Game 9 of the Night

After 8 weeks, the WIS standings are kind of interesting. We have 13 undefeated teams ranging from #1 Northern Michigan to #36 Saint Joseph's with even a SIM thrown into the group. Also within the top 36, there are 20 7-1 teams. The other three teams are each 6-2 and are ranked between #28 and #35. With division play starting, each loss will have a possible big impact on the standings depending upon the team's SOS.

Tonight's schedule includes three games involving teams that are both 7-1 and four games involving teams that are both undefeated. With many divisions having three teams tied at 3-0 and some more with two teams tied at 3-0 and even one conference with four teams tied at 3-0, each of these games will have even more pressure to them.

For tonight's GotN, we are going to the NE-10 conference where we find #2 Long Island going on the road to face #8 Southern Connecticut. Both teams are 8-0 and the winner is almost a sure bet to make it to the conference championship game.

At Long Island, Coach Bigpoppa85 is in his third season and has made steady progression so far. He went from a 2nd place division finish and a first round loss to a conference championship loss and a second round loss. Long Island has beaten six human-coached teams so far this season including a couple of top coaches, but none of these teams are currently in the top 25. Coach Bigpoppa85 does his formations different than most coaches in that his team practices all offensive and defensive formation with more emphasis on

I, Pro-Set, and 3-4. A look at his roster reveals a fairly balanced spread of classmen at all positions.

Coach Bce98a is in his second season at Southern Connecticut. Their schedule so far doesn't include any statement victories either; although, they have taken care of business. On offense, SC uses Notre Dame and Pro-Set and then 3-4 on defense. The team only has two seniors on offense (both offensive linemen) and six seniors on defense with three of them fifth year seniors.

Both coaches took over teams that were ran by humans before them. Both coaches are national championship level coaches who have been extremely successful at other teams/worlds. This match-up could be a very interesting rivalry for many seasons to come if they both stay in place. As for tonight, Southern Connecticut looks very good on defense, especially with their linebackers. Their offense gives me pause; therefore, the pick is Long Island 27-13.

Lastly, to all the veterans out there, thank you and hope you all have a wonderful Veterans Day Saturday.