Texan's Week 9 Picks
Current Record: 58-6
Now back from vacation and (mostly) caught up at work. Time for the Indie Rock edition, spanning the decades from Bob Marley to the White Stripes.
Naga
Saigon (8-0) v Tibet (8-0) We are about to be down to exactly one undefeated team in Naga. Saigon has been hearing "The Swish" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-0fb-DhYh0 of win after win as expected, while Tibet has looked very good but has been challenged, including a narrow escape versus HKH. Last season Saigon won a fairly close 40-27 decision. There are a small handful of teams that have a shot to launch a "Rebellion" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNfWC4Sgkcs against Saigon including Tet but all of them would need the perfect storm to do it. You don't see a lot of perfect storms though. Saigon 56, Tibet 30.
The Blue (7-1) v Phuket (2-6) The Blue has finally realized the potential that has been brewing in the "Freak Scene" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ2FS53ySgU of their home distillery for many seasons now. Phuket will collect the "Broken Pieces" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScR--QjoxRA of this season and be back here next season when they will compete but they don't quite have the horses right now. The Blue 62, Phuket 10.
Semarang (6-2) v SLS (5-3) Semarang is, not surprisingly, competing at a high level in their first Pro season and sprinting like a "Roadrunner" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDJShMk-r88 though their schedule. SLS is also looking strong but got a bit of a wake-up call last week from PDP and they've probably "Got Apprehension" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Iue8ZucDVc about some things now. The main question with Semarang is when does the age catch up to them? Probably not quite yet. Semarang 42, SLS 30.
PDP (6-2) v PDM (6-2) The longest standing rivalry in Naga ignites again this week in what should be a fun game like always. PDP is picking up a lot of steam and their offense has been rolling like a "Cannonball" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AsId-qVIb4 lately. PDM also seems to be improving week to week led by "I Am A Scientist" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN9x6zckn18 of offense, Boomy. I hate to even pick this game, so in an unprecedented move: PDP 40, PDM 40.
Assassins (4-4) v HKH (3-5) It is only mid-season still but this could turn out to be a pivotal game for the last couple of playoff spots in Naga. Both teams think they have what it takes to make the big dance but likely only one of them actually will while the losers spends some quality time with the "Whiskey Bottle" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICrur9dMoiA in the off-season. It's no "Holiday in Cambodia" for HKH http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KTsXHXMkJA I think although it's a pretty even matchup. Assassins 30, HKH 27.
Bacolod (4-4) v CMM (4-4) Much like the game above, this is a very important mid-season game for playoff potential. I have to think all of the current top 7 will be in, though not necessarily in that order, which would leave only one open spot for the next group of teams. Last season Bacolod won a 48-29 shootout affair. "I Believe" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foSC0rujhwQ this will be another close high scoring game and it's a little "Unfair" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GqGNmcjWDY Naga is such a bitch again this season. CMM 33, Bacolod 30.
Victoria (3-5) v Alabama (1-7) Alabama looked very good week 1 and really haven't been heard from since then in a story of "Look So Fine Feel so Low" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZhHu1nSPmY at various points. Victoria meanwhile started out slow but they've beaten who they should beat and I don't expect a total "Crash" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jkkx0FNJrk4 from them. Victoria 24, Alabama 21.
Golden Hill (0-8) v Mekong (0-8) These two teams will be in AAA next season and it can't be soon enough. "How Soon is Now" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5HpeA_WSo for relegation? Golden Hill 17, Mekong 16.
garuda
Tet (8-0) v TKW (7-1) TKW has really exceeded expectations this season in their return to the Pros with what looked initially like a greasefire for a roster and they are possibly the "Greatest of All Time" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyClXNRK__k SEA franchise, but I'd still vote ESL. Tet meanwhile has "Put It On" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g8PKhSVYMo everyone they've played in a big way. I think Tet is just too strong for everyone this season. Tet 65, TKW 20.
Buffalo (8-0) v Flint (1-7) The new kids from Flint are taking it on the chin a little against their new Pro competition but they are showing some fight still. Meanwhile, you really have to respect the Buffalo crew for staying in the "Airscape" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAfPL5WPx08 of garuda for several seasons now and they've done it again in what I thought might be a down season. I don't really foresee a "Teenage Riot" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdeTQPgh9SE with Flint pulling an upset here. Buffalo 56, Flint 13.
Lucid (7-1) v Shiroyama (1-7) When you "Add it Up" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHapDS2fcFE, it's usually not a good thing when teams with mirror records collide at this point in this season. This will probably go down as the "Blankest Year" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXRLUeVXpMA in Samurai history. Lucid 75, Shiroyama 10.
Bangalore (5-3) v Dummies (3-5) Bangalore is having a down season by their standards but still a definitive playoff team, where they could potentially do some damage and "There You Are" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojMgn8UwUAQ The Dummies meanwhile need an upset or two along the way just to make the big show and winning this one would go a long way toward that for them while a loss likely leaves them "Out of Step" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyRHXh96Ld8 in the race. That loss to Alabama will haunt them all season. Is Naga really that much better overall? Yes. Bangalore 38, Dummies 17.
Munich (5-3) v Empire (4-4) This is a big game in the scope of the playoff race and their is "Little Room" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OqveSybH0A for error. Munich probably make it regardless but they'd love to avoid Tet first round. Wouldn't we all? Empire may need this win later on if the Dummies or someone else makes a run. This one is a tossup and difficult to call. I guess what I'm "Trying to Tell You I Don't Know" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kANqFhBUX30 Empire 30, Munich 27.
Singapore (5-3) v Johor (0-8) The Canes are looking very strong this season and they have a bye week this time out. The "Burning Streets" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB6U0eeqiHM of Johor burn a little brighter this time out. I imagine the Singapore starters will have some extra time during the game to check their "PDA"s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw97oth25Vg for new messages. Singapore 125, Johor 3.
Sweatshop (2-6) v Hoses (1-7) The Sweatshop is having the worst season I can recall for them and it won't be over any time "Soon" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvkK0mO7fXg The Hoses are finding their new Pro assignment very difficult and their class on "Distance Equals Rate Times Time" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83QkB81VLZQ seems particularly troubling as their rate is slow and they're running out of time. Sweatshop 28, Hoses 21.
Hell's (2-6) v Mania (2-6) Unbelievably, the winner of this game might be just one game out of the playoff race at the end of the week but they'll have to "Give it All" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhldbymXK-8 they've got to make it happen. I think either "Outfit" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyJ9JfWbKLE has a shot and this is really a pickem kind of game but I wouldn't be surprised of Manila's experience allows them to go on a run of some kind. Manila 33, Hell's 26.
Current Record: 58-6
Now back from vacation and (mostly) caught up at work. Time for the Indie Rock edition, spanning the decades from Bob Marley to the White Stripes.
Naga
Saigon (8-0) v Tibet (8-0) We are about to be down to exactly one undefeated team in Naga. Saigon has been hearing "The Swish" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-0fb-DhYh0 of win after win as expected, while Tibet has looked very good but has been challenged, including a narrow escape versus HKH. Last season Saigon won a fairly close 40-27 decision. There are a small handful of teams that have a shot to launch a "Rebellion" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNfWC4Sgkcs against Saigon including Tet but all of them would need the perfect storm to do it. You don't see a lot of perfect storms though. Saigon 56, Tibet 30.
The Blue (7-1) v Phuket (2-6) The Blue has finally realized the potential that has been brewing in the "Freak Scene" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ2FS53ySgU of their home distillery for many seasons now. Phuket will collect the "Broken Pieces" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScR--QjoxRA of this season and be back here next season when they will compete but they don't quite have the horses right now. The Blue 62, Phuket 10.
Semarang (6-2) v SLS (5-3) Semarang is, not surprisingly, competing at a high level in their first Pro season and sprinting like a "Roadrunner" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDJShMk-r88 though their schedule. SLS is also looking strong but got a bit of a wake-up call last week from PDP and they've probably "Got Apprehension" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Iue8ZucDVc about some things now. The main question with Semarang is when does the age catch up to them? Probably not quite yet. Semarang 42, SLS 30.
PDP (6-2) v PDM (6-2) The longest standing rivalry in Naga ignites again this week in what should be a fun game like always. PDP is picking up a lot of steam and their offense has been rolling like a "Cannonball" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AsId-qVIb4 lately. PDM also seems to be improving week to week led by "I Am A Scientist" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN9x6zckn18 of offense, Boomy. I hate to even pick this game, so in an unprecedented move: PDP 40, PDM 40.
Assassins (4-4) v HKH (3-5) It is only mid-season still but this could turn out to be a pivotal game for the last couple of playoff spots in Naga. Both teams think they have what it takes to make the big dance but likely only one of them actually will while the losers spends some quality time with the "Whiskey Bottle" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICrur9dMoiA in the off-season. It's no "Holiday in Cambodia" for HKH http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KTsXHXMkJA I think although it's a pretty even matchup. Assassins 30, HKH 27.
Bacolod (4-4) v CMM (4-4) Much like the game above, this is a very important mid-season game for playoff potential. I have to think all of the current top 7 will be in, though not necessarily in that order, which would leave only one open spot for the next group of teams. Last season Bacolod won a 48-29 shootout affair. "I Believe" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foSC0rujhwQ this will be another close high scoring game and it's a little "Unfair" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GqGNmcjWDY Naga is such a bitch again this season. CMM 33, Bacolod 30.
Victoria (3-5) v Alabama (1-7) Alabama looked very good week 1 and really haven't been heard from since then in a story of "Look So Fine Feel so Low" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZhHu1nSPmY at various points. Victoria meanwhile started out slow but they've beaten who they should beat and I don't expect a total "Crash" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jkkx0FNJrk4 from them. Victoria 24, Alabama 21.
Golden Hill (0-8) v Mekong (0-8) These two teams will be in AAA next season and it can't be soon enough. "How Soon is Now" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5HpeA_WSo for relegation? Golden Hill 17, Mekong 16.
garuda
Tet (8-0) v TKW (7-1) TKW has really exceeded expectations this season in their return to the Pros with what looked initially like a greasefire for a roster and they are possibly the "Greatest of All Time" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyClXNRK__k SEA franchise, but I'd still vote ESL. Tet meanwhile has "Put It On" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g8PKhSVYMo everyone they've played in a big way. I think Tet is just too strong for everyone this season. Tet 65, TKW 20.
Buffalo (8-0) v Flint (1-7) The new kids from Flint are taking it on the chin a little against their new Pro competition but they are showing some fight still. Meanwhile, you really have to respect the Buffalo crew for staying in the "Airscape" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAfPL5WPx08 of garuda for several seasons now and they've done it again in what I thought might be a down season. I don't really foresee a "Teenage Riot" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdeTQPgh9SE with Flint pulling an upset here. Buffalo 56, Flint 13.
Lucid (7-1) v Shiroyama (1-7) When you "Add it Up" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHapDS2fcFE, it's usually not a good thing when teams with mirror records collide at this point in this season. This will probably go down as the "Blankest Year" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXRLUeVXpMA in Samurai history. Lucid 75, Shiroyama 10.
Bangalore (5-3) v Dummies (3-5) Bangalore is having a down season by their standards but still a definitive playoff team, where they could potentially do some damage and "There You Are" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojMgn8UwUAQ The Dummies meanwhile need an upset or two along the way just to make the big show and winning this one would go a long way toward that for them while a loss likely leaves them "Out of Step" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyRHXh96Ld8 in the race. That loss to Alabama will haunt them all season. Is Naga really that much better overall? Yes. Bangalore 38, Dummies 17.
Munich (5-3) v Empire (4-4) This is a big game in the scope of the playoff race and their is "Little Room" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OqveSybH0A for error. Munich probably make it regardless but they'd love to avoid Tet first round. Wouldn't we all? Empire may need this win later on if the Dummies or someone else makes a run. This one is a tossup and difficult to call. I guess what I'm "Trying to Tell You I Don't Know" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kANqFhBUX30 Empire 30, Munich 27.
Singapore (5-3) v Johor (0-8) The Canes are looking very strong this season and they have a bye week this time out. The "Burning Streets" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB6U0eeqiHM of Johor burn a little brighter this time out. I imagine the Singapore starters will have some extra time during the game to check their "PDA"s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw97oth25Vg for new messages. Singapore 125, Johor 3.
Sweatshop (2-6) v Hoses (1-7) The Sweatshop is having the worst season I can recall for them and it won't be over any time "Soon" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvkK0mO7fXg The Hoses are finding their new Pro assignment very difficult and their class on "Distance Equals Rate Times Time" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83QkB81VLZQ seems particularly troubling as their rate is slow and they're running out of time. Sweatshop 28, Hoses 21.
Hell's (2-6) v Mania (2-6) Unbelievably, the winner of this game might be just one game out of the playoff race at the end of the week but they'll have to "Give it All" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhldbymXK-8 they've got to make it happen. I think either "Outfit" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyJ9JfWbKLE has a shot and this is really a pickem kind of game but I wouldn't be surprised of Manila's experience allows them to go on a run of some kind. Manila 33, Hell's 26.
