A quick preview of the 2003 arena cup championship
Keith Murphy
Thursday August 21, 2003
Offense
The Tulsa Talons, behind the lead of quarterback Craig Strickland, have averaged over sixty points per game in their two playoff wins. This, despite averaging only 224 yards per game. Strickland accounted for nine touchdowns in the Talons blistering of Arkansas in the conference championship game. If Macon’s defense is unable to pressure Strickland when he’s passing and contain him when he’s running it could be a long night for the Knights.
Macon’s offensive situation is a bit more fluid. The Knights have averaged 50 points per game in their three playoff wins and they have accomplished this, largely, without Offensive specialist Jacques Rumph. Rumph torched af2 secondaries during the regular season for over 1700 yards and 34 touchdowns. Without Rumph, the Jermaine Alfred led Knights are effective; with Rumph they can be downright explosive. Although he has had another ten days of rest, Rumph’s playing status remains a game time decision.
Advantage: game time decision
Defense
Tulsa’s defense has given up a lot of yards and points during their playoff run. They’ve surrendered an average of 263.5 yards per game and 45 points. With an offense as potent as Tulsa’s the Talons know they can win shoot-outs. However, to be effective against Macon, Tulsa will have to create defensive stops and turnovers. The Talons have managed to get to opposing quarterbacks during the playoffs, racking up five sacks.
During the playoffs, the Knights have been playing aggressive defense. They have created six turnovers (including five interceptions) and have shown that when the game is on the line, they can stop any offense. Just ask Tennessee Valley. Macon’s last minute goal line stand ended the Viper’s championship dreams. However Macon’s success depends upon wining the battle in the trenches and Tulsa fields one of the best lines in the league. However, the Knights have shown an ability to wear down even the best of lines and put pressure on the quarterback (registering four sacks in three games).
Advantage: Macon
Special Teams
Tulsa has averaged 21 yards per kickoff return during the playoffs. Keeping a short field in front of their offense makes Strickland even more dangerous. The Talons also have had a strong kicking game hitting 86 percent of PATs during the playoffs.
Knights’ kicker Wesley Wilson was one of the most reliable kickers in af2 during the regular season, but he has struggled in the playoffs. The Knights have also been without the services of Rumph as a return man. Rumph was dangerous anytime he touched the ball and returns were no exception. Without Rumph, the Knights’ return game has been average. If he is able to play at full speed, then Macon adds yet another weapon to their arsenal.
Advantage: Tulsa
Coaches
Skip Foster, head coach of the Talons, is the second winningest coach in af2 history. With 43 wins, he trails only one man, Macon’s head Coach Kevin Porter.
Advantage: Macon
Intangibles
Tulsa has won ten in a row at home and will have home field advantage during this tilt. Talon fans are good at creating an oppressively loud setting for opposing teams.
The City of Macon hasn’t won an athletic championship since Pete Rose led the 1962 Macon Peaches to the Sally League Championships. Perhaps only Boston Red Sox fans feel more deserving of a championship.
Advantage: Tulsa
Conclusions
In total, that’s two for Tulsa, two for Macon, and one “game time decision.” This match up has all the makings of a typical af2 shoot-out where the team holding the ball at game’s end will win.
Dr. Murphy has nearly 20 years of media experience ranging from radio to the Internet. He has served as webmaster for two AF2 teams and the football team at Fort Valley State University. He is a professor at FVSU and directs www.bunniwerks.org, a non-profit rabbit rescue organization. He has been commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel. Murphy is also serving as a first party editor of af2 stories for ArenaFfan. For more information about Dr. Murphy see: www.keithmurphy.info
