[AndyB]

I can't wait for the Wisconsin regional. Here's my take on it.

Here's one stat that may surprise you: no team in the state has won more regionals than 537 (4). They competed already in week 1 at the Kansas City regional and failed to make the elimination rounds after finishing 3-4 in the qualifiers. You know they'll be looking to turn things around this weekend.

Here's one more stat that may impress you: 1024 tied that number last year alone. After winning 3 regionals, appearing on Einstein in Atlanta, and making a finals appearance at IRI, 1024 certainly has some positive momentum rolling. They had a very disappointing showing at Midwest this year, but are expected to have the bugs worked out this weekend. This is their first time attending the Wisconsin Regional.

93 is a perennial powerhouse in the state. They had a huge year last year, taking silver in Milwaukee and gold at Minnesota two weeks later. They also made a strong push in Atlanta and IRI. They built a shooter this year and shouldn't disappoint. Look for them on Saturday.

1732 and 1652 teamed up at Midwest and with the help of partner 2041, accomplished one of the largest upsets in recent history in beating the #1 alliance of 71, 1114, and 1000 in the quarterfinals. Look for them to both improve this weekend.

Speaking of Midwest performances, we can't forget the winners of the regional, two of which will be playing this weekend. Team 1625 and 1675 teamed up for the second time in the two years to win the Midwest regional this year. 1625 is obviously a talented robot and enters Wisconsin with a gigantic target on their back (968 anyone?). 1675 played formidable defense and was largely responsible for their partner's success. Both should be playing on Saturday, quite possibly together.

Robot Casserole, 1736, will be venturing north as well. History will tell you to never underestimate the casserole. They usually bring their A-game.

269 also competed in week one. They have a simple design and have shown rather consistent driving. They were selected by the 8th seed alliance and ended up losing to the eventual KC champions in the quarterfinals after four hard fought matches which penalties eventually decided. They're looking to redeem themselves this weekend.

2062 put themselves on the map last year after a great performance at St. Louis which was topped by an even greater at Wisconsin. They'll be looking to defend their title of reigning champions. They have an interesting shooter design which will either make or break their chances of repeating.

Fondy Fire, 2194, have been making a name for themselves ever since winning Wisconsin in their rookie year of 2007 in what was possibly the best set of finals matches Milwaukee has ever seen. Their "John Deere" green machine is definitely something to watch for.

Speaking of cheesy segways, 1816 is back for the 4th straight year and they'll be shooting as well. Since winning the regional in 2006, their rookie year, they've had some disappointing showings. 2007 looked like their year until they had a breakdown in the finals which opened the door for the eventual winners. They'll be one to watch for as always.

My sleeper team is 706. They've been around 2001 and to this point, have never been in the finals. After seeing what they built this year, it's hard not to write them off as quickly. They showed up to the preship with a gorgeous robot with a very impressive looking shooter. It will be disappointing if they can't get things going this time around.

141 will be back. This time they've brought a fridge. They dumped their way into the eliminations at Traverse City but lost after three QF matches to the #2 seed. They had a strong showing last year and it's good to have them back.

The Oshkosh rookies, 2826, as well as 2nd year competitor, 2506 looked fantastic at the Sussex preship event and will be some of the better dumpers. Oshkosh spent the build season under the wings of 93 and 2194, so they surely won't disappoint.

2039 and 2338 will be making the trip up from Illinois after teaming up at Midwest. That means 4/6 teams in the finals at Midwest will be at Wisconsin. Had you told me that earlier, I would have called you crazy.

Oh, and 171 will be back as well...