeta teams - Bath edged the tie earlier this season, and the Lions will be looking for revenge. It's hard to argue against Bath given their gameplanning, but they did slip a few games ago versus Antwerp.
Prediction: Bath 21-17
Wales Whales vs Bergen Black Bears
Looking like a true #1 seed early on, Wales dropped down the table after some close losses to top tier opponents, and face a Bergen team who may favour their chances of causing an upset here. Wales have the talent and narrowly beat Knossos last game, but Bergen have excellent balance and a betting man wouldn't bet against them making the second round.
Prediction: Wales 24-22
Alpha
Vice City Crack Whores vs Fareham Demons
SingleSam and his army of players host Fareham in what promises to be a short post-season for the Demons. Vice City can shut down an aerial attack, and the Demons running game hasn't been able to win games against good opposition without the threat of the pass. Don't expect a blowout, but if Vice City don't make the second round, I'll print this off and eat it.
Prediction: Vice City 27-10
Seville Naranjas vs Yorkshire Knights
Meeting just 4 games ago, Seville beat the Knights 23-14. The Naranjas must have a secret stockpile of invisible juice, because they've been making plays as needed all season, even when outlevelled. Yorkshire won't give them quarter, but Seville may not need any. This game figures to be a lot closer than many #2vs#7 games you'll see across GLB.
Prediction: Seville 24-20
Montcuq Beserker Trolls vs Dorset Stampede
The Stampede are 0-2 against the Trolls, losing 23-14 6 games into the season. Montcuq's trademark passing game meets one of the top 3 secondary units, so this could be a good game. Dorset have been balancing their attack the latter stages of the season, but a running game would suit them - grinding down the clock and keeping the score close.
Prediction: Montcuq 27-20
Black Watch vs Knossos Mintotaurs
The Black Watch boosted late after a few early losses, and launched themselves into the hearts and minds.. sorry, the top tier with some big wins. Black Watch took the fixture 29-10 when these teams met earlier in the season and Knossos will be looking for revenge. Two strong running teams with tough defenses, the turnover battle will be key here.
Prediction: Black Watch 22-16
Expect a few upsets, the playoffs seem to generate a few here and there!
I think he actually has all the best seeds winning.
