Congrats to the Liquid Swords!

[Mutts]

Great win Pat! I wanted to take the division this week, but just didn't have it. I'll take solice in the fact that your win clinches a 2nd playoff team for that horrendous division of ours! :thumbsup

[Liquid Swords]

Thanks, but do me a favor and fall to SBDC next week...you'd still be in as the wild card!

[Preds]

Originally Posted by Liquid Swords

Thanks, but do me a favor and fall to SBDC next week...you'd still be in as the wild card!

Yeah, but then Jake would have to play the mighty Predators in the playoffs!

If he wins he'll be facing your squad... hmm, think Jake will throw a game? ;) I would hope NOT!

[Mutts]

Originally Posted by Preds

Yeah, but then Jake would have to play the mighty Predators in the playoffs!

If he wins he'll be facing your squad... hmm, think Jake will throw a game? ;) I would hope NOT!

I want the division title to cap off this surprise year, but I won't mind a wild card birth at all. You've got to beat the best to win a Frenzy title... I'm ready to take on the champs head on! :helmet

[Mutts]

Wow... a little different scenario than I expected. Seems the terribly weak Central may lock up the top 2 overall rankings in the regular season this year (with a Mutt's win tonight). We are also guaranteed a spot in the Frenzy Championship! Not too bad for such a disparaged division. :p

[Liquid Swords]

So, if Soap Box Derby Car's Johnnie Morton scores 10.61 points or more tonight to defeat the Wonder Mutts, the Liquid Swords would have the #1 seed and the Mutts the WC. And vice versa, if the Mutts hold on to win. Correct?

(That is assuming the Opihi's Mason and Green can score 5.11 pts tonight, also)

[Preds]

Yes you have it correct... the Mutts/Swords are virtual locks for the 1 and 4 seeds. I'm 99% likely to be the #2 seed, and the Dodgers are the #3 seed due to the Ragers loss.

Basically Pat, you're playing for homefield advantage... if SBDC upsets Jake tonight, you'll have the #1 seed in the 1st round of the playoffs and a 7 pt homefield edge. I also will have a 7 pt homefield edge against the Dodgers.

Should be fun!

[Nittany Dodgers]

Originally Posted by Preds

Basically Pat, you're playing for homefield advantage... if SBDC upsets Jake tonight, you'll have the #1 seed in the 1st round of the playoffs and a 7 pt homefield edge. I also will have a 7 pt homefield edge against the Dodgers.

Should be fun!

As I've stated before, I think the 7 point home field advantage SUCKS! :rant

[Preds]

Originally Posted by Nittany Dodgers

As I've stated before, I think the 7 point home field advantage SUCKS! :rant

Heck, I wonder if 7 pts is enough... you really want to come up to Buffalo/NE/Denver etc. and play out in the elements come playoff time? You don't think that gives teams a decided edge? In the NFL the avg score per team is like 17-20 pts, and homefield (in terms of Vegas) is generally worth about 3 pts, in the Frenzy, the average score is more than 5 times what the NFL's is, and our homefield edge is only twice.

I think the 7 pts is fair to reward to the top 2 seeds. Sucks being on the other end, but it's just another hurdle that you have to cross (I did it last year... it's easily done). All that being said, I definatly feel better with it in my back pocket... but hopefully it won't impact the game.

Again, g'luck this week, it should be a great matchup... I suspect Julius is gonna tear it up for you against a terrible Eagles Rush D next week!

[Nittany Dodgers]

Originally Posted by Preds

Heck, I wonder if 7 pts is enough... you really want to come up to Buffalo/NE/Denver etc. and play out in the elements come playoff time? You don't think that gives teams a decided edge? In the NFL the avg score per team is like 17-20 pts, and homefield (in terms of Vegas) is generally worth about 3 pts, in the Frenzy, the average score is more than 5 times what the NFL's is, and our homefield edge is only twice.

I think the 7 pts is fair to reward to the top 2 seeds. Sucks being on the other end, but it's just another hurdle that you have to cross (I did it last year... it's easily done). All that being said, I definatly feel better with it in my back pocket... but hopefully it won't impact the game.

Again, g'luck this week, it should be a great matchup... I suspect Julius is gonna tear it up for you against a terrible Eagles Rush D next week!

Well, home field advantage is worth something during the regular season as well, but correct me if I'm wrong but the only thing it gives you during the regular season is the tie breaker.

I also feel that home field just doesn't have the same analogy since there is really nothing I can do to affect your teams' score, and there is nothing you can do to affect mine. There are certain things we can do to emulate the NFL, but I just don't get it in this circumstance. If the team I drafted and managed to get on the field this week outscores yours, even slightly, I should deserve to move on. The post season advantage should end at the seedings, and shouldn't be carried over. That's just my opinion.

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

Personally, I like the idea of a home field advantage in the playoffs (except for the Championship, played at a neutral field). It's a small reward for a good regular season. The dynasty league I play in has 3 rounds of playoffs... and homefield advantage "bonus points" in the first 2 rounds...

[Nittany Dodgers]

Well, we'll see if it ever comes into play. Looking at the records, the only game within 7 points was a Championship game. When someone loses because of this, I'd like to hear their feelings.

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

Originally Posted by Nittany Dodgers

Well, we'll see if it ever comes into play. Looking at the records, the only game within 7 points was a Championship game. When someone loses because of this, I'd like to hear their feelings.

That's actually the problem... the time to complain is not AFTER you lose... but in the preseason (or offseason) when changes can be made to the league rules. Losing by < 7 points and complaining is simply sour grapes, in my opinion. Feeling strongly about it in the off-season... when your team is not immediately affected... that's the kind of passion that can transform leagues.

[Nittany Dodgers]

Originally Posted by Royal Hawaiian Opihi

That's actually the problem... the time to complain is not AFTER you lose... but in the preseason (or offseason) when changes can be made to the league rules. Losing by < 7 points and complaining is simply sour grapes, in my opinion. Feeling strongly about it in the off-season... when your team is not immediately affected... that's the kind of passion that can transform leagues.

Just for the record, I've complained (mostly to Mike) about this since I saw it in the rules back in 2002 when the playoffs started. If I lose this week because I only beat Mike by 6 points or less, I'll take the loss like a man, and be the bigger person about it just like Mike did when he lost the 2002 Championship under those questionable circumstances.

[Mutts]

I agree with the Dodgers. I think we're way overboard with our attempt at realism on this one... on top of that, we don't even guarantee that its the top 2 regular season teams that get the advantage. Liquid Swords are tied for the 2nd best record in the league right now, and are the regular season points champ, which locks them in to at least a 2nd place regular season finish. Yet, unless I lose tonight, they won't receive a home-field advantage. Doesn't seem fair to me. If we're going to "reward" 2 teams for doing good during the regular season, let's make sure it is always going to be the best 2 teams.

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

Originally Posted by Nittany Dodgers

Just for the record, I've complained (mostly to Mike) about this since I saw it in the rules back in 2002 when the playoffs started. If I lose this week because I only beat Mike by 6 points or less, I'll take the loss like a man, and be the bigger person about it just like Mike did when he lost the 2002 Championship under those questionable circumstances.

No doubt about your sportsmanship no matter what transpires... but if it's as big of a passion for you, Brian, bring it up in the off-season & let's see what the rest of the league thinks!

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

Originally Posted by Wonder Mutts

I agree with the Dodgers on this one. I think we're way overboard with our attempt at realism on this one... on top of that, we don't even guarantee that its the top 2 regular season teams that get the advantage. Liquid Swords are tied for the 2nd best record in the league right now, and are the regular season points champ, which locks them in to at least a 2nd place regular season finish. Yet, unless I lose tonight, they won't receive a home-field advantage. Doesn't seem fair to me. If we're going to "reward" 2 teams for doing good during the regular season, let's make sure it is always going to be the best 2 teams.

Okay... wasn't aware of this "wrinkle"... I'd be in favor of making it the two teams with the best records!

[Mutts]

Originally Posted by Royal Hawaiian Opihi

Okay... wasn't aware of this "wrinkle"... I'd be in favor of making it the two teams with the best records!

The only obvious way to do that is seed the playoffs according to record, instead of automatically assigning the 4th seed to the wildcard team.

[Nittany Dodgers]

Originally Posted by Royal Hawaiian Opihi

Okay... wasn't aware of this "wrinkle"... I'd be in favor of making it the two teams with the best records!

That obviously ignores the advantage the Mutts and Swords had by playing in such a weak division.

:bag

[Preds]

No way IMO do you seed strictly based on record in a league where you have divisions and play an unbalanced schedule as compared to the other divisions. 42.8% of our games are inside the division, and clearly the strength or weakness of one division over another can and will influence records.

Seeding in a league with divisions should be exactly how we do it (at least IMO). And I'm a big proponent of a home field edge in the Semi-Finals (though not in the Bowl).

As for the argument that the 2 "best" teams aren't seeded 1-2, show me when the NFL or other similar pro leagues seeded teams based solely on record and not division titles. Football doesn't do it that way, hockey doesn't do it that way, baseball doesn't... only sport I'm unsure of is the NBA... and basketball sucks anyhow (sorry to all you B-Ball fans out there). Division winners are ALWAYS seeded higher than wildcards... you want the home field then you better win your division and finish well... otherwise be prepared to pack your bags and hit the road (usually at a disadvantage)... that's the way the sports world works, and I think we have a more than fair system to deal with it.

And for the record, if I lost a game because of homefield I'd completely understand and not have gripes at all, nor would I petition to elimnate the system the next year. Home field IS and advantage, and the slight edge we get is a FAIR reward to the top 2 division winners.

Anyhow, best wishes to all 4 playoff teams, it should be a fun and exciting tournament!

[Liquid Swords]

Originally Posted by Nittany Dodgers

That obviously ignores the advantage the Mutts and Swords had by playing in such a weak division.

:bag

Week division? I don't think so. If you look at total points leader rankings:

East - 2, 4, 5, 9 = 20
Central - 1, 3, 7, 8 = 19
West - 6, 10, 11, 12 = 39

And total point average in each division (excluding those in tonight's game):

East - 1710.09
Central - 1726.19
West - 1468.95

And consider that the Central is the only division in which every team has scored more than 1600 points for the season.

The Central Division is the toughest! :box

[Mutts]

Originally Posted by Liquid Swords

Week division? I don't think so. If you look at total points leader rankings:

East - 2, 4, 5, 9 = 20
Central - 1, 3, 7, 8 = 19
West - 6, 10, 11, 12 = 39

And total point average in each division (excluding those in tonight's game):

East - 1710.09
Central - 1726.19
West - 1468.95

And consider that the Central is the only division in which every team has scored more than 1600 points for the season.

The Central Division is the toughest! :box

I think the non-conference schedule is also very relevant, we all play the same non-conference schedule of 8 games:

East: 18-14
Central: 17-15
West: 13-19

Say all you want, but we've proved alot of the doubters wrong with the year we had this year. Even the last place team in the league, Soap Box Derby Cars, won his only 3 games out of conference. The teams that are down right now are reloading, just as I did last year. Good luck and congratulations to everyone in the playoffs! The best team has won every year of the Frenzy, and this year will be no exception. Everyone's sure of that! :thumbsup I'd love to represent my division in the championship game, but honestly I'm bursting with enough Central (and Bloomington) pride that I'll be extremely excited if I'm watching the Swords in the championship!

Again, good luck to Brian, Mike, and Pat. I'm going to enjoy my first trip back to the Frenzy playoffs in 3 years! (Is that how long its been?) :toast:

[Preds]

Actually my kudos to the Central division, The Mutts and Swords have certainly emerged as strong contenders. I think Brian was just making a joke about the Central (as we all have the past couple years ;)... for some reason it seems to get you guys all worked up whenever we dis you!

Regardless, I think all 4 playoff teams are deserving in their own way, we all fought different battles to get here, but the fact is we're here. Good luck to each of you, I think it'll be a fun ride win or lose!

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

Um... would this be the appropriate time to petition for a 6-team playoff format with a first-round bye going to the top 2 seeds???? (sheepish-grin)

[Preds]

Originally Posted by Royal Hawaiian Opihi

Um... would this be the appropriate time to petition for a 6-team playoff format with a first-round bye going to the top 2 seeds???? (sheepish-grin)

I wasn't totally in favor of the 4 team format, but I do think it's ensured that the teams most deserving advance. I don't think anyone can argue with the 4 playoff teams, cept maybe the Dodgers, who remind me an aweful lot of the Waste's run a couple years ago. The Dodgers have played some pretty good ball the past month or so... granted their division was by far the weakest this year, but they have the ability to beat good teams, especially with the way Julius has been playing. If I happen to lose to Brian's squad this weekend I'll throw all my support behind him in his effort to win the bowl against the (now respectable ;)) Central division!

[Nittany Dodgers]

Yes, my comment on the "weak" central division was highly sarcastic, as there really is no argument that the West isn't the weakest division (until I take home that trophy anyway).

Also, my comments of taking it like a man like Mike did was also highly sarcastic, which I'm disappointed it got missed, ie, Mike cried like a little girl for months after losing to the Waste, and I definitely plan on doing the same if I win by only 6 points or less this week!

[Preds]

Originally Posted by Nittany Dodgers

Yes, my comment on the "weak" central division was highly sarcastic, as there really is no argument that the West isn't the weakest division (until I take home that trophy anyway).

Also, my comments of taking it like a man like Mike did was also highly sarcastic, which I'm disappointed it got missed, ie, Mike cried like a little girl for months after losing to the Waste, and I definitely plan on doing the same if I win by only 6 points or less this week!

Oh I caught that, but chose to "overlook" it! ;)

You gotta admit, I've gotten much better since that time!

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

Originally Posted by Nittany Dodgers

...Mike cried like a little girl for months after losing to the Waste, and I definitely plan on doing the same if I win by only 6 points or less this week!

Definitely something to aspire to...

[Nittany Dodgers]

Originally Posted by Royal Hawaiian Opihi

Definitely something to aspire to...

Once my season ends, I'll need something to pass the time.

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

Originally Posted by Preds

You gotta admit, I've gotten much better since that time!

I've been doing a semester-long Fantasy Football "stats project" with my son's 5th grade math class here in Hawaii. It's been awesome! Part of their final project is to write a letter of thanks to Mike and me (Mike helped a lot in getting the league set up), telling us what it is they learned this year.

My son was in the toughest division (32 teams with 4 divisions!)... and he ended up in 4th place with a 8-4 regular season record (11-1 was 1st, 10-3 2nd & 9-4 3rd)... he's a very competative kid. Anyway, one of the last things he said he learned was "how to be a good sport when I lose."

It's the nature of the best in Fantasy Football, ain't it?! Hard to do, but so valuable in life!!!