The regular season has ended and all only four teams have made the playoffs, however all six teams have accepted their invitations to the first FIT. The season ended with a few late season sparks that have ignited a fire drawing more attention to the FIT than the Fantasy Bowl playoffs. Six teams and only two weeks to decide who is the best of the rest. The first round consists of two three team games. The first games pit the Johnson brothers in a battle with the too hot to handle Psychos. The second matches the bitter rivals JV and TC in a death match, with a little T&A thrown into the mix. In only a couple short weeks, the JV and TC matchup has become the most hated rivalry in the league (see upcoming special edition entitled "Points or Records, Does it Matter to you?"). The FIT provides a chance for all the teams to prove they are better than their record indicates. It is finally time to separate the the semi-talented from the whiners, the dead from the dying, the underated from the lucky, the dedicated from the heartless, now is the time we separate the best from the rest!

In attempt to decide which teams are the best in each game, I have ranked all postions based on a point system 3pts for 1st, 2pts for 2nd, 1pt for 3rd. Points given in ().

Midnight Marauders(8) vs. Thundering Herd(9) @ Psychos(5)

OVERALL: Psycho's 17, Herd 11.5, Midnight 10.5

Both TH and MM have struggled and been horrid through most of the season. Don't expect an upset as #5 Psychos should easily handle both teams. As far as second finish, Herd is here to prove one thing: Not only is he gonna be here next season....but he's gonna be doin' some ass kickin' and house cleanin'.

The JV Experience(7) vs T&A(10) @ Toin Coss(6)

This may be the most bitter rivalry in the world of fantasy sports and beyond. Although the two teams have only met once, resulting in a 138-102 victory for TC, heated arguments have led to friction between Coach McHugh and Coach JV Holien (see special section below entitled ("Fuck the Rest, I'm the Best"). Some are calling this one of the best rivalries ever, ranking it with such elites as lakers vs celtics, lions vs bears, wings vs avs, and cowboys vs anyone. Who is the greatest? There can be only one...let's take a look at the FIT stats:

NOTE: To prevent any furthur arguments or turmoil, the point system i am using will NOT be furthur explained in any way whatsoever.

OVERALL: T&A 14, TC 13, JV 13

Bloodbath battle between TC and JV has left T&A in shadows, but this team has shed the darkness it once beared earlier in the season. With Allen and Dunn expected back and Moore getting his yards once again, T&A could spell win. Defenses have been solid, and Coates has outgained even sharpe in the second half of the season. Only QB problem that still exists is who is better, beurlein or banks? TC looks strong at RB esp with newly acquired Dillon kicking ass. WR are average, as is kicker. Defenses are strong and combined with QBs should provide the bulk of the points. JV's fiery attitude should spread to his team this week casuing them to display the power they have possessed all season. QB greats Elway and Marino pave the way with Freeman having a huge day vs Chicago. JV and TC will both be lighting up the scoreboard all day long, but in the shadows is there is a monster lurking. Expect T&A to come out swinging and holding back nothing. Spotlight on TC and JV provides opening for T&A to slip through and advance.

RIVALRY SPOTLIGHT: The JV Experience vs. Toin Coss

JV and Joe would like nothing more than to go at each other's throats. Well, now's their chance. History has shown these two have always been "quiet enemies" fighting a cold war. Recently, though, these teams' hatred for each other has been publicly expressed. After almost not accepting his invitation to the FIT, a little smack talk from coach McHugh was all JV needed to enter the FIT. Now Coach Pat's team is ready to stand beside him and fight for his dignity and bragging rights. As far as Coach McHugh is concerned, he welcomes the fight. I had a chance to talk with Coach Joe McHugh earlier and this is what he had to say:

"as i was saying this rivalry is deep. it goes much deeper than just playin football games. we both are very strong minded individuals that often don't agree on many things. we each thought that our team was better than the other. My team of course is the better of the two and will win against the injured experience. i have an undefeated record and i don't plan on losing to this team... ever. Toin Coss will always defeat the Experience for one simple reason, i have a better overall philosophy than my counter part, pat. TC also shows much more heart as we saw in the earlier TC vicotory over the Losing Experience. Oh yeah, this rivalry is deep and is getting deeper. TC thrives in intense rivalries like these while The Painful Experience complains that it is too much. His team is like an open wound and TC is the salt about to rub deep into his wound. TC will remain undefeated against the Complaining Experience. He will have to settle for second best and he may as well get used to it. Not much is going to change in upcoming seasons and it is certainly not going to change for this game. As always make it a good game but may TC (the best team) win. Crush the Experience!!!"

Coach JV was unavailable for comment

Good Luck to both teams in the "Fuck You, I'm Right Bowl"!

When Coach Vince Levigne, Sr. was asked what he thought about the big rivalry between JV Experience and Toin Coss and the fact that they have pretty much ignored him, his response was "RIVAL THIS!". (This is a coach of few words)

*****SPECIAL SECTION*****

"Fuck the Rest, I'm the Best"

A huge controversey arose over whether or not there should be a playoff tourney for the bottom six teams. Many have viewed the FIT (Fantasy Invitational Tournament) as a "toilet bowl" and a "best of the worst". I disagree with such statements. I view the FIT tournament as a chance for unfortunate teams to prove they are better than their record may indicate. Many of the non-playoff teams experienced losing streaks due to injuries and byes occuring at inopportune times. Others may have just had a tougher schedule, playing MT twice or Rage and THH twice. Still some lost key games by just a few points and are left to ponder what may have happened had they just changed their lineup the slightest bit. Their are numerous reasons why teams should want to enter the FIT and prove they are the "best of the rest." I have composed a list of the FIT teams and a legitimate reason each would have for accepting their invitations for the FIT.

Psychos (7-7): Clearly one of the best teams in the second half of the season, going 5-2. Psychos were one game out of playoffs and had tie breakers won vs AA. FIT provides a chance for Psychos to prove that their 5-2 finish was no fluke.

Toin Coss (6-8): Toin Coss lost twice to AA by a combined 8 points. Winning of those games could've put TC in the playoffs. Add that to a tough loss to Psycho in the finale and the fact that Coach McHugh's arch rival JV is in the FIT, and TC has a chance to take some revenge and prove he's better than his record.

The JV Experience (6-8): Experiencing a tough scedule, key injuries, and a shaky start...JV looks to prove his point total (3rd overall) is a better reflection of his teams success than his record. Also JV has the chance to eliminate his bitter rival McHugh in the first round.

Midnight Marauders (5-9): Coach GJ (1997 GM of the year) has had one awful season. After becoming one of the preseason favorites to go the distance, injuries and weak defenses have contributed to his downfall. MM is one of those middle of the road teams that just lost their edge this season and want a chance to prove the can still hang. Avenging a 122-102 loss to his younger bro also serves as a goal.

Thundering Herd (4-10): If there is anyone who does not need an addittional reason to enter the FIT it is TH. Coach Chad has his team pumper and rarin' to go. Accused of tanking early in the season, TH provided some upsets on his way to a 3-4 start. However he only won one game in his final seven. Coach Chad welcomes the opportunity to shock the world and reach his claim to fame.

T&A (3-11): Midseason trade looked to help RB situation, but failed. Lost numerous key player throghout season, and now for first time in over 10 weeks, T&A is able to post a respectable lineup with no injured players holding him back. T&A wants the chance to prove the spark that lead to last season 1st place finish is still here waiting to surface.

OPINION POLL

Please email your answers to any or all of the following questions to
Vince Levigne: vlevigne@online.emich.edu

1. Who do you think will win the "Fuck you, I'm Right Bowl" between Joe and Pat?

2. Which team was this year's biggest surprise and which was the biggest disappointment?

3. Which team do you think will win the Fantasy Bowl?

4. Which team has the best chance of winning the FIT?

SEASON AWARDS

Personal awards given out by me and only me, this are unofficial, for fun, and have not been voted on or discussed with anyone in anyway.

Once again these are my opinions and do not necessarily represent or intend to represent the opinions of the entire league.

Special Thanks:
Coach Joe McHugh - Guest Comments
Coach Vince Levigne, Sr. - Guest Comment
Rich Fusinski - Web Publisher

Good Luck to all Teams in both the FIT and Fantasy Bowl playoffs

Coach Vince Levigne
Attitude Adjustment