TEN GAME REVIEW: 2018

[Trivia Bytes]

TB is pleased to present its fifth edition of its "Ten Game Review". The reporting staff is hard at work to get this publication to press. Currently, the editor-in-chief has established a release date for this coming Tuesday. Look for it on this thread and subsequent issues each week until the end of the season.

:scratchhead: All of you know should be familiar with the drill from the past: TB has taken a liking to this particular junction in the season (after week 11 is completed), a point in time when the bye weeks are kaput and each team has played a full ten games.

At this juncture of the season ... the playing conditions are the same for each team’s GM for the remainder of the season:
:arrow: You have ten games are under your belt and there remains only six games to help determine your destiny in the playoffs.

:arrow: You have played four of your six division games, so there is not too much wiggle room in that category.

:arrow: Trading has long past you by and you are stuck with what you currently have because there is absolutely nothing, and we repeat, zero, in the FA pool.

:arrow: There are no more bye weeks to heal an injury or two.

As we turn the corner, we can see the playoff promise land in the distance. Yes, all GM's can finally visualize the finish line in the distance (granted some have a better view than others). The plan will be simple ... nut up for the privilege to make a statement in the playoffs. With a six game schedule, a team can get hot. On the other hand, a team can cool down and let another pass it up on the rail.

To be continued …

[Matt]

YES!!!

TB returns with the 2018 edition. I love myself TB. Best insight into the IFL

[JesterBlaze]

:suicanesmunchies:

[dthompso8]

excellent news... looking forward to it already

[CyYoung]

Sweet, can't wait to see it.

[Matt]

no pressure TB!!
been looking at this thread/league news for the article. tee hee.
i love it

[Trivia Bytes]

Already written ... transferring from Word to site now, but need to add the pretty touches.

Will publish AC first and then NC, both tonight!

[Trivia Bytes]

TEN WEEK REVIEW: 2018

American Conference Observations:

A Good Surprise: Throughout its franchise history Fresno has had several name changes (including location) and corresponding mascots and yes even GMs, but one thing that has eluded this franchise is to participate in the post season party called the playoffs. Well, not only is Fresno the only team that has not made the playoffs in the AC, it is the lone ranger in the entire IFL ... but after ten weeks they lead their division that has been dominated by Anchorage and Portland. TB wishes them and their GM the best of luck to accomplish this feat this season.


Biggest Controversy: So far this season, there have not been any postings of cartoons featuring "Wile-E- Coyote” :behindsofa: by the beloved GM from Montreal, nor has a statement been issued by the franchise’s front office.


:shithappens: A Death Spiral: Ukpatfan had to watch some grueling football last Sunday as he saw his American team lose to the NY Jets …and now he has to read about winning this shitty award. Sorry, ukpatfan. Wichita has a record of 1-9 this year and the Outlaws’ only win was against a Little Rock team in the second week of the season when Little Rock’s lineup wasn’t being adjusted by the commish. Ukpatfan is in his third season in the IFL and currently sports a GM win-loss record of 12-30 (ouch). But don’t count this Brit out just quite yet. His first round #1 pick of QB Danny Ouellette seems to be the real deal as a franchise QB. UK also has a plethora of picks stockpiled for this year’s draft. A slow build? Perhaps …but the once proud franchise and it strong fan base are more of the mind of “what have you done for me lately?”


:shoot: Most Dangerous Team: Norfolk seems to have reclaimed its storied stature in the AC. They lead the conference in W-L margin, have already beaten the defending champs Pennsylvania and seem to have resources to come up with the big play on both sides of the ball. After ten games, the Vipers look to be a scary team that has a GM who likes to mix it up with the best of them.


The Dark Horse Team: West Virginia’s front office takes a backseat to no one. The Beasts have only lost 2 games. Both were to Norfolk, and if there was money being placed on a game between these two arch rivals tomorrow, bets would probably be evenly split. You can never count out the front office of the Beasts which have the well deserved reputation to get 110% from every member of the squad.


:?: Projected wins needed to reach the playoffs as a wild card: 10 We believe that a team should feel comfortable to gain a berth in a wild card game with ten wins.


Most exciting divisions:
AC-WEST - There is no clear cut favorite to win the AC West. YES, ALL TEAMS have a legitimate claim for the crown. As stated earlier, Fresno is currently leading with a record of 6-4. Anchorage, Portland and Los Angeles all have records of 5-5. None of the teams can be considered on fire at this time so if one can find a match, it might be able to walk right into the playoffs!

AC-NORTH This division boasts to have three equally talented teams of quality playoff material. Unfortunately, all three will not get into the playoffs … so, it will be very interesting to see how Montreal, Iowa City and Cleveland play it out in these final six weeks. Montreal has a one game lead but will need to get by the likes of Norfolk, giant killer Little Rock, Tulsa, and division foe Cleveland. Iowa City has it a little easier task but is one game behind: Tulsa, giant killer Little Rock and Cleveland. Cleveland seems to have the best set up with the simple task of just shutting down your competition in the division: Montreal and Iowa City. They also play giant killer Little Rock. Little Rock, of all teams may be the spoiler in this card game!


Teams out of the hunt: This is our least favorite thread in this review but we call them like we see them. The black list includes: Wichita, Houston, St. Louis & Louisiana. We also have to add Hartford & Chicago (both are good teams) because they reside in the same division as Norfolk (9-1) and West Virginia (8-2).


Locks for a playoff spot: Norfolk, West Virginia, Murfreesboro. This leaves seven teams vying for the remaining three slots – Montreal, Cleveland, Iowa City, Fresno, Anchorage, Portland, and Los Angeles. More commentary on the developments as the season progresses. A new report will be issued each week to the end of the regular season.


THE INFAMOUS TB PREDICTION (barring any critical injuries):

:arrow: AC North Champion - Cleveland

:arrow: AC South Champion – Murfreesboro

:arrow: AC East Champion - Norfolk

:arrow: AC West Champion - Fresno

:arrow: Wild Card – West Virginia

:arrow: Wild Card – Montreal




National Conference Observations next:

[Trivia Bytes]

National Conference will be slightly delayed. Staff is in intense discussions relative to a trade in my baseball league. sorry, TB

[Kobeck]

Sperg is probable - just sayin'

Went down like the 3rd play of preseason. Not like Schwartz could find McElroy when he was a Warthog, but I think Albert to 'Ice' could have an impact during the final month.

[Trivia Bytes]

TEN WEEK REVIEW: 2018


National Conference Observations:


A Good Surprise: Since the inception of the IFL, the NC has always had a chip on its shoulder as being the better conference. The NC conference has won the Imperial Bowl 9 of the 15 times in its history. Naysayers from the other conference point to the three teams that are currently 1-9 in the NC. But ... these are the facts when looking at this year’s stats: the top five rated Quarterbacks are in the NC; four of the top five rated Receivers are in the NC; four of the top five rated Running Backs are in the NC; and the best surprise of all – Lawrence's front office officials announced that construction of the new “Broke as Fuck Field” remains on schedule despite multiple labor strikes. It seems that a dojo crew from Arizona has broken the strike lines to keep things moving right along. The new stadium is scheduled to be completed for season 2021.


Biggest Controversy: “Cringer, Cringer …. Where art thou?” There has been lots of discussion around the Little Rock franchise and its absent owner-GM. The team made no roster moves in the first three weeks (lost three games in the process) and then the commish, in week four, actively and appropriately reset the roster -- all at the request of Lawrence’s stand-up GM, Jester. The Phantoms lost that week to the Toads. Starting with this game, Little Rock has posted a 5-2 record and have beaten the likes of Lawrence (7-3), Tulsa (7-3), Newark (6-4), Georgia (5-5) and Orlando (4-6). They are now known as the Giant Killers, and for good reason.
A short editorial comment from the managing editor of TB: I was recruited by Cringer to join his league and it is very difficult to read comments about finding a new GM for the Toads. I have not had an issue with the Toads being on auto until Cringer calls its quits with the team (which in his defense I think he has done on several occasions). The commishes have not accepted those resignations and I for one applaud those actions. But there comes a time when such noble actions may effect the fair play within the league. This is the only team in my recollection that has ever been put on auto for a full season … which is quite a tribute to the league’s stature and reputation to maintain its membership. This year, we have found out that Little Rock’s performance has made a difference and if the first three weeks were simmed like the last seven, who knows, Little Rock may have had the best record in the NC. I hope that Cringer does come back full time and I am confident that Cringer will give a definitive or a . If a , it is time to accept it. Until that time, let the commishes and Cringer come to that decision without whoop-lah. The founder of this league deserves no less.


:shithappens: A Death Spiral - In 2011 (playoffs- division round); in 2012 (playoffs – Imperial Bowl champs); in 2013 (playoffs- wildcard); in 2014 (lost in the Imperial Bowl; 2015 (missed playoffs); in 2016 (wild card); in2017 (playoffs – division round). Speed up to present day: 2018 record is (1-9)? The front office of Texas is scratching their heads, their butts, their nuts … hey if it will help, do it man or maybe just . Only win was against Little Rock and the future does not look promising as the game rates the roster as only ninth (that’s counting from the worst towards the best).


:shoot: Most Dangerous Team: 0r should we say, “most dangerous man”. Mr. Hamilton has a 007 "license to kill", and he alone makes the Pennsylvania Lions the most feared team in the NC. Can they repeat? So far, the Lions have had two prime time games, a loss to Norfolk but a win versus Tulsa. Some say they will have to prove thay they are the team of last year when they meet Newark and West Virginia. We already are believers.


The Dark Horse Team: There is so many teams to pick from. There is Lawrence and Tulsa at (7-3), and then there are all the teams at (6-4): Madison, Newark, Salt Lake City, Oakland, & Vancouver. Oakland’s Horace Donavan went down in week 3 and is scheduled to be healthy for the first week of the playoffs … except he was put on the IR list. If he would have been available, Oakland and Geoff Wilson would have nudged out as our eventual selection. So we looked further and it finally boiled down to three teams: Lawrence, Tulsa and Newark. Some great GM’s on all teams. Proven track records too boot. So instead of flipping a coin, we leaned to the hottest team at this juncture. Tulsa has lost two of their last three; Lawrence has lost two of their last four, and Newark has won four of their last four. Beware:the GM of Newark who has always featured an elite running attack has finally aligned the "stars" so that his QB (now leading the league with a 128.0 QB rating) has a passing attack as lethal as the run. Astronomers just might name that star configuration the Jamison-Burger Constellation.


:?: Projected wins needed to reach the playoffs as a wild card: 10 Any team with 10 wins should have a lock for a playoff berth.


Most exciting division: NC WEST[/b] – the three teams tied with 6-4 records (Oakland, Salt Lake City, Vancouver)will provide a lot of entertainment. BUT ... :scratchhead:you can run the statistics every way from here to Sunday and you will not find anything that points you to a favorite. Never-the-less, this will be a dogfight. The only meaningful thing that we will point out is: Vancouver managed to upset Mr. Hamilton.


Teams out of the hunt: Don't kill the messenger. Dakota, Lansing, Texas, Orlando, Reno.


Locks for a playoff spot: Pennsylvania & Tulsa. This leaves nine teams still in the hunt for a playoff berth. Lawrence is 7-3; five of the teams are now 6-4, Madison, Newark, Salt Lake City, Oakland, & Vancouver; and the remaining three are 5-5: Little Rock, Georgia, and Vermont. Lawrence is odds on favorite to win their division and a playoff berth in that they own the easiest remaining schedule. The remaining eight's Strength of Schedule are (listed in order of weakest schedule to hardest schedule): Georgia, Little Rock, Salt Lake City, Vermont, Vancouver, Madison, Newark, Oakland


THE INFAMOUS TB PREDICTION (barring any critical injuries):

:arrow: NC North Champion - Pennsylvania

:arrow: NC South Champion – Tulsa

:arrow: AC East Champion - Lawrence

:arrow: AC West Champion - Vancouver

:arrow: Wild Card – Newark

:arrow: Wild Card – Oakland

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:thewave:
Circle these on your calendar : Prime time games that most likely will impact a First Week Bye.

Montreal at Norfolk (week 13)
Pennsylvania at Newark (week 13)

Tulsa at Iowa City (week 14)

Newark at Lawrence (week 15)
Montreal at Clevelandweek 15)

Newark at Murfreesboro (week 16)
Pennsylvania at West Virginia (week 16)
Tulsa at Montreal (week 16)

Iowa City at Cleveland (week 17)

[Matt]

wow!!!

just awesome insight. this, as always, is amazing.
Hard to argue with what TB has layed out here. I couldn't agree more with his take on both the AC and the NC landscape. I think there's 2 teams that are elitish thus far....Norfolk and Pennsylvania. I think just below them by a hair is both Tulsa and Lawrence. You could likely throw in WV in there too.

Big ups to Kobeck and Schwartz. I'm not sure if kobeck has actually been in an IFL playoff game or not. THis could be both Fresno's and Kobeck's first taste at the playoffs. Much respect what he's accomplished in Murfreesboro and now in Fresno. Kobeck built those Mules that have been winning.

As I look at my schedule, I thought the beginning of hte year was going to be the hard part. It looks like the end of the schedule is going to be taxing as well for the Bulldogs.

I've got my fingers crossed.

[Kobeck]

I would have too look it up but I GMed the Mules to the AFCC at least once, but I was not there when they went bowling. Still think the best Mule team was the one that finally got healthy at the end of the season, but missed the POs by half a game .... still think that would have been the year.

Fresno has had it rough. I think HA had a fluke year with like 10 wins. It has been so bad that the Warthogs 7-8-1 in 2017 was the 3rd best record ever for the Franchise - lol. On the plus side Fresno has rarely been the worst team. I will say this though when I took over for HA the D was a mess, there were good players but the mix was not working. Its hard to get rid of good players but there is no sense going forward with guys that are not your type of guys.

Oh and other than a handful of skill players Murfreesboro has basically turned over since I left so props to dthompso8 for a job well done

[tarcone]

I wouldnt say we are locks for the playoffs. We have no defense. And our schedule is brutal down the stretch: WIC, OAK, @IC, @ GEO, @MTL, LRK.

Yikes

[JesterBlaze]

The great TB delivers again!!