If Charlie Ebersol and Bill Polians had scripted the inaugural season of the Alliance, they wouldn’t have gotten it this good. Heading into week 8, there is a developing parity in the league, a successful overtime first, and some entertaining football. The AAF is trending way up.
Tightening Playoff Race
The Mike Singletary-led Memphis Express (2-5) looked lost for most of the season. But not only did they win the first overtime in Alliance history in Memphis on Saturday night, but they did it against an eastern division bully, the Birmingham Iron (4-3). The Atlanta Legends (2-5) lost for the second time last Saturday to the Orlando Apollos (6-1). They had previously beaten the Arizona Hotshots (4-3), who are in a race out west with the San Antonio Commanders (5-2) and the San Diego Fleet (3-4).
Not You Again
A Birmingham Iron victory this week against the Atlanta Legends or next week against the Arizona Hotshots would guarantee that week 10 will see a playoff precursor when Birmingham rolls into Orlando to play the Apollos. With both teams at the top of the Eastern division, they would meet the very next week, April 21st, to see who would go on to the AAF Championship game in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 27th.
In Our House?
For the Apollos, a win this week against the Express or next week against the Fleet will guarantee home field advantage for the championship game. If Orlando plays the Memphis Iron two weeks in a row, it should make for some very interesting strategizing. It will be the third time the teams meet this year, and they’ll know each other’s tendencies. Drama will be high.
First Things First
Orlando narrowly escaped Spectrum Stadium at UCF in February, besting Memphis 21-17. Although it wasn’t as close as it sounds, the Apollos failed to pull away from the Express like they have other AAF Eastern opponents this year. Memphis also has the first overtime victory in Alliance history under their belt this week, and Orlando is at their house. The good guys will need to bring their lunch boxes this week. Take on a Johnny Football-fueled team and take care of business.
If AAF league executives have tight plans in place for an entertaining post season, we had better put on our seatbelts. The Alliance of American Football will play its championship game on NFL draft weekend. The game is scheduled for sometime between “long shot to make the team” and Mr. Irrelevant on Saturday night, April 27th from Sin City, Las Vegas. Are you ready for some football?
