For the last part in this series, I wanted to do two things that might actually help people win their bracket by answering two questions: is their a correlation between a protected (1-4) seeds profile and their chances of going deep into the tournament and how have similar teams in terms of raw efficiency performed in the past?
The second part is literally just data collection. I have to shout out the wonderful barttorvik.com for the last time since that is where this tool originates and I merely put it together.
PART 1 - TOP 4 SEEDS BASED ON ADJO AND ADJD
Duke is good. We know this. But, how good? Well, they rank in the Top 10 in both AdjO and AdjD. But, wait, there's more! UNC, Virginia, and Gonzaga do as well. That seems like it's good. *checks with judges* Yep, it's good. Does it mean anything come tournament time and what about the teams that aren't our murderous quartet of #1 seeds?
What Is This?
Basic groupings of ten because I'm a human and we run off base ten. This means, it's looking at teams with similar profiles (i.e. ranked 11th-20th in AdjO and 21st-30th in AdjD) and how those teams performed.
TOP 10 ADJO + TOP 10 ADJD
The Teams: Virginia, Duke, UNC, Gonzaga
There have been 11 #1 seeds in the past ten years to rank in the Top 10 on both sides of the ball heading into the tournament. Here's how they fared (a star means they lost the championship game)
Won Title: 2 (2010 Duke / 2012 Kentucky)
Made Final 4: 2 (2017 Gonzaga* / 2015 Kentucky)
Lost Elite 8: 4 (2016 Kansas / 2016 Virginia / 2012 UNC / 2011 Kansas)
Lost Sweet 16: 2 (2011 Duke / 2011 Ohio State)
Lost 2nd Round: 1 (2010 Kansas)
What It Means:
I'm hesitant to do this, but this is easily the strongest group of #1 seeds in the past ten years. Only 1 out of the 11 previous teams didn't make the Sweet 16, losing in one of the most memorable upsets of the decade. But, it's not a guarantee of sustained success. Half of these teams didn't even make the Final 4. One of these teams is probably losing in the Sweet 16, but which one? Your guess is as good as mine.
TOP 10 ADJO + 11-20 ADJD
The Teams: Michigan State
There have been 12 teams total, but only 4 #2 seeds who fit in this group.
Made Final 4: 1 (2015 (#1) Wisconsin*)
Lost Elite 8: 3 (2012 (#1) Syracuse, 2018 (#2) Duke, 2015 (#2) Arizona)
Lost Sweet 16: 5 (2013 (#1) Indiana, 2010 (#1) Syracuse, 2018 (#2) Purdue, 2009 (#2) Duke, 2015 (#4) UNC)
Lost 2nd Round: 3 (2017 (#1) Villanova, 2015 (#1) Villanova, 2013 (#1) Gonzaga
What It Means:
I'm picking against them, but the Spartans seem like a good bet to at least make the Sweet 16 based on recent history. The three teams to lose before then were all #1s with a double Villanova in there. But, no team in this group has ever won the title.
TOP 10 ADJO + 31-40 ADJD
The Teams: Tennessee, Purdue
A little smaller grouping here as only six teams qualify in this group, but it's an interesting bunch...
Won Title: 2 (2015 (#1) Duke, 2009 (#1) UNC)
Made Final 4: 1 (2018 (#1) Kansas)
Lost 2nd Round: 3 (2017 (#2) Duke, 2014 (#2) Kansas, 2016 (#4) Kentucky)
What It Means:
I am out on Tennessee. They might prove me wrong given Grant Williams and Schofield's pedigree and talent, but there's a lot working against them. Purdue is a more interesting case as you'll see later. It seems like they're screwed. Their raw #s have an amazing precedent (seriously, if you scroll down to look at one team, look at Purdue).
TOP 10 ADJO + 40+ ADJD
The Teams: LSU
There are a whopping 23 teams that fit in this category so I won't break them all down. About half of the 23 didn't survive to the Sweet 16. The only two teams to make the Final 4 in this group was the 2013 Michigan team and 2014 Wisconsin team who IIRC fielded some of the top offenses in KenPom history. LSU is 9th on Torvik. There are some positive teams on the 3 seed line, though. 2010 Baylor and 2015 Notre Dame both made the Elite 8 coming from this grouping. So, it's not out of the realm of possibility.
TOP 10 ADJD + 11-20 ADJO
The Teams: Michigan
Only 7 teams in this grouping. Four were #1 or #2 seeds.
2014 (#1) Florida - Final 4
2012 (#1) Michigan State - Sweet 16
2009 (#1) UConn - Final 4
2012 (#2) Kansas - Championship Game
What It Means:
Not sure, but it seems like teams that can lock down on D and are relatively efficient on offense are capable of making deep runs, just not winning the whole thing. That sounds like Michigan to me! Wait, this isn't cfb. No, stop, don't attack me. I'm sorry.
11-20 ADJO + 11-20 ADJD
The Teams: Kentucky, Houston
A solid 10 teams in this grouping that are very hit-or-miss. More than half (6) made the Elite 8, but only 2 made the Final 4 (the Buddy Hield Oklahoma team and the 2013 Syracuse team). Three teams didn't make it out of the 2nd Round including last year's Michigan State fiasco and the 2015 Kansas team that lost to an admittedly good Wichita State team that was underseeded.
What It Means:
Well, one of these teams isn't going to the Elite 8 because they're in the same side of the region. The question becomes do you like Wofford/Seton Hall over Kentucky or Iowa State/Ohio State over Houston more?
11-20 ADJO + 21-30 ADJ
The Teams: Virginia Tech
Only 4 teams fit this profile so sample size and all that. None made it past the Sweet 16. If you extend it out to any team with a defense outside of the Top 20 without a Top 10 offense, you get sixteen teams total. Only two made it to the Elite 8.
21-30 ADJO + TOP 10 ADJD
The Teams: Texas Tech
Another large grouping featuring 13 previous teams that fit this profile. Only two have made the Final 4: The 2013 Louisville team that was the #1 Overall Seed and the 2009 Michigan State team who was 2 seed. Five teams didn't make it out of the first two rounds. Two of them were Virginia teams including last year's not-so-good bois and the West Virginia team that got upset in a 3/14 game.
What It Means:
It means I'm tired and we're all probably screwed and you should just look at team colors or something. Or continue to the second part because it might be more enlightening.
31-40 ADJO + 11+ ADJD
The Teams: Florida State, Kansas
You're a team who's fine on offense. You don't have an elite D, though. That's a shame. Be nice to have. Hey, there's eight teams like us in the past ten years. I'm sure some of them made a Final 4 or something. No? Huh. An Elite 8? Yep! Okay, no. But, two of them did make the Sweet 16. One less than got knocked out in the 1st Round. Oh, that's bad. It sure is!
40+ ADJO + TOP 10 ADJD
The Teams: Kansas State
I lied. I said on Monday that K-State sucked and GIFs were for dummies and there's only one Manhattan and it sure isn't in the middle of nowhere. I was only looking at teams that had sub-40th ranked offenses. That doesn't look so good. But, if you have a really elite D? It gets better!
75% of these teams made the Sweet 16. 9 out of 12. Almost half of them made the Elite 8. It's not as dire as it seems for Kansas State. Of course, one of these teams was last year's Cincy team. And the Georgetown team that got stomped by FGCU.
PART 2 - TORVIK'S SIMILAR TEAMS AND AVERAGE WINS
Explanation: I can't really take credit for this. Torvik has an amazing feature where you can look at any team from this year, click on 'Similar Profiles' and then check boxes limiting the comparison to 'Tournament Teams Only' and 'Similar Seeds'. This measures raw efficiency and tempo (so not ranking relative to other teams like all my other research) giving you the 10 most similar teams within 1 seed line, i.e., if you are a #5 seed it will show you both 4 and 6 seeds. It displays how far each of those 10 teams advanced plus a total 'Average Wins'. That's the number displayed here. So, I did that for all 66 remaining teams in the tournament. The results are below along with notes on some of the teams. There are certainly some interesting things in here...
EAST
#1 Duke: 2.8 - Only two of the ten most-similar teams made the Final 4.
#16 NDSU/NC Central: 0
#8 VCU: 0.7 - 3-4 in the 8 vs. 9 game - and the 2017 South Carolina team boosted the average - no other team made the Sweet 16)
#9 UCF: 0-3 (3-3 in the 8 vs. 9 game)
#5 Mississippi State: 2.1 - tied for 2nd highest in the region, only three of the ten most similar teams didn't make the Sweet 16
#12 Liberty: 0.2 - 2-8 among ten most similar teams
#4 Virginia Tech: 1.9 - four teams went to the Elite 8, the others all failed to make it out the 2nd Round
#13 St. Louis: 0.2
#6 Maryland: 1.2 - their top 3 comparisons all made the Sweet 16, nobody else made it out of the 2nd Round including all of the #6 seeds
#11 Belmont: 0.3 - all the 11 seeds lost their first game
#3 LSU: 1.4 - this is way closer to a 5 or 6 seed than a 3 seed
#14 Yale: 0
#7 Louisville: 2.1 - tied for 2nd highest in the region, best for any seed lower than 6
#10 Minnesota: 0.5 - mostly 1st Round losses
#2 Michigan State: 2.1 - lowest among all #2 seeds, none of their Top 10 comparisons made the Final 4
#15 Bradley: 0
WEST
#1 Gonzaga: 2.8 - same average as Duke, but four of the ten teams didn't make it to the Elite 8
#16 FDU: 0
#8 Syracuse: 1.2 - either out in the first or to the Sweet 16
#9 Baylor: 0.7 - the 2011 Butler team heavily brings up this average, it's a lot of losses in 7 vs. 10 and 8 vs. 9 games
#5 Marquette: 1.3 - no Elite 8 appearances, majority won 1st Round game
#12 Murray State: 0.7 - half won their 1st Round game
#4 Florida State: 1.6 - all the other 4 seeds in their top 10 comparisons made the Elite 8
#13 Vermont: 0
#6 Buffalo: 0.5 - teams are 4-6, none of their Top 10 made the Sweet 16
#11 Arizona St.: 0.9 - their three best comparisons all made the Sweet 16 / #11 St. John's: 0.7
#7 Nevada: 0.8 - only 1 made the Sweet 16, majority won their 1st round game
#10 Florida: 1 - their two closest comparisons both made the Elite 8, nearly every other lost their 1st round game
#2 Michigan: 2.6 - five went to the Elite 8, three went to the Final 4
#15 Montana: 0.2 (MTSU over MSU and Mercer over Duke were in their Top 10)
SOUTH
#1 Virginia: 2.7 - hard to decipher because their top comparisons are all Virginia teams
#16 Gardner-Webb: 0
#8 Ole Miss: 0.7 - no Sweet 16 teams
#9 Oklahoma: 0.5
#5 Wisconsin: 1.2 - lowest among 5 seeds, top comparisons didn't make Sweet 16
#12 Oregon: 0.3 - top 6 comparisons all lost their first game
#4 Kansas State: 1.7 - top 3 comparisons all lost their first game, all the 4 seeds won a game
#13 UC-Irvine: 0.1
#6 Villanova: 1.3 - most 6 seeds won this game, but failed to advance past that
#11 St. Mary's: 0.2 - this was a little shocking to me
#3 Purdue: 3.1!!!!!! - this is the 2nd highest average for any team in the tournament, 9 of their top 10 comparisons made at least the Elite 8, CHOOOOOOO CHOOOOOO #14 Old Dominion: 0
#7 Cincinnati: 0.8 - only two teams advanced to the Sweet 16
#10 Iowa: 0.5
#2 Tennessee: 2.4
#15 Colgate: 0.2 (two upsets in here)
MIDWEST
#1 UNC: 3.2 - highest among all teams, top comparisons all UNC teams that went 4
#16 Iona: 0
#8 Utah St.: 0.9
#9 Washington: 0.8 - both Utah State and Washington have a few sleepers in there
#5 Auburn: 1.2 - none of their comparisons made the Sweet 16
#12 New Mexico St.: 0.5 - similar teams are 3-7
#4 Kansas: 1 - YIKES!
#13 Northeastern: 0.2 - two wins, but both were #12 seeds
#6 Iowa State: 1.4
#11 Ohio State: 0 - yep, that's right, 0-10
#3 Houston: 2.2
#14 Georgia State: 0.4
#7 Wofford: 1.4 - three out of their top five closest comparisons made the Sweet 16 our further
#10 Seton Hall: 0.7
#2 Kentucky: 2.3 - four of their ten comparisons made the Elite 8
#15 Abilene Christian: 0.2
AND THAT'S IT FOR THIS YEAR!
I hope everyone enjoyed. Sorry about the lateness on this. Real life got in the way. I'm going to make my picks later tonight. Hopefully, this pans out otherwise I'll be exposed as a horrible fraud.
Thanks again for reading or browsing and all the gold/silver.
Lastly and most importantly, enjoy the games. It's the most wonderful time of the year!

The American/Canadian second division, the North American Soccer League, kicks off in two days. Here's my preview for those who want to learn a little more.

Whether you knew it or not, the North American Soccer League (NASL), America's second division, is kicking off in two days' time. There's been a whirlwind of activity in the preseason, with new teams coming in, broadcast deals being signed, and recognizable players joining up. I'm someone who follows the league pretty closely, and while I'm certainly not an expert analyst, I've taken some time to put together a capsule for each club competing to provide a brief introduction to the league.
With that said, a quick overview of the NASL and its structure: The NASL is the second tier of U.S./Canadian soccer, having formed in 2011 after breaking away from the USL First Division. It is in no way connected to MLS. Twelve teams will compete in 2016 across two seasons - Spring and Fall. The Spring Season, being previewed here, consists of 10 games and will only feature 11 teams (Puerto Rico FC enters in the Fall). The Fall Season starts in July and will consist of 22 games. At the conclusion of the Fall Season, four teams - the Spring and Fall Season winners, along with the two remaining teams with the best overall records - will enter the Championship playoffs for a chance to win the Soccer Bowl Trophy.
For a short recap on last season, you could watch my attempt at making a season review video. Oh, and be sure to check out /NASLSoccer! I'm over there a lot, and it's a good place to learn more.
Got it? Alright, let’s get started.
Team Name: Carolina RailHawks
Location: Cary, North Carolina
Manager: Colin Clarke
Stadium: WakeMed Soccer Park
History: Founded in 2006, Carolina was one of the breakaway members from the USL First Division that formed the NASL. The team's name is mean to represent both the rail lines that run directly across from the field and the hawks that are indigenous to the area. The RailHawks play their home games at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC. In 2015, the RailHawks' owners, Traffic Sports, were indicted in a FIFA corruption scandal, leading to the sale of the club to local tech entrepreneur Stephen Malik.
2015 In Review: Carolina got off to a promising start in the spring, taking 14 points from 10 games and winning a 3rd place finish in the standings. Led by the creativity in the midfield of club legend Tiyi Shipalane and the goals up front from former Rangers striker Nacho Novo, the RailHawks picked up some good results at the beginning of the Fall Season as well. From that point, though, the wheels came off, particularly in road matches. Out of 10 away matches in the Fall, Carolina took just a single point. In the end, the result was 7th place in the Fall, and 6th in the combined table.
2016 Preview: The RailHawks marked their 10th anniversary in style off the field, inking a local TV deal, making stadium upgrades, and promising higher investment in the club. They doubled down on their commitment by re-signing club captain Connor Tobin as well as key players Tiyi Shipalane and Nazmi Albadawi. Then, they cleaned up by signing several high-level players, such as NASL Best XI midfielder James Marcelin, and former RailHawks Matt Watson and Akira Fitzgerald, who had most recently spent time in MLS. Carolina are the perfect example of a revamped and growing NASL: They've found a new owner who is excited and willing to spend, and they've invested all around the club and have reloaded their roster. Expect the RailHawks to challenge from right out of the gate in 2016.
Key Players: Ty Shipalane, MF; Connor Tobin, MF; Nazmi Albadawi, MF
One to Watch: Marvin Ceballos, MF. The Guatemalan international has been described as a "natural #10" by manager Colin Clarke and has the potential to be a breakout star for Carolina this year.
Predicted Finish: 4th. I think they fly under the radar as a well put-together team, and pressure from FIFA scandal gone. This prediction could blow up in my face.
Team Name: FC Edmonton
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Manager: Colin Miller
Stadium: Clarke Stadium
History: Edmonton is a growing team, having only formed in 2010, just in time for the first NASL season. The Eddies are slight rivals with Minnesota United, participating in the Flyover Cup and raising money for charities together. Edmonton is currently the furthest west of all NASL teams, and has struggled with attendance figures as well as play on the field. Their best season finish was 5th place, and the closest they've been to a championship was the league's quarterfinals in its first year of existence.
2015 In Review: Despite progress made in 2014, things turned south for the league's northernmost club in the Spring Season of 2015. Two wins meant a 10th place finish out of 11. The Eddies' relief came in the form of a Canadian Championship cup run, in which they came inches away from defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the semifinal, only to be knocked out by a goal in the last seconds of stoppage time. In the fall, results picked up for Edmonton. Lance Laing marked his record third appearance in the league's Best XI with eight goals and seven assists throughout the Spring and Fall Seasons, but the team suffered when he was on international duty with Jamaica. The team's playoff hopes fell away during the final five games of the season, during which they found only one point. FC Edmonton finished 5th in the Fall and 7th in the combined table.
2016 Preview: Edmonton would seem to be in a spot of trouble. Over the offseason, winger Lance Laing, who put the Eddies on his back at times, left to join Minnesota United. So, FC Edmonton made some changes. In the front office, they added Jay Ball as general manager; Ball played a significant role in the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada. On the field, they brought back Daryl Fordyce, the club's all-time leading scorer, and made a splash by signing Canadian international Nik Ledgerwood from Germany. Manager Colin Miller called it the most promising offseason in club history, and proceeded to sign the Senegalese center back Papé Diakité and Jake Keegan, 2nd-top scorer in the League of Ireland last season. With the roster set, Edmonton toured Great Britain, showing well in several friendly across the pond. With a lackluster history and a star player missing, Edmonton will look to defy the odds in 2016.
Key Players: Albert Watson, DF; Daryl Fordyce, FW; Nik Ledgerwood, DF/MF
One to Watch: Allan Zebie, MF. An FC Edmonton youth product and Canada youth international, Zebie, only 22, has established himself as the Eddies' regular right back. This year, he could move to a whole new level.
Predicted Finish: 6th. Laing is gone, but most of the roster returns, aided by savvy signings.
Team Name: Fort Lauderdale Strikers
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Manager: Caio Zanardi
Stadium: Lockhart Stadium
History: As one of the members of the original NASL, the Strikers have a history dating back to 1977. The team signed some of the world's finest players, including Gordon Banks, George Best, and Gerd Müller. After moving to Minnesota, a second Strikers team popped up in Fort Lauderdale in 1988, playing for six years in the American Soccer League (ASL) and the American Professional Soccer League (APSL). The current incarnation, founded in 2006 as Miami FC, rebranded into the Strikers before the first season of the new NASL. In 2014, after a loss in the NASL final, the club made international headlines when Brazilian legend Ronaldo joined their ownership group. In 2015, the low-budget club shocked the league by once again making the playoffs.
2015 In Review: Following the Spring Season, there weren't many optimists left in the Strikers camp. After dumping most of 2014's star players (Fafà Picault, their star player, went to Europe; Pecka moved to Real Salt Lake), the firing of head coach Günter Kronsteiner, and the flop of much-hyped signing Leo Moura, Fort Lauderdale limped to an 8th place finish in the Spring. The Fall was a different story. After re-signing Kronsteiner, a young Strikers team turned it all around. Fluminense loanees Marlon Freitas and Stefano Pinho shined, with Pinho topping the NASL scoring charts and winning the league MVP award. James Marcelin joined Pinho in the league's Best XI, and midfielder PC just missed out. The Strikers finished 4th in the Fall, and a win against Jacksonville on the last day propelled them to 4th in the overall standings as well, giving them a semifinals spot. The fairy tale ended in New York, with the Cosmos coming from behind to win 2-1 en route to the NASL Championship game.
2016 Preview: For the past two years, Fort Lauderdale has been the surprise team of the league. This year, the rest of the NASL will be as prepared as they can, but the Strikers still present a bit of a mystery. After squeezing into the playoffs in 2015, the team once again dismantled its roster, letting go of manager Günter Kronsteiner (again), watching the league's MVP and top scorer Stefano Pinho leave for Minnesota, and parting ways with Best XI midfielder James Marcelin, who signed with Carolina.
In response, Fort Lauderdale ramped up operations: They created a reserve team in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), announced a whole wave of staff appointments, expanded partnerships and advertisements, got a TV deal, hosted an international tournament, and toured China. They also made some big-name signings, inking World Cup winner Kléberson, Brazilian veterans Adrianinho & Bruno Cardoso, U.S. youth internationals and UEFA Champions League-experienced players. And they unveiled their new jerseys on a yacht. Yeah, what can I say? The Strikers have big ambitions, and they've moved on from being a low-budget side that scraped past other teams. So will new investment bring more success? We'll have to see.
Key Players: Kléberson, MF; PC MF; Adrianinho, MF
One to Watch: Matheus Carvalho, FW. Carvalho has a solid pedigree, having played a few minutes for Monaco in last year's UEFA Champions League. It's possible he could be a welcome surprise in South Florida.
Predicted Finish: 7th. So much change on this roster, and several star players past their primes.
Team Name: Indy Eleven
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Manager: Tim Hankinson
Stadium: Carroll Stadium
History: After years of calls for a professional soccer team in Indianapolis from the Brickyard Battalion (the Eleven's main supporter group), the dream was finally realized in 2013. That year, legendary American soccer executive Peter Wilt announced that he would become the president of Indy Eleven, a team that started play in 2014. Despite struggles on the field, Indy Eleven became the first American soccer team to sell out all its home games in its inaugural home season. Wilt left on good terms in 2016 to pursue a Chicago NASL project.
2015 In Review: After a disappointing first year on the field, things didn't get much better in 2015 for Indy Eleven, though they did once again lead the league in attendance. Star player Kléberson picked up a season-ending achilles injury, and the Eleven won only one in their first eight matches. That record, combined with an embarrassing U.S. Open Cup defeat at home to USL's Louisville City FC, led to the firing of head coach Juergen Sommer. His replacement, interim coach Tim Regan, won the final two games to elevate Indy to 5th in the Spring. However, any playoff aspirations fell away in the Fall, as a string of bad results climaxed with a 7-1 loss in Fort Lauderdale en route to a 9th place finish in the Fall Season and combined standings. Indy could find a silver lining with the strong performances of several youngsters, such as Dylan Mares and Duke Lacroix.
2016 Preview: With one of the largest fanbases in the league and some of the worst performances, Indy are under pressure to finally turn around its performance. To start, they stripped down most of the team to just a couple of players, and hired long-time manager Tim Hankinson to construct a rebuild. Hankinson piled on MLS experience, inking Jon Busch, Siniša Ubiparipović, Justin Braun, Lovel Palmer, and Gorka Larrea, among others. Preseason did not go well, with most friendlies ending in defeat or stalemate to lower-division and university teams, and several players picking up injuries. That said, this Eleven squad is better than any other that has taken the field, and have a good mix of senior players and up-and-comers that are ready to deliver.
Key Players: Dylan Mares, MF; Brad Ring, MF; Siniša Ubiparipović, MF
One to Watch: Duke Lacroix, FW. It's time to meet the 22-year-old forward every soccer fan in Indianapolis is talking about. Lacroix got a chance last year, and electrified on the wing. This season, he'll hope to earn a starting job.
Predicted Finish: 8th. If one of the new central striker signings turns good, they'll have a real chance in this league. If not? Expect the same as before.
Team Name: Jacksonville Armada FC
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Manager: Tony Meola
Stadium: Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville
History: Announced on July 25, 2013, Jacksonville's team was christened as Armada FC on February 18, 2014. The Armada was the only expansion side to join the league in 2015, lead by the ownership collective Sunshine Soccer Group and club president Steve Livingstone. The team chose to play at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville and quickly established themselves in the top tier of NASL attendances, although they didn't do as well on the field.
2015 In Review: Jacksonville got off to a fast start, with Jemal Johnson scoring seconds into their first game as the Armada went on to win three out of its first five. That was the best run of form the team would see all year. After finishing a respectable 6th in the Spring, the Armada fell into a slump, finishing last both in the Fall Season and combined table. The team fired its first manager, José Luis Villarreal, after attempting to give him a co-managerial role with Guillermo Hoyos. The club later fired Hoyos after giving him a contract through 2019 months earlier.
2016 Preview: The Armada began their offseason with a big statement of intention, hiring former USA goalkeeper Tony Meola as head coach. After an unsuccessful inaugural year, much of 2015's roster did not make it back. Instead, Jacksonville refined it by looking to the lower leagues. They signed NASL Best XI midfielder Richie Ryan, USL MVP Matt Fondy, and USL Defender of the Year Bryan Burke, in effect establishing a small collection of some of the best players below MLS last season. Just before the season began, the Armada suffered a blow as young standout Akeil Barrett transferred to the Swedish second division. Yet, after a preseason that included promising signings and friendlies, Jacksonville seem ready to move up the table.
Key Players: Alhassane Keita, FW; Mechak Jérôme, DF; Matt Fondy, FW
One to Watch: Charles Eloundou, FW. Once a highly-touted prospect, Eloundou, 21, saw his career stall with the Colorado Rapids (MLS). Now settled in Jacksonville, this year may be his opportunity to shine.
Predicted Finish: 9th. Good first steps, but still a lot to do after finishing bottom of the table last year.
Team Name: Miami FC
Location: Miami, Florida
Manager: Alessandro Nesta
Stadium: FIU Stadium
History: Unrelated to the original Miami FC (now the Fort Lauderdale Strikers), this team was founded in 2015 and kicked off in 2016. Miami attracted international attention with its ownership (entrepreneur Riccardo Silva and former Italy legend Paolo Maldini) as well as its first head coach (Maldini's Italy teammate Alessandro Nesta). The team began play at FIU Stadium.
2016 Preview: Expansion teams are often an enigma, and the organization of Miami FC is no different. Founded in the eye of a storm of MLS rumors (Miami Beckham United FC?), the brains behind Miami FC will likely want to get off to a running start in order to attract the sort of attention with soccer fans that can make them viable in the city and sustainable into the future. To that end, Miami brought in two star: Dario Cvitanich, who has scored goals and seen success with big clubs all over the world, and Wilson Palacios, the English Premier League veteran with nearly 100 Honduras caps under his belt. Mostly, though, the roster is filled out by players with NASL experience (Pablo Campos, Jaimé Chavez, etc.) and up-and-comers looking to make a name for themselves. In many ways, this is a similar approach that other past expansion teams have taken, with mixed results. The real question for 2016 might be just how well Miami FC establishes a fanbase in an unknown market.
Key Players: Wilson Palacios, MF; Darío Cvitanich, FW; Matuzalem, MF
One to Watch: Blake Smith, MF. Making his return to North American soccer after a year in hiatus, Smith is an unknown quantity. However, if he re-creates the kind of success he saw in Montreal and Indy, he could be a vital part of Miami's attack.
Predicted Finish: 11th. Similar construction as previous expansion teams may yield similar results.
Team Name: Minnesota United FC
Location: Blaine, Minnesota
Manager: Carl Craig
Stadium: National Sports Center
History: Professional soccer in Minnesota began with the Minnesota Kicks of the old NASL, but Minnesota has had a continuous presence of professional soccer since the founding of the Minnesota Thunder in 1990. When that team folded due to the financial shadiness of owner Dean Johnson, a new series of teams all slightly related to one another emerged. The NSC Minnesota Stars were launched in 2010, but the ownership of National Sports Center in Blaine, MN lasted only a season before the NASL took over the team. In 2011, the Stars won the Soccer Bowl for the first time in the new era of the NASL. In 2012, the team rebranded as Minnesota Stars FC and again went to the final, where they lost to Tampa Bay in penalties. The team was league-owned at the time and many fans and players thought that without a win in the final (thinking the league wouldn't dare let its champion fold), the team would no longer have a future. However, after the crushing loss, news began to leak out that the team had found an owner. In 2013, Dr. Bill McGuire (formerly of United Healthcare Group) purchased the Minnesota Stars and rebranded them as Minnesota United FC.
The team is supported by the Dark Clouds, a supporters group founded in the Thunder days. They are known for their bizarre brand of "Jackassery," which is ecstatic support that opposes macho, wannabe hooliganism. They have a gameday zine called the Jackassery Times-Heckler and worship the god DETHLOON. The club announced a move to Major League Soccer in 2017 or 2018, pending the construction of a downtown stadium.
2015 In Review: Buoyed off the field by an MLS expansion announcement, Minnesota continued to show stellar performances on it. Although star player Miguel Ibarra transferred to Mexican club Léon, replacements brought in (including Ibson and Khalif Alhassan) proved to be up to the challenge. A fourth place finish in the Spring was strong, if not ideal. In the Fall, an incredible run of eight wins in 10 matches led to a 2nd place finish. United were 3rd in the overall standings, and Christian Ramirez scored the second-most goals in the league, just missing a second consecutive Golden Boot. In their playoff semifinal in Ottawa, Ramirez's penalty gave Minnesota a 1-0 lead, but an equalizer and extra time winner from opposition forward Tom Heinemann led to an end to their season.
2016 Preview: This could be Minnesota's last year in the NASL, and they're offseason move show a determination to leave with a trophy in both hands. In preparation for the move to MLS, Manny Lagos (manager since 2010) became Sporting Director, and assistant Carl Craig moved up to become head coach. The team returns all four of its Best XI players from 2015: Justin Davis, Ibson, Christian Ramirez, and Kevin Venegas. It made further inroads by signing two other Best XI members: Lance Laing, who carried FC Edmonton and became a regular with Jamaica, and Stefano Pinho, who was named the league's best player and won the Golden Boot with Fort Lauderdale. Is there any stopping this team? Well, while United obviously has an unparalleled attack, there are questions on the defensive side, with the team having lost preseason games 0-4, 0-4, and 1-3 to MLS sides. If defense does not turn out to be a problem, though, this is a side that could really challenge for both the league title and a position deep in the U.S. Open Cup.
Key Players: Christian Ramirez, FW; Stefano Pinho, FW; Justin Davis, DF
One to Watch: Greg Jordan, MF. Minnesota are clearly looking for MLS-ready players this year, and Greg Jordan could be a sleeper pick to move up with them. Since falling out of favor in Philadelphia, he's had a dependable two seasons with the Loons, and will look to step up his game in 2016.
Predicted Finish: 3rd. May take some time for new players to settle, and who know how MLS move will divert their focus, but they'll be competitive no matter what.
Team Name: New York Cosmos
Location: Hempstead, New York
Manager: Giovanni Savarese
Stadium: Shuart Stadium
History: The New York Cosmos brand is one of the greatest in all of world soccer, and their teams in the original NASL were arguably better than any American sides that have come before or since. Centered around players like Giorgio Chinaglia, Carlos Alberto, Franz Beckenbauer, and of course, the legendary Pelé, New York won five Soccer Bowls and became a global phenomenon. Since the team folded, there have been many attempts to revive it. This one is the first to get a real team on the field. The modern iteration of the Cosmos kicked off in the Fall Season of 2013, won the championship the same year, and won it again in 2015 with Real Madrid legend Raúl.
2015 In Review: After announcing the signing of illustrious Spanish forward Raúl, the Cosmos cemented their place as the biggest spenders with the biggest names in the NASL. 2015 marked the final seasons for Raúl and fellow former Spanish international Marcos Senna, and New York looked to send them off with a storybook ending. In the Spring Season, everything went to plan, with the Cosmos winning the title by a point and securing a playoff spot early. A high point came in the team's U.S. Open Cup victory over New York City FC on penalties, though they would later be knocked out by the New York Red Bulls. The Cosmos stayed strong in the Fall with a 3rd place finish, benefitting through performances from NASL Young Player of the Year Leo Fernandes (on loan from Philadelphia Union) and team MVP Ayoze. The Cosmos won the combined season with 56 points, edging Ottawa on goal differential. In the semifinal, the Cosmos came from behind to beat Fort Lauderdale 2-1. Hosting the Championship, relatively new signing Gastón Cellerino scored a hat trick in a 3-2 victory as Raúl and Senna lifted their final trophy.
2016 Preview: With the retirement of Raúl and Marcos Senna, the departure of star winger Walter Restrepo and formerly on-loan Leo Fernandes (both to Philadelphia), and the exit of championship hero Gastón Cellerino, this could have been a transition year for New York. But the New York Cosmos don't rebuild. They reload. This offseason, the Cosmos put together one of the most stunning collections of signings this league has ever seen. To recap: The two biggest names are Niko Kranjčar and Juan Arango, both vastly experienced players who have played at the very top of world soccer; senior internationals include Jairo Arrieta (Costa Rica), David Ochieng (Kenya), Michael Lahoud (Sierra Leone), Yohandry Orozco (Venezuela), and Yasmani Duk; other signings include Gabriel Farfan (MLS/Liga MX experience) and two U.S. youth internationals. On paper, it is hard to argue any team is better than the Cosmos. How the pieces of the puzzle come together is the only question left.
Key Players: Danny Szetela, MF; Niko Kranjčar, MF; Juan Arango, MF
One to Watch: Yohandry Orozco, MF. So, get this, right? There's player in his prime, who plays regularly for his country, had experience with Wolfsburg, and he's coming to the NASL? You'd better believe it, and Orozco has all the skills to make a huge impact.
Predicted Finish: 1st. I've been wrong before with this team, but there's just too much talent to deny.
Team Name: Ottawa Fury FC
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Manager: Paul Dalglish
Stadium: TD Place Stadium
History: A longtime candidate for expansion, Ottawa was welcomed into the league in 2011, with the Ottawa Fury name being decided in 2013. The Fury were a fromer PDL franchise, and brought a history of support with it. The club shares a new stadium (as well as ownership) with the Canadian Football League Ottawa RedBlacks. In 2015, the team surged to the Championship final, but lost to the New York Cosmos.
2015 In Review: Few would have predicted Ottawa Fury's run to the NASL Championship after the Fall Season. Despite making a splash by bringing in Canadian international Julian De Guzman, the results failed to come, and the Fury found themselves in 9th place. In the Fall, though, coach Marc Dos Santos' plan clicked. A back line marshaled by NASL Best XI goalkeeper Romuald Peiser and defender Rafael Alves recorded eight shutouts, and an offense led by the connection between midfielder Siniša Ubiparipović (eight assists total) and forward Tom Heinemann (12 goals total) resulted in one loss in 20 games, and a Fall Season title. Heinemann's two goals in the semifinal knocked out Minnesota United, but the Fury ultimately fell short of the Championship in New York, losing 3-2 to the New York Cosmos.
2016 Preview: After falling short in the Championship, the Ottawa Fury had the offseason from Hell. First, Manager of the Year Marc Dos Santos left to be an assistant and reserve team coach for Sporting Kansas City (MLS). Then, many of the key players in the run to the final chose to part ways: Tom Heinemann, who scored every playoff goal, went to Tampa Bay; Colin Falvey, Ryan Richter, and Mason Trafford, who all started on the back line in the Championship, moved on; Best XI midfielder Richie Ryan left for Jacksonvile, playmaker Siniša Ubiparipović went to Indy, and starting winger Andrew Wiedeman moved to Cinicinnati in USL. Reinforcements have come, mostly in the form of other lower league players, but almost all will have to prove themselves before being considered adequate replacements. If I have to pick one out, the signing to keep an eye on will be Marcel De Jong, the Canadian international brought in who should play as a left back. The Fury will also be bolstered by the return of goalkeeper Romuald Peiser, who won the league's Golden Glove in 2015 and was named /NASLSoccer's player of the year.
Key Players: Julian de Guzman, MF; Rafael Alves, DF; Romuald Peiser, GK
One to Watch: Mauro Eustáquio, MF. Last year, Eustáquio impressed in the midfield when filling in for injured players. With so many departures, the youngster now has a chance to play well and force his way onto the Canadian national team.
Predicted Finish: 10th. This team got completely picked apart in the offseason. They could turn out okay, but they'll have work to do to prove me wrong.
Team Name: Rayo OKC
Location: Yukon, Oklahoma
Manager: Alen Marcina
Stadium: Miller Stadium
History: A fierce battle between the NASL and USL PRO for a team in Oklahoma City ended with both leagues announcing expansions in the city. The USL put together Oklahoma Energy FC in 2013. Meanwhile, the owners of Oklahoma City FC, a Premier Development League (PDL) team, decided to run an NASL side, but an ownership group breakup in 2014 caused a delay to the project. Eventually, Spanish La Liga club Rayo Vallecano partnered with the organization to form what is now known as Rayo OKC. The team name was announced in November 2015, and began play at Miller Stadium in 2016.
**2016 Preview: As much of an enigma I've said Miami FC have been as an expansion team, it's safe to say Rayo OKC have been even more of a mystery. The organization was derided at first, dismissed due to the involvement from a struggling foreign team and its juxtaposition to the already-successful Energy. However, its initial roster has made fans sit up and take notice. Five World Cup veterans and nine national team players headline the squad, which includes illustrious Greek striker Georgios Samaras. Rayo has built its team using players with experience in European leagues (say, Yuma and Juanan) and players who have found success in MLS (Michel, Sebastian Velasquez) and the NASL (Billy Forbes, Erick Norales). Expansion teams typically take time to fare well, but if there's any that might have a chance at making a first impression by challenging for a title, this could be the one.
Key Players: Robbie Findley, FW; Derek Boateng, MF; Georgios Samaras, FW
One to Watch: Billy Forbes, FW. Over the past two years, Billy Forbes has become the breakout sensation of the league with the San Antonio Scorpions. With the Scorpions dissolving, Rayo OKC won their most prized asset in Forbes, who should certainly get a look-in from former San Antonio coach Alen Marcina.
Predicted Finish: 5th. So much talent, but need to build some chemistry and fan support.
Team Name: Tampa Bay Rowdies
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Manager: Stuart Campbell
Stadium: Al Lang Stadium
History: An original NASL team, the Rowdies won a championship in their first year (1975) and continued to impress until the league collapsed in 1985. The Rowdies kept playing in lower leagues until 1993. In 2008, the team was reborn again, with the vision of recreating its old glory days. However, because of legal problems, the team simply went by FC Tampa Bay until 2012, when the old moniker returned, along with a Soccer Bowl title won on penalties over Minnesota Stars FC. In 2014, the team was purchased by St. Petersburg businessman Bill Edwards, who promised to take the Rowdies to the next level.
2015 In Review: Following a frustrating 2014 season, manager Ricky Hill got the boot, and the Rowdies began building a new roster with the prolific coach Thomas Rongen. Under Rongen, the ball started to roll, and the Rowdies finished 2nd in the Spring Season, just one point behind the New York Cosmos. In July, Tampa Bay made waves by signing former U.S. international Freddy Adu. However, the Fall Season got off to a rough start. After securing only seven points in eight games, Rowdies owner Bill Edwards fired Rongen and general manager Farrukh Quraishi. Under new manager Stuart Campbell, Tampa Bay fell further, eventually finishing 8th in the Fall and 5th overall, missing out on the playoffs by just two points.
2016 Preview: In the third year of the Bill Edwards era, Tampa Bay is under big pressure to finally make the playoffs. The Rowdies haven't been the loudest team in the offseason, and have perhaps been overshadowed by some of their neighbors in Florida, but the transition from 2015 to 2016 has been smooth. Key players were re-signed, including defensive rock Tamika Mkandawire, Freddy Adu, and 2014 MVP Georgi Hristov. They bet big on bringing in Tom Heinemann, the striker who lit Ottawa's season on fire in the second half of 2015. And they brought in a good collection of supplementary players, such as Neil Collins (200+ games in the English Football League), Danny Mwanga (100+ MLS games) and Eric Avila (170+ MLS games). The Rowdies toured England in the preseason, scoring some impressive results (a draw with Stoke City; a win over Notts County). After an offseason that was, for once, not quite tumultuous, it may be Tampa's time to shine in 2016.
Key Players: Georgi Hristov, FW; Tom Heinemann, FW; Freddy Adu, MF
One to Watch: Darwin Espinal, FW. Only 21, Espinal is already having an impact on Honduran youth national teams. He's got several good forwards to compete with on this roster, but he could well become one of the best.
Predicted Finish: 2nd. This could be the year it all comes together for the Rowdies.
Predicted Spring Standings:

Place	Club
#1	New York Cosmos
#2	Tampa Bay Rowdies
#3	Minnesota United FC
#4	Carolina RailHawks
#5	Rayo OKC
#6	FC Edmonton
#7	Fort Lauderdale Strikers
#8	Indy Eleven
#9	Jacksonville Armada FC
#10	Ottawa Fury FC
#11	Miami FC

Opening Weekend Schedule:
Saturday, April 2

Time (ET)	Home	Away	U.S. TV
3:00	CAR	MNU	ESPN3
7:00	FTL	MIA	beIN
7:30	TBR	IND	OWS
8:00	OKC	FCE	ESPN3

Sunday, April 3

Time (ET)	Home	Away	TV
6:00	NYC	OTT	OWS

To follow all the excitement and keep up with the latest news this season, make sure to visit and subscribe to /NASLSoccer - the home of the NASL on reddit. Feel free to add any comments or questions below.

My 2015 Preseason Ratings & Prediction Model continues to preview the season, today with the ACC. My model likes Georgia Tech to win the league, and by a decent margin.

2016 Best of /r/CFB Award Voting

College Football Award Ballot

Best of /CFB Award Ballot

Award Nominations

Voting Will close at 11:59 PM ET, January 6
It's been a long and wonderful year for college football, and it's time to pick the best moments from the year! Relevant previous threads:

The Awards Show will be Broadcast Live some time after the CFP Final (Time TBD)
There are two types of Awards being voted on here:

College Football Awards: Going top performers in College Football itself
/CFB Awards: Going to top performers internal to /CFB

All of these have been either nominated by /CFB users or curate by the /CFB Mod Team and are from the Calendar year 2016. You may vote on either or both. Please read through each category before voting! The top vote getters in the /CFB Awards will receive Reddit Gold courtesy of Reddit itself, who has given us 15 months of Reddit Gold to disburse for this event.
Thanks to everyone and good luck to all!

College Football Nominations

Category	Nomination
Category
Player of the Year	Corey Davis - Western Michigan
Player of the Year	Saquon Barkley - Penn State
Player of the Year	Dalvin Cook - Florida State
Player of the Year	Jonathan Allen - Alabama
Player of the Year	Lamar Jackson - Louisville
Player of the Year	D'Onta Foreman - Texas
Player of the Year	Deshaun Watson - Clemson
Player of the Year	Austin Carr - Northwestern
Player of the Year	Clinton Lynch - Georgia Tech
Player of the Year	Jake Butt - Michigan
Coach of the Year	P.J. Fleck - Western Michigan
Coach of the Year	Mike MacIntyre - Colorado
Coach of the Year	James Franklin - Penn State
Coach of the Year	Nick Saban - Alabama
Coach of the Year	Chris Petersen - Washington
Coach of the Year	Justin Fuente - Virginia Tech
Coach of the Year	Bob Davie - New Mexico
Coach of the Year	Mike Houston - James Madison
Coach of the Year	Chris Creighton - Eastern Michigan
Coach of the Year	Tom Arth - John Carroll
Play of the Year	Jauan Jennings Hail Mary
Play of the Year	Penn State block against Ohio State
Play of the Year	The Noah Brown catch against Oklahoma.
Play of the Year	Jonathan Allen's superman sack
Play of the Year	Minkah's Fitzpatrick's 100+ yard pick six
Play of the Year	The last play of the Central Michigan-Oklahoma State
Play of the Year	Kevin Rader's insane catch to send Youngstown State to the FCS Championship.
Play of the Year	The Maryville Marvel
Play of the Year	Lamar Jackson jumping that Syracuse defender to get in the endzone
Play of the Year	Baylor Mullins Fake Punt to beat Mount Union
Game of the Year	Michigan vs Ohio State
Game of the Year	TCU vs Oregon (2015 Season)
Game of the Year	Georgia vs Tennessee
Game of the Year	NC State vs Notre Dame
Game of the Year	Texas vs Notre Dame
Game of the Year	Penn State vs Ohio State
Game of the Year	Pitt vs Clemson
Game of the Year	Big Ten CCG
Game of the Year	UTEP vs UTSA
Game of the Year	Michigan vs Florida State
Game of the Year	Clemson vs Ohio State
Game of the Year	Iowa vs Michigan
Game of the Year	Central Michigan vs Oklahoma State
Game of the Year	Army vs Navy
Game of the Year	Alabama vs Clemson (2015 Season)
Non-FBS Player of the Year	Khalid Abdullah - James Madison
Non-FBS Player of the Year	Cooper Kupp - Eastern Washington
Non-FBS Player of the Year	Teidrick Smith - Mary Hardin-Baylor
Non-FBS Player of the Year	Baylor Mullins - Mary Hardin-Baylor
Non-FBS Player of the Year	Harold Brantley - Northwest Missouri State
Non-FBS Player of the Year	Jadrian Clark - Weber State
Non-FBS Player of the Year	Devin Hayes - Centre
Non-FBS Player of the Year	Jeremiah Briscoe - Sam Houston State
Non-FBS Player of the Year	Gage Gubrud - Eastern Washington
Non-FBS Player of the Year	Easton Stick - North Dakota State
Team of the Year	Western Michigan
Team of the Year	James Madison
Team of the Year	Colorado
Team of the Year	UAB
Team of the Year	Penn State
Team of the Year	Alabama
Team of the Year	Vanderbilt
Team of the Year	Troy
Team of the Year	Miami (OH)
Team of the Year	Northwest Missouri State
Team of the Year	John Carroll
Team of the Year	Clemson
Team of the Year	Washington
Team of the Year	Youngstown State
Team of the Year	Ohio State
Mascot of the Year	Puddles the Duck
Mascot of the Year	Mike the Tiger
Mascot of the Year	Clemson Tiger
Mascot of the Year	Ralphie
Mascot of the Year	Zippy
Mascot of the Year	Keggy
Mascot of the Year	Champ
Mascot of the Year	T-Roy
Mascot of the Year	Bevo
Mascot of the Year	Goldy
Sports Journalist of the Year	Fifth_Down
Sports Journalist of the Year	Auburn_Knight
Sports Journalist of the Year	@RedditCFB
Sports Journalist of the Year	Joseph Duarte
Sports Journalist of the Year	Ross Dellenger
Sports Journalist of the Year	Jon Wilner
Sports Journalist of the Year	Tom Fornelli
Sports Journalist of the Year	Hawai'i Periscopers
Sports Journalist of the Year	Spencer Hall
Sports Journalist of the Year	@FauxPelini
Tweet of the Year	Texas is Back
Tweet of the Year	Alabama not invited to Belk Bowl
Tweet of the Year	Electoral College isn't in the SEC
Tweet of the Year	Peppers Business Decision
Tweet of the Year	Whataburger to Notre Dame
Tweet of the Year	Life comes at you fast
Tweet of the Year	No Pants on Bucky
Tweet of the Year	Western Kentucky Hide the Midget
Tweet of the Year	Tom Murphy Appoints Himself Ref
Tweet of the Year	Harbaugh Eggs
GIF of the Year	Disappearing Dantonio
GIF of the Year	Wyoming Safety Dance
GIF of the Year	Addazio Wow)
GIF of the Year	Urban Smack
GIF of the Year	Harbaugh Headset
GIF of the Year	VT Pitt
GIF of the Year	Mike Leach Math
GIF of the Year	No Huskies No
GIF of the Year	Noles Orange Bowl
GIF of the Year	Watercolor Mountaineer

Best of /CFB Nominations

Category	User	Link
Commenter of the Year	BelkBowl	Top 2016 Comments
Commenter of the Year	GiovannidelMonaco	Top 2016 Comments
Commenter of the Year	meatfrappe	Top 2016 Comments
Commenter of the Year	NCAAInvestigations	Top 2016 Comments
Commenter of the Year	mycarisorange	Top 2016 Comments
Commenter of the Year	non-rhetorical	Top 2016 Comments
Commenter of the Year	LegacyZebra	Top 2016 Comments
Commenter of the Year	Fifth_Down	Top 2016 Comments
Commenter of the Year	LEGEN--wait_for_it	Top 2016 Comments
Commenter of the Year	AnEmptyKarst	Top 2016 Comments
Commenter of the Year	ChemicalOle	Top 2016 Comments
Commenter of the Year	pyrogeddon	Top 2016 Comments
Commenter of the Year	Owlcatraz	Top 2016 Comments
Commenter of the Year	Emperor_of_Orange	Top 2016 Comments
Commenter of the Year	52hoova	Top 2016 Comments
Best Original Content	CockADoodleBOOM	Uniform Trackers
Best Original Content	Nicknam4	The Lou Holtz Genie Conundrum
Best Original Content	celphafiael	Deshaun Watson Archery Skills
Best Original Content	cccc4444	Recruiting run downs
Best Original Content	mbingcrosby	CFB Sigil Map
Best Original Content	fearthetree5	Hate Map
Best Original Content	fortknox	Pass interference explained
Best Original Content	philkensb	Conference Draft
Best Original Content	ShittyPlaceKicker	Rivalry Games
Best Original Content	Owlcatraz	Rice's Rescue Mission
Best Original Content	dybuell	2016-17 Preview Guide
Best Original Content	-SyBro	Super Mario Football
Best Original Content	bakonydraco	Who was Team USA?
Best Original Content	Honestly_	Fake Schools Update
Best Original Content	Richa652	Ranking Offseason Shitposts
Funniest Comment	epocson	Sam Foltz Tribute
Funniest Comment	admiraltarkin	Texas A&M Season
Funniest Comment	RapGamePterodactyl	Impersonation of Jim Harbaugh
Funniest Comment	eye_can_see_you	The Big 12 teams at Thanksgiving
Funniest Comment	Dminus313	Man talked out of committing suicide
Funniest Comment	bat_man_slayer	Saban eats ass confirmed
Funniest Comment	shampooreborn	Harbaugh kills the FSU mascot
Funniest Comment	CassiopeiaStillLife	Jim Harbaugh has almost certainly killed a man
Funniest Comment	Sks44	No fair, the Clemson DC is banging his mom
Funniest Comment	I_AM_STARBURNS_AMA	Wait til you get Kick-Sixed
Funniest Comment	RedWingWay	Post Michigan "Hold Me"
Funniest Comment	CrimePilots	Cubs Win
Funniest Comment	Quart3	Andrew Jackson
Funniest Comment	TexasWhiskey_	Random Trivia
Funniest Comment	robnowelljr	Instant Classic
Best Original Statistical Analysis	bakonydraco	AP Poll Voter Consistency
Best Original Statistical Analysis	ktffan	Consistent Analysis
Best Original Statistical Analysis	tmart12	FEI game breakdowns
Best Original Statistical Analysis	cinciforthewin	/CFB Fan Map
Best Original Statistical Analysis	cb_Iowa	P5 Recruiting and Geography Infographics
Best Original Statistical Analysis	StrikerObi	College GameDay Curse
Best Original Statistical Analysis	dupreesdiamond	/CFB Poll Analysis
Best Original Statistical Analysis	Quentanamo_Bay	Weekly FBS Overtime Results posts
Best Original Statistical Analysis	DampFrijoles	Largest Colleges in the US
Best Original Statistical Analysis	Alpha_Orange	P5 Stadiums Orientation
Best Outlandish Prediction Which Came True	ExternalTangents	Everything right except for Alabama
Best Outlandish Prediction Which Came True	scoooter53	VT will win 35-24
Best Outlandish Prediction Which Came True	CrunchyTater	Lamar Jackson Heisman
Best Outlandish Prediction Which Came True	WinstonWolfpack	UW v Colorado PAC 12 CCG
Best Outlandish Prediction Which Came True	Thoguth	A&M Meltdown
Best Friendly Bet	nmp12	Guy who shaved his eyebrows after PSU won the B1G
Best Friendly Bet	GiovannidelMonaco	One Syllable
Best Friendly Bet	Darth_Turtle	Big 12 expansion bet
Best Friendly Bet	bakonydraco	Rice Astronauts
Best Friendly Bet	CheeseAtTheKnees	Dip Spit
Best MS Paint Comic	no_clue97	Georgia Goes to Hell
Best MS Paint Comic	A-Stu-Ute	Tom Herman leaves Houston
Best MS Paint Comic	Frognosticator	The Stages of a College Football Scandal
Best MS Paint Comic	BevoGenocide	The Team Formerly Known as Notre Dame
Best MS Paint Comic	A-Stu-Ute	Halloween Rankings
Best MS Paint Comic	saxman13	Sour Ags
Best MS Paint Comic	drgnlis	Rivals?
Best MS Paint Comic	Liquified01	Buffs Dodge the Utes
Best MS Paint Comic	e8odie	FOOTball
Best MS Paint Comic	Byniri_Returns	Undefeateds
Best Trash Talk	LosAngelesVikings	Duke-ND Trash Talk
Best Trash Talk	thatcandospirit	Creating Texas Tech-Penn State Rivalry
Best Trash Talk	Owlcatraz	Owlcatraz on Baylor
Best Trash Talk	GhostfaceNoah	Washington-Washington State post game thread
Best Trash Talk	nopenopegg	Noter Dame

TheMonsieur's SupercalifragilisticUpbiparipovic NASL Spring Season Preview

Whether you knew it or not, the North American Soccer League (NASL), America's second division, is kicking off in two days' time. There's been a whirlwind of activity in the preseason, with new teams coming in, broadcast deals being signed, and recognizable players joining up. As someone who follows the league pretty closely, I've taken up the task of putting together a brief capsule for each club competing.
With that said, a quick overview of the league and its structure: The NASL is the second tier of U.S./Canadian soccer, having formed in 2011 after breaking away from the USL First Division. It is in no way connected to MLS. Twelve teams will compete in 2016 across two seasons - Spring and Fall. The Spring Season, being previewed here, consists of 10 games and will only feature 11 teams (Puerto Rico FC enters in the Fall). The Fall Season starts in July and will consist of 22 games. At the conclusion of the Fall Season, four teams - the Spring and Fall Season winners, along with the two remaining teams with the best overall records - will enter the Championship playoffs for a chance to win the Soccer Bowl Trophy.
For a short recap on last season, you could watch my poor attempt at making a video. Oh, and be sure to check out /NASLSoccer! I'm over there a lot, and it's a good place to learn more. We'll even be revealing a redesign tomorrow night just in time for the season!
I'm not an expert analyst, but hopefully this can provide a good introduction for you to each team.
Got it? Alright, let’s get started.
Team Name: Carolina RailHawks
Location: Cary, North Carolina
Manager: Colin Clarke
Stadium: WakeMed Soccer Park
History: Founded in 2006, Carolina was one of the breakaway members from the USL First Division that formed the NASL. The team's name is mean to represent both the rail lines that run directly across from the field and the hawks that are indigenous to the area. The RailHawks play their home games at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC. In 2015, the RailHawks' owners, Traffic Sports, were indicted in a FIFA corruption scandal, leading to the sale of the club to local tech entrepreneur Stephen Malik.
2015 In Review: Carolina got off to a promising start in the spring, taking 14 points from 10 games and winning a 3rd place finish in the standings. Led by the creativity in the midfield of club legend Tiyi Shipalane and the goals up front from former Rangers striker Nacho Novo, the RailHawks picked up some good results at the beginning of the Fall Season as well. From that point, though, the wheels came off, particularly in road matches. Out of 10 away matches in the Fall, Carolina took just a single point. In the end, the result was 7th place in the Fall, and 6th in the combined table.
2016 Preview: The RailHawks marked their 10th anniversary in style off the field, inking a local TV deal, making stadium upgrades, and promising higher investment in the club. They doubled down on their commitment by re-signing club captain Connor Tobin as well as key players Tiyi Shipalane and Nazmi Albadawi. Then, they cleaned up by signing several high-level players, such as NASL Best XI midfielder James Marcelin, and former RailHawks Matt Watson and Akira Fitzgerald, who had most recently spent time in MLS. Carolina are the perfect example of a revamped and growing NASL: They've found a new owner who is excited and willing to spend, and they've invested all around the club and have reloaded their roster. Expect the RailHawks to challenge from right out of the gate in 2016.
Key Players: Ty Shipalane, MF; Connor Tobin, MF; Nazmi Albadawi, MF
One to Watch: Marvin Ceballos, MF. The Guatemalan international has been described as a "natural #10" by manager Colin Clarke and has the potential to be a breakout star for Carolina this year.
Predicted Finish: 4th. I think they fly under the radar as a well put-together team, and pressure from FIFA scandal gone. This prediction could blow up in my face.
Team Name: FC Edmonton
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Manager: Colin Miller
Stadium: Clarke Stadium
History: Edmonton is a growing team, having only formed in 2010, just in time for the first NASL season. The Eddies are slight rivals with Minnesota United, participating in the Flyover Cup and raising money for charities together. Edmonton is currently the furthest west of all NASL teams, and has struggled with attendance figures as well as play on the field. Their best season finish was 5th place, and the closest they've been to a championship was the league's quarterfinals in its first year of existence.
2015 In Review: Despite progress made in 2014, things turned south for the league's northernmost club in the Spring Season of 2015. Two wins meant a 10th place finish out of 11. The Eddies' relief came in the form of a Canadian Championship cup run, in which they came inches away from defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the semifinal, only to be knocked out by a goal in the last seconds of stoppage time. In the fall, results picked up for Edmonton. Lance Laing marked his record third appearance in the league's Best XI with eight goals and seven assists throughout the Spring and Fall Seasons, but the team suffered when he was on international duty with Jamaica. The team's playoff hopes fell away during the final five games of the season, during which they found only one point. FC Edmonton finished 5th in the Fall and 7th in the combined table.
2016 Preview: Edmonton would seem to be in a spot of trouble. Over the offseason, winger Lance Laing, who put the Eddies on his back at times, left to join Minnesota United. So, FC Edmonton made some changes. In the front office, they added Jay Ball as general manager; Ball played a significant role in the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada. On the field, they brought back Daryl Fordyce, the club's all-time leading scorer, and made a splash by signing Canadian international Nik Ledgerwood from Germany. Manager Colin Miller called it the most promising offseason in club history, and proceeded to sign the Senegalese center back Papé Diakité and Jake Keegan, 2nd-top scorer in the League of Ireland last season. With the roster set, Edmonton toured Great Britain, showing well in several friendly across the pond. With a lackluster history and last year's star gone, Edmonton will look to defy the odds in 2016.
Key Players: Albert Watson, DF; Daryl Fordyce, FW; Nik Ledgerwood, DF/MF
One to Watch: Allan Zebie, MF. An FC Edmonton youth product and Canada youth international, Zebie, only 22, has established himself as the Eddies' regular right back. This year, he could move to a whole new level.
Predicted Finish: 6th. Laing is gone, but most of the roster returns, aided by savvy signings.
Team Name: Fort Lauderdale Strikers
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Manager: Caio Zanardi
Stadium: Lockhart Stadium
History: As one of the members of the original NASL, the Strikers have a history dating back to 1977. The team signed some of the world's finest players, including Gordon Banks, George Best, and Gerd Müller. After moving to Minnesota, a second Strikers team popped up in Fort Lauderdale in 1988, playing for six years in the American Soccer League (ASL) and the American Professional Soccer League (APSL). The current incarnation, founded in 2006 as Miami FC, rebranded into the Strikers before the first season of the new NASL. In 2014, after a loss in the NASL final, the club made international headlines when Brazilian legend Ronaldo joined their ownership group. In 2015, the low-budget club shocked the league by once again making the playoffs.
2015 In Review: Following the Spring Season, there weren't many optimists left in the Strikers camp. After dumping most of 2014's star players (Fafà Picault, their star player, went to Europe; Pecka moved to Real Salt Lake), the firing of head coach Günter Kronsteiner, and the flop of much-hyped signing Leo Moura, Fort Lauderdale limped to an 8th place finish in the Spring. The Fall was a different story. After re-signing Kronsteiner, a young Strikers team turned it all around. Fluminense loanees Marlon Freitas and Stefano Pinho shined, with Pinho topping the NASL scoring charts and winning the league MVP award. James Marcelin joined Pinho in the league's Best XI, and midfielder PC just missed out. The Strikers finished 4th in the Fall, and a win against Jacksonville on the last day propelled them to 4th in the overall standings as well, giving them a semifinals spot. The fairy tale ended in New York, with the Cosmos coming from behind to win 2-1 en route to the NASL Championship game.
2016 Preview: For the past two years, Fort Lauderdale has been the surprise team of the league. This year, the rest of the NASL will be as prepared as they can, but the Strikers still present a bit of a mystery. After squeezing into the playoffs in 2015, the team once again dismantled its roster, letting go of manager Günter Kronsteiner (again), watching the league's MVP and top scorer Stefano Pinho leave for Minnesota, and parting ways with Best XI midfielder James Marcelin, who signed with Carolina.
In response, Fort Lauderdale ramped up operations: They created a reserve team in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), announced a whole wave of staff appointments, expanded partnerships and advertisements, got a TV deal, hosted an international tournament, and toured China. They also made some big-name signings, inking World Cup winner Kléberson, Brazilian veterans Adrianinho & Bruno Cardoso, U.S. youth internationals and UEFA Champions League-experienced players. And they unveiled their new jerseys on a yacht. Yeah, what can I say? The Strikers have big ambitions, and they've moved on from being a low-budget side that scraped past other teams. So will new investment bring more success? We'll have to see.
Key Players: Kléberson, MF; PC MF; Adrianinho, MF
One to Watch: Matheus Carvalho, FW. Carvalho has a solid pedigree, having played a few minutes for Monaco in last year's UEFA Champions League. It's possible he could be a welcome surprise in South Florida.
Predicted Finish: 7th. So much change on this roster, and several star players past their primes.
Team Name: Indy Eleven
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Manager: Tim Hankinson
Stadium: Carroll Stadium
History: After years of calls for a professional soccer team in Indianapolis from the Brickyard Battalion (the Eleven's main supporter group), the dream was finally realized in 2013. That year, legendary American soccer executive Peter Wilt announced that he would become the president of Indy Eleven, a team that started play in 2014. Despite struggles on the field, Indy Eleven became the first American soccer team to sell out all its home games in its inaugural home season. Wilt left on good terms in 2016 to pursue a Chicago NASL project.
2015 In Review: After a disappointing first year on the field, things didn't get much better in 2015 for Indy Eleven, though they did once again lead the league in attendance. Star player Kléberson picked up a season-ending achilles injury, and the Eleven won only one in their first eight matches. That record, combined with an embarrassing U.S. Open Cup defeat at home to USL's Louisville City FC, led to the firing of head coach Juergen Sommer. His replacement, interim coach Tim Regan, won the final two games to elevate Indy to 5th in the Spring. However, any playoff aspirations fell away in the Fall, as a string of bad results climaxed with a 7-1 loss in Fort Lauderdale en route to a 9th place finish in the Fall Season and combined standings. Indy could find a silver lining with the strong performances of several youngsters, such as Dylan Mares and Duke Lacroix.
2016 Preview: With one of the largest fanbases in the league and some of the worst performances, Indy are under pressure to finally turn around its performance. To start, they stripped down most of the team to just a couple of players, and hired long-time manager Tim Hankinson to construct a rebuild. Hankinson piled on MLS experience, inking Jon Busch, Siniša Ubiparipović, Justin Braun, Lovel Palmer, and Gorka Larrea, among others. Preseason did not go well, with most friendlies ending in defeat or stalemate to lower-division and university teams, and several players picking up injuries. That said, this Eleven squad is better than any other that has taken the field, and have a good mix of senior players and up-and-comers that are ready to deliver.
Key Players: Dylan Mares, MF; Brad Ring, MF; Siniša Ubiparipović, MF
One to Watch: Duke Lacroix, FW. It's time to meet the 22-year-old forward every soccer fan in Indianapolis is talking about. Lacroix got a chance last year, and electrified on the wing. This season, he'll hope to earn a starting job.
Predicted Finish: 8th. If one of the new central striker signings turns good, they'll have a real chance in this league. If not? Expect the same as before.
Team Name: Jacksonville Armada FC
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Manager: Tony Meola
Stadium: Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville
History: Announced on July 25, 2013, Jacksonville's team was christened as Armada FC on February 18, 2014. The Armada was the only expansion side to join the league in 2015, lead by the ownership collective Sunshine Soccer Group and club president Steve Livingstone. The team chose to play at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville and quickly established themselves in the top tier of NASL attendances, although they didn't do as well on the field.
2015 In Review: Jacksonville got off to a fast start, with Jemal Johnson scoring seconds into their first game as the Armada went on to win three out of its first five. That was the best run of form the team would see all year. After finishing a respectable 6th in the Spring, the Armada fell into a slump, finishing last both in the Fall Season and combined table. The team fired its first manager, José Luis Villarreal, after attempting to give him a co-managerial role with Guillermo Hoyos. The club later fired Hoyos after giving him a contract through 2019 months earlier.
2016 Preview: The Armada began their offseason with a big statement of intention, hiring former USA goalkeeper Tony Meola as head coach. After an unsuccessful inaugural year, much of 2015's roster did not make it back. Instead, Jacksonville refined it by looking to the lower leagues. They signed NASL Best XI midfielder Richie Ryan, USL MVP Matt Fondy, and USL Defender of the Year Bryan Burke, in effect establishing a small collection of some of the best players below MLS last season. Just before the season began, the Armada suffered a blow as young standout Akeil Barrett transferred to the Swedish second division. Yet, after a preseason that included promising signings and friendlies, Jacksonville seem ready to move up the table.
Key Players: Alhassane Keita, FW; Mechak Jérôme, DF; Matt Fondy, FW
One to Watch: Charles Eloundou, FW. Once a highly-touted prospect, Eloundou, 21, saw his career stall with the Colorado Rapids (MLS). Now settled in Jacksonville, this year may be his opportunity to shine.
Predicted Finish: 9th. Good first steps, but still a lot to do after finishing bottom of the table last year.
Team Name: Miami FC
Location: Miami, Florida
Manager: Alessandro Nesta
Stadium: FIU Stadium
History: Unrelated to the original Miami FC (now the Fort Lauderdale Strikers), this team was founded in 2015 and kicked off in 2016. Miami attracted international attention with its ownership (entrepreneur Riccardo Silva and former Italy legend Paolo Maldini) as well as its first head coach (Maldini's Italy teammate Alessandro Nesta). The team began play at FIU Stadium.
2016 Preview: Expansion teams are often an enigma, and the organization of Miami FC is no different. Founded in the eye of a storm of MLS rumors (Miami Beckham United FC?), the brains behind Miami FC will likely want to get off to a running start in order to attract the sort of attention with soccer fans that can make them viable in the city and sustainable into the future. To that end, Miami brought in two star: Dario Cvitanich, who has scored goals and seen success with big clubs all over the world, and Wilson Palacios, the English Premier League veteran with nearly 100 Honduras caps under his belt. Mostly, though, the roster is filled out by players with NASL experience (Pablo Campos, Jaimé Chavez, etc.) and up-and-comers looking to make a name for themselves. In many ways, this is a similar approach that other past expansion teams have taken, with mixed results. The real question for 2016 might be just how well Miami FC establishes a fanbase in an unknown market.
Key Players: Wilson Palacios, MF; Darío Cvitanich, FW; Matuzalem, MF
One to Watch: Blake Smith, MF. Making his return to North American soccer after a year in hiatus, Smith is an unknown quantity. However, if he re-creates the kind of success he saw in Montreal and Indy, he could be a vital part of Miami's attack.
Predicted Finish: 11th. Similar construction as previous expansion teams may yield similar results.
Team Name: Minnesota United FC
Location: Blaine, Minnesota
Manager: Carl Craig
Stadium: National Sports Center
History: Professional soccer in Minnesota began with the Minnesota Kicks of the old NASL, but Minnesota has had a continuous presence of professional soccer since the founding of the Minnesota Thunder in 1990. When that team folded due to the financial shadiness of owner Dean Johnson, a new series of teams all slightly related to one another emerged. The NSC Minnesota Stars were launched in 2010, but the ownership of National Sports Center in Blaine, MN lasted only a season before the NASL took over the team. In 2011, the Stars won the Soccer Bowl for the first time in the new era of the NASL. In 2012, the team rebranded as Minnesota Stars FC and again went to the final, where they lost to Tampa Bay in penalties. The team was league-owned at the time and many fans and players thought that without a win in the final (thinking the league wouldn't dare let its champion fold), the team would no longer have a future. However, after the crushing loss, news began to leak out that the team had found an owner. In 2013, Dr. Bill McGuire (formerly of United Healthcare Group) purchased the Minnesota Stars and rebranded them as Minnesota United FC.
The team is supported by the Dark Clouds, a supporters group founded in the Thunder days. They are known for their bizarre brand of "Jackassery," which is ecstatic support that opposes macho, wannabe hooliganism. They have a gameday zine called the Jackassery Times-Heckler and worship the god DETHLOON. The club announced a move to Major League Soccer in 2017 or 2018, pending the construction of a downtown stadium.
2015 In Review: Buoyed off the field by an MLS expansion announcement, Minnesota continued to show stellar performances on it. Although star player Miguel Ibarra transferred to Mexican club Léon, replacements brought in (including Ibson and Khalif Alhassan) proved to be up to the challenge. A fourth place finish in the Spring was strong, if not ideal. In the Fall, an incredible run of eight wins in 10 matches led to a 2nd place finish. United were 3rd in the overall standings, and Christian Ramirez scored the second-most goals in the league, just missing a second consecutive Golden Boot. In their playoff semifinal in Ottawa, Ramirez's penalty gave Minnesota a 1-0 lead, but an equalizer and extra time winner from opposition forward Tom Heinemann led to an end to their season.
2016 Preview: This could be Minnesota's last year in the NASL, and they're offseason move show a determination to leave with a trophy in both hands. In preparation for the move to MLS, Manny Lagos (manager since 2010) became Sporting Director, and assistant Carl Craig moved up to become head coach. The team returns all four of its Best XI players from 2015: Justin Davis, Ibson, Christian Ramirez, and Kevin Venegas. It made further inroads by signing two other Best XI members: Lance Laing, who carried FC Edmonton and became a regular with Jamaica, and Stefano Pinho, who was named the league's best player and won the Golden Boot with Fort Lauderdale. Is there any stopping this team? Well, while United obviously has an unparalleled attack, there are questions on the defensive side, with the team having lost preseason games 0-4, 0-4, and 1-3 to MLS sides. If defense does not turn out to be a problem, though, this is a side that could really challenge for both the league title and a position deep in the U.S. Open Cup.
Key Players: Christian Ramirez, FW; Stefano Pinho, FW; Justin Davis, DF
One to Watch: Greg Jordan, MF. Minnesota are clearly looking for MLS-ready players this year, and Greg Jordan could be a sleeper pick to move up with them. Since falling out of favor in Philadelphia, he's had a dependable two seasons with the Loons, and will look to step up his game in 2016.
Predicted Finish: 3rd. May take some time for new players to settle, and who know how MLS move will divert their focus, but they'll be competitive no matter what.
Team Name: New York Cosmos
Location: Hempstead, New York
Manager: Giovanni Savarese
Stadium: Shuart Stadium
History: The New York Cosmos brand is one of the greatest in all of world soccer, and their teams in the original NASL were arguably better than any American sides that have come before or since. Centered around players like Giorgio Chinaglia, Carlos Alberto, Franz Beckenbauer, and of course, the legendary Pelé, New York won five Soccer Bowls and became a global phenomenon. Since the team folded, there have been many attempts to revive it. This one is the first to get a real team on the field. The modern iteration of the Cosmos kicked off in the Fall Season of 2013, won the championship the same year, and won it again in 2015 with Real Madrid legend Raúl.
2015 In Review: After announcing the signing of illustrious Spanish forward Raúl, the Cosmos cemented their place as the biggest spenders with the biggest names in the NASL. 2015 marked the final seasons for Raúl and fellow former Spanish international Marcos Senna, and New York looked to send them off with a storybook ending. In the Spring Season, everything went to plan, with the Cosmos winning the title by a point and securing a playoff spot early. A high point came in the team's U.S. Open Cup victory over New York City FC on penalties, though they would later be knocked out by the New York Red Bulls. The Cosmos stayed strong in the Fall with a 3rd place finish, benefitting through performances from NASL Young Player of the Year Leo Fernandes (on loan from Philadelphia Union) and team MVP Ayoze. The Cosmos won the combined season with 56 points, edging Ottawa on goal differential. In the semifinal, the Cosmos came from behind to beat Fort Lauderdale 2-1. Hosting the Championship, relatively new signing Gastón Cellerino scored a hat trick in a 3-2 victory as Raúl and Senna lifted their final trophy.
2016 Preview: With the retirement of Raúl and Marcos Senna, the departure of star winger Walter Restrepo and formerly on-loan Leo Fernandes (both to Philadelphia), and the exit of championship hero Gastón Cellerino, this could have been a transition year for New York. But the New York Cosmos don't rebuild. They reload. This offseason, the Cosmos put together one of the most stunning collections of signings this league has ever seen. To recap: The two biggest names are Niko Kranjčar and Juan Arango, both vastly experienced players who have played at the very top of world soccer; senior internationals include Jairo Arrieta (Costa Rica), David Ochieng (Kenya), Michael Lahoud (Sierra Leone), Yohandry Orozco (Venezuela), and Yasmani Duk; other signings include Gabriel Farfan (MLS/Liga MX experience) and two U.S. youth internationals. On paper, it is hard to argue any team is better than the Cosmos. How the pieces of the puzzle come together is the only question left.
Key Players: Danny Szetela, MF; Niko Kranjčar, MF; Juan Arango, MF
One to Watch: Yohandry Orozco, MF. So, get this, right? There's player in his prime, who plays regularly for his country, had experience with Wolfsburg, and he's coming to the NASL? You'd better believe it, and Orozco has all the skills to make a huge impact.
Predicted Finish: 1st. I've been wrong before with this team, but there's just too much talent to deny.
Team Name: Ottawa Fury FC
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Manager: Paul Dalglish
Stadium: TD Place Stadium
History: A longtime candidate for expansion, Ottawa was welcomed into the league in 2011, with the Ottawa Fury name being decided in 2013. The Fury were a fromer PDL franchise, and brought a history of support with it. The club shares a new stadium (as well as ownership) with the Canadian Football League Ottawa RedBlacks. In 2015, the team surged to the Championship final, but lost to the New York Cosmos.
2015 In Review: Few would have predicted Ottawa Fury's run to the NASL Championship after the Fall Season. Despite making a splash by bringing in Canadian international Julian De Guzman, the results failed to come, and the Fury found themselves in 9th place. In the Fall, though, coach Marc Dos Santos' plan clicked. A back line marshaled by NASL Best XI goalkeeper Romuald Peiser and defender Rafael Alves recorded eight shutouts, and an offense led by the connection between midfielder Siniša Ubiparipović (eight assists total) and forward Tom Heinemann (12 goals total) resulted in one loss in 20 games, and a Fall Season title. Heinemann's two goals in the semifinal knocked out Minnesota United, but the Fury ultimately fell short of the Championship in New York, losing 3-2 to the New York Cosmos.
2016 Preview: After falling short in the Championship, the Ottawa Fury had the offseason from Hell. First, Manager of the Year Marc Dos Santos left to be an assistant and reserve team coach for Sporting Kansas City (MLS). Then, many of the key players in the run to the final chose to part ways: Tom Heinemann, who scored every playoff goal, went to Tampa Bay; Colin Falvey, Ryan Richter, and Mason Trafford, who all started on the back line in the Championship, moved on; Best XI midfielder Richie Ryan left for Jacksonvile, playmaker Siniša Ubiparipović went to Indy, and starting winger Andrew Wiedeman moved to Cinicinnati in USL. Reinforcements have come, mostly in the form of other lower league players, but almost all will have to prove themselves before being considered adequate replacements. If I have to pick one out, the signing to keep an eye on will be Marcel De Jong, the Canadian international brought in who should play as a left back. The Fury will also be bolstered by the return of goalkeeper Romuald Peiser, who won the league's Golden Glove in 2015 and was named /NASLSoccer's player of the year.
Key Players: Julian de Guzman, MF; Rafael Alves, DF; Romuald Peiser, GK
One to Watch: Mauro Eustáquio, MF. Last year, Eustáquio impressed in the midfield when filling in for injured players. With so many departures, the youngster now has a chance to play well and force his way onto the Canadian national team.
Predicted Finish: 10th. This team got completely picked apart in the offseason. They could turn out okay, but they'll have work to do to prove me wrong.
Team Name: Rayo OKC
Location: Yukon, Oklahoma
Manager: Alen Marcina
Stadium: Miller Stadium
History: A fierce battle between the NASL and USL PRO for a team in Oklahoma City ended with both leagues announcing expansions in the city. The USL put together Oklahoma Energy FC in 2013. Meanwhile, the owners of Oklahoma City FC, a Premier Development League (PDL) team, decided to run an NASL side, but an ownership group breakup in 2014 caused a delay to the project. Eventually, Spanish La Liga club Rayo Vallecano partnered with the organization to form what is now known as Rayo OKC. The team name was announced in November 2015, and began play at Miller Stadium in 2016.
**2016 Preview: As much of an enigma I've said Miami FC have been as an expansion team, it's safe to say Rayo OKC have been even more of a mystery. The organization was derided at first, dismissed due to the involvement from a struggling foreign team and its juxtaposition to the already-successful Energy. However, its initial roster has made fans sit up and take notice. Five World Cup veterans and nine national team players headline the squad, which includes illustrious Greek striker Georgios Samaras. Rayo has built its team using players with experience in European leagues (say, Yuma and Juanan) and players who have found success in MLS (Michel, Sebastian Velasquez) and the NASL (Billy Forbes, Erick Norales). Expansion teams typically take time to fare well, but if there's any that might have a chance at making a first impression by challenging for a title, this could be the one.
Key Players: Robbie Findley, FW; Derek Boateng, MF; Georgios Samaras, FW
One to Watch: Billy Forbes, FW. Over the past two years, Billy Forbes has become the breakout sensation of the league with the San Antonio Scorpions. With the Scorpions dissolving, Rayo OKC won their most prized asset in Forbes, who should certainly get a look-in from former San Antonio coach Alen Marcina.
Predicted Finish: 5th. So much talent, but need to build some chemistry and fan support.
Team Name: Tampa Bay Rowdies
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Manager: Stuart Campbell
Stadium: Al Lang Stadium
History: An original NASL team, the Rowdies won a championship in their first year (1975) and continued to impress until the league collapsed in 1985. The Rowdies kept playing in lower leagues until 1993. In 2008, the team was reborn again, with the vision of recreating its old glory days. However, because of legal problems, the team simply went by FC Tampa Bay until 2012, when the old moniker returned, along with a Soccer Bowl title won on penalties over Minnesota Stars FC. In 2014, the team was purchased by St. Petersburg businessman Bill Edwards, who promised to take the Rowdies to the next level.
2015 In Review: Following a frustrating 2014 season, manager Ricky Hill got the boot, and the Rowdies began building a new roster with the prolific coach Thomas Rongen. Under Rongen, the ball started to roll, and the Rowdies finished 2nd in the Spring Season, just one point behind the New York Cosmos. In July, Tampa Bay made waves by signing former U.S. international Freddy Adu. However, the Fall Season got off to a rough start. After securing only seven points in eight games, Rowdies owner Bill Edwards fired Rongen and general manager Farrukh Quraishi. Under new manager Stuart Campbell, Tampa Bay fell further, eventually finishing 8th in the Fall and 5th overall, missing out on the playoffs by just two points.
2016 Preview: In the third year of the Bill Edwards era, Tampa Bay is under big pressure to finally make the playoffs. The Rowdies haven't been the loudest team in the offseason, and have perhaps been overshadowed by some of their neighbors in Florida, but the transition from 2015 to 2016 has been smooth. Key players were re-signed, including defensive rock Tamika Mkandawire, Freddy Adu, and 2014 MVP Georgi Hristov. They bet big on bringing in Tom Heinemann, the striker who lit Ottawa's season on fire in the second half of 2015. And they brought in a good collection of supplementary players, such as Neil Collins (200+ games in the English Football League), Danny Mwanga (100+ MLS games) and Eric Avila (170+ MLS games). The Rowdies toured England in the preseason, scoring some impressive results (a draw with Stoke City; a win over Notts County). After an offseason that was, for once, not quite tumultuous, it may be Tampa's time to shine in 2016.
Key Players: Georgi Hristov, FW; Tom Heinemann, FW; Freddy Adu, MF
One to Watch: Darwin Espinal, FW. Only 21, Espinal is already having an impact on Honduran youth national teams. He's got several good forwards to compete with on this roster, but he could well become one of the best.
Predicted Finish: 2nd. This could be the year it all comes together for the Rowdies.
Predicted Spring Standings:

Place	Club
#1	New York Cosmos
#2	Tampa Bay Rowdies
#3	Minnesota United FC
#4	Carolina RailHawks
#5	Rayo OKC
#6	FC Edmonton
#7	Fort Lauderdale Strikers
#8	Indy Eleven
#9	Jacksonville Armada FC
#10	Ottawa Fury FC
#11	Miami FC

Opening Weekend Schedule:
Saturday, April 2

Time (ET)	Home	Away
3:00	CAR	MNU
7:00	FTL	MIA
7:30	TBR	IND
8:00	OKC	FCE

Sunday, April 3

Time (ET)	Home	Away	TV
6:00	NYC	OTT

To follow all the excitement and keep up with the latest news this season, make sure to visit and subscribe to /NASLSoccer - the home of the NASL on reddit.

ACC Rundown

I don't have time to do write ups for the entire nation like I used to, so in recent years I have picked the conference that interests me the most. This season's ACC is a murderer's row from a talent perspective, and one of the deepest conferences I've ever come across in the preseason. At the same time, all the top squads are all seeing significant changes to their core rotations. I don't see a single team other than Duke that feels like a safe pick in their respective tier. Trying to predict how it all comes out should be next to impossible, so naturally I am compelled to give it a shot.
Please keep in mind that I have put the teams into tiers because I really don't have a strong opinion on one team over another in a specific group. If I did have a strong opinion, I would have given that squad its own tier. The one exception to this might be the massive middle tier, where I suppose you could say I think the top couple of teams are better than those at the bottom, but the overall principle still holds.
(15/16 and 16/17 projected starters in bold, recruit 247 sports composite ranking in parentheses if they are in the Top 200)

Tier 1 - The Heavyweight (trip to final four in the cards)

1. Duke Duke Blue Devils Duke

(ly KenPom #20 (25-11 overall, 13-5 ACC, Sweet 16)


Notable Losses	PG Derryck Thornton (tr-USC), F Brandon Ingram(NBA), C Marshall Plumlee (gr)
Notable Returnees	SG Grayson Allen, SG Luke Kennard, SG Matt Jones, F/C Amile Jefferson
Notable Newcomers	G Frank Jackson(13), SF Jayson Tatum(4), PF Harry Giles(2), PF Javin DeLaurier (39), C Marques Bolden(15)
Favorites because...	...an incredible confluence of returning talent and the nation's elite freshmen practically tripping over themselves to sign on with Team USA's head coach. Giles is a generational talent if healthy, Tatum isn't far behind. Bolden is way better than people realize. Grayson Allen could flop his way to a NPOY award, provided he can keep his feet to himself. The supporting cast of returnees that would star on virtually any other team, but are blessed with skillsets uniquely suited to play complementary roles.
Could trip up if...	Jackson, more of scorer than facilitator, isn't quite ready to take over for the departed Thornton. There are a lot of mouths to feed in this lineup. K's deepest frontcourt since late 90's / early 00's, will he stick with his tendency to play small? I'm reaching here...
Schedule Analysis	Average 2x opponents on the easy side, trip up road games @Va, @Syr, @Lou
Verdict	One of the heaviest heavyweights in recent memory, anybody expecting less than a final four run is straight trippin

Tier 2 - Contenders if Things Go Well

2. North Carolina North Carolina Tar Heels North Carolina

(ly KenPom #2 (33-7 overall, 14-4 ACC, NCAA Runner Up)


Notable Losses	G Marcus Paige (gr), PF Brice Johnson(gr)
Notable Returnees	PG Joel Berry, PG Nate Britt, G/F Justin Jackson, G/F Theo Pinson, PF Isaiah Hicks, C Kennedy Meeks
Notable Newcomers	G Seventh Woods (48), G/F Brandon Robinson (60), C Tony Bradley (26)
Contenders because...	... 4 potential all-conference returnees got championship level experience last March. Berry and Hicks made huge strides and should be ready to take over starring roles, with Hicks in particular earning rave reviews this offseason. Jackson was a lethally effective glue guy despite struggling with his shot, and a potential AA if he can hit from the outside the way he did as a high schooler. This becomes even more important given non-shooter Pinson moving into the starting lineup.Three talented newcomers get the luxury of learning from the vets as freshmen.
Could fall short if...	...the returnees don't adjust well to feature roles, after the graduation of consummate leaders/winnters Paige & Johnson. Roy's teams always start slow, could be worse than usual this year. A high floor here, but top end of expectations will require individual improvement from all the returnees.
Schedule Analysis	Difficult 2x vs Duke and Virginia; relatively easy road slate
Verdict	Might not have the upside that the national top 5 teams have, but the roster is still loaded.

3. Virginia Virginia Cavaliers Virginia

(ly KenPom #3 (29-8 overall, 13-5 ACC, Elite 8)


Notable Losses	G/F Malcolm Brogdon (gr), PF Evan Nolte (gr), F/C Anthony Gill (gr),G/F Mike Tobey (gr)
Notable Returnees	PG London Perrantes, G Devon Hall, G Darius Thompson, SF Marial Shayok, F Isaiah Wilkins,
Notable Newcomers	G Ty Jerome (43), G Kyle Guy (37), SF DeAndre Hunter (91), PF Jay Huff (59), F/C Austin Nichols (tr-Memphis), F/C Mamadi Diakite (33 in 2015)
Contenders because...	... Bennett mixes a core of veteran roleplayers who have played deep into March with an epic breakthrough on the recruiting path. Nichols should replace Gill without a hitch, a capable multiple level scorer on offense and shot blocking threat on defense. Perrantes is as steady as they come as a senior. Jerome and Guy simply make sense as Bennett players, and will eventually dazzle on the national stage.
Could fall short if...	...the ultra talented newcomers aren't quite ready for the intricacies of Bennett's system, and the returnees remain limited as roleplayers. It is important to remember that what makes Virginia great is further removed from what makes a recruit coveted than is typical of most programs. The talent level is probably the best Bennett has ever had, but will the youngsters defend at the level he demands? An elite but raw talent like Diakite could start, and he could also find himself completely outside the rotation.
Schedule Analysis	Difficult 2x vs UNC, Louisville, Va Tech and Pitt, just nasty
Verdict	A lot of new roles to determine early on and a brutal conference schedule, but it isn't wise to bet against the Hoos

4. Louisville Louisville Cardinals Louisville

(ly KenPom #10 (23-8 overall, 12-6 ACC, self-imposed postseason ban)


Notable Losses	G Trey Lewis(gr), G/F Damion Lee (gr), C Chinanu Onuaku, (NBA)
Notable Returnees	PG Quentin Snyder, G Donovan Mitchell, SF Deng Adel, PF Raymond Spalding, PF Jaylen Johnson, C Mangok Mathiang, C Anas Mahmoud
Notable Newcomers	PG Tony Hicks (tr-Penn), G/F VJ King (27)
Contenders because...	... Much like UNC, Louisville returns a core of talent more than capable of taking over feature roles for a high level ACC team. Sophs Mitchell, Adel and Spalding should all be on national breakout player lists, with Mitchell sure to become a national favorite as a classic Pitino style guard - hard nosed, physical and ultra explosive. King has legitimate NBA upside on the wing, while veterans Snyder and Mathiang will provide steady veteran presence.
Could fall short if...	...the sophs aren't quite ready for the larger roles they have never played at this level. The Cardinals were not a good offensive team last year, and their top 3 shot creators are gone. I would guess Pitino is emphasizing skill development this fall, as Mitchell, Adel and Spalding were all still in need of refining the last time we saw them. Mathiang and Mahmoud are both coming off major injuries.
Schedule Analysis	Difficult 2x vs Virginia, Syracuse, ND and Pitt; Pitino probably would have preferred an easier slate for his untested squad
Verdict	It might take some time, but Pitino will get it figured out.

5. Syracuse Syracuse Orange Syracuse

(ly KenPom #24 (23-14 overall, 9-9 ACC, Final Four)


Notable Losses	PG Kaleb Joseph (tr-Creighton), SG Trevor Cooney (gr), G/F Michael Gbinije (gr), G/F Malachi Richardson, (NBA)
Notable Returnees	G Franklin Howard, PF Tyler Roberson, F/C Tyler Lydon, C DaJuan Coleman
Notable Newcomers	PG John Gillon (tr-Colorado St), G/F Tyus Battle (36), SF Andrew White (tr-Nebraska), PF Trevor Thompson (74), C Paschal Chukwu (tr-Providence)
Contenders because...	...despite appearing to be in serious trouble after Richardson surprised everybody by playing his way in the first round of the draft, Boeheim recovered at the last possible moment with the addition of White. Likely starting PG Gillon was a liability if forced to play a feature role, but is a deadly shooter who could thrive next a shot creator like White. Lydon is another player who wasn't a natural for a shot creator role, but is an elite of the elite floor stretcheshot blocker combo primed for a breakout year. He could combine with Chukwu to form the best shot blocking duo in the nation.
Could fall short if...	...all the new pieces don't fit, with perhaps even more risk than Virginia and Louisville. The backcourt is the most at risk here, with White arriving late and only 4 scholarship bodies, meaning there is no room for an injury, eligibility issue, off the court snafu, or even chemistry issues.
Schedule Analysis	Cakewalk I'm not sure what the schedulemakers were thinking giving the Orange return games against both bottom feeders, but it is a huge edge.
Verdict	The backcourt hasn't played together and is extremely shallow, but the pieces are there for Syracuse to improve significantly on last year's .500 ACC finish

Tier 3 - NCAA Tournament Bound (in any other conference)

6. NC State NC State Wolfpack NC State

(ly KenPom #74 (16-17 overall, 5-13 ACC, No Posteason)


Notable Losses	PG Anthony Barber (NBA), SF Caleb Martin, (tr-Nevada), SF Cody Martin (tr-Nevada), F/C Lennard Freeman (injury redshirt)
Notable Returnees	G/F Maverick Rowan, PF Abdul-Malik Abu, C Beejay Anya
Notable Newcomers	PG Dennis Smith (7), PG Markell Johnson (58), SG Terry Henderson (tr-West Virginia), G/F Torin Dorn (tr-Charlotte), C Omer Yurtseven (Int), F/C Ted Kapita (56),
Will dance because...	...Mark Gottfried's heroic recruiting effort has upgraded the talent to levels rarely seen at NC State. Smith a video game style dunker in the mold of Stephon Marbury, and even coming off an ACL surgery was so impressive at Adidas nations this summer he's now showing up as the #1 pick on many preseason mock drafts. Yurtseven will make Abu's life a lot easier on the interior, while the wing rotation of Rowan, Dorn and Henderson should provide excellent floor spacing.
Could fall short if...	...inexperience and locker room woes become an issue. Chemistry has been a near constant problem for Gottfried, even dating back to his days at Alabama, and this year's well traveled group probably isn't the one you'd expect to reverse that trend. The buzz is that this group will play better together, but Smith is the type who might try to win games by himself (and probably succeed at it). Eligibility concerns do exist for Yurtseven and Kapita.
Schedule Analysis	Easy Return games vs WF and Ga Tech will help
Verdict	Gottfried will have to earn his salary this year melding all the youngsters and other newcomers, but the Wolfpack are as talented as anybody outside of Duke.

7. Clemson Clemson Tigers Clemson

(ly KenPom #48 (17-14 overall, 10-8 ACC, No Posteason)


Notable Losses	PG Jordan Roper (gr), C Landry Nnoko (gr)
Notable Returnees	G Avry Holmes, SG Gabe Devoe, F Donte Grantham, PF Jaron Blossomgame, C Sidy Djitte
Notable Newcomers	PG Shelton Mitchell (tr-Vanderbilt), SG Marcquise Reed (tr-Robert Morris), G/F Scott Spencer (183), C Elijah Thomas** (tr-Texas A&M)
Will dance because...	...Jaron Blossomgame decided to pass up a gtd NBA contract to try and finally push Brad Brownell's Tigers over the hump. Not the most traditionally talented lineup, but there is a legit all-america candidate, several experienced rotation players, and a trio of extremely talented transfers. Thomas could be the real difference maker as the type of legitimate post scoring presence that hasn't been seen at Clemson in years.
Could fall short if...	...Thomas' issues follow him from Texas after he becomes eligible mid-year. The Glen Davis-style big man was once considered a future NBA player, but injuries and difficulty controlling his emotions on the court dropped him in the rankings by the time he was a senior. His time at Texas A&M was short, as he jumped ship after not landing a starting job immediately as a freshman. Brownell also needs better perimeter shooting from his guard rotation, though Holmes, Reed and DeVoe certainly have the ability to better stretch the floor.
Schedule Analysis	Easy No return matchups against the top 2 tiers, also get WF and Ga Tech 2x
Verdict	There are questions about just how high the ceiling is here, but the easy schedule tips Clemson above several comparably talented middle of the pack squads. Thomas' ability to contribute will decide things.

8. Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Hokies Virginia Tech

(ly KenPom #57 (20-15 overall, 10-8 ACC, NIT 2nd round)


Notable Losses	G/F Jalen Hudson (tr-Florida)
Notable Returnees	PG Justin Robinson, G Seth Allen, G Devin Wilson, SG Ahmed Hill, G/F Justin Bibbs, PF Chris Clarke, PF Zach LeDay, C Kerry Blackshear
Notable Newcomers	SF Charles Outlaw (rs/juco)
Will dance because...	...unlike virtually every other team on this list, the Hokies have nearly their full rotation back. Like most Williams-coached squads, Virginia Tech is a bit undersized but not lacking in toughness. LeDay was a surprise impact transfer and one of the most accomplished returnees in the conference. Clarke suffered a midyear injury, but is a classic Williams-style forward and was causing major problems for opponents by the end of the year. Bibbs is one of the top marksmen in the conference, while Hill and Outlaw return from injury. Blackshear showed enough as a freshman to envision a more traditionally sized lineup if Williams wants to head that direction.
Could fall short if...	...the ball doesn't bounce their direction. The Hokies are likely to be in a lot of close games - they don't have a very high ceiling, but the floor is relatively high as well given all the returnees from last year's competent squad. The middle of the pack is likely to be seperated by only a couple of games, and no team is more likely to be in the middle of that pack than Virginia Tech. Can the Hokies close out tight games against evenly matched opposition?
Schedule Analysis	Average Not too bad, considering their 1 return game against a top tier opponent is vs in-state rival Virginia.
Verdict	Expect to see Buzz Williams back to where he is supposed to be this March - sweating through his shirt on your television

9. Notre Dame Notre Dame Fighting Irish Notre Dame

(ly KenPom #35 (24-12 overall, 11-7 ACC, Elite 8)


Notable Losses	PG Demetrius Jackson (NBA), F/C Zach Auguste (gr)
Notable Returnees	PG Matt Farrell, SG Steve Vasturia, G/F Rex Pflueger, SF VJ Beachem, SF Matt Ryan, PF Bonzie Colson, C Martin Geben (non-rotation in 15/16)
Notable Newcomers	G Temple Gibbs (87), F Elijah Burns (RS), PF John Mooney (148)
Will dance because...	...Mike Brey doesn't reload, he rebuilds. Year after year, he finds elite skill players for his specific brand of basketball, turning run of the mill recruits into featured cogs in one of the nation's most high octane offenses. This year the burden falls to 3 upperclassmen. Beachem has the highest upside of anybody on the team and is in for a huge senior season given the need for a feature scorer. Colson is undersized, but a matchup nightmare capable of putting up big numbers if not accounted for. Sophs Pfleuger and Ryan have the potential to develop into legitimate floor stretchers.
Could fall short if...	...they aren't able to compete physically. The Irish are typically at a physical disadvantage against top ACC opponents, but 16/17 will test Brey's ability to overcome those limitations like no year in recent memory. Gibbs looks like a decent replacement for Jackson, but early reports of the ineffective Farrell having the inside track on the starting job aren't encouraging. The froncourt is even worse - Colson's size wasn't a problem with a legit C next to him, but Auguste is gone. Apparently Geben has the inside track on the job, but he wasn't even in the rotation last year.
Schedule Analysis	Cakewalk Four automatic wins over BC and Georgia Tech are quite the head start.
Verdict	This is a team that could crater a little bit such a high level conference, but it isn't like Brey hasn't dealt with similar problems in the past. The easy schedule helps.

10. Miami Miami Hurricanes Miami

(ly KenPom #13 (27-8 overall, 13-5 ACC, Sweet 16)


Notable Losses	PG Angel Rodriguez (gr), SG James Palmer (tr-Nebraska), G/F Sheldon McClellan (gr), F/C Ivan Uceda (gr), C Tonye Jekiri (gr)
Notable Returnees	PG Ja'Quan Newton, G/F Davon Reed, F Anthony Lawrence, PF Kamari Murphy,
Notable Newcomers	G Dejan Vasiljevic (int), SG Bruce Brown (30), G/F Rashad Muhammad (tr-San Jose St), PF Dewan Huwell (29), C Rodney Miller (152)
Will dance because...	...Jim Larranaga is a great coach with just enough returning (plus quite a bit of talent arriving) to overcome the graduation of perhaps the most accomplished trio in school history. Newton should slide into the PG spot without much of a hitch, while sharpshooter Reed, immediate impact freshman Brown, and transfer Rashad Muhammad should keep the offensive attack humming. Soph Lawrence showed plenty of promise in his initial run through the ACC, and could be in line for a lot more PT. Huwell ran into some off the court issues this summer, but can certainly score on the block.
Could fall short if...	...like other young teams Larranaga has coached at Miami, it just takes some time to get his group to gel. The future of the program is secure, but big things will be needed from Brown.
Schedule Analysis	Average Two games against Duke won't be fun
Verdict	There's no reason to think Miami can't make a run, but there are a lot of good teams in the ACC this year.

11. Florida State Florida St Seminoles Florida State

(ly KenPom #50 (20-14 overall, 8-10 ACC, NIT 2nd round)


Notable Losses	G Devon Bookert (gr), G Benji Bell (tr-D2), SG Malik Beasley (NBA), F Montay Brandon (gr), C Boris Bojanovsky (gr)
Notable Returnees	G Xavier Rathan-Mayes, G/F Terrance Mann, SF Dwayne Bacon, PF Phil Cofer, F/C Jarquez Smith, C Chris Koumadje
Notable Newcomers	PG CJ Walker (129), SG Trent Forrest (69), F Jonathan Isaac (8),
Will dance because...	...Hamilton's perimeter rotation is too talented not to. Bacon surprised many by returning to school, and could really take off if he can improve his inconsistent outside shot. However, the real star might be Isaac, an elite combination of size and skill only just coming into his own. Rathan-Mayes has struggled shooting the ball for 2 years, but has improved as a PG and certainly is capable hitting shots at a better rate. With Mann and Forrest shoring up a deep rotation, FSU should be able to wear down opposing guards.
Could fall short if...	...somebody doesn't step up in the paint. It is hard to believe the Seminoles haven't made the NCAA Tournament since 2012, and the main difference has been in the frontcourt. This year's squad still lacks a traditional big man, and the defense will continue to suffer. Hamilton will likely go small and let Isaac face up slower defenders, but a real move toward the top of the ACC will only come if Cofer, Smith or Koumadje can make a big jump.
Schedule Analysis	Average No easy return matchups and Duke twice
Verdict	Talented enough to be much higher than this, and Isaac will generate plenty of national attention. Maybe another incremental step in the right direction?

12. Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Panthers Pittsburgh

(ly KenPom #50 (21-12 overall, 9-9 ACC, NCAA 1st Round)


Notable Losses	PG James Robinson (gr), SG Sterling Smith (gr), C Rafael Maia (gr)
Notable Returnees	SG Damon Wilson, G/F Chris Jones, G/F Cameron Johnson, F Sheldon Jeter, F Jamel Artis, F Ryan Luther, F/C Michael Young
Notable Newcomers	PG Justice Kithcart, PG Jonathan Milligan (RS-juco), SG Chrisshawn Clark, F/C Corey Manigault (155)
Will dance because...	...Jamie Dixon left behind two of the top returnees in the conference in Jamel Artis and Michael Young. New coach Kevin Stallings got some deserved criticism for his inability to get Vandy over the top, but he's always done his best work with underdog type squads. Staying with the forward theme, Jeter made strides last year and now somehow ends up playing for the coach that refused to release him from his scholarship at Vanderbilt 3 years ago.
Could fall short if...	...there isn't a surprise contribution from one of the guards. Robinson wasn't a world beater, but he ran good offense and it is debatable whether there is a single ACC-caliber guard on the roster this season. Things are so desperate that Stallings indicated this week he is considering letting Artis run the point. Yikes.
Schedule Analysis	Armageddon 2x UNC, Virginia, Louisville, Syracuse. Nobody deserves this.
Verdict	The talent level is declining precipitously, and Dixon saw the writing on the wall. Stallings is capable of making it work, but the schedule really leaves the Panthers behind the 8 ball.

Tier 4 - Not This Year

13. Wake Forest Wake Forest Demon Deacons Wake Forest

(ly KenPom #125 (11-20 overall, 2-16 ACC, No Postseason)


Notable Losses	PG Codi Miller-McIntyre (gr), PG Madison Jones (tr-Seton Hall), G/F Cornelius Hudson (tr), F/C Devin Thomas (gr),
Notable Returnees	G Bryant Crawford, G Mitchell Wilbekin, SF Greg McClinton, PF Konstantinos Mitoglu, F/C John Collins, C Doral Moore
Notable Newcomers	PG Brandon Childress (191), SG Keyshawn Woods (tr-Charlotte), SF Austin Arians (tr-Milwaukee), C Sam Japhet-Mathias (169)
Will dance if...	...Danny Manning works miracles the way he did at Tulsa. Last year's freshman class showed some promise, especially combo guard Bryant Crawford and post man John Collins. The depth isn't there, but at least a couple of ACC difference makers could take the floor. Moore also showed a bit of a pulse in extremely limited minutes. Mid-major transfers Woods and Arians can both shoot the rock.
Will fall short because...	...last season wasn't just devastating on the floor, but on the recruiting path as well. After a solid initial class, Manning really needed to fill the roster with immediate impact talent to replace his two best players, Miller-McIntyre and Thomas. But it didn't happen, and the roster now has major holes. Maybe things just didn't click with the Bzdelik holdovers and Manning will turn things around. But this isn't the year to expect that kind of leap.
Schedule Analysis	Average
Verdict	It isn't clear what happened last year, but Manning will have to show some results in the next couple of years. Consider it a success if Wake Forest can even approach .500 this year.

Tier 5 - Not Ever

14. Georgia Tech Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Georgia Tech

(ly KenPom #49 (21-15 overall, 8-10 ACC, NIT)


Notable Losses	PG Travis Jorgenson (tr), SG Adam Smith (gr), G/F Marcus Georges-Hunt (gr), PF Charles Mitchell (gr), PF James White (gr), C Nick Jacobs (gr),
Notable Returnees	PG Josh Heath, SG Tadric Jackson, SF Quinton Stephens, C Ben Lammers
Notable Newcomers	PG Justin Moore, G/F Josh Okogie (181), F Jodan Price (tr-Eastern Michigan), F Christian Matthews, F Kellen McCormick (tr-Western Michigan), C Sylvester Ogbonda (RS)
Will dance if...	...the fabric of reality is fundamentally altered
Will fall short because...	...Brian Gregory took Georgia Tech from a struggling but still respectable program and turned it into a dumpster fire. The Yellow Jackets finally managed to compete in his final year, but he did it with grad transfers and the future was grim. This is what happens when an AD lets a coach twist in the wind for 3 years. Pastner took the job much too late to make any recruiting inroads for 2016, and is left with perhaps the worst roster in school history.
Schedule Analysis	Average
Verdict	Ga Tech could have done a lot worse than Pastner, even though Memphis was in a death spiral as well. He should be able to recruit Georgia well, but year 1 will be ugly.

15. Boston College Boston College Golden Eagles Boston College

(ly KenPom #248 (7-25 overall, 0-18 ACC, No Postseason)


Notable Losses	PG Eli Carter (gr), SG Matt Milon (tr-William and Mary), SG Sammy Barnes-Thompkins (tr-JuCo), C **Denis Clifford (gr), C Idrissa Diallo (tr-UC Riverside)
Notable Returnees	G Jerome Robinson, SG AJ Turner, G/F Darryl Hicks, SF Garland Owens, F Ervins Meznieks,
Notable Newcomers	PG Ty Graves, PG Kyran Bowman, SF Mike Sagay, F Connor Tarva (tr-Western Michigan), PF Nik Popovic, F/C John Carlos Reyes (RS), C Maurice Jeffers (tr-Delaware)
Will dance if...	...nope
Will fall short because...	...life isn't fair
Schedule Analysis	Average
Verdict	Jerome Robinson should be good?

2015 NCAA tourney betting guide. By. ... Belmont is probably most known for nearly beating No. 2 Duke in 2008, but this year's team was 25th in the nation from the floor at 47.6 percent, and won ... Duke at North Carolina: Odds, betting lines and picks. Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET. Prediction. UNC 73, Duke 70. Moneyline (ML). This is a fringe play, but let’s SPRINKLE A SMALL WAGER ON NORTH CAROLINA +280 on the money line. From a recruiting standpoint, Duke does have a talent advantage: The Blue Devils have ... The Duke vs. Louisville betting line had the Cardinals as a -3.5 favorite seeing around 65 percent of the public wagering action on the spread.You can find all the latest odds at Bookmaker here Final Four 2015 Betting Odds: Updated Point Spread, Over/Under For Kentucky vs. Wisconsin, Duke vs. MSU By Anthony Riccobono @tony_riccobono 04/03/15 AT 10:55 AM Year Matchup Line Score SU Winner ATS Winner; 2019: Virginia (1) vs. Texas Tech (3) Virginia -2: 85-77: Virginia: Virginia -2: 2018: Villanova (1) vs. Michigan (3)

NCAAB Picks Today Syracuse vs Louisville Free Prediction

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Analytics & Protected Seed Profiles (+ Bonus Content)

The American/Canadian second division, the North American Soccer League, kicks off in two days. Here's my preview for those who want to learn a little more.

My 2015 Preseason Ratings & Prediction Model continues to preview the season, today with the ACC. My model likes Georgia Tech to win the league, and by a decent margin.

5 Georgia Tech

18 Florida State

19 Clemson

29 Louisville

31 Miami

32 Virginia Tech

42 Pittsburgh

44 North Carolina State

48 Boston College

59 Duke

61 North Carolina

67 Virginia

85 Wake Forest

100 Syracuse