Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

There are just too many teams to pick from. Really. I have managed to whittle my tips & locks down to a manageable list of 12 Teams per Division.

Tips: A team to watch. Should have a pretty good run after lunch on Saturday.

Lock: This is a team that I feel has a better than 50% chance of making it to the finals of their division.

Here we go...

TIPS:
The TechnoKats (#45) have earned the respect over the years and this season. They won in St. Louis and were great in West Lafayette. They should be putting up the tubes again in Atlanta.

I have had a soft spot in my heart for Team Krunch (#79) since I first saw Capt Krunch #1 back at the first TX regional (at Johnson Space Center) -- they were Rookie Allstars & they deserved it. They have kept up their winning ways. They were Regional Chairmans from FL in 2006 and they have done it again in 2007. Oh yeah, they were #15th seed in FL and the #3 draft overall. I suppose they will be in the hunt on Galileo this year.

They were Champs in NJ. They have a seeding record of 15-3-0. The Cybersonics (#103) should have a great run at the Championships. Watch and learn, they'll be putting on a clinic all weekend.

Thunder Chickens (#217) have one of the coolest logos I know of. And their robot is a monster scorer. They were finalist in St. Louis. If they had anyone else that could put up a tube on their alliance they might have won Detroit. The Chickens will make their mark in Atlanta.

Team #703 has 14 wheel drive and gets wherever they want to. They are a ramp only robot but their defense is tenacious. Oh yeah, and they were champs in Grand Rapids. Simplicity works. Try it.

15-3-0 in seeding matches at FL & SC. Finalists in SC. Champs in FL. The TechTigers (#1251) are for real.

They were 1/3rd of "The Triplets" last year. They are 1/2 of "The Twins" this year. Whatever. Just be glad there are fewer of them this year than last #1680 is just plain good.

They earned their nick name, "the Rookie Sensations," not only by having seeding record of 16-2-1 after competing in Waterloo and Toronto but by taking home 2 blue banner. 2 for 2 in Regional competitions. Not too shabby. Can the Rookie Sensations make a splash at the Championships? I bet they can. And more to the point, I bet they will.


LOCKS:
13-2-1 in seeding after competing in NJ & CT. They one the first, they were finalist in the 2nd. They are Team #25, Bristol-Myers Squibb. If they aren't a Lock, nobody is. These guys have a much better than 50-50 shot at the finals of their division. With their record the past two years in Atlanta, you might say they have a 50-50 shot at winning it all. They're brash, they're bold, they're a bit braggadocios, but bottom line, they get the job done and you'd want them on your alliance. It ain't braggin' if you can do it. And these guys prove they can do it, year in and year out.

Ethicon & Bound Brook (#56) may not have the hardware that some other teams have this season, but I like there chances in Atlanta. They had a solid outing in FL and were finalist in NY City. 14-2-0 in seeding matches. They have carried the water sometimes with leaky buckets. Look for them to get all the holes patched and to make a heck of a run after lunch on Saturday.


Division By Zero (#229) is another team without the pedigree of some of the other teams in the division but they had solid outings in Rochester and Long Island (where they were Champs). The trend is good and the team is a well oiled machine. Definitely a Lock.

Frog Force #503 is a real force. They are competing for the Chairman's Award and they have some robot hardware to match. They won Great Lakes. They had a tougher time in Ohio. Even so, they are a lock in my book. Look for great things from Frog Force.



BONUS:
Too many teams in Galileo to keep it to just 12. Sorry I have to add a few.

3 quick bonus teams to mention.

The Huskie Brigade (#65) has a solid machine again this year -- they can really score tubes. Keep an eye on them. They may be available later in the draft than they should be -- take them if you can get them.

It seems strange to put #123 on my Bonus teams since they won 2 Regionals (PITT & Detroit), but they are a team that could fall through the cracks. They ran into seeding problems in Detroit and may not have gone very high in the draft were it not for their co-Champion sliding into a drafting position. They don't look all that robust at times, but I will tell you that they have very clever and sneaky drivers. They have scored under stress in places that I thought impossible. AND Once they pick up a tube they keep it until it goes on the rack -- they score the tubes they pick up -- a definite plus when the defense gets hot and heavy. Keep them on your watch list. They may be available later than they should be.

#2158 AusTIN CANs were my heart pick for TX. They had some tough tough seeding matches and fell through the drafting cracks. This should not happen in Atlanta. I suppose that they will not have lightening strike twice so they should seed okay but if they don't, hopefully some scout will see their potential. This is a heck of a team with a heck of a robot. Well serving of their Rookie All Star Award. Again, if they are available late in the draft give them a hard look before passing them by.

Joe J.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Great stuff, but I think you should move 45 from Tip to Lock. They have performed well and have had three weeks of build window and practice time since boilermaker. Look out Galileo!

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

I'll agreee to disagree with Dr J on this one. I'l use the same TIP and LOCK system.

TIPS:
191 The Xcats have had a season that does not reflect their overall achievement. They are a Hall of Fame team, and in addition, they have a Great robot. If they stay consistent, finalists in the division at least.

229: Ever Since JVN left 229, people have started paying significantly less attention to them. Watch for them during alliance selections. They will be an alliance captain and will shock many. Their platforms may come in handy to.

237 is going to be picked up by a good team and will make the semis at least. Their roller is too good, and driving under D will be easier now that they've grown a little more accustomed to it.

540 will fly under the radar a decent amount. IF they can stop themselves from winning my too much (no wraparounds guys) then they will be in the top 12 ranks. They need to play a longterm game though, and keep the low profile that they enter the dome with.

703 will not get past semifinalist unless they prove themselves strategically more (setting picks, stopping spoiler attempts, using their ramps well).


LOCKS:
1902 has a nice schedule ahead of them. The algorithm will make them very very happy. OINK OINK BOOM on einstien.

Stop the presses, its 1251. Something tells me that they will have improved their Ground clearance in some way. Watch for them to be climbing (or be able to climb) more ramps in ATL.

1425 should be capable of being an alliance captain. IF they pick well, they're on einstien.


Scouting will determine the winners of this thing! i guarantee it.


Some popular teams (2056, 25, 1555) will be good, but due to the size of the target on their backs will fall by the wayside. People had better be smart enough to pick them up, or they will be sorry.

I also predict 2 declinations of alliance captains.

Happy Hunting!

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

There are simply too many good teams to make any guarantees.

Almost anyone could be representing galileo on einstein.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Thanks Joe, we encourage Galileo teams to watch a few of 2158's matches 30, 42, 46 at the Lone Star Regional,
hopefully we won't fall through the drafting cracks at Championship,

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

If they've improved it, it was since Friday at Palmetto. (We played a match with them and 337 (I think), and there was some concern about their ability to get up. In the end, they were the ones who got lifted when the ramp went flat, while we climbed.)

I will agree, however, 1902 stands to be a tremendous asset to their partners in qualifying--compare their performance these past two years with your average team in the 1900s--and have a high probability of picking. If they can avoid catching air climbing down from ramps*, Einstein is entirely possible.
*That's not a 2007 reference.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Luckily for 1902, there's no reason in rack and roll to repeat this.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

I have to agree with you there. For the most part I agree with Dr. J too. But I think that 116, 191, 1126, and 217 have a really good shot to go to the finals. Also look for 903 to fly under the radar.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Close to heading out for ATL but I want to throw this rookie pick onto the pile as well. Team 2079 they were at Boston and they are an incredibly solid Rookie team I will be looking for more big things from them :-)

Here comes Hotlanta!

-Justin

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Plus we have solid metal wheels, we learned from last year.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Actually they won Regional Chairmans at the Las Vegas regional in 2006.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Don't count out 1902 or 1126. Both of these teams are proven both this year and last. And the match algorithm will be to their advantage as they are higher numbered teams.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

I think that Technokats have more than a slight chance in the finals of galileo myself. They had a great run in St. Louis and were great during competition at Boilermaker. If it wasn't for a few little mistakes (such as their autonomous that flipped their robot during qualifications), they would've made a great run Saturday afternoon at Boilermaker. I expect them to be putting up scores with the best of them this weekend.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Shhh!
Nobody knows we are in this division evidently, do not ruin it for us!

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Note the number of teams that score tubes to have ramps. As far as I've seen, there is an overwhelming number of tube scorers or the hybrids that pay more attention to their tube scores.

This brings up, also, the point of how many teams can score autonomously. While the number is still small, there are plenty to go around. And when I say that...I mean Galileo has an upper hand.

Can 3 successful auto-mode scorers defeat a ramp-needy alliance?

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Nooo... no one knows that you have flame side panels, elevator lift, quick drive system.

I'm positive that this same lack of attention is taking place after being drafted second in Portland, and being alliance captains in San Diego and Las Vegas.

No one pays attention to a team who didn't score below 3 ringers in a match in SD, averaging 4.4.

Yep.. and no one knows that you won the Las Vegas regional, with the Poofs and Skunkworks and has the "spoiler D" up your sleeve.

oh... did I just say all of that?

A FIRST strategy geek since '98,
Andy B.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Which brings to mind, how many of the teams in Galileo can do autonomous scoring?

We can adjust ours to work with others. So who out there besides 1902 has auto mode that works consistantly?

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

As far as I can remember, there are about 3 or four. Last I checked, Sparx' worked very well.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

In my last post, I listed the teams in Galileo that have an autonomous mode that at least attempt to score - whether or not it works consistently is a different story, but at least this narrows down the list of possible teams.

I'd say that 79, 237, 1126, 1425, 1730, 1902, and 2056 all have pretty consistent autonomous modes. 1680 also has one of the more accurate autonomous modes.
__________________

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Oh wow. If autonomous mode is ever going to shine this year it will have to be in this division.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

As a rookie team last year we had the privilege to be in Archimedes finals with 233 and 33. All three of us had an auto mode. It was just wonderful to watch.

233 and 33 were high shooters and nailed many. We were a low scorer and had to do it from the far position, we never thought we would use it but in the finals we did.

See Google video of one of those matches.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...323165601442&q

It would be fun to do that again with one of you at Galileo.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

1369, 1319, and 34 also seem to be high up there, can't wait to watch the live feed.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Don't forget 1902, who is (statistically speaking) one of the 4 or 5 most accurate autonomous teams during regional competition. They are also probably the quickest, typically scoring in well under 10 seconds, with plenty of time to also get prepared to start operator control.
I'd expect several others team to have made significant improvements from the regional season as well.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Thanks. One of our guys just put this video together.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04WOql6JqQI

I know this is bragging but as a mentor I can't help but to be proud of the team.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Tips:
45 - division quarter finalists,
79 - division finalists
103 - not selected
217 - division quarter finalists
703 - division semifinalists
1251 - not selected
1680 - not selected
2056 - division semifinalists

Locks:
25 - division quarter finalists
56 - division quarter finalists
229 - division quarter finalists
503 - division finalists

Bonus:
65 - division finalists
123 - not selected
2158 - not selected

Tips that made the elims: 5/8 = 63%
Locks that made the elims: 4/4 = 100%
Locks that were finalists or better 1/4 = 25%

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Or let's look at it the other way. How many teams made it in to the elimination rounds that the predictions didn't see coming? When the full compliment of teams in the elimination rounds are lined up agains the prediction list, it plays out like this:

Legend:
Tip - Identified as a "Tip" in the prediciton
Lock -Identified as a "Lock" in the prediciton
Bonus - Identified as a "Bonus" in the prediciton
U-T-R - A team that flew "Under The Radar"
S-B-M - Teams that "Slipped By Me!"
R-M-T-O - We "Really Missed This One!"

- Quarter-Finals -
25 - Lock
45 - Tip
56 - Lock
65 - Bonus
79 - Tip
93 - U-T-R
116 - U-T-R
173 - U-T-R
191 - U-T-R
217 - Tip
229 - Lock
279 - U-T-R
341 - U-T-R
488 - U-T-R
503 - Lock
703 - Tip
1126 - U-T-R
1319 - U-T-R
1425 - U-T-R
1595 - U-T-R
1712 - U-T-R
1902 - U-T-R
2056 - U-T-R
2272 - U-T-R

Right - 37%
Missed - 63%


- Semi-Finals -
65 - Bonus
79 - Tip
93 - S-B-M
116 - S-B-M
173 - S-B-M
503 - Lock
703 - Tip
1319 - S-B-M
1595 - S-B-M
1712 - S-B-M
1902 - S-B-M
2056 - S-B-M

Right - 25%
Missed - 75%


- Finals -
65 - Bonus
79 - Tip
173 - R-M-T-O
503 - Lock
1319 - R-M-T-O
1902 - R-M-T-O

Right - 50%
Missed - 50%


Not too bad of a record. But just remind me not to bet with Dr. Joe if we ever go to Las Vegas together (partiularly during the NCAA semi-finals).* :)

-dave

* and, yes, it is all in fun!

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

i believe 503 was a lock. haha

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Us, as a bonus pick got to 8th seed.
We picked a Lock and a Tip
and got to the finals.
I like that combo :)

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

I wouldn't call 2056 UTR. They were getting mad hype.
How did everybody miss 1425? They were spectacular!

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

They should have been classified as a tip, but the tip never exactly gave their number. The "rookie sensation" tip was 2056, just it never directly said so. :rolleyes:

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

I feel vindicated... I think we may not be flashy enough, because no one ever seems to know who we are... I know there are a few out there wh have been watching closely, but other than that...

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Everyone's too busy talking about the latest, greatest thing to come out of their neck of the woods to worry about what's happening in a little corner of the country called the Pacific Northwest. This season, we fielded some exceptional robots and maybe it's time that everyone else started taking notice :p

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

1425, 1595, and 488 did seem to do pretty well in Galileo... :rolleyes:

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

I am not sure what that comment entails, but i do know we went up against your team for some very close wins...

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

I'd like to think we did pretty well and we're all enormously impressed by the success of 1425 and 1595. 2046, a rookie from near Seattle, and 997 from Oregon also did very well in Atlanta this season -- and of course, 1983 won Las Vegas alongside 1425 and had a pretty good showing in Atlanta, as well.

Since there will be two events up in this next of the woods next season, maybe we'll have some more visitors from places elsewhere and they can start spreading the gospel of the PNW to their local communities. It's terrible watching great teams from the area go unnoticed because we're so isolated from the rest of the country.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

It was an honest comment, all 3 teams did very well in Galileo (1425 obviously being an undefeated #1 seed, 1595 as the #6 Alliance Captain and semi-finalist, and 488 as quality lift system and member of the #1 alliance).
As for our pair of qualification matches, one was close, one really wasn't. I absolutely loved Q98, 20 tubes on the rack, and if it weren't for us accidentally de-scoring a ringer when stopping your spoiler, we would have handed you your only loss. As for the other match-up, I'd like to forget about it (despite 116 scoring 5 tubes). ;) It was a pity we couldn't see each other again in the eliminations.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

From what I hear from my team, they are assuming that the Seattle Regional will replace the Portland one, I hope not but, the portland regional is called the PNW Regional as of now, so it may be the case.

Next year in Hawaii!

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Trust me, those matches had me sweating pretty bad. As I started scouting your team I became more and more frigtened by the prospect of going against you guys. I wish we might have been on the same alliance at least once, it would have been fun to see the entire rack as one color...

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Must be nice.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

all of this talk about those other guys, what about that number 8 seed alliance. even though i am a little bias, those guys were great. they showed up and played thier hearts out. big props to those guys and gals.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

I wouldn't think so. FIRST is about growing the program, not shifting it.

Most of the newer regionals are named for their city location, or a state location if the city they are in is too small or is part of a larger metropolitan area - for example, West Michigan. The new regional might be called Minnesota rather than Minneapolis, so as not to diminish the importance of St. Paul. So, do you think any of the older regionals will be renamed to take into account that they not the only regional in the region for which they were named? PNW comes to mind, as does Midwest and Great Lakes.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

I would count on PNW being renamed, at the very least. It's happened in the past; the UTC New England Regional and the Canadian Regional come to mind as examples of regionals that have been renamed.

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

The speculation comes from the fact that the Pacific Northwest Regional (PNW) actually used to be in Seattle, before it moved to its current location (Portland). I don't believe FIRST has officially said whether the Seattle regional will be the new (old) location of PNW, or a completely new (kinda) regional. I certainly hope it's independent of Portland, giving the Pacific Coast it 6th regional (as opposed to the 14 in states bordering the Atlantic).

Re: Predictions: The Big Show -- Galileo
 

Well, when we have people coming up to ou team in the hotel afterwards from other fields and asking if we were the team that beat 25 and 1425, id have to say that they were up on everyones radar because EVERYONE thought they would win. They were excelent robots and i loved to watch their matches.