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Welcome IFL fans to a weekly breakdown of the leagues top matchups.
First...Anchorage Lynx at Albuquerque Matadors
One of the leagues recent building rivalries meets for the first time this season in a game that will have a big impact on who wins the AC West this season. Both are 4-1 heading into this game with the Matadors winning their last two on the road and the Lynx losing to a physical Houston team.
Many experts have the AC runner up Lynx chosen to avenge last season's division race and head deep into the playoffs. This will be a big test for them. Despite their 4-1 record, every team Anchorage has played thus far has a losing record. Injuries have taken their toll on the Lynx as well as 3 starters have already been placed on Injured Reserve this season.
Offensively, the Lynx have looked pretty tame. They're ranked 14th overall in both rushing and passing. QB Leslie Steiner has started slow this year throwing for an average of 203 yards a game and hasn't thrown a touchdown in his last three games. RB Isaac Campbell's replacement, Chad Richardson, hasn't fared much better. He was held under 60 yards in his last two starts and hasn't shaken the inconsistency that got him run out of Wichita. The Lynx have been winning thanks to their smothering pass defense. Ranked 2nd in the league, the secondary of the Lynx features former Pro-Bowlers SS Dorsey Rockett and CB Kenneth Jones. All 4 starters are Pro-Bowl caliber starters and any team falling behind early against the Lynx finds it nearly impossible to come back.
The Matadors look strong with their only loss coming due to a last minute comeback from the Cleveland Clawz. However, this same Lynx team beat the Matadors last season in the regular season as well as the playoffs last year. Despite being the better team on paper, the Matadors always seem to struggle against the Lynx as the Lynx lead the series between these teams 7-2. With the Pro Bowl-like season Kelly Wheat is having thus far though, it looks like the Matadors defintely won't go down easy.
On offense the Matadors live and die by the arm of David Humphrey. Humphrey came into his own last season, shattering all his previous career highs in yardage, completion percentage, and touchdowns. He's on pace this season to equal or beat those same records this season. On the ground RB Kelly Wheat is having a career year and is leading the league in scoring. Bulldozer tackle tandem Miles Perkins and Rickey McCloskey are tearing opposing lines apart and C Luke Ford and G Brian Pihos are making cases for Pro-Bowl votes with their recent emergence this season. On defense the Matadors have been average at best, but stepped it up big in their last two games. Whether they can keep Steiner and Richardson down remains to be seen.
Both teams head into their bye week following this game. Expect a hard fought battle with everything left on the field.
And 10. Vermont Mountaineers at Dakota Spirit
Vermont is the hottest offense in the league and Dakota has one of the hottest defenses in the league. It'll be interesting to see which of those takes over this game. There's a good chance that this game will come down to the opposite matchup of Dakota's offense against the Vermont defense. Dakota QB Rocco Hooten has been less than spectacular lately but he's been boosted by RB Sheldon Carmack's 217 yards in the last two games. Vermont's loss of leading WR Max Brown is going to hurt, especially against Dakota's stellar secondary, but Vermont still has enough weapons to keep them on their toes.
9. Texas Hell Riders at Oakland Assassins
Oh how the mighty have fallen. The Oakland Assassins, last year's Imperial Bowl runner up, have limped out the gate since the start of the season. A new ownership group has assumed command of the team this week and some changes may be coming soon that could jolt this team back to success, or leave it dropping further into the depths. Meanwhile Texas has done just the opposite. Picked by many to finish last in their division, they instead lead the division after 5 weeks. Both teams are heading in opposite directions, but an Oakland win could reverse the course of both teams quite easily.
8. Little Rock Toads at Vancouver Killer Whales
Vancouver is working towards their 3rd straight win in this game after turning around from an 0-3 start. Also looking for a 3rd straight win is the Little Rock Toads who've won their last two games thanks to last second heroics in the final two minutes in both. Vancouver QB Dennis Colella returns despite his backup, QB Danny Donaldson, winning both of Vancouver's games in his absence. It will be interesting to see if Colella has any lingering effects from his injury that might impair his performance. If so, it's doubtful Vancouver would pull him despite Donaldson's success.
7. Newark Bulldogs at Madison Demons
The league's #2 rushing attack collides with the league's #1 rushing defense. Newark's gameplan is all about feeding RB Alan Crespo and little makes them deviate from that plan as evidenced by only 12 pass attempts last week. He may have trouble this week finding holes against a staunch Demon front 7 led by LB Jay March and DE Joe Otey. Madison's front 7 has frustrated runners all season as the demons have allowed no RB to surpass 60 yards this season including holding RB Bucky Beaver to only 41 yards. If Crespo can't get it done it's hard to see Newark's newly acquired QB Rueben Sante taking over.
6. Hartford Grizzlies at Iowa City Snipe Hunters
Iowa City looks to surpass last year's win total with a victory at home against an anemic Hartford offense. The Snipe Hunters sport the best scoring defense in the league whereas the Grizzlies are in the bottom 3rd in terms of scoring. The other key factor in this matchup is turnover ratios. Iowa City leads the league in turnover ratio whereas Hartford is tied for 2nd worst in the leaque. Hartford's defense has to make some big plays to give the Grizzlies the chance at the upset.
5. Columbia Fire at Salt Lake City Stallions
Both of these teams were expected to compete for their division titles and both are in last place in their respective divisions. Salt Lake City has lost two straight heartbreakers in the last 30 seconds as their defense can't seem to find ways to finish teams off. Columbia has had their share of bad luck at the end of games as well, losing two because they couldn't convert and extra point or two point conversion when they scored the touchdown they needed. If this game comes down to a final possession, it will be interesting to see which team's luck changes.
4. Boston Dragons at Montreal Firebirds
Boston's defense is like a sieve when it comes to points, but with Montreal coming off a shutout loss, Boston may be able to better their season best defensive effort of 23 points. Gone is Rueben Sante and now Boston relies on the arm of the unknown Jerald Burdette, making only his 2nd career start. Burdette looked sharp in a loss to Hartford last week, but he can't overcome an opposing team scoring 28+ points. If Boston's defense can hold Montreal in check, the Dragons have a good chance of pulling this one off.
3. Murfreesboro Mules at Portland Seals
The Mules are favored on the road against a Seal team that is struggling to find its niche on offense. Murfreesboro's future depends on it's last two top draft picks, QB Otis Peterson and RB Scott Fortune. If either one gets hot, the Mules have a chance in any game based on thier talent. They may struggle against an above average Seal defense though and if they don't get clicking early, the Seals may have enough opportunities to make something happen. The Mules can't afford to lose a time of possession battle here and will look to their young talent to lead them.
2. Orlando Pirates at Lansing Ogres
Lansing lost star QB Todd Terrell early in the season and since then have plumetted to the depths of their division. However, their offense has scored 101 points in their last 3 games and could be poised for a turnaround. Orlando has been playing teams tough, but struggle against teams with a good rushing attack as they were literally run over by Newark's Alan Crespo last week. If Lansing RB Chris 'Spider' Webb gets hot, look for the Ogres to win big over the Pirates.
1. St. Louis Cardinals at Houston Renegades
The story of this game is the return of QB Mark McMurray as he takes on Houston's newly acquired Gerald Sanders. Sanders looked sharp last week in a win over Anchorage and he gives Houston a passing attack they haven't had in years. With McMurray back, look for the Cardinal passing attack to take off. Whichever pass defense plays the strongest will most likely determine the outcome of this matchup.
First...Anchorage Lynx at Albuquerque Matadors
One of the leagues recent building rivalries meets for the first time this season in a game that will have a big impact on who wins the AC West this season. Both are 4-1 heading into this game with the Matadors winning their last two on the road and the Lynx losing to a physical Houston team.
Many experts have the AC runner up Lynx chosen to avenge last season's division race and head deep into the playoffs. This will be a big test for them. Despite their 4-1 record, every team Anchorage has played thus far has a losing record. Injuries have taken their toll on the Lynx as well as 3 starters have already been placed on Injured Reserve this season.
Offensively, the Lynx have looked pretty tame. They're ranked 14th overall in both rushing and passing. QB Leslie Steiner has started slow this year throwing for an average of 203 yards a game and hasn't thrown a touchdown in his last three games. RB Isaac Campbell's replacement, Chad Richardson, hasn't fared much better. He was held under 60 yards in his last two starts and hasn't shaken the inconsistency that got him run out of Wichita. The Lynx have been winning thanks to their smothering pass defense. Ranked 2nd in the league, the secondary of the Lynx features former Pro-Bowlers SS Dorsey Rockett and CB Kenneth Jones. All 4 starters are Pro-Bowl caliber starters and any team falling behind early against the Lynx finds it nearly impossible to come back.
The Matadors look strong with their only loss coming due to a last minute comeback from the Cleveland Clawz. However, this same Lynx team beat the Matadors last season in the regular season as well as the playoffs last year. Despite being the better team on paper, the Matadors always seem to struggle against the Lynx as the Lynx lead the series between these teams 7-2. With the Pro Bowl-like season Kelly Wheat is having thus far though, it looks like the Matadors defintely won't go down easy.
On offense the Matadors live and die by the arm of David Humphrey. Humphrey came into his own last season, shattering all his previous career highs in yardage, completion percentage, and touchdowns. He's on pace this season to equal or beat those same records this season. On the ground RB Kelly Wheat is having a career year and is leading the league in scoring. Bulldozer tackle tandem Miles Perkins and Rickey McCloskey are tearing opposing lines apart and C Luke Ford and G Brian Pihos are making cases for Pro-Bowl votes with their recent emergence this season. On defense the Matadors have been average at best, but stepped it up big in their last two games. Whether they can keep Steiner and Richardson down remains to be seen.
Both teams head into their bye week following this game. Expect a hard fought battle with everything left on the field.
And 10. Vermont Mountaineers at Dakota Spirit
Vermont is the hottest offense in the league and Dakota has one of the hottest defenses in the league. It'll be interesting to see which of those takes over this game. There's a good chance that this game will come down to the opposite matchup of Dakota's offense against the Vermont defense. Dakota QB Rocco Hooten has been less than spectacular lately but he's been boosted by RB Sheldon Carmack's 217 yards in the last two games. Vermont's loss of leading WR Max Brown is going to hurt, especially against Dakota's stellar secondary, but Vermont still has enough weapons to keep them on their toes.
9. Texas Hell Riders at Oakland Assassins
Oh how the mighty have fallen. The Oakland Assassins, last year's Imperial Bowl runner up, have limped out the gate since the start of the season. A new ownership group has assumed command of the team this week and some changes may be coming soon that could jolt this team back to success, or leave it dropping further into the depths. Meanwhile Texas has done just the opposite. Picked by many to finish last in their division, they instead lead the division after 5 weeks. Both teams are heading in opposite directions, but an Oakland win could reverse the course of both teams quite easily.
8. Little Rock Toads at Vancouver Killer Whales
Vancouver is working towards their 3rd straight win in this game after turning around from an 0-3 start. Also looking for a 3rd straight win is the Little Rock Toads who've won their last two games thanks to last second heroics in the final two minutes in both. Vancouver QB Dennis Colella returns despite his backup, QB Danny Donaldson, winning both of Vancouver's games in his absence. It will be interesting to see if Colella has any lingering effects from his injury that might impair his performance. If so, it's doubtful Vancouver would pull him despite Donaldson's success.
7. Newark Bulldogs at Madison Demons
The league's #2 rushing attack collides with the league's #1 rushing defense. Newark's gameplan is all about feeding RB Alan Crespo and little makes them deviate from that plan as evidenced by only 12 pass attempts last week. He may have trouble this week finding holes against a staunch Demon front 7 led by LB Jay March and DE Joe Otey. Madison's front 7 has frustrated runners all season as the demons have allowed no RB to surpass 60 yards this season including holding RB Bucky Beaver to only 41 yards. If Crespo can't get it done it's hard to see Newark's newly acquired QB Rueben Sante taking over.
6. Hartford Grizzlies at Iowa City Snipe Hunters
Iowa City looks to surpass last year's win total with a victory at home against an anemic Hartford offense. The Snipe Hunters sport the best scoring defense in the league whereas the Grizzlies are in the bottom 3rd in terms of scoring. The other key factor in this matchup is turnover ratios. Iowa City leads the league in turnover ratio whereas Hartford is tied for 2nd worst in the leaque. Hartford's defense has to make some big plays to give the Grizzlies the chance at the upset.
5. Columbia Fire at Salt Lake City Stallions
Both of these teams were expected to compete for their division titles and both are in last place in their respective divisions. Salt Lake City has lost two straight heartbreakers in the last 30 seconds as their defense can't seem to find ways to finish teams off. Columbia has had their share of bad luck at the end of games as well, losing two because they couldn't convert and extra point or two point conversion when they scored the touchdown they needed. If this game comes down to a final possession, it will be interesting to see which team's luck changes.
4. Boston Dragons at Montreal Firebirds
Boston's defense is like a sieve when it comes to points, but with Montreal coming off a shutout loss, Boston may be able to better their season best defensive effort of 23 points. Gone is Rueben Sante and now Boston relies on the arm of the unknown Jerald Burdette, making only his 2nd career start. Burdette looked sharp in a loss to Hartford last week, but he can't overcome an opposing team scoring 28+ points. If Boston's defense can hold Montreal in check, the Dragons have a good chance of pulling this one off.
3. Murfreesboro Mules at Portland Seals
The Mules are favored on the road against a Seal team that is struggling to find its niche on offense. Murfreesboro's future depends on it's last two top draft picks, QB Otis Peterson and RB Scott Fortune. If either one gets hot, the Mules have a chance in any game based on thier talent. They may struggle against an above average Seal defense though and if they don't get clicking early, the Seals may have enough opportunities to make something happen. The Mules can't afford to lose a time of possession battle here and will look to their young talent to lead them.
2. Orlando Pirates at Lansing Ogres
Lansing lost star QB Todd Terrell early in the season and since then have plumetted to the depths of their division. However, their offense has scored 101 points in their last 3 games and could be poised for a turnaround. Orlando has been playing teams tough, but struggle against teams with a good rushing attack as they were literally run over by Newark's Alan Crespo last week. If Lansing RB Chris 'Spider' Webb gets hot, look for the Ogres to win big over the Pirates.
1. St. Louis Cardinals at Houston Renegades
The story of this game is the return of QB Mark McMurray as he takes on Houston's newly acquired Gerald Sanders. Sanders looked sharp last week in a win over Anchorage and he gives Houston a passing attack they haven't had in years. With McMurray back, look for the Cardinal passing attack to take off. Whichever pass defense plays the strongest will most likely determine the outcome of this matchup.
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