Week 9: West Set, East Heating Up

After a very wild week 8 we have the teams set in the West. LPL has locked in their round 1 playoff bye, PFN's home field is at stake though. SS doesn't have the tiebreak against PFN but w/l is also a contributing factor. PFN could lose home field round 1 but there is still plenty of factors in that. Basically LPL, PFN, and SS have locked in their tickets to the playoffs. On the Eastern side it's a whole different beast. The playoffs could be decided in the final week.

The games to look for this week are BNR vs 8BC and SS vs FR. These two games will be huge, DS just got a easy win because BP withdrew from WSOP. BP would have been a huge factor in the East but withdrew because 2 players were boxed in the last minutes before week 8 started. That put their lineup short of 6 and was enough to justify backing out of WSOP. Their departure is saddening to WSOP but I am sure James, Andy, Ben, Chuck, and the beautiful Dina will continue on. We have the playoffs just around the corner people!! The East is still very much wide open so keep an eye out for DS, BNR, FR, and 8BC. 8BC has pretty much locked in the playoffs but what spot they finish in is all up to this weeks match. there is a lot to look forward to so lets get on with the predictions.

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EASTERN MATCHES

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BNR vs 8BC, Monday @6pm, Room: Welcome to the Jungle

BNR needs to keep doing what they are doing. Sure, last week was a freebie win vs BP but this week is far from that for BNR. 8BC is sitting on top of the East, it might not be a large margin, but it's enough to turn some heads. BNR needs to show up to this game with all guns blazing. Jordy needs to be on form here. The other players BNR added will also be big factors here. I think that BNR is riding a winning wave that wont stop this week. It's the wave that never ends, it goes on and on my friend....

8BC is coming off a crucial loss to FR. Sean needs to turn the winning ways back on. This team is still in the best seat to make the playoffs but with BNR and LPL to play, could they miss out on the playoffs? It's a possibility at the rate 8BC is currently going. Sean and company need to step up HUGE here. 8BC doesn't have the depth BNR has and I think that will be their downfall.
Outcome: 4-2 BNR

Week 7: Eastern Division Heats UP

Wow, what polar opposites the last 2 weeks have been in WSOP. One week has a record number of game 7's while the next has decisive wins early. The one match that ended very close was the PFN/SS match. SS pushed it to game 7 with great play from Jon but they fall just short with even better play from Jamie. PFN showed they are one of the best in this inter league. 8BC also proved they were the undisputed Kings of the East. Speaking of Kings, these wannabe Latino Legends seem to rip up all the competition. LPL has won every single match-up and sits atop the West with a record setting 33-3 w/l. The Western Division has separated and the playoff spots are almost locked in. IF SPS can pull off a magical win against SS this week then that last spot might still be up for grabs.

Glancing at the East you can easily see that the above stated 8BC holds a somewhat firm grasp of the East with FR following right behind. I suspect FR will hold that 2nd spot leaving the 3rd spot. BNR and DS are deadlocked this week BNR can show their contenders if they pull out a win against FR. Sean and Petey both have the opportunity this week to stomp the ass-end of the East. IF DS and BNR can pull off wins this week all the Eastern Playoff spots are still within reach of all the teams. BP is the only team in the East that has a uphill battle to achieve a spot in the show. Hopefully after this week we will have a better idea who is going to be in for the championship run.

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EASTERN MATCHES
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BNR vs FR, Monday @7pm, Room: Welcome to the Jungle

What a great way to kickoff week 7. BNR is coming off a monster win vs SP who has yet to pull off a win this season. Chip recently acquired a friendly ghost, Joe, and Croz. The guys just mentioned will bring BNR back to real playoff contenders in the East. BNR's depth is clear but FR also has quite a challenging team. This match-up will have immense playoff implications. BNR lost the last meeting and the added players along side of Chip and Jordy should at the very least push this to game 7.

Petey showed BNR who the better team was earlier this season in week 3. Could a similar outcome occur? I wouldn't put it past FR. Ebs seems to be playing fairly solid along with the always talented Ben, Petey, and Travis. Matt is always a factor as well, he normally has the closing duties. Matt tends to do well in those situations aside from his last game 7 loss which was a rb. I wouldn't be surprised if Matt gets another nod this week in a game 7 vs BNR. FR and BNR have been long time rivals there is surely tension here. The emotions will be high this week and people will surely run their mouths.
Outcome: 4-3 FR


DS vs 8BC, Wednesday @7pm, Room: A Face in the Crowd

Chuck recently posted he is backing down from IL's for DS after this season. That will be a big blow to Roy and Chele who have relied on him over the seasons. That news has to upset the applecart. I suspect that DS fields a decent team but does not meet the expectations they set for themselves this week. 8BC has the hot hand and with the news from Chuck and the recent shellacking they experienced in week 6 I am not seeing good things ahead in their future.

Sean has far exceeded my hopes of him this season. He is carrying the 2nd best record in WSOP and that is all in part to his superb record and his teams great overall play. They just seem to pull matches out. I have high hopes for this lineup. I would love to see the early underdogs shine. Can this team match-up against a outrageously good LPL team? We will find out in the final week. Until then 8BC just might have to keep trucking along with the W's. Soon enough the rest of ypool will see this team has something special.
Outcome: 4-2 8BC

WESTERN MATCHES
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SS vs SPS, Wednesday @7pm, Room: All Mixed Up

SS has been sub-par thus far this season. They went all the way to game 7 last week against the #2 team in the West but could not pull it off. Game 7 hasn't had a very good outcome for SS in their first season of WSOP. SS needs to win this week. SPS is one game behind them in the standings if they can pull off a win here they pretty much put a nail in SPS' playoff hopes. I wouldn't be surprised if this match ends in a landslide. SS has a lot to prove, they need to step up their talent is there but the production is lacking.

SPS your season has gone down the toilet. In 6 games this season you have won once. SPS has thee worst w/l in the league. There can be plenty of finger pointing but the bottom line is they just haven't gotten things done this season. SPS came on the scene last season with a strut in their step now they are waddling about like drunk ducks. Jason needs to muster-up enough strength to carry this team because there really isn't much else.
Outcome: 4-2 SS


LPL vs SP, Thursday @7pm, Room: Under Pressure

LPL has been tearing up the league. SP has been matched up with LPL already this season and LPL prevailed quite handily 5-1. Look to see something similar when LPL brings their big guns to the show. Ant is an alarming 5-0 along side Kevin. These guys both beat SP in week 4 and I suspect the same outcome this week. That leaves Chex or anyone else on that team to pick up a W. This team is strong through and through. IF they can show on a continual basis this season is pretty much in their hands.

SP you have fought long and hard but it just seems like this season wasn't in the cards. I suspect you will comeback next season with a passion. Pete will shock someone out of the playoffs but it wont be LPL. I cheer for the under dogs but this just cant turn out well for SP.
Outcome: 5-1 LPL

CROSS-DIVISIONAL MATCH
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PFN vs BP, Wednesday @7pm, Room: Bad Times

Andy and company came into this week sharing a hold of the 3rd best record in WSOP. That interesting statistic coupled with the raw skill they possess far out ways anything BP could bring to the table this week. Jamie is playing on form and right now they seem to be picking up just enough to get the game in Jamie's hands. Luckily for PFN, BP only has 2 good players. Andy just needs to win against the misshapen BP squad.

DJ needs to keep up his great play if BP has any hopes of succeeding. He can inspire his squad to succeed especially since he is doing his part. James is also a key factor in BP's lineup. After those two the line-up tends to taper off. PFN just needs to focus on the 2 stars of BP and this could be a blowout.
Outcome: 5-1 PFN

Week 6: Eastern Shakedown

What a wild bunch of game 7's last week. 4 Matches went to tiebreaker which was a record in WSOP. I am very surprised we had so many close games but the competition is high. I am not going to toot my own horn too much but WSOP in its 2nd season has surpassed quite a few other inter leagues. Look to see the close matches continue this season and carryover into the next. Recapping week 5 LPL hammered PFN, James pulled out game 7 vs FR, Sean carried his team with 2 wins vs SS, Jason pulled out SPS' 1st win of the season, and Cam squeaked out game 7 vs Jordy putting DS temporarily in the last playoff spot. On with week 6, no more league switching so hopefully everyone likes the teams they are currently on.

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EASTERN MATCHES
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FR vs DS, Monday @6pm, Room: Beetle Spot

Well this should be an interesting match winner of this takes sole possession of second place in the East. Aside from Cam and Corey can Chuck or someone else on DS step-up and help them against the very powerful FR team that has been slipping as of late. Freedom lost a heart breaker to BP with Trav getting ran broke he will be out for revenge in this match add Petey, Matt, and Ben beside him this should be a good one. FR will need to show they can shake off the last two weeks and get their ducks in a row. I don't think they will get out of their rut this week with a DS team that keeps chugging along.
Outcome: 4-3 DS


8BC vs BP, Monday @6pm, Room: Forward Somersault

8BC has some talent Sean has a perfect 5-0 record for 8BC and Reese at 4-0 is also very impressive. The only team that could stop 8BC at this rate is LPL. Sean has been doing wonders as a player and captain. His team is tearing up the East and if you just look at the records there is no way BP holds up. Sadly records aren't everything you have to factor in yahoo and some luck to boot. 8BC surely has the advantage though this week. BP pulled out a huge win last week against FR it has turned their season around. They now have hope and they are carrying that with them into this match. their heart should push this close but will it end well for BP?
Outcome: 4-3 8BC

CROSS-DIVISIONAL MATCH
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SP vs BNR, Monday @6pm, Room: Adv Lounge 3

This match should be intense. Looking back on last week both teams lost game 7 tiebreakers. This week will not be so close. BNR has just acquired 3 new players to their team and those players will increase BNR's depth at just the right time to make a run at the playoffs. We are over the season hump and SP is still hasn't won a match. I cant see Pete winning this match either. Chip will captain BNR in this match and his leadership will be key here, they win this and odds are they separate themselves from the gutter aka BP. Look to see this match end close but not close enough for a decider.
Outcome: 4-2 BNR

EASTERN MATCH
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SS vs PFN, Thursday @7pm, Room: All Mixed Up

SS has done just enough to keep their playoff spot in hand. They are lucky to have teams like SPS and SP in their division. Pita would love this win against rival PFN. SS hasn't been all that great when their big 3 step up they seem to win though. Nick, Tonz, and Pascal need to step their game up if they want a shot at winning this week. Andy and company are deadly they have hiccuped in recent weeks but this could be the time they shake off the rust.

Andy can you pull your team together? Chris out last week hurt PFN badly but don't worry about that now. Hopefully for PFN Jamie, Chris, and Andy can all make this match. Players like AJ and Kerry need to pickup a win as well if they want to slobber SS. I truly believe PFN has the advantage here. IF Jon shows for SS this match will definitely end in a game 7 decider.
Outcome: 4-2 PFN

Week 5: Western Clash, Cross Clash

Last week was a wee bit wild. DS shocked PFN 4-2, 8BC shocked FR 4-2, SPS and SP still cant pickup a win, and BNR handled BP 4-2. The match that stands out the most is the DS vs PFN match. PFN had a chance to tie it but Chris missed on the 8 subsequently FFing himself and getting boxed which will turn out huge later in my writeup. The other match that caught my eye was the FR vs 8BC match. Both teams were going at each others throats making it a mess of a match. Finally a victor was named and that victor took control of the East going into the halfway mark of the season. There are some key matches this week. 8BC vs SS is going to be a great match, it's SS' chance to get in the win column while 8BC gets to prove once and for all they belong on top. The last match that really pops out is LPL vs PFN, I think of all the teams that could challenge LPL it's PFN. Note: All league switching ends week 5.

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EASTERN MATCHES
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BP vs FR, Monday @7pm, Room: Back to School

BP is getting to the must win point! We are almost halfway through the season and they are sitting in the gutter. DS, FR, 8BC, and BNR are the teams gunning for the playoff spots. BP just seems to let their opponents walk all over them. I think BP is just short a couple key elements and they could shine. I am worried for BP, James is underachieving and there really isn't anyone else that you can put all your hopes on. Hopefully BP can pull off a shocker here but it's highly unlikely.

Ebs is doing a great job captaining. Sure they lost their first game last week but they are still firmly entrenched in the playoff hunt. Players like Petey, Ben, Trav, and Matt can push any match any match to at least game 7 (last week aside). FR might not have anyone on the leaderboard but they still are a formidable foe. Look to see them stomp on BP this week.
Outcome: 5-1 FR


DS vs BNR, Monday @7pm, Room: A Face in the Crowd

DS get mad props this week for defeating PFN. They handled them so well showing that the East might not be the pushovers I thought they were. DS and BNR are tied currently in the Eastern standings which makes this match even more exciting. The winner will temporarily hold the last playoff spot after this hump week. DS has players like Cam, Chuck, and Corey the three-headed C's who are the reason DS is favored in this match. They also have home-field which will be key.

Chip is doing a well enough job this season. Sure they aren't sitting in first like last season when Dina was captain but they don't have the same level of talent. Losing a slew of great players the last couple seasons has taken a toll on BNR. Luckily they have Jordy but he isn't enough. Ross has been slumping and that has hurt BNR. Chip seems to be the best on his team with a 3-1 record, he will need to continue that if he has any hopes of beating DS. This match will be close but not close enough for BNR.
Outcome: 4-2 DS

CROSS-DIVISIONAL MATCH
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8BC vs SS, Tuesday @6pm, Room: Forward Somersault

Sean is tearing up the field as of late. Coming off a key beat down on the ex-division leaders FR. They will be coming into this match with guns blazing. IF Sean can continue winning in the fashion he is 8BC is a factor in WSOP. Rees is another important player for 8BC. Look to see this team match up well this week against SS. Hell, you guys even have home field advantage. Beware of Pascal, Pita, and Tonz though they are big threats on the SS side. 8BC don't rush your shots, play cautious, and you just might pull this off.

SS would technically be 2-1 and in the win column already if it wasn't for acquiring EC's record. They have had fairly easy match ups thus far so this will be a good time to gauge how well SS will do this season. 8BC has established themselves as one of the big boys so far but you also have to look at SS' past and you would know this isn't their first rodeo. Pita will call his players in the right situation against 8BC and push this match to a record 3rd game 7 in one WSOP week! Look to see Pita, Tonz, Pascal, and Jon over-power a well ran 8BC team.
Outcome: 4-3 SS

EASTERN MATCHES
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LPL vs PFN, Wednesday @7pm, Room: Under Pressure

LPL is hands down the best team in WSOP. Their astounding 22-2 record has everyone hoping they don't have to play LPL. This week might present a problem for LPL. PFN is their dreaded rival and emotions might get the better of them. Do I really think that is going to happen? No, LPL has carried themselves to victory 4 times in a row and I'm not seeing that streak end this week. With a player like Ant on your team to win 2 games for you, it's hard to not get a victory.

PFN took a huge blow this week. They lost one of their staple players in Chris. He got himself boxed which puts a strain on Andy. Last week they were sorely defeated by DS and even with their star players. What will happen this week without one of the stars and a match up against a team that is undefeated? I don't think we need to look into a magic 8 ball to know that PFN isn't going to win this match.
Outcome: 4-2 LPL


SPS vs SP, Thursday @7pm, Room: Sweet Jane

Woohoo this match is epic. We have the battle of the win less teams. Jason hasn't quite met expectations he set for himself last season falling just short of the playoffs. Instead of achieving greater his team has gone as far backwards as humanly possible. They are sitting tied with SP for the worst record in WSOP. This season has been a utter disappointment and hopefully he can save face and win a game or 2 before its over.

SP has had a lot of close losses, they were thrown into the mix at the beginning of the season. Maybe they weren't prepared for the level of competition in WSOP who really knows. The fact is they are 0-4 and need a win here to salvage some kind of a season. Pete has his best shot this week against a mediocre SPS team the only problem is that his team has been mediocre as well :-s.
Outcome: 4-2 SP