Power Alliance At Champs: 2014

[nicholsjj]

Here is the thread I made last year for reference: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116116

The whole idea of this thread is for the people on CD to showcase some teams from their state that are attending champs in order for other people and teams not in that state to have a good idea of the states's toughest teams.

Missouri

Captain: Team 1986: Provides a reliable auto and major assist capability with a deadly finishing and truss shot.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0V_HUZbftM

First Pick: Team 4522: Provides a two shout auto if needed with a fast robot that can shoot the lights out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7ByQeF80XI&feature=youtu.be

Second Pick: 1806: Provides a reliable auto and assist capability with also a strong drive train. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UB9uyb300M

This alliance was very hard to make with so many great teams from Missouri this year. Good luck to all the "Show-Me" State's competing teams at Worlds.

[Yipyapper]

Ontario (Here we go...)

I could name a dozen teams to be the first two members of the power alliance, but the ones everyone seems to decide unanimously as the top two powerhouses would be:

Captain - Team 1114: Simbotics - The Hall of Fame team has a mostly reliable two-ball hot auto and was either the 1st alliance captain or the 1st pick at all three of their Canadian regionals this year—despite two controversial semi-final exits, their intake is second to none, their finishing/trussing capabilities are amongst the best in FIRST and their strategy smarts are also among the best.

FIRST Pick - Team 2056: OP Robotics - Still haven't lost a regional (19 now), 2056 can pick up their 2-ball one-hot, one-not autonomous if 1114 were to falter, and could provide a hot one-ball if Simbotics' auto works fine. They made and showcased great trussing and shooting skills, as well as a rare example of strong catching capabilities, and provide strong defense on a lot of teams as evidenced by their dominant win in Waterloo. Since 1114 and 2056 already team up every year, this kind of a power alliance really isn't unlikely if they're in the same division.

Second Pick - Team 610: The Coyotes - A close second to the first two teams, it's hard to compare them since they didn't compete against each other this year. The defending world champs have amazing run-and-gun capabilities as well as a strong trussing shot, quick intake and a great two-ball hot auton.

There are so, so, so many amazing teams in Ontario that it's possible to make 5 of these alliances that would crush most other state/provincial alliances, but these three are just the most unreal.

[OZ_341]

Ontario (Here we go...)

I could name a dozen teams to be the first two members of the power alliance, but the ones everyone seems to decide unanimously as the top two powerhouses would be:

Captain - Team 1114: Simbotics - The Hall of Fame team has a mostly reliable two-ball hot auto and was either the 1st alliance captain or the 1st pick at all three of their Canadian regionals this year—despite two controversial semi-final exits, their intake is second to none, their finishing/trussing capabilities are amongst the best in FIRST and their strategy smarts are also among the best.

FIRST Pick - Team 2056: OP Robotics - Still haven't lost a regional (19 now), 2056 can pick up their 2-ball one-hot, one-not autonomous if 1114 were to falter, and could provide a hot one-ball if Simbotics' auto works fine. They made and showcased great trussing and shooting skills, as well as a rare example of strong catching capabilities, and provide strong defense on a lot of teams as evidenced by their dominant win in Waterloo. Since 1114 and 2056 already team up every year, this kind of a power alliance really isn't unlikely if they're in the same alliance.

Second Pick - Team 610: The Coyotes - A close second to the first two teams, it's hard to compare them since they didn't compete against each other this year. The defending world champs have amazing run-and-gun capabilities as well as a strong trussing shot, quick intake and a great two-ball hot auton.

There are so, so, so many amazing teams in Ontario that it's possible to make 5 of these alliances that would crush most other state/provincial alliances, but these three are just the most unreal.

This alliance selection is probably applicable to just about any year's game. Always amazing machines.

[czielinski]

The alliance at the Michigan State Championship that won, at least in my opinion, was a great blending team. The alliance captain 27 who would inbound, then play defense, 314 (Megatron Oracles) who would take from the human player, then 33 (killer Bees) would shoot the ball. All three robots have reliable auto modes and worked really well at MSC.

[Joe195]

Ironically, we have already seen the power alliance of CT at NE Champs
230, 177, 4055

230: Extremely accurate 2 Ball auto, and very accurate truss shot. Robot can take a beating from defense and still perform very well. Intake is fast and open for inbound tosses.

177: Another very accurate 2 ball auto. High release point allows bot to shoot over defense. Massive catching area allows it to receive many truss tosses intentionally. Drive train is very powerful and proves this bot to be a fantastic all around player. Overall deadly accuracy in the high goal and quick, fast intake will prove to be the perfect match for 230

4055: Very accurate auto is a must in this game, and 4055 does not hesitate to deliver. Their very quick and simple pick up mechanism is great for inbounding and receiving an assist from an inbounder. Like 230, they have a great, accurate truss shot. If defense proves to be too much for the other 2 bots, they can absolutely take the ball and get it into the high goal. Their drive train absolutely dominates in defense.

I would be scared for anyone who has to face this alliance at champs

[JesseK]

Virginia is fielding some great teams (apologies if I missed a couple):
384, 623, 1610, 1731, 1885, 2363.

384 - any role, but excelled at mid-zone & high goal
623 - inbound-truss + defender. Has medium-speed Mecanum, but also has a very nice blocking wall which really annoys high-goal shooters. Autonomous TBD.
1610 - any role; had to play all of them in elims but was somewhat easily defended via pushing
1731 - excelled at inbound-truss and the 2-bot quick cycle. Has reliable hot goal auton (>75%).
1885 - any role, has a decent high-goal sweet spot and has upgrades for trussing at champs. Has reliable 1-ball autonomous, nearly 100%. Was very hard to push, but had issues with fast 2-speed defenders with a blocking wall
2363 - any role, but excelled at the high goal zone

First attempt based upon video-recorded elims performances only, Virginia
Captain: 2363 - Great 2+ ball autonomous; great drivers; 2-speed drive train to get through defense; has pulled through in clutch moments; can play high goal zone like nobody's business, including receiving bot-to-bot passes and truss catches. Has good experience with quick 3-assist cycles.
First Pick: 384 - Great autonomous; can move through traffic to get to where they need to be, can play instant defense and has a great high-goal sweet spot
Second Pick: Depends on alliance overall strategy. Yet let's pick "all-around" and say 1885 since I have some insider info.
- For defense, 623's truss may get shut down at champs. They'll have a tougher time pushing, so they'll have to aim for the quick inbound pass across the field, then slow incoming offensive machines by blocking.
- For quick 2-bot cycles, definitely 1731. The speed of their drive train, inbound, ground pickup and truss is paramount for this strategy.
- For truss specialists (at champs), 1885 or 1731. 1731 for a powerful truss, 1885 for a loftier truss. Both can make it to the human player from behind the white zone line. 1731's can make it all the way to the other end of the field which is advantageous in clearing defense. 1885's may be slightly easier to catch since there is a lower-powered version of it in addition to the high-powered launch.
- For inter-changeable strategies where robots aren't in the same zone in 2 consecutive matches yet still reliably fill the role, 1885 or 1610 or 1731. 1610 & 1885 have demonstrated a good sweet spot (so long as Spencer is patient and Monica speaks up!) and the ability to get through a crowded situation. 1731 can move in quickly for an accurate shot, yet has two divergent scoring spots (due to a slightly high arc) and can miss if it is in between them. 1610's inbound is really quick which is clutch under heavy defense. As for "working together" all three of these teams have good or great relationships with the other two alliance partners.

[barn34]

Illinois:

In numerical team order, it looks like it would be the following:
1625 - Overall record of 27-3-1 (tie vs. 2481), Winners at Midwest (w/ 2451) (Quality Award), QF at Wisconsin
2451 - Overall record of 25-8-0, Winners at Midwest (w/ 1625) (Excellence in Engineering Award), QF at CIR
2481 - Overall record of 23-8-1 (tie vs. 1625), Winners at Wisconsin (Innovation in Control Award), QF at CIR

This would be an awesomely versatile alliance we would be honored to be a part of. The slick swerve driving twins of 2451 and 2481 would cause both offensive and defensive havoc (and would be virtually interchangable, on the fly, in any role) and 1625 has great truss passing capability to forward the ball down the field quickly and efficiently (they'd also be more than capable of putting the ball in the goal themselves, if needed). All 3 have great hot goal autos, so a perfect 75 points would be on the board before tele-op starts. We had the honor to compete against both teams this year, and it would be great fun to partner up for sure. 1625 and 2451 also partnered up in winning Midwest so the familiarity is there. We also played with 2451 in a very early qualifier match, week 1, at CIR and had great synergy with our twin swerve drives putting up 145 points in a very solid and offensively/defensively balanced victory. Lets see if the division gods make it possible for any of us to team up in St. Louis. :)

Couple vids:
2451 and 1625 finals matches at Midwest:
F1 - http://youtu.be/lFN73SVZr6o
F2 - http://youtu.be/r_xAUwlJuYA
2481 finals matches at Wisconsin:
F1 - http://youtu.be/pE94RoMd62E
F2 - http://youtu.be/I4AYeJGE5ds (this was with 1 wheel 15 degrees out of alignment, so our driving was uncharactaristically sloppy. a lot of credit goes to our drive team for compensating admirably)

Special shout outs to:
1756 - Finalists at Boilermaker (Imagery Award), SF at CIR (Industrial Design Award)
2081 - SF at CIR (Engineering Excellence Award), QF at Wisconsin (Engineering Inspiration Award)
4296 - Winners at CIR, SF at Wisconsin
5125 - Winners at Midwest (w/ 1625 and 2451) (Highest Rookie Seed Award)

You also can't mention Illinois FRC teams without 111. They had a bit of a rough showing in Wisconsin, but improved greatly for Midwest. I'm banking they'll be charactaristically hitting a high gear when they show up in St. Louis. Can't wait to see the tie-dyed warriors again. It's always an honor to share the field with them. Illinois will be well represented at Championships this year, for sure! Good luck to all the great teams!

[electroken]

Ironically, we have already seen the power alliance of CT at NE Champs
230, 177, 4055

230: Extremely accurate 2 Ball auto, and very accurate truss shot. Robot can take a beating from defense and still perform very well. Intake is fast and open for inbound tosses.

177: Another very accurate 2 ball auto. High release point allows bot to shoot over defense. Massive catching area allows it to receive many truss tosses intentionally. Drive train is very powerful and proves this bot to be a fantastic all around player. Overall deadly accuracy in the high goal and quick, fast intake will prove to be the perfect match for 230

4055: Very accurate auto is a must in this game, and 4055 does not hesitate to deliver. Their very quick and simple pick up mechanism is great for inbounding and receiving an assist from an inbounder. Like 230, they have a great, accurate truss shot. If defense proves to be too much for the other 2 bots, they can absolutely take the ball and get it into the high goal. Their drive train absolutely dominates in defense.

I would be scared for anyone who has to face this alliance at champs

It's an honor just to be included in this conversation, but I wouldn't want to come up against 195, 558, and pick one from 228,2067 or 2168.

195: We affectionately call your robot the hungry hippo. A 2 ball, hot goal auto and that 3-roller intake that can pick up and shoot before anyone sees it coming. The shooter is among the strongest we've seen - just ask the spectators in the 4th row.

558: Quite possibly the ultimate mid-fielder. They're quick with the truss shot, can push just about anything, and can dish out punishing defense. Our banana-shaped front frame rail is evidence enough of that.

228, 2067, and 2168: Any one of these adds an autonomous shot, quick inbounding, trussing, and defense.

The Connecticut State Championship is gonna be a blast!

[Woolly]

First Pick: Team 4522: Provides a two shout auto if needed with a fast robot that can shoot the lights out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7ByQeF80XI&feature=youtu.be

I am now imagining team SCREAM's robot using Unrelenting Force to score balls in the high goal.

Thank you.

[techtiger1]

Florida is sending a formidable alliance of 180,179 and 1592. All three of these machines can truss and score. Drivetrains and auto are as solid as it gets on all three machines as well.

[Max Boord]

Florida:
Captain: 180: Great under-defense truss or high goal shooter.
1st Pick: 179: Good catching robot and high goal shooter. 2 ball hot auto.
2nd Pick: 1592 High goal shooter or in bounder.
3rd Pick:2383: Very good in-bounder with full court ability.

180 and 179 play with 1592 in a 1592-> 180 (truss)->179(catch and high goal) triple assist strategy.

2383 (FCS to human player)-> 180/179 (high goal) Lightning fast double assist.

We have seen these alliances formed in bits and pieces with a range of success including a 305pt match by the 180 and 179 combo.

179, 180's scoring demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbtcVpQF_oM&list=PLTQ7p60tDSUiu9SU1wN4ynsJqLxxcrV58&index=17
2383: http://www.thebluealliance.com/match/2014vari_qf3m1
1592,180 vs 179 and there twin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjPsfkhI0co&list=PLTQ7p60tDSUjfMUZEcjrf9HgDQxrs7MSz

[lynca]

from the great state of Texas , we could definitely take on Einstein with this alliance

1. 148 - Won 2 regionals, 2-ball auto , amazing driving and scoring
2. 624 - Won 1 regional , 2-ball auto , adjustable range shots
3. 118 - Won 3 regionals and those amazing white bunny ears ! ...:eek:

[waialua359]

from the great state of Texas , we could definitely take on Einstein with this alliance

1. 148 - Won 2 regionals, 2-ball auto , amazing driving and scoring
2. 624 - Won 1 regional , 2-ball auto , adjustable range shots
3. 118 - Won 3 regionals and those amazing white bunny ears ! ...:eek:
This will unlikely happen.
Therefore, throw us in there as a substitute and we'll be fine with it.:)

[DampRobot]

Cali power alliance:

254 (triple event winner, holder of the world high score without penalties, and one of the best power forwards in FIRST, amazing 3 ball hot auto).
971 (double event winner, undefeated this season, and the other best power forward in FIRST. Played great mid at SVR.)
1678 (best assist bot in Cali, double event winner, amazing at back court, huge traction and defense).

Probably 3/20 best robots in FIRST.

[MrTechCenter]

Cali power alliance:

254 (triple event winner, holder of the world high score without penalties, and one of the best power forwards in FIRST, amazing 3 ball hot auto).
971 (double event winner, undefeated this season, and the other best power forward in FIRST. Played great mid at SVR.)
1678 (best assist bot in Cali, double event winner, amazing at back court, huge traction and defense).

Probably 3/20 best robots in FIRST.

Agreed, this would be a deadly alliance, I expect to see at least one of these teams on Einstein this year. I feel that California should be split into North/South because there are just so many good teams here. This would be the NorCal alliance hands down. SoCal would probably be:

1717: Great shooter "fin." LA winner and excellent performance at LVR.
330: Great at catching. Very good performance overall.
Toss-up between 3476 and 2485: Both were really great robots.

[kevincrispie]

Agreed, this would be a deadly alliance, I expect to see at least one of these teams on Einstein this year. I feel that California should be split into North/South because there are just so many good teams here. This would be the NorCal alliance hands down. SoCal would probably be:

1717: Great shooter "fin." LA winner and excellent performance at LVR.
330: Great at catching. Very good performance overall.
Toss-up between 3476 and 2485: Both were really great robots.

Or Central? 1323, 1671, and 973 all have great robots. Though I haven't seen them in person, 399 also deserves a mention for their regional victory at Inland Empire and solid performances at Utah and LVR. There are so many good robots from California, that some of them fly under the radar.

[AnonymousMarvin]

I totally agree with the teams from Missouri, all three robots were lights out at kansas city, and all three have played with each other this year and done very well. Watch out for these guys, these guys together have a chance to go to Einstein and win it all.

[Link07]

New Jersey is pretty easy, IMO

2590 - Nemesis
11 - MORT
193 - MORT Beta
25 - Raider Robotix

Nemesis and the MORT brothers are all very versatile and could play pretty much anywhere on the field. All three play killer defense when off the ball. Nemesis and 11 proved to be an effective combo at MAR champs, with each playing a different side of the field. 2590 and 193 also have deadly accurate two ball autonomous capability. Raider Robotix adds strategic depth to this alliance. They are known for smart driving, good defense, and their unique ability to catch and quickly score low if they need to. The versatility of this alliance makes it hard to predict and therefore hard to defend.

Delaware:

365

MOE would make this list for their great trussing ability even if they weren't they only team from Delaware :rolleyes:

[JB987]

This will unlikely happen.
Therefore, throw us in there as a substitute and we'll be fine with it.:)

You don't have to go that far eastward to find a formidable partner, Glenn:D

[Woolly]

I totally agree with the teams from Missouri, all three robots were lights out at kansas city, and all three have played with each other this year and done very well. Watch out for these guys, these guys together have a chance to go to Einstein and win it all.

See, I don't know that we were all that impressive at GKC, we just had some great alliance partners (seriously, the 3rd robot on our alliance had a working 2 ball autonomous), a strong drive train and good collector. 3284 on the other hand had a very impressive performance at the St.Louis regional, winning the event. Based on most recent performance at regional competitions, I'd say that the Missouri Power Alliance would be this:

1986-4522-3284-1806

[John Retkowski]

All very good MAR teams. I would also add 225 and 341

225 Captain: Fantastic robot and winners of Chestnut hill with 316 and 1495, Techfire has a powerful drive train and fast accurate shooter. And they can catch!

2590 1st pick Nemesis has an extremely accurate 2 ball 2 hot goal auto. (only saw them miss once.) Very accurate high goal shot. ranked #1 in MAR

341 2nd pick Hall of fame team Miss Daisy has one of the most powerful drive trains I've seen this year. Coupled with a fast pickup they are a formidable team.

[Link07]

All very good MAR teams. I would also add 225 and 341

225 Captain: Fantastic robot and winners of Chestnut hill with 316 and 1495, Techfire has a powerful drive train and fast accurate shooter. And they can catch!

2590 1st pick Nemesis has an extremely accurate 2 ball 2 hot goal auto. (only saw them miss once.) Very accurate high goal shot. ranked #1 in MAR

341 2nd pick Hall of fame team Miss Daisy has one of the most powerful drive trains I've seen this year. Coupled with a fast pickup they are a formidable team.

But combining NJ and PA is cheating :rolleyes:

In all seriousness, my votes for PA (at least Eastern PA) is:
225 - Tech Fire
1218 - Vulcan Robotics
341 - Miss Daisy
1640 - SaBOTage

[Ben Martin]

225 Captain: Fantastic robot and winners of Chestnut hill with 316 and 1495, Techfire has a powerful drive train and fast accurate shooter. And they can catch!

The catching is a whole lot better from the HP than robots, but we'll take it :) .

As far as (East) PA goes, I'd pick any 4 from 222, ourselves, 341, 1218, 1640, and 2607. All solid robots that can perform multiple roles.

[themccannman]

Cali power alliance:

Probably 3/20 best robots in FIRST.

3/15 according to frc top 25.

[Navid Shafa]

3/15 according to frc top 25.

Why not 3/3? :cool:

[hannaners]

Delaware:

365

MOE would make this list for their great trussing ability even if they weren't they only team from Delaware :rolleyes:

We're honored to have made the cut! :D

Maybe it is cheating, but combining PA, DE, and NJ teams, I'd say the winning alliance at district champs was pretty formidable - 2590, 341, and 11. The fact that Nemesis and MORT could hold up the alliance on their own during a finals match is already a testament to their prowess.

1218, 1640, 225, and 193 are definitely up there as well. I'd also like to add 1089 had a great year and is going to Champs for the first time in its history :yikes: (oops hope that wasn't too many teams)

[AlexD744]

For Florida, I would have to say 180-179-79-1592.

2 options for strategy here:
1) 180-179 run the same strategy as S.Fl. and 79/1592 inbounds, kiss pass to 180 who trusses, and 179 finishes.

2) Taking advantage of 179's catching and 79's generally higher shot (Edit: or 1592's supposedly new higher shot). 79/1592 inbounds, truss to 179, pass to 180, who is arguably the best finishing robot.

All can handle a ball or two in auto, but I don't know if any have hot goal detection on one ball.

All four have great drive trains, and can play d.
Note: I did not see 79 or 1592's second regional.

[Navid Shafa]

There are certainly plenty of Washington robots that could fill the roles of the PNW winning alliance, but the PNW alliance of 1318/1983/2907 were the kings of defense. It's hard to argue with strong communication and teamwork. Speaking of defense, 1595 is my last pick. I would be willing to bet money that they will be in eliminations at champs as a 3rd or 4th bot. Play their cards right and they could ride the tail end of alliance selections to Einstein...

Oregon is sending 5 strong teams:

Captain - Team 4488: ShockWave - With a reliable 2-ball hot auto, a clean shot and defense evasion tactics, they have the potential to seed high on a division.

FIRST Pick - Team 955: CV Robotics - Consistent, fast. I pick them for truss and mid-field play. They could finish for ShockWave too if need be.

Second Pick - Team 4125: Confidential - They are good at finishing and assisting, but 955 has a higher arc truss shot, so I put 4125 as the inbounder and back field player.

Third Pick - Team 1540: Flaming Chickens - The Chickens definitely have improved a lot from a rocky start at districts. They even got a 2-ball auto working at District Champs. With a little more work and practice, these guys are my final pick to round out this alliance.

Honorable Mention - Team 997: Spartan Robotics - They captained a strong alliance at District Champs. They can play the game well and are able to fill most roles. However they have a difficult time hanging onto the ball in transit, because of this, they are susceptible to high level defense.

[safiq10]

from the great state of Texas , we could definitely take on Einstein with this alliance

1. 148 - Won 2 regionals, 2-ball auto , amazing driving and scoring
2. 624 - Won 1 regional , 2-ball auto , adjustable range shots
3. 118 - Won 3 regionals and those amazing white bunny ears ! ...:eek:

I'm going to agree with you with a power alliance like this we might be able to take it home, but Texas teams are very clever so I'm not counting out any teams that qualified (3310 and 3847 are the first to come to mind)

[instantcake]

from the great state of Texas , we could definitely take on Einstein with this alliance

1. 148 - Won 2 regionals, 2-ball auto , amazing driving and scoring
2. 624 - Won 1 regional , 2-ball auto , adjustable range shots
3. 118 - Won 3 regionals and those amazing white bunny ears ! ...:eek:

I'm sorry to disappoint you Andy, but 118's ears are no more.

Although I think this alliance would be good, I think that 1477 could play better with this alliance than 624. Their double sided collector is faster, and their inbounding better. 1477 would do amazing as a midfield/inbounder for this alliance with 118/148 finishing.

[Abhishek R]

I'm sorry to disappoint you Andy, but 118's ears are no more.

What happened to 118's ears?

[Mr. Rip]

I'm sorry to disappoint you Andy, but 118's ears are no more.

Although I think this alliance would be good, I think that 1477 could play better with this alliance than 624. Their double sided collector is faster, and their inbounding better. 1477 would do amazing as a midfield/inbounder for this alliance with 118/148 finishing.

Thanks for the love Hunter. We have the two ball auton working with Cheesy vision and plan to add one ball hot auton Thursday. The halo we added makes the ball sit better and Teflon plates inside our winch have increased the reliability of the catapult.

We were talking this afternoon about what a great alliance partner y'all will make for someone at Champs. I saw some pictures of your Halo upgrade. I hope it works out.

I would like to see 118, 148, 624, and 1477 together at Champs. I would not mind being the back-up robot for that alliance.

Mr. Rip

[themccannman]

Why not 3/3? :cool:

Because apparently a 50-4 record, two regional wins, and a regional finalist is only good enough for the 15th spot.

[dodar]

Because apparently a 50-4 record, two regional wins, and a regional finalist is only good enough for the 15th spot.

Be happy with 15th. Apparently 30-5 and 2 regional wins isnt good enough for top 25.

[Abhishek R]

Be happy with 15th. Apparently 30-5 and 2 regional wins isnt good enough for top 25.

SPAM deserves very much to be on the Top 25. It irks me that someone can complain about being 15th like that on something that is widely known to be slightly biased and just fun for the FRC community anyway.

[themccannman]

Be happy with 15th. Apparently 30-5 and 2 regional wins isn't good enough for top 25.

I'm hardly dissatisfied with it. I just find it funny how much weight some people give to a public poll.

SPAM deserves very much to be on the Top 25. It irks me that someone can complain about being 15th like that on something that is widely known to be slightly biased and just fun for the FRC community anyway.

"slightly biased"

I don't mean to sound un-grateful about our rank, but I did get a jolly good laugh out of that. Top 25 is for fun, I don't take too seriously, you shouldn't either.

[kevincrispie]

I'm hardly dissatisfied with it. I just find it funny how much weight some people give to a public poll.



"slightly biased"

I don't mean to sound un-grateful about our rank, but I did get a jolly good laugh out of that. Top 25 is for fun, I don't take too seriously, you shouldn't either.

I had a similar response when I saw 1678 at number 15, though I was hardly surprised. 1678 is very good and still under the radar. It probably won't last for long. I want to back up 1678 here: the Citrus Citrus are certainly one of the top teams in the world, as they have proved by winning very tough matches. Their only losses have come when the odds have been stacked largely against their favor. What they did at 3 regionals is beyond impressive. It's phenomenal. I haven't seen them play, I'm sure SPAM is excellent as well, and deserving of a spot in someone's top 25 ranking.

Which brings up an interesting topic:

I think that there will be many teams like these two to make an impact on Championship. The danger of making rankings and predictions is that some good teams get left out, fly under the radar, and then people are surprised when they are so good. The thing is, they didn't just come out of the woodwork. They've been there for a long time, but just haven't been noticed yet.

[Chief Hedgehog]

I would bet on the following: 900, 2052, 2175.

Autonomous: 2 balls by either 2052 or 2175 (900 waiting to inbound). After Auto - Team 900 inbound and play heavy D, 2175 as midfield and then scatter opponents or aid in anti-D, and then 2052 as the scoring machine (2052 and 2175 can play double duty on the scoring end).

I would love to see 4607 (my squad) doing the 'secret sauce' to 2175 and then pass to 2052, but yeah... Maybe we can do this in the qualifications at MSHSL Tourney!

Good luck to all the Minnesnowta teams!

[George1902]

Take it easy, guys. There are dozens of worthy teams and only 25 spots. Also, it's a popular opinion poll, and we happen to live in a region not well represented on CD.

The danger of making rankings and predictions is that some good teams get left out, fly under the radar, and then people are surprised when they are so good.
Believe me, we are perfectly OK with this.

[Kevin Leonard]

Take it easy, guys. There are dozens of worthy teams and only 25 spots. Also, it's a popular opinion poll, and we happen to live in a region not well represented on CD.


Believe me, we are perfectly OK with this.

It's okay, some teams will notice one of the top 5 trussing robots in the world regardless of where they're from. ;) :P Especially if they won both Florida regionals this year. :yikes:

[Caleb Sykes]

Okay, here we go for Minnesota:
Captain: 2175: Awesome intake, awesome throwing ability, 2 ball auton. They were even in FRCtop25 for awhile. They could reliably play any position.
1st pick: 5172: Yes, that is a rookie number. 5172 dominated Northern Lights. Like the calculators, I'm sure that they could fit in doing whichever strategy the alliance wanted.
2nd pick: 3018 Nordic Storm has my absolutely favorite intake from this year. Their shot is incredibly fast and reliable. They are an awesome finishing robot that consistently shoots high from right in front of the low goal.
3rd pick: 2177 The Robettes captained the 7th seed at North Star to victory with their reliable robot and good strategy. They could certainly fill in for any of the above robots if the need came up.

[Caleb Sykes]

I would love to see 4607 (my squad) doing the 'secret sauce' to 2175 and then pass to 2052

Hmm... That alliance looks familiar. Is it your team's goal to try to relive your successes from last year? :p

[waialua359]

You don't have to go that far eastward to find a formidable partner, Glenn:D

I'll remember this post when you are the alliance captain.
I dont mind the 2nd or 3rd pick option either.

[DavidG]

From the small state of New Hampshire...

Captain:
3467: Great inbound - truss robot, also a great high goal, an amazing drivebase, and the best counter defense I've seen. They have a two ball auto that could put away 95's.

First Pick:
131: Great high goal from behind the 1 pt goal, solid pick up, and amazing driver skill. It seemed like they played every position at NECMP.

Second Pick:
95: The best low goal only robot that I've seen. They have a great catcher, and a great two sided pick up.

This alliance would be awesome.

[Carol]

Delaware:

365

MOE would make this list for their great trussing ability even if they weren't they only team from Delaware :rolleyes:

There are four teams from Delaware - 365, 1370, and two rookies - 4954 and 5080.

[BrendanB]

From the small state of New Hampshire...
Second Pick:
95: The best low goal only robot that I've seen. They have a great catcher, and a great two sided pick up.

This robot deserves a huge shoutout as the robot that should be at the championship because if they did their robot would come on FIRE! 95 just had some bad luck falling too late in the first round of picks and too early in the second round always falling to low alliances out in the quarters.

One of the best pure catching robots with a huge wingspan, solid drivebase, great drivers, double sided pickup, etc.

[Link07]

There are four teams from Delaware - 365, 1370, and two rookies - 4954 and 5080.

Yes but 365 is the only one going to champs

[Lij2015]

Virginia is fielding some great teams (apologies if I missed a couple):
384, 623, 1610, 1731, 1885, 2363.

384 - any role, but excelled at mid-zone & high goal
623 - inbound-truss + defender. Has medium-speed Mecanum, but also has a very nice blocking wall which really annoys high-goal shooters. Autonomous TBD.
1610 - any role; had to play all of them in elims but was somewhat easily defended via pushing
1731 - excelled at inbound-truss and the 2-bot quick cycle. Has reliable hot goal auton (>75%).
1885 - any role, has a decent high-goal sweet spot and has upgrades for trussing at champs. Has reliable 1-ball autonomous, nearly 100%. Was very hard to push, but had issues with fast 2-speed defenders with a blocking wall
2363 - any role, but excelled at the high goal zone

First attempt based upon video-recorded elims performances only, Virginia
Captain: 2363 - Great 2+ ball autonomous; great drivers; 2-speed drive train to get through defense; has pulled through in clutch moments; can play high goal zone like nobody's business, including receiving bot-to-bot passes and truss catches. Has good experience with quick 3-assist cycles.
First Pick: 384 - Great autonomous; can move through traffic to get to where they need to be, can play instant defense and has a great high-goal sweet spot
Second Pick: Depends on alliance overall strategy. Yet let's pick "all-around" and say 1885 since I have some insider info.
- For defense, 623's truss may get shut down at champs. They'll have a tougher time pushing, so they'll have to aim for the quick inbound pass across the field, then slow incoming offensive machines by blocking.
- For quick 2-bot cycles, definitely 1731. The speed of their drive train, inbound, ground pickup and truss is paramount for this strategy.
- For truss specialists (at champs), 1885 or 1731. 1731 for a powerful truss, 1885 for a loftier truss. Both can make it to the human player from behind the white zone line. 1731's can make it all the way to the other end of the field which is advantageous in clearing defense. 1885's may be slightly easier to catch since there is a lower-powered version of it in addition to the high-powered launch.
- For inter-changeable strategies where robots aren't in the same zone in 2 consecutive matches yet still reliably fill the role, 1885 or 1610 or 1731. 1610 & 1885 have demonstrated a good sweet spot (so long as Spencer is patient and Monica speaks up!) and the ability to get through a crowded situation. 1731 can move in quickly for an accurate shot, yet has two divergent scoring spots (due to a slightly high arc) and can miss if it is in between them. 1610's inbound is really quick which is clutch under heavy defense. As for "working together" all three of these teams have good or great relationships with the other two alliance partners.
Now that the divisions have been released the fantastic sounding alliance of 2363, 384, 1885 and 1610(On the Einstein 2014 thread they said something about 4 members for this year?...) could come true.

[ProgramOn]

From the small state of New Hampshire...

Captain:
3467: Great inbound - truss robot, also a great high goal, an amazing drivebase, and the best counter defense I've seen. They have a two ball auto that could put away 95's.

First Pick:
131: Great high goal from behind the 1 pt goal, solid pick up, and amazing driver skill. It seemed like they played every position at NECMP.

Second Pick:
95: The best low goal only robot that I've seen. They have a great catcher, and a great two sided pick up.

This alliance would be awesome.

Unfortunately, 95 will not be at St. Louis. However, don't forget 1519. A great robot in any zone and a force to be reckoned with on defense.

At Rhode Island, 1519 kept the opposing alliance from scoring for 80 seconds after their arm broke mid-match. Great defense by 1519's drivers. http://www.thebluealliance.com/match/2014rismi_f1m3

[tickspe15]

Now that we have seen divisions a PNW power alliance from Galileo with 1318/4488/2471.

1318 and 4488 have established themselves as IMO the strongest, most versatile, and reliable robots in Washington and Oregon respectively. Both 1318 and 4488 brought their alliances to the PNW finals. 2471 has a great machine this year but is still yet to meet their true potential. If they can continue improving as they were at the district championship they would make a great third pick rounding off a strong alliance.