Currently 40-9...not a great week for big games to be honest. Sorry these are up a little late!
GOTW1
Evil Empire (6-3) vs Hamburg Parrots (6-3)
It was pretty obvious that with so many 6-3 teams that some would face each other, and the best two doing that are the Empire and Hamburg. Both teams have a tricky couple of games coming up, so a win here will be vital to pull away from the other 6-3 teams and secure a playoff spot.
All my initial instincts were to go for the Empire, but for some reason I just can't call this one against Hamburg, especially now that their co-ordinators seem fit and ready to resume their season. There will probably be upwards of 60 points here, and at the end I can just see Hamburg's offense pulling them through.
Prediction: Hamburg by 7.
Actual: Empire 37-30 - right score difference, and right number of points...just the wrong team! The turnovers in the 2nd quarter didn't help the Parrots, neither did the big plays given up for TDs...they're almost there in terms of being a challenger (especially putting 30 points on the Empire - the highest number since the LTS game) but just need to cut out those big lapses. The Empire have made the mini-break up to 7-3, and could really consolidate with a win against Amsterdam next time.
GOTW2
Lyon Winemakers (6-3) vs Warsaw Wolves (6-3)
I said a couple of gameweeks ago that Lyon might be the team that claims the unwanted 9th place, and I still believe that...they have no 'easy' games left on their schedule and have lost to every other current 6-3 team they've played this season. Warsaw have had a few odd results but have impressed on defense and this will get them through here with reasonable ease.
Prediction: Warsaw by 14.
Actual: Warsaw 19-14 - looks like one I actually got right, although misjudging the score difference a little. Looking at the game there was no way in that 1st quarter that Warsaw should have won that...though how crucial was this play?: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=1018806&pbp_id=11985516 Kept the score to a difference of 4, then their defense turned the screw in the 2nd half. Game ball should go to the kicker though! As for Lyon, they now must win the next couple of games - that will be tricky!
Rome Titans (1-8) vs Stockholm Meatballs (1-8)
This should be a cracking game...of the teams occupying the lower end of the table, these two are the stronger and this game will be the closest either team will be part of this season. I've no doubt that it'll be a low scoring affair, with Stockholm's defense being as good as their offense is bad. And it's this bad offense which means I'll be picking Rome - good defense will only win out when you can take and hold a lead in the first place, and Stockholm just don't seem to be able to do that.
Prediction: Rome by 5.
Actual: Stockholm by 1 - low scoring...what was I thinking!?! I really messed up the prediction on this one though - Stockholm were dominant and the score was only close due to a 95.5yd KR and a 100yd INT both taken for TDs, especially considering without the INT the difference would have been 15. Despite the shocking completion percentages, Stockholm finally got production out of their QBs, and I'm glad to see their 10th season is kicking into life!
Dresden Demons (6-3) vs Bjelasnica Red Star (3-6)
After a decent start, Bjelasnica seem to be running out of steam a little bit. On the otherhand, Dresden are underlining their strength by almost giving Amsterdam their 2nd loss and will join a smaller group of teams on 7-3 after this game.
Prediction: Dresden by 42.
Actual: Bjelasnica 27-13 - OK, what is going on this week? These games were supposed to be pretty easy to call!! Dresden just capitulated in that 1st quarter, though I've got to give all the credit to Bjelasnica for punishing those errors then showing a defensive strength I've barely seen all season. This game is a classic example of what a team can do when they make the most of the opportunities given by their defense, and as a result has really dented Dresden's hopes of going deep into the playoffs. Great job Red Star!
D-Town Bushwalkers (4-5) vs Amsterdam Affliction (8-1)
Amsterdam have had a rough couple of gameweeks, so can finally kick back and take a break against D-Town. I can see D-Town getting another three wins this season which should be a pretty good platform to kick off from next season. They won't be getting anything here though.
Prediction: Amsterdam by 38.
Actual: Amsterdam 42-10 - things get back to normal (thankfully!). Got to give credit to D-Town for 'winning' the 1st and 4th quarters though, without turnovers assisting them either (well, one!). Shame they couldn't keep it going throughout the other two, giving LTS a bit more of a gap at the top there! Amsterdam keep themselves in with a shout for the #1 seed.
Team Perkis (6-3) vs Belfast Commandos (4-5)
Belfast benefitted from my underdog prediction from me last time, and I'll be doing the same thing this time. I don't think they'll have the same results against Perkis though, who are really coming into form at the right time to challenge for a home playoff game.
Prediction: 'The Greatest Team in the League' by 41.
Actual: Belfast 28-13 - the moniker is gone, and I'm starting to get a lot of love from Belfast! Looks like their tactic of pounding the yards and winning the ToP battle worked a treat, whilst Perkis just couldn't get things working when they were given the chance. Belfast still look like they've got too much to do to get into the playoffs, but this game should be watched by defensive scouts in future!
Plainview Bulldogs (0-9) vs Bath Killer Bees (6-3)
After coming within a whisker of ending the last undefeated record, Bath get to add another 1 to the win column against Plainview, who's time to shine should come next time!
Prediction: Bath by 56.
Actual: Bath 84-7 - good old dependable Bath! Very convincing win against a not that awful Plainview team though, and I think they'll be there right at the end of the playoffs this time round.
La Tourette Syndrome (9-0) vs Parts Unknown (0-9)
9-0 vs. 0-9...upset? Don't think so.
Actual: LTS 145-2 - no upset...although WTF with the safety?!
PREDICTION RECORD: 3-4 today
(43-13 total)
GOTW1
Evil Empire (6-3) vs Hamburg Parrots (6-3)
It was pretty obvious that with so many 6-3 teams that some would face each other, and the best two doing that are the Empire and Hamburg. Both teams have a tricky couple of games coming up, so a win here will be vital to pull away from the other 6-3 teams and secure a playoff spot.
All my initial instincts were to go for the Empire, but for some reason I just can't call this one against Hamburg, especially now that their co-ordinators seem fit and ready to resume their season. There will probably be upwards of 60 points here, and at the end I can just see Hamburg's offense pulling them through.
Prediction: Hamburg by 7.
Actual: Empire 37-30 - right score difference, and right number of points...just the wrong team! The turnovers in the 2nd quarter didn't help the Parrots, neither did the big plays given up for TDs...they're almost there in terms of being a challenger (especially putting 30 points on the Empire - the highest number since the LTS game) but just need to cut out those big lapses. The Empire have made the mini-break up to 7-3, and could really consolidate with a win against Amsterdam next time.
GOTW2
Lyon Winemakers (6-3) vs Warsaw Wolves (6-3)
I said a couple of gameweeks ago that Lyon might be the team that claims the unwanted 9th place, and I still believe that...they have no 'easy' games left on their schedule and have lost to every other current 6-3 team they've played this season. Warsaw have had a few odd results but have impressed on defense and this will get them through here with reasonable ease.
Prediction: Warsaw by 14.
Actual: Warsaw 19-14 - looks like one I actually got right, although misjudging the score difference a little. Looking at the game there was no way in that 1st quarter that Warsaw should have won that...though how crucial was this play?: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=1018806&pbp_id=11985516 Kept the score to a difference of 4, then their defense turned the screw in the 2nd half. Game ball should go to the kicker though! As for Lyon, they now must win the next couple of games - that will be tricky!
Rome Titans (1-8) vs Stockholm Meatballs (1-8)
This should be a cracking game...of the teams occupying the lower end of the table, these two are the stronger and this game will be the closest either team will be part of this season. I've no doubt that it'll be a low scoring affair, with Stockholm's defense being as good as their offense is bad. And it's this bad offense which means I'll be picking Rome - good defense will only win out when you can take and hold a lead in the first place, and Stockholm just don't seem to be able to do that.
Prediction: Rome by 5.
Actual: Stockholm by 1 - low scoring...what was I thinking!?! I really messed up the prediction on this one though - Stockholm were dominant and the score was only close due to a 95.5yd KR and a 100yd INT both taken for TDs, especially considering without the INT the difference would have been 15. Despite the shocking completion percentages, Stockholm finally got production out of their QBs, and I'm glad to see their 10th season is kicking into life!
Dresden Demons (6-3) vs Bjelasnica Red Star (3-6)
After a decent start, Bjelasnica seem to be running out of steam a little bit. On the otherhand, Dresden are underlining their strength by almost giving Amsterdam their 2nd loss and will join a smaller group of teams on 7-3 after this game.
Prediction: Dresden by 42.
Actual: Bjelasnica 27-13 - OK, what is going on this week? These games were supposed to be pretty easy to call!! Dresden just capitulated in that 1st quarter, though I've got to give all the credit to Bjelasnica for punishing those errors then showing a defensive strength I've barely seen all season. This game is a classic example of what a team can do when they make the most of the opportunities given by their defense, and as a result has really dented Dresden's hopes of going deep into the playoffs. Great job Red Star!
D-Town Bushwalkers (4-5) vs Amsterdam Affliction (8-1)
Amsterdam have had a rough couple of gameweeks, so can finally kick back and take a break against D-Town. I can see D-Town getting another three wins this season which should be a pretty good platform to kick off from next season. They won't be getting anything here though.
Prediction: Amsterdam by 38.
Actual: Amsterdam 42-10 - things get back to normal (thankfully!). Got to give credit to D-Town for 'winning' the 1st and 4th quarters though, without turnovers assisting them either (well, one!). Shame they couldn't keep it going throughout the other two, giving LTS a bit more of a gap at the top there! Amsterdam keep themselves in with a shout for the #1 seed.
Team Perkis (6-3) vs Belfast Commandos (4-5)
Belfast benefitted from my underdog prediction from me last time, and I'll be doing the same thing this time. I don't think they'll have the same results against Perkis though, who are really coming into form at the right time to challenge for a home playoff game.
Prediction: 'The Greatest Team in the League' by 41.
Actual: Belfast 28-13 - the moniker is gone, and I'm starting to get a lot of love from Belfast! Looks like their tactic of pounding the yards and winning the ToP battle worked a treat, whilst Perkis just couldn't get things working when they were given the chance. Belfast still look like they've got too much to do to get into the playoffs, but this game should be watched by defensive scouts in future!
Plainview Bulldogs (0-9) vs Bath Killer Bees (6-3)
After coming within a whisker of ending the last undefeated record, Bath get to add another 1 to the win column against Plainview, who's time to shine should come next time!
Prediction: Bath by 56.
Actual: Bath 84-7 - good old dependable Bath! Very convincing win against a not that awful Plainview team though, and I think they'll be there right at the end of the playoffs this time round.
La Tourette Syndrome (9-0) vs Parts Unknown (0-9)
9-0 vs. 0-9...upset? Don't think so.
Actual: LTS 145-2 - no upset...although WTF with the safety?!
PREDICTION RECORD: 3-4 today
(43-13 total)Edited by forestrobin on Feb 27, 2010 11:46:01
Edited by forestrobin on Feb 27, 2010 03:52:06
