[DarkFlame145]

Originally Posted by Looking Forward

Similar to 2008, even with (hopefully) fewer field problems and a week of regionals under FIRST's belt, the quality of play in week 2 is likely to decline from week one. There are two fewer events, 109 fewer teams, and several less top tier teams out to play this weekend than last.
While depth will be a major concern at almost every event this weekend, there are still going to be some great teams to watch. Last week, six of the eight champions were #1 seeds, and both of the lower seeds had the best bots at their regionals in them (121 and 1625). Expect similar results again in week 2.

PREDICTIONS:

FINGER LAKES:
Rochester has increased in size since last year, but the competitive level won't be the same. The losses of 20, 65, 67, 68, 272, 365, and 768 will hurt both the depth and the upper level talent here. It isn't as though this regional will be devoid of good teams though, with several quality machines and veteran leadership venturing to upstate New York.

Losing "upper level talent" teams should prove to be a good thing for teams that haven't been as successful over the part few years. I'm sure that all the teams that aren't braving the upstate NY winter this year will be missed very much. I know seeing them made me think "It's the great mix of teams that makes FLR so much fun and awesome."