Texan's Week 1 Picks
Current Record: 0-0
Predicted: Naga 12, lolgaruda 4
Last season you young pups complained about the 80s theme--how about 90s this time?! We'll start with rock week.
Note to teams I pick to lose: this is meant to be good-natured fun, so don't take offense. Then again, if you do take offense, I am not likely to care.
Naga v lolgaruda Week
The Blue (989.2) v NY Empire (982.21): On paper this may look fairly even but if you look at performance metrics (even in lolpreseason) it seems that the Blue has a big advantage here. NY may think the Blue is a big "Creep" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFtw8G5nSI4 but their pro debut will end up as a "Bittersweet Symphony" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx3m4e45bTo of defeat. The Blue 45, NY 20.
Cambodia Assassin (968.12) v Bangalore Monsoon (963.1): A recurring theme of today is matchups on paper versus what will really happen and thus I put each team's APV next to them to illustrate how useless it really is in practice. Cambodia was brutalized by the play of both of Tet's lines and they'll see more of the same out of Bangalore, although Bangalore's D is a little more finesse-based imo. "Everybody Hurts" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijZRCIrTgQc sometimes and it seems that Bangalore will do that to the new guys Everlong http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBG7P-K-r1Y tomorrow. Bangalore 38, Cambodia 17.
Bacolod (952.27) v Manila (921.2): These two veteran SEAPL teams just played in the preseason with Bacolod topping the century mark for points. While I don't think anything like that will happen in the first "real" game it seems that Manila is in for a rebuilding season with some early chemistry woes as they overcome the "Scar Tissue" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7o3uTemxpg left by WL. Bacolod is looking to repeat their playoff appearance last season and they know success tomorrow depends on "Today" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIwUxq0BMSE Bacolod 42, Manila 20.
CMM (910.12) v Flint Cobras (971.83): Watch out for CMM, they rebuilding much faster than expected and that offense is off the hook. Flint meanwhile is smarting from getting kicked around in the preseason but they did somehow have to play several of Naga's top teams. Imo, this should actually be a pretty good game if planning shows up on both sides and one of them will start out stronger than expected with a W in their "Semi-Charmed Life" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh5_Wdd80lE Of these "Two Princes" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d43U0OeWg3Q which is ready to step up to be king of the field tomorrow? CMM 52, Flint 35.
Semarang (1043.41) v TKW (1003.12): Not all 1000+ APVs are created equal as these two teams collide. TKW has been kicking ass in the WL for a long time now and doing SEA proud but they are in the "November Rain" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbUC-UaAxE of rebuilding now. Semarang meanwhile is trying to keep that "Smooth" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rRlBmJiz5k 60 game streak going with their aging vets. TKW's D is looking pretty suspect. Semarang 65, TKW 28.
PDP (982.93) v Singapore (930.61): PDP has completely rebuilt their team and hopes to get back to the top instead of the lower end of playoff teams while Singapore has been struggling mightily during the preseason but still looks dangerous. Can PDP get "Closer" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVgBuwM9zcQ to the top or is Singapore planning to go "Intergalactic" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9bS1dE0ps8 this season? I would give PDP the advantage in line play here. PDP 35, Singapore 17.
Tibet (1051.57) v San Francisco (943.38): Tibet had a very impressive Pro season indeed and looks to come back strong this time around as well. San Francisco has really been beaten up in lolpreseason and their roster looks a bit light, so I suspect they will get worn down as the game progresses. Only "One" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWdG8NoFXY0 team can win this and "What I Got" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sal-bp_ciC4 by scouting this one is that San Francisco better buckle up as their team notes suggest. Tibet 65, San Francisco 7.
Phuket (948.03) v Johor (890.46): Johor may be one of the last two original SEAPL teams in Pro (with PDP) but they have shown on ability in the preseason to suggest they will be staying long. Phuket has also struggled a bit but has shown promise. Btw, does anyone else remember that old school Phuket All team? Anyway, I expect Johor to "Enter Sandman" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QP-SIW6iKY here as I expect Phuket to "Shine" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m0bI82Rz_k in this game at least. Phuket 65, Johor 20.
HKH (950.98) v Hell's Reapers (934.02): HKH is looking to rebound from a disappointing fir Pro season where they barely avoided relegation and "Tubthumping" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H5uWRjFsGc the Reaper's is probably a good way to begin. The Reapers are probably in for a long season but congrats to them for getting up here and "Nothing Else Matters" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAGnKpE4NCI at the moment. HKH 38, Hell's 10.
Saigon (1017.82) v Sweatshop (955.42): I'm sure the Sweatshop is lamenting the luck of the draw a bit here as they get to start out with the 600lb gorilla in the room. Of course given their lolpreseason showing many teams might give them problems, but who knows if they were just throwing out a random AI, etc. Saigon is showing the "Drive" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgT9zGkiLig for a title run and I think the Sweatshop may feel like they're "Walkin on the Sun" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmKNklN_GKc by the time this is over. Saigon 75, Sweatshop 6.
Golden Hill (947.65) v Tet (1021.87): Another team that is not pleased with their roll of the dice: Golden Hill. They have been roughed up all preseason and now they get the favorite out of lolgaruda and I doubt their fans will stay "Sober" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hglVqACd1C8 for this one. Tet is looking great so far with their line play and they should dominate in that department most games, including here, so let's just hope they stay grounded in their "Celebrity Skin" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3dWBLoU--E and not get overconfident. Tet 90, Golden Hill 3.
Mekong (950.86) v Lucid (957.62): Mekong has had a really nice run in Pro but now they are in recovery mode and unfortunately now they play the "Bulls on Parade" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-58-36lSqG4 from Lucid. Lucid has looked solid in the preseason and should be a contender for home playoff games in lolgaruda and an opening day win should bolster their "Self Esteem" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kIZeVoRBuU and get them going. Lucid 58, Mekong 10.
SLS (1001.13) v Munich (945.08): Munich is one of the several new teams that looks to get thrown into a burlap bag and beaten early this season so let's hope they keep their chin up and not feel like they "Fell on Black Days" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So0OwM_84qE SLS on the other hand is a top contender in Naga and will be a threat to win every game they play and you know they want to show they are the "Better Man" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JLztfosqik than many of their conference competitors. SLS 77, Munich 3.
PDM (1000.07) v Shiroyama (931.99): I hope the Samurai don't fall on their sword early in this one as they face a "Loaded" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoeMhlkeeLE Monks team. The Samurai may feel that if they keep their mind "Right Here Right Now" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z6dxQVhE8o they have a shot. Of course they would be wrong. Monks 105, Shiroyama 7.
Alabama (923.86) v Tackling Dummies (949.57): Don't you hate it when you have to play the team you just played? At least this should be the most even matchup of the week and one new team will start out with a win. The Dummies are more likely to be a playoff team because they have the fortune of playing in lolgaruda but really this is a toss-up imo. Alabama has that "Plush" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FDk7pGQAKo home locker room working for them but I'm sure the Dummies would "Enjoy the Silence" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAN9sKlOZxE of those Alabama fans after a loss. Play Freebird! Alabama 20, Dummies 17.
Teabaggers (946.72) v Buffalo (984.85): The Teabaggers are probably not enjoying Pro all that much so far and now they get a fierce veteran Buffalo team. I imagine the Teabaggers are a bit "Thunderstruck" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvoeeq-BH4w Watch for Buffalo to control both lines and the game in general because they're "Where It's At" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPfmNxKLDG4 this game. Buffalo 55, Teabaggers 7.
Current Record: 0-0
Predicted: Naga 12, lolgaruda 4
Last season you young pups complained about the 80s theme--how about 90s this time?! We'll start with rock week.
Note to teams I pick to lose: this is meant to be good-natured fun, so don't take offense. Then again, if you do take offense, I am not likely to care.
Naga v lolgaruda Week
The Blue (989.2) v NY Empire (982.21): On paper this may look fairly even but if you look at performance metrics (even in lolpreseason) it seems that the Blue has a big advantage here. NY may think the Blue is a big "Creep" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFtw8G5nSI4 but their pro debut will end up as a "Bittersweet Symphony" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx3m4e45bTo of defeat. The Blue 45, NY 20.
Cambodia Assassin (968.12) v Bangalore Monsoon (963.1): A recurring theme of today is matchups on paper versus what will really happen and thus I put each team's APV next to them to illustrate how useless it really is in practice. Cambodia was brutalized by the play of both of Tet's lines and they'll see more of the same out of Bangalore, although Bangalore's D is a little more finesse-based imo. "Everybody Hurts" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijZRCIrTgQc sometimes and it seems that Bangalore will do that to the new guys Everlong http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBG7P-K-r1Y tomorrow. Bangalore 38, Cambodia 17.
Bacolod (952.27) v Manila (921.2): These two veteran SEAPL teams just played in the preseason with Bacolod topping the century mark for points. While I don't think anything like that will happen in the first "real" game it seems that Manila is in for a rebuilding season with some early chemistry woes as they overcome the "Scar Tissue" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7o3uTemxpg left by WL. Bacolod is looking to repeat their playoff appearance last season and they know success tomorrow depends on "Today" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIwUxq0BMSE Bacolod 42, Manila 20.
CMM (910.12) v Flint Cobras (971.83): Watch out for CMM, they rebuilding much faster than expected and that offense is off the hook. Flint meanwhile is smarting from getting kicked around in the preseason but they did somehow have to play several of Naga's top teams. Imo, this should actually be a pretty good game if planning shows up on both sides and one of them will start out stronger than expected with a W in their "Semi-Charmed Life" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh5_Wdd80lE Of these "Two Princes" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d43U0OeWg3Q which is ready to step up to be king of the field tomorrow? CMM 52, Flint 35.
Semarang (1043.41) v TKW (1003.12): Not all 1000+ APVs are created equal as these two teams collide. TKW has been kicking ass in the WL for a long time now and doing SEA proud but they are in the "November Rain" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbUC-UaAxE of rebuilding now. Semarang meanwhile is trying to keep that "Smooth" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rRlBmJiz5k 60 game streak going with their aging vets. TKW's D is looking pretty suspect. Semarang 65, TKW 28.
PDP (982.93) v Singapore (930.61): PDP has completely rebuilt their team and hopes to get back to the top instead of the lower end of playoff teams while Singapore has been struggling mightily during the preseason but still looks dangerous. Can PDP get "Closer" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVgBuwM9zcQ to the top or is Singapore planning to go "Intergalactic" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9bS1dE0ps8 this season? I would give PDP the advantage in line play here. PDP 35, Singapore 17.
Tibet (1051.57) v San Francisco (943.38): Tibet had a very impressive Pro season indeed and looks to come back strong this time around as well. San Francisco has really been beaten up in lolpreseason and their roster looks a bit light, so I suspect they will get worn down as the game progresses. Only "One" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWdG8NoFXY0 team can win this and "What I Got" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sal-bp_ciC4 by scouting this one is that San Francisco better buckle up as their team notes suggest. Tibet 65, San Francisco 7.
Phuket (948.03) v Johor (890.46): Johor may be one of the last two original SEAPL teams in Pro (with PDP) but they have shown on ability in the preseason to suggest they will be staying long. Phuket has also struggled a bit but has shown promise. Btw, does anyone else remember that old school Phuket All team? Anyway, I expect Johor to "Enter Sandman" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QP-SIW6iKY here as I expect Phuket to "Shine" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m0bI82Rz_k in this game at least. Phuket 65, Johor 20.
HKH (950.98) v Hell's Reapers (934.02): HKH is looking to rebound from a disappointing fir Pro season where they barely avoided relegation and "Tubthumping" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H5uWRjFsGc the Reaper's is probably a good way to begin. The Reapers are probably in for a long season but congrats to them for getting up here and "Nothing Else Matters" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAGnKpE4NCI at the moment. HKH 38, Hell's 10.
Saigon (1017.82) v Sweatshop (955.42): I'm sure the Sweatshop is lamenting the luck of the draw a bit here as they get to start out with the 600lb gorilla in the room. Of course given their lolpreseason showing many teams might give them problems, but who knows if they were just throwing out a random AI, etc. Saigon is showing the "Drive" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgT9zGkiLig for a title run and I think the Sweatshop may feel like they're "Walkin on the Sun" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmKNklN_GKc by the time this is over. Saigon 75, Sweatshop 6.
Golden Hill (947.65) v Tet (1021.87): Another team that is not pleased with their roll of the dice: Golden Hill. They have been roughed up all preseason and now they get the favorite out of lolgaruda and I doubt their fans will stay "Sober" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hglVqACd1C8 for this one. Tet is looking great so far with their line play and they should dominate in that department most games, including here, so let's just hope they stay grounded in their "Celebrity Skin" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3dWBLoU--E and not get overconfident. Tet 90, Golden Hill 3.
Mekong (950.86) v Lucid (957.62): Mekong has had a really nice run in Pro but now they are in recovery mode and unfortunately now they play the "Bulls on Parade" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-58-36lSqG4 from Lucid. Lucid has looked solid in the preseason and should be a contender for home playoff games in lolgaruda and an opening day win should bolster their "Self Esteem" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kIZeVoRBuU and get them going. Lucid 58, Mekong 10.
SLS (1001.13) v Munich (945.08): Munich is one of the several new teams that looks to get thrown into a burlap bag and beaten early this season so let's hope they keep their chin up and not feel like they "Fell on Black Days" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So0OwM_84qE SLS on the other hand is a top contender in Naga and will be a threat to win every game they play and you know they want to show they are the "Better Man" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JLztfosqik than many of their conference competitors. SLS 77, Munich 3.
PDM (1000.07) v Shiroyama (931.99): I hope the Samurai don't fall on their sword early in this one as they face a "Loaded" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoeMhlkeeLE Monks team. The Samurai may feel that if they keep their mind "Right Here Right Now" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z6dxQVhE8o they have a shot. Of course they would be wrong. Monks 105, Shiroyama 7.
Alabama (923.86) v Tackling Dummies (949.57): Don't you hate it when you have to play the team you just played? At least this should be the most even matchup of the week and one new team will start out with a win. The Dummies are more likely to be a playoff team because they have the fortune of playing in lolgaruda but really this is a toss-up imo. Alabama has that "Plush" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FDk7pGQAKo home locker room working for them but I'm sure the Dummies would "Enjoy the Silence" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAN9sKlOZxE of those Alabama fans after a loss. Play Freebird! Alabama 20, Dummies 17.
Teabaggers (946.72) v Buffalo (984.85): The Teabaggers are probably not enjoying Pro all that much so far and now they get a fierce veteran Buffalo team. I imagine the Teabaggers are a bit "Thunderstruck" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvoeeq-BH4w Watch for Buffalo to control both lines and the game in general because they're "Where It's At" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPfmNxKLDG4 this game. Buffalo 55, Teabaggers 7.
