Predictions Week 1: Kickoff

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by ShortBang

Instead of criticizing someone who graciously stepped up to fill a void, why don't we all help him? Instead of posting that criticism you are writing in that reply box, go to your message function, and message him something about your robot that will help him with his future predictions. While our new LF may not have the connections that the old one did, maybe we can help make him better. That's right gentleman (and Ladies) we have the technology, we can rebuild him. We all can contribute to LF and maybe make him, or her, as good, or better if everyone contributes, as the old one.

I can't say I completely agree with the above...

If he was like "Hey guys! I wanna get Looking Forward type posts up! Who has tips or wants to help out?" it would be appropriate. If he made these predictions without ripping off LF's identity (as several CD members did in regional competition threads), it would be appropriate. But basically, some member that no one knows decided for themselves that they were going to be Looking Forward, a title obviously somewhat held in regard here. And we're all supposed to just go along with that? How do we know there's not anyone better for the job who just decided it wasn't okay to imitate someone?

To new LF: I'm sorry I've been a bit harsh with a bold move. Bold moves are not bad things... but please, change your name or use your normal account though if you want to make predictions, in honor of the real LF.

[Mr. Lim]

Agree with above ^

And having said that, I'd say we have ample technology to create a SUSTAINABLE way to keep producing high-level Looking( )Forward predictions.

Why not create a Google Doc for every week of competition, and have members of CD "apply" to become contributors and editors by PMing the new LookingForward.

Have each contributor and editor promise not to disclose the contents of the Google Docs.

Then just post on CD whatever is in the Google Doc the Wednesday evening before each competition.

The hard work then becomes just making sure your contributors and editors are producing...

What do you think LookingForward?

[coldfusion1279]

The (new) LF stated he cannot replace exactly what the old LF did in his predictions. But you've got to start somewhere, right? I mean, nobody knew this person was writing a prediction thread this year. So what else is there to go on other than what has been posted on the forums?

If nothing else, it was a succinct summary of who to look out for at each regional based on what they have shown/done in the past. And the quality of posts will only improve as people do begin to leave tips...

Keep at it new LF, and thanks for the tips/kind remarks.

[Rizner]

One thing I'd like to point out is there will be higher scoring games than you think. I believe the quals will be higher scoring than elimination, as defense isn't necessarily the best offense at that point. In trying to get higher seeding scores, teams won't be better off winning by defense as they will be winning with offense. Don't get me wrong, defense will be played. By early saturday, though teams may figure it out -- they have shown what they can do and w hy they should be picked (those with defense) and then start going for higher scoring games. If it hasn't started by Saturday, see week 2 regionals for the scoring quals to start big, but eliminations will have much lower scores overall this year.

highest score this week: 14. It will happen late Friday at one of the regionals. One team will see they're down by a lot and don't know how they will come back, realize this and not play defense looking for a higher ranking score. It will be one of this years qualification strategies -- when there's blowouts the gap will widen.

[Tom Line]

Well, it's a start anyway. Thanks for taking the time. You DO neeed to work on accuracy and actual information outside what anyone can get off the boards..... the old looking forward had some very inside contacts that allowed him to get some serious information on the team outside just what they've done in previous years.

I'd be a little more tentative when declaring any regional the "deepest". Declaring the New Jersey the deepest when putting it up against regionals with multiple world champions, multiple repeat einstein finalists, etc. might warrant a bit of reconsideration.

As Rizner pointed out - folks that have spent some serious time looking at this game I think have come to realize that playing defense during the qualification rounds hurts both you AND your competitor. Worst case, if you know you don't have a chance on earth to win, you should be helping your competitor score to maximize YOUR score. I expect to see a couple double digit score within the first day at Kettering.

[coldfusion1279]

Originally Posted by Tom Line

When I read that the New Jersey regional is going to be the "deepest", then read the list of entrants and compared it with Kettering, I did a bit of a doubletake.

Rush, Martians, More Martians, Juggernauts, Hot, Adambots, Foley Freeze, (I could go on and on)........

I agree with you, this LF could be from the mid-Atlantic. But I just want to point out that I don't recognize many of the teams you named from Kettering, and I am from NJ. You recognize these teams, but you are from Mich. Every regional has its storied teams. I wouldn't say LF was biased based on his/her opinion though. I think the 'deepest' comment came from the amount of quality teams in combination with the large number of teams coming to the event... many of which are veterans (like Kettering).

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by coldfusion1279

I agree with you, this LF could be from the mid-Atlantic. But I just want to point out that I don't recognize many of the teams you named from Kettering, and I am from NJ. You recognize these teams, but you are from Mich. Every regional has its storied teams. I wouldn't say LF was biased based on his/her opinion though. I think the 'deepest' comment came from the amount of quality teams in combination with the large number of teams coming to the event... many of which are veterans (like Kettering).

Nah, Tom is right, NJ and kettering just don't compare here.

[JewishDan18]

Originally Posted by Rizner

highest score this week: 14. It will happen late Friday at one of the regionals.

Might also be an early match at GSR. 20, 40, and 78 are teamed up. But you
never know.

[johnr]

Didn"t 217/148 pull their hanging arms off?

[Cory]

Originally Posted by johnr

Didn"t 217/148 pull their hanging arms off?

I guess the impostor isn't as prescient as people would think?

[thefro526]

"LookingForward", if you'd like some help with predictions let me know. You missed a few key things that the real LF wouldn't have. Overall your posts were pretty good but some of the stuff about Jersey was a bit off and I'm sure some of the other info was as well.

[lynca]

Originally Posted by LookingForward

I have decided to take it upon myself to substitute him for the season. Though I could not possibly replace Looking Forward it is my hope that these threads will simply be enjoyed as I have enjoyed Looking Forward's posts.

Thank you new LookingForward !

Originally Posted by LookingForward

Bayou:
With only 38 teams attending and no elite teams coming in to help out,
the Bayou regional looks to be the most shallow regional of the year.
Scoreless games will be very common a team that can hang just might be
the highest scoring bot on the field

2815 was one of the strongest rookies in the nation last year
and they look to continue their success. I see them going to at least
the semi finals this year, if not all the way.

2587 will be able to control the balls at a good enough rate to
be one of the best teams here but their 6 wheel omni drive will be
their downfall in the eliminations when they are pushed around with
ease.

1912 has one of the only bots that will be able to not only
score balls but also control the balls with their roller. Anything
short of them making their way back to the finals would be an upset.

Bayou Results : The Alario center was built to host FIRST events, fantastic facility ! Delays, delays delays as many other week 1 regionals probably experienced, The Bayou finals ended at 6:15PM .... let's just say we had a bunch of dancing moments !

1912, 1421, 2587 and 2078 were the best scoring robots and also ranked in the top four spots ! However none of these robots picked each other for the eliminations!

1477 , 231 had very fast mecanum drivetrains with powerful kickers but a bit too strong to make consistent shots! They progressed in eliminations and should be very strong at Lone Star Regional in Houston.

1927, 2190 , 57 were the few successful hangers in the competition.

Biggest Shocker :
#8 Alliance - 2080 and 2221 spinning trebuchet catapult scoring robots (no kickers) were able to make the finals

Consistent Play:
1421 was extremely consistent with autonomous and scoring balls in the near zone (Lookout Dallas ! ) . Combined with 2992 middle play and 3664 defense, the #2 alliance was very strong at Bayou !