(Editor’s note: Ashton M. is the guest picker for this week. His comments and selections are completely independent of Jack’s. Similarly, Jack’s predictions were made independently of Ashton’s).

The Sour Age

Predictions Week 3

October 19, 2008

By Jack Skunk

Rovian Calculations

Ok, I’m man enough to admit when I get beat. I went 3-1, whereas Calvin was perfect- at least in picking the winner. However, let’s look at the spreads: In the Royal/Green game, the actual spread was 7. I said 6, Calvin said 9. Score one for me. In the Red/Navy game, the actual spread was 3. Calvin said 7, I said 4. Score TWO for me. In the Black/Gold game, the actual spread was 7. Calvin said 1, I said 3, so Score THREE for me! And, in my one loser, the actual spread was 3. I was off by 4 points, and Calvin was off by 2, so score that one to Calvin. So, by my reckoning, I really won: Jack 6, Calvin 5. You may have access to math, but I have access to THE math.

Now, let’s get to what really counts: the predictions. If you’re not a wonk who pays attention to this stuff, you may not realize that this week is phenomenal, with great match ups on three of the four fields. I admit- it’s going to be harder to make the picks this week, but it matters not. I will crush the opposition the way I crushed Calvin last week. I rule!

7 Seas (0-2) versus Jade Tiger (0-2)

We have two 0-fer teams here, but my crystal ball isn’t as hazy as you might think. Sure, both teams are moving in the right direction. For instance, the Greens played fairly well- considering they were missing their resident party-boy. Navy though- was far more impressive against Red. The 7 Seas have a weapon called “Justin” who will shut down anybody they want, which will prove frustrating for the Tigers. The 7 Seas will probably keep the game close with unforced errors, but in the end, the Tigers will drown. The 7-Seas by 5.

Ashton’s Prediction: Battle of the have-nots. This is kinda like if Hillary and Huckabee decided to have a run off election. Both lost before, but only one can win now. Actually, I think Navy is going to pull this out pretty decidely. Navy showed they had something last week against Red, and I think that will come together for them this week. Green is still learning. On the bright side, green is earth friendly which has got to count for something. Navy by 6.

Jack’s pick: 7 Seas by 5

Ashton’s pick: 7 Seas by 6

My Bloody Valentine (2-0) versus Hell’s Bells (2-0)

This is exactly like the Navy/Green game, except instead of having two losers play, we’ll have two winners slug it out. I picked against the Bells last week, and that was an obvious mistake. Wait.. what am I saying? My pick was RIGHT- it just happened to be that “4” underperformed- lazy bastards. However, MBV did their absolute very best to choke against Navy. With that said, I think Valentine has two advantages: better “true” handlers, and better women. This time, the Bells really do get cracked. DING!!!!!!!!!!! My Bloody Valentine by 2.

Ashton’s Prediction: Red comes into the game thinking silver lacks handlers. White and gold made that mistake, but maybe red knows something they didn't. If Red shuts down Silver's key handlers and stays cool, than Red rules, otherwise, Silver is the new curreny-backed standard of choice. Silver by 3.

Jack’s Pick: My Bloody Valentine by 2

Ashton’s Pick: Hell’s Bells by 3

No Fear (2-0) versus The Golden Girls (0-2)

Unfortunately, there does have to be one boring contest, and it’s going to be this one. The Golden Girls have talent- I promise that they do- but I can’t ignore the trends. At this point, No Fear believes that they’re invulnerable, while the Golden Girls think that they can’t win. Sure- maybe Gold will surprise me, but I doubt it. Granted, they have the players: Puller, KJ, Cartel, and Britta- but it just won’t be enough. No Fear psyches out the GGs, and it won’t be pretty. No Fear by 6.

Ashton’s Prediction: Royal wins because they have momentum (and that whole talent thing). Gold has the capability, they just have to learn how to make key plays on both sides of the disc. I fully expect gold to shine brighter as the season goes on, and I may be wrong and this could be the upset. Then again, I drank a lot of coffee this morning.

Jack’s pick: No Fear by 6

Ashton’s Pick: No Fear by 4

4 (1-1) versus the Big Fun Colts (1-1)

This could very well be my favorite game of the day. “4” did choke, but they are loaded with skill. Think RJ, Leathers, Jia, and TJ. How they got beat by Hell’s Bells is still a mystery to me. Unfortunately though, they’re going up against the Czar’s hand-picked super stacked squad, with reports that TK is now in tactical command. What does that mean? Look for the bumble-bee attack! Captain RJ knows this as well as anyone, but knowing it won’t be good enough. If the Colts play with some discipline and no weird break-mark push passes, then they easily buck “4”. The Big Fun Colts by 3.

Ashton’s Prediction: Both teams are lead by experienced and aggressive veterans. I don't see the zone working very well here, and I also foresee a lot of hucks (both teams like to huck). White had success last week with the deep throw, but I think Black has the people to counter this. If Black can stop the huck, it will frustrate “4” and they win- otherwise white rolls.

Jack’s pick: Big Fun Colts by 3

Ashton’s pick: Big Fun Colts by 2

So those are the picks. If you’d like to be a guest picker, please contact the Able Lieutenant, and he’ll send you my way. Good luck to everyone, but especially to the teams I picked.

Jack Skunk, the skunk of skunks