[Jared Russell]

I am more optimistic about this game than I have been about any FIRST game at this point with the possible exception of 2006. This game has flying balls, hanging robots, and non-flat surfaces - all things that add to the "wow" factor. At kickoff, the speakers put it best - football is so popular not because of the 11 men on the field, but because of the 60,000+ people who will pay good money to watch the game. For FRC to experience similar success, you need games that outsiders will find fun to watch. Mission accomplished, IMHO.

To those complaining about seeding points and overall robot restrictions: On the former point, I'd say wait and see. I don't think things will be as dismal as you may seem to think. On the latter point, we are essentially playing soccer. One of the key rules of soccer is that you can't manipulate the ball with your hands (e.g. above the bumper zone), and that there is no way to completely possess a ball. Otherwise, the game turns into rugby or football - a big scrumfest. Personally, I had enough scrumming last year.