S2 - Ultimus Week

[Bwestfield]

Playoff Predictions: Give a short write up on each of the playoff matches (including the championship game). Must be completed before the simulation of the Conference Finals

The first game is between the Yellowknife Wraiths and the Baltimore Hawks. Ever since the outing of Baltimore's rookie star TE for using performance enhancing drugs, the Hawks have been on a bit of a slide. Now numerous tests have shown that it didn't really impact the game, but we will never know will we. On the Wraiths side of the ball they have been looking in the opposite direction... up. They were able to win the last 4 of 6 only losing to both the Otters and Outlaws (we'll hit them up next).
Prediction: Wraiths 20 Hawks 12

Up next we have the Arizona Outlaws and Orange County Otters. The Outlaws only losing 2 games this year and neither of them to the Otters. The Outlaws have home field advantage and are walking in pretty strong. The Otters are on a hot streak as of late. Their last two losses only coming within one score for the tie or win.
Prediction Otters 28 Outlaws 24

The Ultimus Cup (as I see it) will be between the Wraiths and Otters, two teams that have really turned it up here at the end. Only one team can win it all. For me that team must be the Otters. Now you may say that I'm playing favorites and you would be right. Although at the same time the ASFC looks much stronger than the NSFC right now. This will be a good match but ultimately the Otters will take the cup.
Prediction Wraiths 13 Otters 34

Bottom Half: Write about why two of the four teams were not able to make the playoffs. Can be completed at any point

Honestly how can you not write about the Philadelphia Liberty and the Las Vegas Legion in this article. These teams were not bound for the playoffs at anytime this year. I'm not saying they are bad teams or poorly managed. But what I am saying is that they were put at an immediate disadvantage. Coming a year behind already having to catch up to teams with veterans and future plans. I can definitely see these teams coming more together for next season but this season just wasn't happening. It will be very interesting to see the future of these teams. The biggest problem for Las Vegas is not having any S3 draft picks. They traded everything away to try and be competitive while Philadelphia looked to the future. Philadelphia's defense was on the field so much that they got in some great stats like interceptions, sacks, and tackles. That's all thanks to the offense stalling on drives. They had a league high 120 punts. Look for liberty to beef up the offense in S3 to convert some of those third downs and compliment Fox North. The Legion had similar problems on offense. Their QB just could not get it going at all. Bercovici is a great player, he just had some growing pains. With Berc and Stormblessed they should be able to put some great plays together. This was just not their year. The bright spot of the offense was rookie Ardie Savea. It will be interesting to see how he develops more in S3.

Offensive Comparison: Compare one offensive player from each team in a series in a side by side graphic. Can be completed at any point



Defensive Comparison: Compare one defensive player from each team in a series in a side by side graphic. Can be completed at any point



Future Talent: Make a sig for a S3 player who you feel will or did make a large impact for their team in the playoffs. Can be written at any time depending on if you choose to write about who already has or who will do good