[Karthik]

This a ridiculously strong field. I think we could see a winner come out any of the spots one through eight. In my two years at IRI, I've noticed that teams coming off of some bad luck at championship always seem to come in to town with some extra motivation. For that reason, my two favourites to win are 71 (never bet against Beatty) and 148. 148 was definitely the best team not to win a regional this year. I expect these Texas gunslingers to come out on fire, putting tubes up like crazy.

Of course you can't overlook the rest of the West Coast invasion, especially 254, 330 (best robot in 2007) & 968.

Don't forget the Northeast, with two world champions, 177 & 190, and perennial powers like 121 & 126.

There's always Michigan. Teams like 27, 67, 68, 469, 494 & 503 among others will definitely be making an impact late into Saturday afternoon.

Then there's the Indiana teams, 45 & 234, trying to defend their house.

Can you believe I've mentioned 15 teams, without getting to Wildstang! Seriously, this is the deepest competition in the history of FIRST.

I'm expecting and hoping to see lots of matches where both alliances eclipse the 80 point barrier. Then again, I know there are a few teams dedicated to shutting down the overrated "offensive ballerinas".

I can't wait.