“Akron vs Oregon.
A critical matchup of two strong BCS teams. Despite a strong showing early, Akron needed a win or at least a draw here against a former national title winner to silence some of their critics.

Handicaps:
Palmed coin (Yipee!)
Duh Where Am I (Oregon player never failed a bone head...although the presence of bone head caused John Bashem to be used for assists more than blitzing.)

Opening drive:
Anika took the ball and quickly the rest of the players went downfield...initially the movement was a flood right play - however, it was well defended with many tackle players and sidestepping blodgers limited the push. Stuns on the first turn of defense against Asher and Reginold further limited the options, so Orlan Pace was the sole option to the left flank...but after a quick moment of looking right, Anika came back to her left and threw a perfect strike to Orlan to go up 1-0.

Key drive of game:
Akron kicked off and now it was the true test...while Akron still had players on the field, they needed to make a good defensive stand. Oregon quickly moved the ball up the left flank - however, they relied on guard...players to north, south, east and west of the ghoul ballcarrier instead of an actual cage. Reginold knew his job...it was dangerous, but he moved diagonally south of the ball carrier (only 2 spaces from the crowd), his guard allowed Thomas Irvin's strength (ST 4 line elf) to be enough for a 2d blitz on the ball carrier...but the ball popped loose and Orlan Pace raced downfield...Anika darted around the melee and snatched the ball and tossed it downfield to Orlan (2 spaces from scoring). With a push on Reginold to set up the surf - he was knocked into the crowd and seriously injuried. However, the wights could not get to and take down Orlan who made the single dodge into the endzone for the TD and 2-0 lead.

Missed Opportunities:
At the end of the first half came a great opportunity to go up 3-0, a quad skull by a mummy before the ball carrier was protected allowed a free run at the ghoul by Anika, she knocked him down and took the ball. Only 1 turn was left in half however...Oregon only had a 1d blitz on Anika (could have been 2d if they dodged away another ghoul to help), they got the pow after using a RR...and...the STUN. Stunned, Anika had to collect her thoughts at halftime with the lead only 2-0. Another break was to open the second half, where Akron blitzed off the start - and again was in great position to put the game away - however, players were already reduced down from the initial 9 players to only 6 players at this point. Although Anika got close to the ball...Oregon managed a blitz and again an armor break on Anika and the threat was over...with twice the players on the field, Oregon sprinted down the field for the easy TD and 2-1 game.

Moment of truth:
With only 4 elves and a treemen left to put on the field and Oregon getting perfect defense - it looked like trouble for Akron. A defense TD was looking very possible. Jason Wasp was rudely smashed to the ground - a niggling injury if not for the quick work of the apothecary...however, Anika's agility and quickness allowed her to suck the Oregon players deep and then a dodge and 1d block to push away a mark on Jason and Anika tossed a perfect throw again (2+ throw, but had to avoid 6+ int attempt). Jason was in 1 tackle zone (3+ catch with catch RR), but he deftly grabbed the ball and then a single dodge away from a non-tackle player and it was 3-1.

Consolation touchdown:
Oregon certainly did not give up and against only 4 players, they easy scored in 2 turns and then kicking off had to hope for a blitz so they could score then in T16...but no blitz and the game ended with a 3-2 victory for Akron.

Many fans were present (but we rolled a 1 for winnings - so obviously they were not *our* fans!).

Thanks for a great game again!”