[thefro526]

Since Looking Forward came out and said that they will be unable to make predictions this year, I thought I’d have some fun and make NJ predictions of my own. Locks are teams that are the most likely to make it to the finals, Tips are teams that are most likely going to make it to Eliminations and Others are teams that have the potential to make it to the Eliminations.

Locks:

25 – 25 always fields one of the most competitive machines in New Jersey, and I’m sure this year will be no different. They have won New Jersey in 3 of their last 4 attempts (Though all of these were with 103 who is not competing at NJ this year) and I expect them to have a strong showing here.

2753 – 2753, 2009’s rookie sensation. Arguably 2753 is the most successful rookie team since 2056 in 2007. Last year they made their way all the way to Einstein. This year they showed that their fielding an 8WD machine with a very capable looking kicker and hanging mechanism. If Team Overdrive’s short history is anything to go on then they will do very well.

56 – 56 is another one of those New Jersey Powerhouses and judging by the video and photos of their robot I’ve seen so far I’d say they’re shaping up to do the same. If their kicking and hanging goes well then they’ll definitely be playing into the afternoon on Sunday.

1279 – 1279 Is a Mecanum wheeled Sucking Machine – Literally. If their vacuum ball possession mechanism works well I can see it being a huge asset and if it’s coupled with some smart driving I could see Cold Fusion going very far.

Tips:

2016 – 2016 was mentioned first here for a reason. I would’ve made them a lock, because of their collaboration with 2753 but I’m not too sure of how they’ll handle their machine. They’ve always build good machines for as long as I can remember, we’ll just have to see if they’re able to take home a banner.

75 – 75 is a world class organization. They build capable robots year in and year out and they’re also no stranger to elimination matches. They’ve got all the tools they’ll need to do well, we’ll just have to see how everything plays out for them.

1923 – 1923 may have the most heart out of any team I’ve had the pleasure of being around in FIRST. Last year they really stepped up their game and were able to take home a Banner in addition to making an impact at every competition they went to. From what I could tell from the picture on CD, they should field capable machine, we’ll just have to see if everything works in their favor.

11 – 11 is one of my favorite teams, and for good reason. MORT is made up of some of the nicest people around but their robots don't always get the respect deserved. Regardless, the MORT camp has been quiet this year, but I know they’ve got some new sponsors and access to the resources of EWCP which means that they have everything they need to field a powerful machine. With some help, MORT should make an impact here.

293 – I had the pleasure of seeing SPIKE’s machine up close and it looks good. They have a powerful Cam kicker that should be punting the length of the field. They didn’t have a hanging mechanism though which may hinder them later on, but I know they should make it to the First round of Elims at least.

2344 – 2344 may have fielded one of the most understated machines at the New Jersey regional last year. Regardless, they took home a banner in NJ and were a finalist in NYC in addition to winning a Chairman’s there. I know big things will come from this team in one form or another.

1860 – 1860 looks like they’ll be fielding a competitive machine this year as well too. Their kicker looks powerful and they’ve definitely got some spirit. Oh, did I forget to mention that they’re from Brazil, and Brazilians are great at soccer?

237 – 237, The TRIBE is returning to NJ for the first time since 2007. I haven’t seen their machine this year, but if past robots are a sign of things to come then they should do very well.

Others
I would guarantee that the 12 teams listed above will make an impact on the NJ regional and play in the Eliminations. The Remaining 12 spots will probably go to some of these teams: 41, 102, 223, 303, 486, 555, 714, 816, 1089, 1228, 1403, 1676, 1807, 2180, and 2590.

Hints

Because New Jersey is a week one regional we will see a unique (most likely crude) style of Gameplay that will evolve over time. The scores will vary a lot, but I foresee many matches staying at less than 10 points total scored by both alliances. About midway through the qualifications defense will show its ugly head as teams realize that their manipulators aren’t as effective as they hoped. We will probably see a huge upset in the Eliminations (8 beats 1 or 7 beats 2) because of defense. Hanging will probably become more important as the day goes on, as the scores begin to rise.

Also, it’ll be interesting to see how teams adjust to carpet; I know there will be a large portion of second year drivers that’ll be in for a rude awakening. In addition to adjusting to carpet, there will be a lot of robots with Omni-Directional Drives that will have to learn how to use the effectively. I'd almost guarantee that 1/3rd of the robots in the finals will have an Omni Drive of some sort though.

(PS, don’t be offended if your team wasn’t mentioned, if anything go out there and prove me wrong.)