The Sideline Whisperer

Predictions for 2/13/2016

By The Sideline Whisperer

Crunch time. Why is it called that? I have no clue. Anyway, we're there in D2. Even though some teams have three games left, others have four, and a couple even have five games still to play, this is what those weird Brits call "squeaky bum" time. No idea why they call it that either. Posted on 2/4/2016 5:22:58 PM		Division II (Schedule and standings on RugbyFL.com) Orlando (1-4) vs. Jacksonville (5-2) - On paper, this game might not look like much, but a win for Jax here would secure them a playoff spot. However, a loss would make those folks in the NE corner of the state a little nervous, as their remaining two games are at difficult Naples and home against currently undefeated Fort Lauderdale. Increasing that anxiety is the fact that last week, Jax went on the road to Boca and were destroyed 93-10 (not a typo). Even with one win, Orlando aren't out of the playoff race just yet, and showed they can still show up on any given Saturday when they fell by just three points on the road to FTL last weekend. Even though Naples still have to play Tridents twice and Boca has a ton of work to do to get back into the playoff race, I think Jax really doesn't want to go into those final two weekends with their playoff future in doubt. Jacksonville 24, Orlando 19 Tampa (0-6) vs. Fort Lauderdale (6-0) - Sure, I can see an upset here with the Knights not known for their travel prowess and potentially looking ahead to the monster matchup with the Tridents on the 27th, but I think FTL get it done. Fort Lauderdale 29, Tampa 20 Naples (4-1) vs. Miami Tridents (6-0) - Naples currently sit in the fourth playoff spot, but won't be comfortable there with two games against the undefeated Tridents still to come, along with Jax, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. Anything less than two wins in those games could mean trouble if Boca closes out with three wins against mediocre opposition. Tridents, meanwhile, remain the team to beat, except no one can seem to hold them under 40 points lately. I think the trend continues here. Tridents 42, Naples 24 Miami RFC (0-6) vs. Boca Raton (2-5) - Miami remain as south in the standings as their Kendall field is, and don't expect that to change this weekend. Boca finally woke up last weekend with their embarrassment of Jacksonville, and no they really can't afford anything but bonus-point wins from here in if they want a shot at fourth. Boca Raton 56, Miami 22 Division III (Schedule and standings on RugbyFL.com) Palm Beach (3-0) vs. Tallahassee (1-2) - As expected, the top four teams in D3 are beginning to separate themselves from the bottom four. Palm Beach have been made to work a little more than they thought for their three wins, while Tallahassee are 0-2 against the top four. Make that 0-3. Palm Beach 38, Tallahassee 17 Gainesville (3-0) vs. Sarasota (2-0) - The best matchup of the week sees the Hogs with a real chance to take a big step towards a home semifinal. Sarasota made a win over the Pelicans look very difficult last week as they scraped home 10-8, and the trip north is never an easy one. I expect the Surge to be in the title mix at the end of the season, but I don't think they're hitting on all cylinders just yet. Gainesville 17, Sarasota 10 Indian River (0-2) vs. Pelicans (0-4) - Two winless teams battling it out, with only wives, girlfriends and moms caring about the result. Indian River almost knocked off Brevard last week and I think they get their first win here. Indian River 25, Pelicans 20 Brevard (2-2) vs. Daytona (1-2) - The Red Eye were nearly handed a devastating defeat at home against Indian River last week, and this game has plenty riding on it as the Coconuts could play their way into the playoff mix with a win. Don't see it happening, though. Brevard 19, Daytona 15 Last Week: 7-1 Season: 29-7 (80.6%) All Time: 181-58-1 (75.4%)

Code updated: 02/09/2023 2:48 18.117.73.214/Content/Articles/Article.asp