04-13-2024, 08:49 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-19-2024, 09:39 AM by wetwilleh. Edited 1 time in total.)
Muddy's Matchup Review: Week 10
San Jose Sabercats (9-1) VS Orange County Otters (5-5)
Overview
To open up Week 10, the SaberCats came out victorious against the Otters in a close and exciting game, with a final score of 29-24. In the first quarter, King Leonidas I kicked two field goals for the Otters, putting them ahead 6-0. The Otter's continued in the second quarter with a 36-yard touchdown run by Reginald Shrubbery. However, the Sabercats followed with two touchdown passes from Josh Patterson to Florida Man and Keanu Calhoun, giving them a 14-13 lead at halftime. The Otters regained the lead in the third quarter with a touchdown pass from Lloyd Bannings to Big McLarge Huge, along with a successful 2-point conversion, making the score 21-14. The fourth quarter saw a back-and-forth battle, with Booter McGavin kicking a field goal for the SaberCats and King Leonidas I responding with a field goal for the Otters. Brooks Piggott then came out and shifted the momentum completely for the Sabercats with a returned kickoff of 107 yards for a touchdown, bringing it to a one-point game. Keanu Calhoun caught another touchdown pass from Josh Patterson with less than two minutes on the clock to win the game 29-24 in favor of the SaberCats.
My Thoughts
This was a super exciting game to watch with it going back and forth to the final few minutes. I knew this was going to be a good test for the Sabercats since the Otters are not a pushover team and they still came out with a win. They started off slow, however, being behind 13-0 at one point which they can't afford to do against playoff teams. The Sabercats are going to Yellowknife next week and they should be nervous as the Wraiths can beat anyone at any time. For the Otters things are continuing downwards as they now dropped their fourth straight game. Their playoff chances aren't completely over, but every week they lose they fall further behind as the current playoff-seeded teams in the ASFC don't seem to be messing up. I would consider next week against the Sailfish a must-win.
Muddy's Player(s) of the Game
WR Keanu Calhoun (@Frostbite) and CB Brooks Piggott (@ckroyal92)
Calhoun's Stats: 9 receptions, 139 yards, 2 touchdowns
Piggott's Stats: 5 total tackles, 1 kickoff return for a touchdown
Reason: Calhoun's outstanding performance in the passing game was invaluable to the Sabercats this week. Leading the team in receptions, over 120 reception yards, and having the game-winning TD made him an easy candidate for PotG. I also decided to give Piggott PotG as well because I had never seen a kick return touchdown yet and it set up the game-winning score. Plus Piggott had a solid defensive game with 5 tackles.
Berlin Fire Salamanders (3-7) VS Colorado Yeti (1-9)
Overview
The Fire Salamanders secured a hard-fought victory over the Yeti with a final score of 27-21. In the first quarter, Willie Swaggert scored a touchdown for the Salamanders with a 2-yard run, putting them ahead 7-0. The Yeti responded with an 18-yard field goal by Pete Moss, making the score 7-3 at the end of the quarter. The Salamanders extended their lead in the second quarter with a field goal by Golden Foote and a 32-yard interception return for a touchdown by Devin Jones, giving them a 17-3 lead at halftime. The Yeti fought back in the third quarter with another field goal by Pete Moss and a touchdown pass from Preston Beatz to Mister Hogmally, along with a successful 2-point conversion, bringing the score to 17-14. In the fourth quarter, the Salamanders widened the gap with a touchdown pass from Tuna TurnDaBallOva to Pitter Patter, followed by another field goal by Golden Foote, making it 27-14. The Yeti mounted a late comeback effort with a touchdown pass from Preston Beatz to La'Fluke Paris-Johnson, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Salamanders' lead, and the game ended with a score of 27-21 in favor of the Salamanders.
My Thoughts
This game is a bit baffling to me as I look at the stats. The Yeti lead first downs, 3rd down efficiency, total yards, passing yards, yards per pass, fewer penalties, and more time of possession by 13 minutes and STILL lost! Fire Salamanders got lucky this week that they were playing the Yeti cause usually if you are losing that many stats there's no way you win. This game cemented the Yeti as the worst team in the league as there's no way you should be losing a game like that.
Muddy's Player of the Game
CB Devin Jones (@Drizzy)
Stats: 9 tackles, 3 pass deflections, 1 interception returned for a touchdown
Reason: Jones was all over the field for the Fire Salamanders' victory. Not only did he make key tackles throughout the game, tallying a total of 9, but also delivered a momentum-shifting play with his interception return for a touchdown, extending the Fire Salamanders lead to an insurmountable amount.
Sarasota Sailfish (4-6) VS New Orleans Secondline (7-3)
Overview
The Secondline managed to continue their win streak against the Sailfish with a final score of 24-17. In the first quarter, the Sailfish got off to a strong start with two touchdowns. Léopold Roy caught a 36-yard pass from Willier Miller, and Sam Mercury caught a 3-yard pass from Miller. However, the Secondline responded with a touchdown of their own in-between as Hank Mardukas caught a 7-yard pass from Octavion Speedings, ending the quarter with a score of 14-7 in favor of the Sailfish. The Secondline continued to chip away at the Sailfish's lead in the second quarter, with Jack Sloth kicking a 21-yard field goal, making the score 14-10 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Sailfish extended their lead with a field goal of their own by Swantavius King, but the Secondline answered back with another field goal by Sloth, narrowing the gap to 17-13. The Fourth quarter proved decisive as the Secondline rallied with a touchdown run by Will Nuck, putting them ahead for the first time in the game at 20-17. Two safeties, with Willier Miller being tackled in his own end zone twice, secured the win for the Secondline, with the game ending 24-17 in their favor.
My Thoughts
Sarasota continues on their downfall dropping another game, making it three straight. Lucky for them they are in a weak conference and only one game behind being tied for a playoff spot. With 5 of their last 6 games against conference opponents, they need to get hot and start winning again if they want to battle for a championship. The Secondline are continuing to impress me and I am starting to build some of that confidence I had for the team earlier in the season. With being two games ahead in a playoff spot, as long as they don't collapse again they should be good as the Outlaws and Sabercats don't seem like they will drop the top two seeds.
Muddy's Player of the Game
LB Allister Adebam (@MobiausGrander)
Stats: 9 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 safety
Reason: Adebam's dominant defensive performance, including two sacks and a crucial safety, helped to get the victory for Secondline. His disruptive presence in the Sailfish backfield consistently pressured the opposing offense, and his safety at the end of the game brought it to a 7-point game
Chicago Butchers (6-4) VS Cape Town Crash (5-5)
Overview
The Crash came out and dominated the Butchers with a final score of 34-14. In the first quarter, the Crash got off to a strong start with Legs McMillion returning an interception 38 yards for a touchdown, putting them ahead 7-0. The second quarter saw the Crash extend their lead with a field goal by Bob Kickerson, followed by a rushing touchdown by Nakiri Ayame. The Butchers managed to score a touchdown of their own with a pass from Painted Penguin to cut the deficit to 17-7. The third quarter was all about the Crash as they added two more touchdowns, both from Thor Bǫllrsveifla to Malik Brooks, extending their lead to 31-7. In the final quarter, the Butchers tried to claw back with a touchdown run by Triceracop, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Crash's lead, ending the game with a final score of 34-14 in favor of the Crash.
My Thoughts
Just as I was talking about how the Butchers were heating up, they came out and gave this performance. This is not the game they wanted to lose as it now brings both the Crash and Wraiths one game behind from second place. They need to bounce back and secure the two winnable games coming up against the Copperheads and Silverbacks. This is not the time to get cold and get on a losing streak. Crash on the other hand must be feeling great after this huge win. Being tied for a playoff spot with Honolulu and Yeti as your next two games takes a lot of pressure off as those are pretty much set wins. Now you have to hope the Wraiths, Butchers, and Hawks start losing.
Muddy's Player of the Game
RB Nakiri Ayame (@ValorX77)
Stats: 15 carries, 84 yards, 5.6 yards per carry, 1 rushing TD | 5 receptions, 107 yards, 21.4 yards per reception
Reason: It seems that pretty much every time the Crash wins, Ayame goes off with a stellar performance, both in rushing and receiving. This week Ayame earned over 190 all-purpose yards and a TD to help lead the Crash to a blowout, being a dominant force once again this year.
Baltimore Hawks (8-2) VS Yellowknife Wraiths (5-5)
Overview
In a shocking, but weirdly predictable upset, the Wraiths secured a narrow victory over the Hawks with a final score of 30-24. In the first quarter, the Wraiths took an early lead with a touchdown pass from Maximus Boudreaux to Money Tolliver. The second quarter saw both teams trading touchdowns. Shane Turnbull caught a pass from Wolfie McDummy Jr. for the Hawks' first touchdown, but the Wraiths responded with one to Eilliot Berry. Another touchdown pass was scored for the Hawks to National Treasure, tying the game at 14-14. The Wraiths took control in the third quarter, with a safety and another touchdown pass from Boudreaux to Nick Williams, extending their lead to 23-14. The Hawks managed to score a field goal in the third quarter, but the Wraiths answered back with another touchdown pass from Boudreaux to Detective Crashmore in the fourth quarter. Despite a late touchdown run by Anakin Skywalker for the Hawks, the Wraiths held on to win 30-24.
My Thoughts
Of course, the Wraiths find a way to beat one of the best teams in the ISFL...for the SECOND TIME! If I were a top team and see that I have to play the Yellowknifes I would genuinely be nervous now as for some reason those are the games they come to play. With the Sabercats next week we will see if they can continue the wild season and get another insane upset. As for the Hawks, there is just something about Yellowknife that the team can't figure out as they are still the only team to beat you. You better hope there isn't a playoff matchup between you two (although that would be great entertainment for everyone else). The Hawks are facing the 9-1 Outlaws this coming week so there is a possibility we see another L for Baltimore soon.
Muddy's Player of the Game
QB Maximus Boudreaux (@ZootTX)
Stats: 41/47, 320 yards, 87.2% completion rate, 4 TDs, 0 INTs, 123.4 passer rating
Reason: What an absolutely crazy performance for the Wraiths' quarterback this week against the third-ranked defense in the league. Completing over 41 passing with 87% accuracy is insane in its own right, but add 320 yards, and 4 TDs with no interceptions to that and it makes it the performance of the entire week!
Honolulu Hahalua (2-8) VS Arizona Outlaws (9-1)
Overview
The Outlaws blowout the Hahalua in a commanding 40-10 victory. The first quarter saw the Outlaws surging ahead with three quick touchdowns. Donovan Winters III connected with Purdy Mediocre for two touchdown passes, and Bertie Mannering-Phipps added another touchdown with a long run, giving the Outlaws a commanding 21-0 lead. In the second quarter, the Outlaws continued their dominance with another touchdown pass from Winters III to Mediocre. Both teams traded field goals extending the score to 30-3 for the Outlaws. The third quarter saw the Outlaws continue with a touchdown run by Bertie Mannering-Phipps. However, Honolulu added their own touchdown run by Fig Newton. In the final quarter, the Outlaws added a field goal by Jayme Jayne Jay-Jaymison to seal their victory with a final score of 40-10.
My Thoughts
Honolulu's run came to a crashing stop this week but it was expected as the Outlaws are currently just too good. We will see if Honolulu has a bit more in the tank these final weeks to get a few more Ws. Arizona looked great as expected and they are now one of only two teams left with one loss. The Hawks game is going to be very interesting next week as it is a potential championship matchup this year. If the Outlaws dominate that game, I don't see much stopping them the rest of the year.
Muddy's Player of the Game
RB Purdy Mediocre ® (@KaleSalad)
Stats: 8 receptions, 97 yards, 3 TDs
Reason: Purdy Mediocre's performance was top-notch as he found himself in the endzone three times this week. Catching every target thrown his way and leading the team in receptions made him the easy pick for PotG.
Austin Copperheads (3-7) VS New York Silverbacks (3-7)
Overview
In the final matchup of Week 10, the Silverbacks earned a 38-23 victory over the Copperheads. In the first quarter, the Silverbacks struck first with a touchdown pass from Blaine Falco to Matthew Mara, followed by a field goal by Charlie Brown for the Copperheads. The quarter ended with the Silverbacks leading 7-3. The second quarter saw both teams trading touchdowns, with Jay Cue III connecting with Penger Tolliver for a score for the Copperheads, while Blaine Falco found Sean Robinson for a touchdown for the Silverbacks. Wing Wang added a field goal for the Silverbacks just before halftime, giving them a 17-10 lead. In the third quarter, the Copperheads countered with two more field goals by Charlie Brown. However, the Silverbacks got a touchdown from Frank Dux. Entering the final quarter, the Silverbacks held a 24-16 lead. They continued to dominate, with Blaine Falco throwing another touchdown pass, this one to Mandrews McHollywood. Frank Dux added another touchdown run for the Silverbacks. The Copperheads got a late touchdown from Delores Bickerman but it was enough to comeback.
My Thoughts
For the fourth week in a row, the Copperheads defense gave up 30 points or more to their opponents. They have been outscored 135-59 in that stretch with four straight losses. Nothing seems to be working for the Copperheads and it seems like the team is quitting on the year already. After struggling to score last week, the Silverbacks came out with vengeance and lit up the scoreboard with 5 touchdowns. It was a great win for them and we will see if they can continue it with the Fire Salamanders next up.
Muddy's Player of the Game
RB Frank Dux (@ComebackZak)
Stats: 23 attempts, 148 yards, 6.4 avg, 2 TDs | 4 receptions, 28 yards, 7.0 avg
Reason: Frank Dux was a dominant force on the ground, rushing for 148 yards on 23 carries, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns. His performance gave the Silverbacks a reliable option to go to and he carried them to their third win of the year.
Muddy's Power Rankings
- San Jose SaberCats (Last Week: 1 Change: N/A)
- Arizona Outlaws (Last Week: 3 Change: +1)
- New Orleans Secondline (Last Week: 4 Change: +1)
- Baltimore Hawks (Last Week: 2 Change: -2)
- Chicago Butchers (Last Week: 5 Change: N/A)
- Cape Town Crash (Last Week: 7 Change: +1)
- Yellowknife Wraiths (Last Week: 8 Change: +1)
- Orange County Otters (Last Week: 6 Change: -2)
- Sarasota Sailfish (Last Week: 9 Change: N/A)
- New York Silverbacks (Last Week: 11 Change: +1)
- Berlin Fire Salamanders (Last Week: 12 Change: +1)
- Austin Copperheads (Last Week: 10 Change: -2)
- Honolulu Hahalua (Last Week: 13 Change: N/A)
- Colorado Yeti (Last Week: 14 Change: N/A)
Playoff Probability
As the playoffs draw near, I've decided to add a playoff probability portion to my matchup reviews for some extra fun and excitement. While I'm no mathematical genius, I've taken into account each team's current standings, their remaining schedule strength, and the potential outcomes of their upcoming games to do a rough estimate of their chances of making the playoffs. However, it's important to take these numbers with a grain of salt, as the game outcomes are unpredictable and most of these numbers are also impacted on how I feel personally about the teams. Ultimately, this playoff probability section adds a bit of speculation and anticipation to the excitement of the upcoming playoffs, making the season even more thrilling to follow.
ASFC:
San Jose SaberCats: 95%
Arizona Outlaws: 95%
New Orleans Secondline: 70-75%
Orange County Otters: 20-25%
Austin Copperheads: >10%
New York Silverbacks: >10%
Honolulu Hahalua: >5%
NSFC:
Baltimore Hawks: 90-95%
Chicago Butchers: 70-75%
Cape Town Crash: 65-70%
Yellowknife Wraiths: 20-25%
Sarasota Sailfish: 20-25%
Berlin Fire Salamanders: >10%
Colorado Yeti: >5%