GDFL First Round Playoff Preview:Huntsville Rockets vs Tri-City Outlaws
Clarksville,Tennessee-The GDFL playoffs' divisional round schedule for the 2024 season is stacked with great matchups, and we've got you covered with what you need to know. Our GDFL Media Nationwide reporters bring us the biggest keys to each matchup.
Additionally, GDFL Sports Network provides a big stat to know for each contest, and our Football Power Prediction (FPP) goes inside the numbers with a game projection. Writer picks out each matchup's biggest X factor, and gives us a final score for every game. Everything you want to know is here in one spot to help you get ready for a loaded weekend of the GDFL National playoffs.
Let's get into Saturday’s slate, Starting with the Huntsville Rockets versus Tri-City Outlaws or should we say Alabama vs Tennessee showdown with both teams looking and the to keep their national championship hopes alive.
(3) Rockets at (2) Outlaws
Saturday , 6:00 p.m. CT | Box Videos | Spread: Outlaws -6.5 (48.5)
What to watch for: Fresh off winning the Xtreme South Division, the Outlaws will host the round one of the southern region of the playoffs. These teams will clash for the third time this season after Tri-City won the the first regular-season matchup 26-10 in Clarksville,Tennessee and tied 12-12 in Huntsville, Alabama. Outlaws quarterback Dominique White and Rockets quarterback Rashard Louie have been revitalized and will look to carry their respective teams with their strong play.
Bold prediction: The Outlaws will hold the Rockets under 20 points ... and win. Rockets will once again be the underdog,Clarksville is going to be as hostile environment and coach Nicholas Benjamin hasn't beaten the Outlaws since 2023. But the defense found its footing last week in an all out brawl. But only came away with and unfinished results with the game ending in a 12-12 tie.
Stat to know: The Outlaws' defense is rank #2 in the league and has only given up only 22 points versus opposing teams ,one of the-lowest rates in the GDFL.They could look to dial even more pressure up against the Rockets who have had multiple turnovers and both contest when blitzed so it will be interesting to see what adjustments have been made.
Matchup X factor: Outlaws edge rusher Jeff Taua’i. He is on a multi -game sack streak and is coming off a 33% pass rush win rate during the regular season(and is looking to double that in the playoffs). The Outlaws' pass defense is their weakness, but if their defensive front gets going, the Outlaws could pull away fast.
Game-plan key: Will we see Rockets receiver Rashad Goode and Outlaws corner BayBay Smith in one-on-one man coverage matchups? Goode had almost 100 yards receiving against Outlaws in week 8, so the Outlaws need a plan here -- potentially with Smith in coverage and safety help spinning down late.
Injuries and ejections: Rockets | Outlaws
PLAYERS WHO ARE INELIGIBLE TO COMPETE AUG.3RD
#57LB Jalen Rogan one game suspension(Outlaws)
#5 LB Malcolm Brooks one game suspension(Rockets)
#41 DE Ryan Grider suspended Indefinitely (Rockets)
Officiating note: Director of Officiating Jerry Lovvorn will be intown to evaluate officiating crews and to ensure all league protocols are being followed.
Prediction: Outlaws , 62.5% (by an average of 4.5 points)