Western Conference Week 2 Rankings
1) Anchorage Seawolves: 2-0
Previous Ranking: 1
Last Game: 33-13 win over Corvallis
Pros: Got off to a good start and never looked back. Corvallis is a good team so they should be happy with themselves after this big win. AJ Clutch played a great game with 3 TD passes, and SS Josh Bailey was all over the place
Cons: I don’t like to say too many bad things about what could be the best team in all of BBB 14, but this team has had a very hard time guarding the TE. This game they gave up 12 catches and 123 yards to their TE. The good news is Corvallis’ TE might be the best in the league so it’s to be expected.
Next Game: vs Oakyville Nunjas
2) Reno 911: 2-0
Previous Ranking: 2
Last Game: 34-10 win over Kalamazoo
Pros: They held Kalamazoo in check all game and didn’t give up a TD till midway through the 4th quarter. VanWinkle played very well once again, and is looking like he could be one of the top QBs in the west. Their Offensive line should also be credited as they played well and had a ton of pancakes. Look for this team to cause some trouble for Anchorage and the other top western teams.
Cons: Their rushing game wasn’t great, and will need to get better, but other than that, not too many bad things to say about this Reno team. Two easy games on the horizon before a big game with Corvallis in week 5.
Next Game: vs Dakota Ruffians
3) San Diego Marauders: 2-0
Previous Ranking: 4
Last Game: 23-3 win over Dakota
Pros: The defense was great in this game getting 3 sacks, 5 hurries, and an INT. They shut down Dakota’s run game, and while they gave up a fairly high completion percentage it was mostly for short gains. Very well played game for the Marauders.
Cons: I would have liked to see them win by a lot more. They gave up 12 receptions to a CPU WR, which is odd. I know the whole punt yard system is sometimes messed up but their punter only averaging 23.7 yards per punt in a concern….You know I’m reaching for bad things when I bring up CPU receptions and punt averages. We should see that blowout next week.
Next Game: vs Ambridge Brigade
4) Chattanooga Quarantine: 2-0
Previous Ranking: 7
Last Game: 16-13 win over Albuquerque
Pros: Like them or not this team is for real. Beating Albuquerque is going to be hard to do, and Chattanooga did it in a great game. Scoring the winning TD on a 53 yard TD pass with 25 seconds to go has got to be very exciting for them, and heart breaking for the Mustangs.
Cons: From the looks of the boxscore, they were outplayed. In the end that means nothing though as a win is a win. It took a last minute TD to get them that win, but they should still celebrate. They’ve got a lot to prove, but the rest of the season should be interesting. This next game will also be a good indicator of this team.
Next Game: vs Hyborian Divine Messengers
5) Hyborian Divine Messengers: 1-1
Previous Ranking: 5
Last Game: 37-10 win over Trojan
Pros: They only gave up 128 net yards, including only 21.5 yards on the ground. That’s an impressive game by the defense no matter who your facing. I had the Divine Messengers ranked very highly to begin the season, and they’re going to need some more wins like this to show they belong in the top tier. Matthew Shanahan bounced back and had a spectacular game.
Cons: They gave up a high completion percentage to a team that isn’t very good. Their corners will need to stop that in upcoming games. It’s going to be fun to see them play Chattanooga next week
Next Game: at Chattanooga Quarantine
6) Albuquerque Mustangs: 1-1
Previous Ranking: 3
Last Game: 13-16 loss to Chattanooga
Pros: Tough, tough loss to take for the Mustangs. They cannot be very happy with the outcome. They had this game won up until the final minute and just allowed the big miracle play. CB Stu Cats had a big game with 8 Pass Deflections, JayBob Jones had 6 to go along with 4 tackles (1 for loss), including a PD on the fateful TD pass by the Quarantine.
Cons: It’s tough to take a loss like that, especially when you outplayed the other team. This game could come back to hurt them when it comes to playoff seedings. I don’t really doubt they’ll be in the playoffs, but If they finish a game out of the 4 spot they are going to look back at this game as the reason.
Next Game: at Omaha Dogs
7) Rocky Mountain Rampage: 2-0
Previous Ranking: 9
Last Game: 48-3 win over Ambridge
Pros: 3 Touchdown passes by their QB, 2 100 yard rushers. Just a great game by this offense. I should also mention the defenses 4 INTs and the fact they only have up 122 yards. A great game all around by the Rampage. They should be very happy with their 2-0 start.
Cons: The biggest con is this came against Ambridge and not a team like Anchorage though they sound similar. A win is a win though so good for them. They did however have 2 fumbles lost, better teams will capitalize on these turnovers
Next Game: at San Diego Marauders
8) Omaha Dogs: 1-1
Previous Ranking: 8
Last Game: 30-3 win over San Francisco
Pros: A good bounce back game by the Dogs. This was a much needed win after that loss to Houston. 440 yards of offense is a statement to everyone saying this team is for real. Look out for HB Cannon Ball, he’s a great back and should have a very good season. CB Torch Johnson had one of the best games of anyone this season, with 3 tackles, 8 pass deflections, and 2 INTs.
Cons: Hard to say anything bad after this game. The only con is they should be coming out of it at 2-0.
Next Game: vs Albuquerque Mustangs
9) Corvallis Furburgers: 1-1
Previous Ranking: 6
Last Game: 13-33 loss to Anchorage
Pros: They got their game against Anchorage out of the way early, and played pretty well. QB Derock Anderson had a good day, passing for over 250 yards, and TE Christopher Smith is proving to be one of the leagues top TEs with 12 catches for 123 yards.
Cons: It doesn’t matter who you lose to a loss still hurts. They were never really in the game and didn’t see the end zone till the final quarter. I’m on the fence on whether or not this team can contend for the title or not, but I do think they will get into the playoffs.
Next Game: at Rocky Mountain Rampage
10) Houston Apollos: 2-0
Previous Ranking: 10
Last Game: 34-30 win over Oakyville
Pros: Some may think this is too low for a 2-0 that beat the Omaha Dogs. This team is just still a mystery to me. Their offense is just clicking, putting up 34 points in back to back games. QB Dejon Redd went 19/26 for 301 yards, with 3 TDs and 1 INT. One thing I do know is their passing attack is for real.
Cons: They gave up more yards than they gained, had a 300 yard passing day against them, and had 5 fumbles (2 lost). This team MAY be a top 5 team in this league, but giving up 30 points to the Nunjas doesn’t show that. They’ve got what should be a win coming up against San Francisco, and than the game that will show us all what they are really made of against Anchorage in week 4
Next Game: vs San Francisco Wildcats
11) Oakyville Nunjas: 0-2
Previous Ranking: 11
Last Game: 30-34 loss to Houston
Pros: They played Houston very close and are in my opinion the best of the 0-2 teams. Their starting QB had a great game throwing for over 300 yards. They’ve got some work to do if they want to make the playoffs but it wouldn’t exactly surprise me
Cons: They forced 5 fumbles but only recovered 2. They’ll need to capitalize on those in upcoming games. They also gave up a ton of yards to the Apollos, and stop the pass. It doesn’t matter if you pass for 300 when you’re also giving up 300. They face Anchorage next week
Next Game: at Anchorage Seawolves
12) Kalamazoo Wolverines: 0-2
Previous Ranking: 12
Last Game: 10-34 loss to Reno
Pros: Not too much good came out of this game. They’ve had a very tough opening schedule and it gets a little easier for the next 2 games. They just need to keep their heads up and bounce back next week.
Cons: Magneto Rex is off to a slow start and needs to get things going to reach last seasons stats. The teams lack of rushing game is also hurting them. A lot of it is from facing 2 of the top 3 teams in their first 2 games, things should get back to somewhat normal soon.
Next Game: vs Dakota Ruffians
13) Dakota Ruffians: 0-2
Previous Ranking: 13
Last Game: 3-23 loss to San Diego
Pros: Though they each threw an INT, their QBs both played well against a good defense. They’ve also played 2 undefeated teams to start the season. This game against Kalamazoo will put both teams futures in perspective
Cons: An 0-2 start is just not a fun way to start the season. Their ground game hasn’t gotten going and will need to if they want to have a chance of winning some games. They find themselves in a similar position to Kalamazoo.
Next Game: at Kalamazoo Wolverines
14) San Francisco Wildcats: 0-2
Previous Ranking: 14
Last Game: 3-30 loss to Omaha
Pros: Kicker Sammy Boot nailed a 47.5 yarder, which ended up being their only points in the game. Having a reliable kicker will be important when they face teams on their own level.
Cons: -1 rushing yard is just bad to look at. Omaha was amped up and took it to them on both sides of the ball. They really came into this game with little chance.
Next Game: at Houston Apollos
15) Trojan Warriors: 0-2
Previous Ranking: 15
Last Game: 10-37 loss to Hyborian
Pros: They got off to a lead, when their kicker made a 31.5 yard FG, unfortunately 3-0 was the best it got for them. QB Noah Harris played a good game and maybe he’ll get an opportunity to air it out a little more next game.
Cons: Harris had a good game despite the O-Line allowing him to be hurried 5 times and sacked twice. Their rushing game was also very disappointing. They did not force Hyborian to punt once all game, which is pretty amazing.
Next Game: vs Kalamazoo Wolverines
16) Ambridge Brigade: 0-2
Previous Ranking: 16
Last Game: 3-48 loss to Rocky Mountain
Pros: I don’t always want to always make this a bash the Brigade section, because at least they show up to play, but it’s tough to find anything good from this game.
Cons: 14 more games to go
Next Game: at San Diego Marauders
Games to Watch in Week 3
#5 Hyborian Divine Messengers at #4 Chattanooga Quarantine
The game of the week in my opinion. This game is a big game for both teams, but the Messengers have a lot more to prove. Are they really an elite team in this league or are they just a fringe playoff team? The Quarantine are also looking to crack the top 3 in the conference. A blowout here just might do that for them.
#6 Albuquerque Mustangs at #8 Omaha Dogs
The Mustangs are looking to bounce back from a loss to the Quarantine, while the Dogs look to continue bouncing back after their week 1 loss. Its hard to believe that one of these teams will be 1-2 going into week 4. Either way this game should be a great one.
#9 Corvallis Furburgers at #7 Rocky Mountain Rampage
Besides the Apollos, these are the other two teams that might be pretenders. The Rampage come into this game at 2-0 and have yet to be really challenged. The Furburgers lost last week to the mighty Seawolves and are looking to bounce back. The winner here should establish themselves as a true contender
