Ok, this just isn't going to be something I can do every game, so if anyone would like to take over, feel free to. But I went ahead and did a week 3 rankings.
ALPHA CONFERENCE
Sofia Spiders
Record: 3-0
Last game: 51-6 W over Wildcats
Rank - 1
Previous Rank - 1
It’s actually amazing that the Wildcats scored. The Spiders held them to a total of 151 yards in the entire game. That’s incredible defense, even against a “lesser” opponent. Offensively, they stuck to their bread and butter, the running game, posting 432 total yards on the ground. The running back tandem of Seneca and wanabe continue to perform amazingly, with wanabe breaking a mind numbing 20 tackles this game alone. 3 games in, the Spiders have a strangle hold on the #1 spot.
Berlin Devil Dogs
Record: 2-1
Last game: 38-27 W over Cheetahs
Rank - 2
Previous Rank – 2
After the difficult loss in week 1, the Devil Dogs have put up 38 points in their last two contests redeeming my belief that they are a quality team. They have looked like a different team. Led by their OT, Smash Left with 13 pancakes this week, they’ve gotten back to what they do well, run the ball, putting up 366 yards last week and 275 yards this week.
Transylvania Impalers
Record: 3-0
Last game: 33-17 W over Tanners
Rank - 3
Previous Rank - 3
The Impalers are a bit hard to figure out. They are a solid team, no doubt. They don’t seem to be winning “flashy”, but they just get the job done every game. This week, Socrates Simpson averaged 8.2ypc on the ground to keep the offense rolling. Defensively, it was a team effort, with 19 different players posting at least 1 tackle. I still have trouble calling them one of the elite teams, but they are a team that can’t be overlooked.
The Saratov Swift Sharks
Record: 2 – 1
Last game: 20-3 W over the Galaxy
Rank - 4
Previous Rank - 5
The Swift Sharks won impressively, but showed some concerning traits. The Sharks were outpassed 206 to 87 yards. This was by design to some degree. They came out running 20 times to only 8 passes in the first half alone. In all 3 games combined, they have passed for 367 yards total, so they may just have that much more faith that they can simply pound the ball to win games.
Black Sea Pirates
Record: 2-1
Last game: 20-3 W over Dragons
Rank - 5
Previous Rank - 6
Two weeks in a row, the Pirates have won their game spreading the ball around. Last week, 5 runners shared the load on the ground, while this game throwing it to an amazing 10 different receivers! They had both aspects working, though, averaging 6 yards a carry rushing and also spreading the ball around on the ground as well. The Pirates seem to just be playing straight ahead, hard knocks ball.
Dallas Galaxy
Record: 1-2
Last game: 20-28 L to Impalers
Rank - 6
Previous Rank - 4
The Galaxy had impressive play from both QBs, but to no avail. Week 1, the Galaxy put up over 300 yards rushing, but have followed it up with games of 135 and 112 yards rushing. It wasn’t due a lack of trying. The Galaxy rushed 36 times in the game, but managed just 3.1 per carry. The defense had an alarming number of missed tackles, totaling 31 in the game. After upsetting what I thought was the best team in the Conference at the time, the Galaxy have just looked a little flat.
Budapest Samurais
Record: 2-1
Last game: 42-23 W over Mafia Crew
Rank - 7
Previous Rank - 7
The Samurais passing game was actually being controlled fairly well prior to the final play of the game gaining 98 yards. But they didn’t really need it. The Samurais averaged 6.8 yards per carry. And they did it by pounding out yardage all game with no rush picked up more than 16 yards and the running game picking up 20 First Downs. The secondary did a good job of knocking down balls, scoring 13 pass deflections. A solid performance.
Mukachevo Cheetahs
Record: 1-2
Last game: 27-38 L to Devil Dogs
Rank - 8
Previous Rank - 8
After being shut down in week 1, the Cheetah star receiver has found a way to get involved, catching 14 balls in the last 2 games, including 9 this game. But it wasn’t enough to get the win. After hitting on 14 of 19 passes in the first half, the Cheetahs only completed 6 of 14 in the 4th quarter when they needed it most. After getting a huge INT at the Devil Dogs 25 yard line, the Cheetahs couldn’t capitalize with a TD and settled for 3. Then 2 key sacks on the next drive ended their hopes of a comeback. They played them tough, however, leaving the Cheetahs knowing the can compete.
Woburn Tanners
Record: 2-1
Last game: 17-33 L to Impalers
Rank - 9
Previous Rank - 12
It’s hard to pinpoint just what went wrong against the Impalers. Defensively, they did allow some big plays to get by them. Though relatively early in the game, one of which was probably the back breaker, a 26 yard TD rush straight through their defense. This was their first real test against a tough opponent. They managed to stay in the game, so they may have potential to pull out a winning season.
Fayette Mafia Crew
Record: 1-2
Last game: 23-42 L to Samurais
Rank - 10
Previous Rank - 7
Though they have the tools to play well against most of the teams in the Conference, the Mafia Crew are having trouble getting victories. The passing game was clicking with 324 yards through the air, but it wasn’t enough to keep up with the Samurais. The defense couldn’t make the stops or get the turnovers when they needed them. The game was closer then it looks, with the Mafia Crew 2 yards from bringing the game down to a 5 point differential but turning it over on downs, quickly followed by a 98 yard TD strike by the Samurais.
The Wheatfield
Record: 2-1
Last game: 49-10 W over Chaos
Rank - 11
Previous Rank - 10
The Wheatfield beat up on the Chaos, as many teams will do this season. Even though they gained only 96 yards on the ground, they put up 5 TDs rushing. Against a team with tons of CPUs, I might have expected more on the ground, but the passing game was rolling along with 336 yards and 2 TDs by the QB tandem.
Kazan Black Dragons
Record: 2-1
Last game: 3-20 L to Pirates
Rank - 12
Previous Rank - 13
The Black Dragons managed to put together a lot of long drives, they just couldn’t get them to end in scores. This game was a sparring match that they simply lost to a better competitor. Perhaps if they had managed to win the field position game, they may have been able to punch in some scores. They had drives that started at their own 15, 20, 20, and 17. It’s hard for any team to go 80 yards down the field.
Texas Longnecks
Record: 1-2
Last game: 35-24 W over Coffee Mugs
Rank - 13
Previous Rank - 14
Since week 1, the Longnecks Offensive Line has done a better job keeping pressure of their QB. The team looked balanced and functional this game, until you remember they played the Coffee Mugs. The Longnecks were actually down by 10 until late in the game when they put together 3 drives to put up 3 TDs.
London Wildcats
Record: 0-3
Last game: 6-51 L to Spiders
Rank - 14
Previous Rank - 11
There is always a bright side; at least the Wildcats only have to play the Spiders once. With 9 drives ending after 4 or less plays (7 of them 3 and outs), the Wildcat offense was smothered. The lack of a passing game was probably their biggest detriment. They managed just 36% completion.
Budapest Coffee Mugs
Record: 0-3
Last game: 24-35 L to Longnecks
Rank - 15
Previous Rank - 15
The Coffee Mugs lost their best chance to get a W until the play the Chaos in week 14. They managed a respectable 300 yards of offense, but let the lead slip away at the end of the game.
Bratislava Chaos
Record: 0-3
Last game: 10-49 L to Wheatfield
Rank - 16
Previous Rank - 16
I’m completely confused how this team lost a game by 39 points but never bothered to pass the ball. They threw only 5 passes in the game. It wasn’t that the rush was working well. Though they amassed 180 yards rushing, they averaged 2.9ypc. 61 rushes to 5 passes might be the most lopsided play calling I’ve ever seen or will ever see. Kudos to the Chaos for doing something we might never see again! They did manage 10 points, which apparently is going to be their standard. They’ve put up 10 in all 3 games so far.
ZETA CONFERENCE
Wroclaw Wolverines
Record: 3-0
Last game: 34-13 W over Colossus
Rank - 1
Previous Rank - 1
The Wolverines continued their strong play, winning with a very balanced attack. The running game was snuffed out up the middle, but ran rampant on the edges. The Wolverines averaged 10 yards per carry running wide right and 12 per carry running wide left. Another concern is the 7 dropped balls by the receivers. The QBs managed 61% and 56% completion anyway. Wolverines continue to win games comfortably, this one against a pretty solid Colossus team. No doubt they retain the #1 spot.
Chernobyl Nuclear Assault
Record: 3-0
Last game: 44-20 W over Crush
Rank - 2
Previous Rank - 3
With 7.5 yards per carry on the ground and 64% completion in the air, the Nuclear Assault were a freight train that could not be stopped. They controlled the ball almost 36 minutes of the game. They capitalized on opportunities when they came, scoring 21 points off turnovers and running a kickoff back for a TD. I still have some reservations that the Assault have yet to play an upper echelon team, though the Crush were a solid team in many respects. Regardless, they hold the #2 slot in the Zeta and have shown to be a force.
Kosovo Kryptonite
Record: 2-1
Last game: 38-0 W over Sentinals
Rank - 3
Previous Rank - 2
The Kryptonite shutout the Sentinals, holding them to only 132 yards of total offense. However, they really didn’t make many big plays against one of the worst teams in the league. But they weren’t to be stopped, picking up 29 first downs on the ground. They also didn’t force any turnovers. But it’s hard to argue a shutout.
Terlingua Javelinas
Record: 2-1
Last game: 34-24 W over Warheads
Rank - 4
Previous Rank - 6
After dropping game 1, the Javelinas win two straight. All 3 of their rushers played pretty well, combining for 129 yards, but were actually out gained by 27 yards. The offensive line picked up 37 pancakes, but had a little trouble opening holes up the middle. The passing game supplemented with 23 completions on 33 attempts with 3 TDs from starting QB E Copeland.
Rome Colossus
Record: 2-1
Last game: 13-34 L to Wolverines
Rank - 5
Previous Rank - 4
After the high of winning a huge game last week against the Kryptonite, the Colossus faced their second straight very strong opponent in the Wolverines. They’re attempts to get their rushing QB playtime is starting to backfire. He averaged only 2.8 yards per carry on 12 tries including 3 tackles for loss. The passing game couldn’t pull them out from under the Wolverines and 3 turnovers in the 2nd half sealed their fate. This is as much a testament to the quality of the Wolverines as it is anything else.
Kiev Cossacks
Record: 2-1
Last game: 59-23 W over Highrollers
Rank - 6
Previous Rank - 7
The Cossacks drove up and down the field and also punched in some huge plays too, getting 2 Touchdowns from back to back drives capped with a 55 yard McDozer rush and a 70 yard pitch to Callero in the 4th. Anytime you average 11.2 yards per carry, you likely have won the game. The passing game did struggle, however, even though only hurried once. 9 drops by Cossack receivers is a concern as well, but they’ll take a solid win against a similar opponent.
Ukrainian Warheads
Record: 2-1
Last game: 24-34 L to Javelinas
Rank - 7
Previous Rank - 5
The Warheads played a tough back and forth game with the Javelinas, but fail to pull it out in the end. The Warheads picked up 7 first downs in the 4th quarter, but couldn’t get a score from them. 9 different receivers helped keep the passing game rolling, and the running game picked up 4.3 per carry, but they just didn’t “finish”. These are the games playoff teams win and the Warheads have the potential to be one of those team, but it wasn’t there this day.
Las Vegas Highrollers
Record: 2-1
Last game: 23-59 L to Cossacks
Rank - 8
Previous Rank - 8
The Highrollers started strong, taking their first two drives down for scores (FG and TD), but stalled short of scores on other drives, including a 4th down turnover on downs in the 4th. But the game was already over by then. The defense couldn’t stop the Cossacks. With a combined 24 missed tackles, the defense allowed 9 of 11 drives to end in a score. They’ll drop a lot of games if they can’t get the defense working.
Bucharest Vampires
Record: 2-1
Last game: 69-40 W over Cowboys
Rank - 9
Previous Ranking - 10
The Vampires got it down in 2 of the 3 facets of the game, Offense and Special Teams. The defense struggled to stop an opponent most teams will dominate this season. The Vamps allowed the Cowboys to complete huge passing plays of 59, 62, and 63 yard for touchdowns! This needs fixed or they will lose some games they probably shouldn’t.
Columbus Crush
Record: 1-2
Last game: 20-44 L to Nuclear Assault
Rank - 10
Previous Rank - 9
The Crush were shut down early and it cost them, falling down 27 to 3 in the first half. They were able to move the ball in the second half, but couldn’t slow down the Nuclear Assault attack. The defense simply couldn’t get any pressure on the offense. They managed just 3 pass deflections and had no turnovers, hurries, or sacks. The Crush offense is putting up enough points to win games, but defense might lose quite a few games for them this season.
The D-League Home For Underprivileged Children
Record: 1-2
Last game: 17-14 W over Mavericks
Rank - 11
Previous Rank - 11
These Underprivileged Children actually put together a nice game. They pulled out 6.3 yards per carry on the ground and probably should have stayed with the run. Even though they picked up 254 yards in the air, it took 57 passes to do so, with a painful 28% completion rate. But all it took was 2 plays to win the game, touchdown passes from 72 and 33 yards. The defense was led by Darren Woodson with 16 tackles, though you really don’t want to have your SS lead your team in tackles.
Minsk Mavericks
Record: 0-3
Last game: 14-17 L to HUC
Rank - 12
Previous Rank - 12
The Mavericks were just a couple broken plays from winning this one. They actually were led in rushing yards by a CPU. They were eaten alive by the HUC TE, Jay Novacek, who racked up 161 yards and 2 TDs catching both the big pass plays for TDs.
Nysa Sentinals
Record: 1-2
Last game: 0-38 L to Kryptonite
Rank - 13
Previous Rank - 13
They played a tough team and were shut out and shut down. Defensively, they do have a tiny bright spot that they held the Kryptonite to only 120 yards passing. But when one of our QBs average 15% completion, you can pretty much be assured you’re going to lose.
Constantinople Romans
Record: 1-2
Last game: 10-7 W over Dragons
Rank - 14
Previous Rank - 15
The Romans pulled the winning card in the battle of the cellar dwellers, beating the lowly Dragons in a close matchup where they were actually out gained 255 to 300 yards. But a win is a win and the Romans came from behind to do it. Amazing to say, but the Romans move up a rank!
Washington Cowboys
Record: 0-3
Last game: 40-69 L to Vampires
Rank - 15
Previous Rank - 14
The Cowboys should actually be proud. Putting up 40 points is pretty impressive for a team that managed a total of 26 the first two weeks combined. They actually out gained the Vampires, 525 to 487 yards. They had some huge plays, but they also gave up huge plays, allowing 3, yes, 3 kickoff returns for Touchdowns. Take those away, and the Cowboys have a chance to win their first game. They completed 65% of their passes against a decent team, so there is some potential for good play.
Caspian Sea Dragons
Record: 0-3
Last game: 7-10 L to Romans
Rank - 16
Previous Rank - 16
This might have been the Dragons best chance to win this season and they played tough, but couldn’t pull out the win. Rushes by 4 backs averaged 4.5ypc, showing a glimmer of positive play from the Dragons. It will take some time before they can compete with anyone, but they still might be able to pull out a win…. somewhere.
ALPHA CONFERENCE
Sofia Spiders
Record: 3-0
Last game: 51-6 W over Wildcats
Rank - 1
Previous Rank - 1
It’s actually amazing that the Wildcats scored. The Spiders held them to a total of 151 yards in the entire game. That’s incredible defense, even against a “lesser” opponent. Offensively, they stuck to their bread and butter, the running game, posting 432 total yards on the ground. The running back tandem of Seneca and wanabe continue to perform amazingly, with wanabe breaking a mind numbing 20 tackles this game alone. 3 games in, the Spiders have a strangle hold on the #1 spot.
Berlin Devil Dogs
Record: 2-1
Last game: 38-27 W over Cheetahs
Rank - 2
Previous Rank – 2
After the difficult loss in week 1, the Devil Dogs have put up 38 points in their last two contests redeeming my belief that they are a quality team. They have looked like a different team. Led by their OT, Smash Left with 13 pancakes this week, they’ve gotten back to what they do well, run the ball, putting up 366 yards last week and 275 yards this week.
Transylvania Impalers
Record: 3-0
Last game: 33-17 W over Tanners
Rank - 3
Previous Rank - 3
The Impalers are a bit hard to figure out. They are a solid team, no doubt. They don’t seem to be winning “flashy”, but they just get the job done every game. This week, Socrates Simpson averaged 8.2ypc on the ground to keep the offense rolling. Defensively, it was a team effort, with 19 different players posting at least 1 tackle. I still have trouble calling them one of the elite teams, but they are a team that can’t be overlooked.
The Saratov Swift Sharks
Record: 2 – 1
Last game: 20-3 W over the Galaxy
Rank - 4
Previous Rank - 5
The Swift Sharks won impressively, but showed some concerning traits. The Sharks were outpassed 206 to 87 yards. This was by design to some degree. They came out running 20 times to only 8 passes in the first half alone. In all 3 games combined, they have passed for 367 yards total, so they may just have that much more faith that they can simply pound the ball to win games.
Black Sea Pirates
Record: 2-1
Last game: 20-3 W over Dragons
Rank - 5
Previous Rank - 6
Two weeks in a row, the Pirates have won their game spreading the ball around. Last week, 5 runners shared the load on the ground, while this game throwing it to an amazing 10 different receivers! They had both aspects working, though, averaging 6 yards a carry rushing and also spreading the ball around on the ground as well. The Pirates seem to just be playing straight ahead, hard knocks ball.
Dallas Galaxy
Record: 1-2
Last game: 20-28 L to Impalers
Rank - 6
Previous Rank - 4
The Galaxy had impressive play from both QBs, but to no avail. Week 1, the Galaxy put up over 300 yards rushing, but have followed it up with games of 135 and 112 yards rushing. It wasn’t due a lack of trying. The Galaxy rushed 36 times in the game, but managed just 3.1 per carry. The defense had an alarming number of missed tackles, totaling 31 in the game. After upsetting what I thought was the best team in the Conference at the time, the Galaxy have just looked a little flat.
Budapest Samurais
Record: 2-1
Last game: 42-23 W over Mafia Crew
Rank - 7
Previous Rank - 7
The Samurais passing game was actually being controlled fairly well prior to the final play of the game gaining 98 yards. But they didn’t really need it. The Samurais averaged 6.8 yards per carry. And they did it by pounding out yardage all game with no rush picked up more than 16 yards and the running game picking up 20 First Downs. The secondary did a good job of knocking down balls, scoring 13 pass deflections. A solid performance.
Mukachevo Cheetahs
Record: 1-2
Last game: 27-38 L to Devil Dogs
Rank - 8
Previous Rank - 8
After being shut down in week 1, the Cheetah star receiver has found a way to get involved, catching 14 balls in the last 2 games, including 9 this game. But it wasn’t enough to get the win. After hitting on 14 of 19 passes in the first half, the Cheetahs only completed 6 of 14 in the 4th quarter when they needed it most. After getting a huge INT at the Devil Dogs 25 yard line, the Cheetahs couldn’t capitalize with a TD and settled for 3. Then 2 key sacks on the next drive ended their hopes of a comeback. They played them tough, however, leaving the Cheetahs knowing the can compete.
Woburn Tanners
Record: 2-1
Last game: 17-33 L to Impalers
Rank - 9
Previous Rank - 12
It’s hard to pinpoint just what went wrong against the Impalers. Defensively, they did allow some big plays to get by them. Though relatively early in the game, one of which was probably the back breaker, a 26 yard TD rush straight through their defense. This was their first real test against a tough opponent. They managed to stay in the game, so they may have potential to pull out a winning season.
Fayette Mafia Crew
Record: 1-2
Last game: 23-42 L to Samurais
Rank - 10
Previous Rank - 7
Though they have the tools to play well against most of the teams in the Conference, the Mafia Crew are having trouble getting victories. The passing game was clicking with 324 yards through the air, but it wasn’t enough to keep up with the Samurais. The defense couldn’t make the stops or get the turnovers when they needed them. The game was closer then it looks, with the Mafia Crew 2 yards from bringing the game down to a 5 point differential but turning it over on downs, quickly followed by a 98 yard TD strike by the Samurais.
The Wheatfield
Record: 2-1
Last game: 49-10 W over Chaos
Rank - 11
Previous Rank - 10
The Wheatfield beat up on the Chaos, as many teams will do this season. Even though they gained only 96 yards on the ground, they put up 5 TDs rushing. Against a team with tons of CPUs, I might have expected more on the ground, but the passing game was rolling along with 336 yards and 2 TDs by the QB tandem.
Kazan Black Dragons
Record: 2-1
Last game: 3-20 L to Pirates
Rank - 12
Previous Rank - 13
The Black Dragons managed to put together a lot of long drives, they just couldn’t get them to end in scores. This game was a sparring match that they simply lost to a better competitor. Perhaps if they had managed to win the field position game, they may have been able to punch in some scores. They had drives that started at their own 15, 20, 20, and 17. It’s hard for any team to go 80 yards down the field.
Texas Longnecks
Record: 1-2
Last game: 35-24 W over Coffee Mugs
Rank - 13
Previous Rank - 14
Since week 1, the Longnecks Offensive Line has done a better job keeping pressure of their QB. The team looked balanced and functional this game, until you remember they played the Coffee Mugs. The Longnecks were actually down by 10 until late in the game when they put together 3 drives to put up 3 TDs.
London Wildcats
Record: 0-3
Last game: 6-51 L to Spiders
Rank - 14
Previous Rank - 11
There is always a bright side; at least the Wildcats only have to play the Spiders once. With 9 drives ending after 4 or less plays (7 of them 3 and outs), the Wildcat offense was smothered. The lack of a passing game was probably their biggest detriment. They managed just 36% completion.
Budapest Coffee Mugs
Record: 0-3
Last game: 24-35 L to Longnecks
Rank - 15
Previous Rank - 15
The Coffee Mugs lost their best chance to get a W until the play the Chaos in week 14. They managed a respectable 300 yards of offense, but let the lead slip away at the end of the game.
Bratislava Chaos
Record: 0-3
Last game: 10-49 L to Wheatfield
Rank - 16
Previous Rank - 16
I’m completely confused how this team lost a game by 39 points but never bothered to pass the ball. They threw only 5 passes in the game. It wasn’t that the rush was working well. Though they amassed 180 yards rushing, they averaged 2.9ypc. 61 rushes to 5 passes might be the most lopsided play calling I’ve ever seen or will ever see. Kudos to the Chaos for doing something we might never see again! They did manage 10 points, which apparently is going to be their standard. They’ve put up 10 in all 3 games so far.
ZETA CONFERENCE
Wroclaw Wolverines
Record: 3-0
Last game: 34-13 W over Colossus
Rank - 1
Previous Rank - 1
The Wolverines continued their strong play, winning with a very balanced attack. The running game was snuffed out up the middle, but ran rampant on the edges. The Wolverines averaged 10 yards per carry running wide right and 12 per carry running wide left. Another concern is the 7 dropped balls by the receivers. The QBs managed 61% and 56% completion anyway. Wolverines continue to win games comfortably, this one against a pretty solid Colossus team. No doubt they retain the #1 spot.
Chernobyl Nuclear Assault
Record: 3-0
Last game: 44-20 W over Crush
Rank - 2
Previous Rank - 3
With 7.5 yards per carry on the ground and 64% completion in the air, the Nuclear Assault were a freight train that could not be stopped. They controlled the ball almost 36 minutes of the game. They capitalized on opportunities when they came, scoring 21 points off turnovers and running a kickoff back for a TD. I still have some reservations that the Assault have yet to play an upper echelon team, though the Crush were a solid team in many respects. Regardless, they hold the #2 slot in the Zeta and have shown to be a force.
Kosovo Kryptonite
Record: 2-1
Last game: 38-0 W over Sentinals
Rank - 3
Previous Rank - 2
The Kryptonite shutout the Sentinals, holding them to only 132 yards of total offense. However, they really didn’t make many big plays against one of the worst teams in the league. But they weren’t to be stopped, picking up 29 first downs on the ground. They also didn’t force any turnovers. But it’s hard to argue a shutout.
Terlingua Javelinas
Record: 2-1
Last game: 34-24 W over Warheads
Rank - 4
Previous Rank - 6
After dropping game 1, the Javelinas win two straight. All 3 of their rushers played pretty well, combining for 129 yards, but were actually out gained by 27 yards. The offensive line picked up 37 pancakes, but had a little trouble opening holes up the middle. The passing game supplemented with 23 completions on 33 attempts with 3 TDs from starting QB E Copeland.
Rome Colossus
Record: 2-1
Last game: 13-34 L to Wolverines
Rank - 5
Previous Rank - 4
After the high of winning a huge game last week against the Kryptonite, the Colossus faced their second straight very strong opponent in the Wolverines. They’re attempts to get their rushing QB playtime is starting to backfire. He averaged only 2.8 yards per carry on 12 tries including 3 tackles for loss. The passing game couldn’t pull them out from under the Wolverines and 3 turnovers in the 2nd half sealed their fate. This is as much a testament to the quality of the Wolverines as it is anything else.
Kiev Cossacks
Record: 2-1
Last game: 59-23 W over Highrollers
Rank - 6
Previous Rank - 7
The Cossacks drove up and down the field and also punched in some huge plays too, getting 2 Touchdowns from back to back drives capped with a 55 yard McDozer rush and a 70 yard pitch to Callero in the 4th. Anytime you average 11.2 yards per carry, you likely have won the game. The passing game did struggle, however, even though only hurried once. 9 drops by Cossack receivers is a concern as well, but they’ll take a solid win against a similar opponent.
Ukrainian Warheads
Record: 2-1
Last game: 24-34 L to Javelinas
Rank - 7
Previous Rank - 5
The Warheads played a tough back and forth game with the Javelinas, but fail to pull it out in the end. The Warheads picked up 7 first downs in the 4th quarter, but couldn’t get a score from them. 9 different receivers helped keep the passing game rolling, and the running game picked up 4.3 per carry, but they just didn’t “finish”. These are the games playoff teams win and the Warheads have the potential to be one of those team, but it wasn’t there this day.
Las Vegas Highrollers
Record: 2-1
Last game: 23-59 L to Cossacks
Rank - 8
Previous Rank - 8
The Highrollers started strong, taking their first two drives down for scores (FG and TD), but stalled short of scores on other drives, including a 4th down turnover on downs in the 4th. But the game was already over by then. The defense couldn’t stop the Cossacks. With a combined 24 missed tackles, the defense allowed 9 of 11 drives to end in a score. They’ll drop a lot of games if they can’t get the defense working.
Bucharest Vampires
Record: 2-1
Last game: 69-40 W over Cowboys
Rank - 9
Previous Ranking - 10
The Vampires got it down in 2 of the 3 facets of the game, Offense and Special Teams. The defense struggled to stop an opponent most teams will dominate this season. The Vamps allowed the Cowboys to complete huge passing plays of 59, 62, and 63 yard for touchdowns! This needs fixed or they will lose some games they probably shouldn’t.
Columbus Crush
Record: 1-2
Last game: 20-44 L to Nuclear Assault
Rank - 10
Previous Rank - 9
The Crush were shut down early and it cost them, falling down 27 to 3 in the first half. They were able to move the ball in the second half, but couldn’t slow down the Nuclear Assault attack. The defense simply couldn’t get any pressure on the offense. They managed just 3 pass deflections and had no turnovers, hurries, or sacks. The Crush offense is putting up enough points to win games, but defense might lose quite a few games for them this season.
The D-League Home For Underprivileged Children
Record: 1-2
Last game: 17-14 W over Mavericks
Rank - 11
Previous Rank - 11
These Underprivileged Children actually put together a nice game. They pulled out 6.3 yards per carry on the ground and probably should have stayed with the run. Even though they picked up 254 yards in the air, it took 57 passes to do so, with a painful 28% completion rate. But all it took was 2 plays to win the game, touchdown passes from 72 and 33 yards. The defense was led by Darren Woodson with 16 tackles, though you really don’t want to have your SS lead your team in tackles.
Minsk Mavericks
Record: 0-3
Last game: 14-17 L to HUC
Rank - 12
Previous Rank - 12
The Mavericks were just a couple broken plays from winning this one. They actually were led in rushing yards by a CPU. They were eaten alive by the HUC TE, Jay Novacek, who racked up 161 yards and 2 TDs catching both the big pass plays for TDs.
Nysa Sentinals
Record: 1-2
Last game: 0-38 L to Kryptonite
Rank - 13
Previous Rank - 13
They played a tough team and were shut out and shut down. Defensively, they do have a tiny bright spot that they held the Kryptonite to only 120 yards passing. But when one of our QBs average 15% completion, you can pretty much be assured you’re going to lose.
Constantinople Romans
Record: 1-2
Last game: 10-7 W over Dragons
Rank - 14
Previous Rank - 15
The Romans pulled the winning card in the battle of the cellar dwellers, beating the lowly Dragons in a close matchup where they were actually out gained 255 to 300 yards. But a win is a win and the Romans came from behind to do it. Amazing to say, but the Romans move up a rank!
Washington Cowboys
Record: 0-3
Last game: 40-69 L to Vampires
Rank - 15
Previous Rank - 14
The Cowboys should actually be proud. Putting up 40 points is pretty impressive for a team that managed a total of 26 the first two weeks combined. They actually out gained the Vampires, 525 to 487 yards. They had some huge plays, but they also gave up huge plays, allowing 3, yes, 3 kickoff returns for Touchdowns. Take those away, and the Cowboys have a chance to win their first game. They completed 65% of their passes against a decent team, so there is some potential for good play.
Caspian Sea Dragons
Record: 0-3
Last game: 7-10 L to Romans
Rank - 16
Previous Rank - 16
This might have been the Dragons best chance to win this season and they played tough, but couldn’t pull out the win. Rushes by 4 backs averaged 4.5ypc, showing a glimmer of positive play from the Dragons. It will take some time before they can compete with anyone, but they still might be able to pull out a win…. somewhere.
