2) This week will see the S24 Ultimus and Ultimini races begin in earnest. In 800 words or more, recount any of the previous playoff cycles of either league. How did each team arrive at the playoffs? Were there any dark horse or Cinderella teams that went unexpectedly far, or any presumptive favorites that fell flat? How did the title game play out, and which players made their mark on the field? Tell the story of those playoffs as completely as you can. Do not simply recount your own experience in those playoffs or that of a singular team.
Task 2:
The SaberCats were not a favorite coming into the S24 season. In fact in season prediction threads they only showed up as a playoff team in about five percent of prediction posts. It was far more common to find them last in their division. In general this made sense, their TPE ranked in the lowest tier in the league and they weren't set up for success very well. Outside of Honolulu they were the lowest TPE team in their division, it was steep odds.
It didn't take more than an unexciting 9-7 season to get up to first in the conference. The SaberCats tied the Outlaws, Second Line, and Otters with that record and the ASFCs mediocrity in the playoffs was set, critical in ensuring the Cats could compete. It wasn't terribly surprising they were able to make the championship game, more their path to the playoffs was doubted. Matching up against the Outlaws in round one they were able to jump out to an early lead and hold that lead the entire game. Their defense proving to be formidable holding the Outlaws to only 10 points. Their play calling was also well split, 30 passing attempts and 34 rushes. The balance allowed them to outclass Arizona. On the other side of the quarterfinals, the Otters were able to take care of business with NOLA in largely the same fashion.
Moving to the semifinals the SaberCats faced the Otters. Again their defense reigned supreme holding Orange County to only 3 total points and keeping them out of the endzone. The rushing game was non existent for Orange County and they had to rely on Armstrong who had decent air yards, but couldn't find the endzone. Meanwhile the SaberCats followed their same strategy as before - 35 passing attempts, 39 rushes. They were shutout going into the half but scored the only points in the second half, enough to win 17-3 and advance to the Ultimus. Awaiting them was a 14-2 Yeti team looking to reclaim the throne.
But how did the Colorado Yeti get here to begin with? They were clear favorites unlike San Jose, and they led the league in TPE. They trounced the regular season sporting the most points for and second fewest points against good for the best differential in the league. By the time the playoffs arrived their two losses were distant memories, the Sailfish in week3 and in Arizona week 7. With all the confidence in the world they waltzed into the dance riding the high of a nine game winning streak. Facing the wraiths (who they recently routed 43-13) there was all the confidence in the world. It was a tough game but Wolfie McDummy was able to air it out for 50 passing attempts and 2 touchdowns. Though his accuracy was low, it was enough to force overtime after giving up an early lead. In OT a huge stop off the kickoff forced a punt and great field position for McDummy's team to work. They were able to work down to Yellowknife's 17 yard line before kicking the game winner and walking off to face the Sailfish who had a cushy matchup against the Butchers to start their playoff journey.
After a tough quarterfinals the Yeti came out a little flat and again fell behind early. McDummy was far less involved in this game and was vastly outshined by Dexter Banks II who threw for 355 yards but no touchdowns and adding another 38 on the ground. McDummy on the other hand aired out for only 187 yards and two interceptions. However the Yeti defensive unit mostly bailed them out and held the 12-4 Sailfish to only 20 points. The Sailfish had the ball deep in Colorado territory on a 4th and 3 with 1:55 to go but couldn't convert and turned over on downs allowing the Yeti to run out the clock. Another hard fought close game tilted in favor of the Yeti and they had to feel good going into the Ultimus. The most difficult games were behind them. Or so they thought.
Anticipation was everywhere heading into the Ultimus. The league was ready to crown the Yeti and nearly overlooked San Jose entirely. After the first four drives ended in punts, the script of the game was decided, a defensive battle. This would play to the SaberCats favor as their defensive unit had been strong allowing only 13 total points over the first two games of the postseason. The SaberCats long drive ended in a 4th and 1 field goal from the 3 yard line of Colorado and the ball was back to the Yeti. They were able to drive down the field and match the score with a 34 yarder of their own. Another punt later and the Yeti had the ball back. McDummy threw what would be the most critical interception of his career. Krause picked him off and returned it 62 yards for the touchdown. 10-3 SaberCats. People were starting to believe. A good return was forgotten by another 3 and out for the Yeti and the ball was back to SJS who was able to drive down and pick up another touchdown extending to 17-3 going into the half. They just had to ice the game, something the Cats had been great at and the third quarter proved it as it sported 8 punts. But McDummy's Yeti wouldn't be ignored for long, they drove down the short field and scored a touchdown early in the 4th putting them in striking distance at 17-10. 2 punts later and the SaberCats were pinned deep in their territory. Starting off a 1st and 10 with 8:46 to go on their own two. Jack took the snap but was promptly sacked in his own endzone for a Safety, was a meltdown starting? Not if the future champions defense had anything to say about it. Another Yeti three and out followed by one for the SaberCats. With 5:56 to go the Yeti take over from their 12. They drive into enemy territory on the 45 setting up a 4th and 1 with just over three minutes left. They... punt? Did I read that right? Yes they punt to the Cats and Jamar Lackson is able to ice the game on the ground for the Ultimus - a crazy unlikely ride that ends in ultimate(us) glory!
1065 words
Task 2:
The SaberCats were not a favorite coming into the S24 season. In fact in season prediction threads they only showed up as a playoff team in about five percent of prediction posts. It was far more common to find them last in their division. In general this made sense, their TPE ranked in the lowest tier in the league and they weren't set up for success very well. Outside of Honolulu they were the lowest TPE team in their division, it was steep odds.
It didn't take more than an unexciting 9-7 season to get up to first in the conference. The SaberCats tied the Outlaws, Second Line, and Otters with that record and the ASFCs mediocrity in the playoffs was set, critical in ensuring the Cats could compete. It wasn't terribly surprising they were able to make the championship game, more their path to the playoffs was doubted. Matching up against the Outlaws in round one they were able to jump out to an early lead and hold that lead the entire game. Their defense proving to be formidable holding the Outlaws to only 10 points. Their play calling was also well split, 30 passing attempts and 34 rushes. The balance allowed them to outclass Arizona. On the other side of the quarterfinals, the Otters were able to take care of business with NOLA in largely the same fashion.
Moving to the semifinals the SaberCats faced the Otters. Again their defense reigned supreme holding Orange County to only 3 total points and keeping them out of the endzone. The rushing game was non existent for Orange County and they had to rely on Armstrong who had decent air yards, but couldn't find the endzone. Meanwhile the SaberCats followed their same strategy as before - 35 passing attempts, 39 rushes. They were shutout going into the half but scored the only points in the second half, enough to win 17-3 and advance to the Ultimus. Awaiting them was a 14-2 Yeti team looking to reclaim the throne.
But how did the Colorado Yeti get here to begin with? They were clear favorites unlike San Jose, and they led the league in TPE. They trounced the regular season sporting the most points for and second fewest points against good for the best differential in the league. By the time the playoffs arrived their two losses were distant memories, the Sailfish in week3 and in Arizona week 7. With all the confidence in the world they waltzed into the dance riding the high of a nine game winning streak. Facing the wraiths (who they recently routed 43-13) there was all the confidence in the world. It was a tough game but Wolfie McDummy was able to air it out for 50 passing attempts and 2 touchdowns. Though his accuracy was low, it was enough to force overtime after giving up an early lead. In OT a huge stop off the kickoff forced a punt and great field position for McDummy's team to work. They were able to work down to Yellowknife's 17 yard line before kicking the game winner and walking off to face the Sailfish who had a cushy matchup against the Butchers to start their playoff journey.
After a tough quarterfinals the Yeti came out a little flat and again fell behind early. McDummy was far less involved in this game and was vastly outshined by Dexter Banks II who threw for 355 yards but no touchdowns and adding another 38 on the ground. McDummy on the other hand aired out for only 187 yards and two interceptions. However the Yeti defensive unit mostly bailed them out and held the 12-4 Sailfish to only 20 points. The Sailfish had the ball deep in Colorado territory on a 4th and 3 with 1:55 to go but couldn't convert and turned over on downs allowing the Yeti to run out the clock. Another hard fought close game tilted in favor of the Yeti and they had to feel good going into the Ultimus. The most difficult games were behind them. Or so they thought.
Anticipation was everywhere heading into the Ultimus. The league was ready to crown the Yeti and nearly overlooked San Jose entirely. After the first four drives ended in punts, the script of the game was decided, a defensive battle. This would play to the SaberCats favor as their defensive unit had been strong allowing only 13 total points over the first two games of the postseason. The SaberCats long drive ended in a 4th and 1 field goal from the 3 yard line of Colorado and the ball was back to the Yeti. They were able to drive down the field and match the score with a 34 yarder of their own. Another punt later and the Yeti had the ball back. McDummy threw what would be the most critical interception of his career. Krause picked him off and returned it 62 yards for the touchdown. 10-3 SaberCats. People were starting to believe. A good return was forgotten by another 3 and out for the Yeti and the ball was back to SJS who was able to drive down and pick up another touchdown extending to 17-3 going into the half. They just had to ice the game, something the Cats had been great at and the third quarter proved it as it sported 8 punts. But McDummy's Yeti wouldn't be ignored for long, they drove down the short field and scored a touchdown early in the 4th putting them in striking distance at 17-10. 2 punts later and the SaberCats were pinned deep in their territory. Starting off a 1st and 10 with 8:46 to go on their own two. Jack took the snap but was promptly sacked in his own endzone for a Safety, was a meltdown starting? Not if the future champions defense had anything to say about it. Another Yeti three and out followed by one for the SaberCats. With 5:56 to go the Yeti take over from their 12. They drive into enemy territory on the 45 setting up a 4th and 1 with just over three minutes left. They... punt? Did I read that right? Yes they punt to the Cats and Jamar Lackson is able to ice the game on the ground for the Ultimus - a crazy unlikely ride that ends in ultimate(us) glory!
1065 words