The Limhamn Griffins (1-1) will host the AIK (0-1) this weekend, as both former Division 1 teams continue to acclimate to the Super Serien competition. The Griffins are looking to start a winning streak after upsetting the Örebro Black Knights (31-23) last week. AIK will be trying to get their first Super Serien win against their former Division 1 rivals.
BACKGROUND
The Griffins had a rough introduction to the Super Serien when they were eviscerated by the Stockholm Mean Machines (44-14) in week one. A lot of that game could be attributed to week 1 jitters, but also the Mean Machines were just a much better team than the Griffins. That didn’t discourage the team as they took the loss as a lesson. That lesson helped them achieve success last week against the Örebro Black Knights, when the Griffins offense accumulated 362 yards of offense and converted 40% of their 3rd down attempts. Instead of relying on their talent alone, the Griffins offense relied on a well executed game plan that was advantageous to their strengths. Despite the final score, the Griffins entered the 4th quarter with a commanding 31-9 lead and just held off the Black Knights for their first victory of the season. The Limhamn Griffins looked aggressive and confident last week, which is what we can expect from them in this matchup.
AIK did not get the result they wanted against the Kristianstad Predators last week. AIK played competitively and had every chance to win the game, but they were unable to make the big plays when the time called for it. The AIK offense didn’t do much to excite anyone, but they were able to move the ball occasionally and score points. Defensively, the AIK unit was very good, but continually gave up big plays that ultimately were the difference in the game. AIK played a former Division 1 opponent last week, and played sloppily as if they were still in Division 1. They will have a steep learning curve this week against the Griffins who have already had their “Welcome to the league” moment and are playing at a higher level already,
Key Players to Watch
Here are a few key players to keep a look out for heading into this weekend’s matchup.
LIMHAMN GRIFFINS
#10 Samuel Jämthammar (Quarterback) - 19/40 (48%), 230 yds, 1 td
#4 Olaf Nilsson (Wide Receiver) - 8 rec, 133 yds, 2 tds
#6 Alexander Nesic (Running Back) - 35 att, 138 yds, 1 td / 2 pass att, 86 yds, 2 tds
#7 Linus Lindström (Defensive Back) - 10 tkls, 1 pbu
#54 Tim Erlandsson (Linebacker) - 5.5 tkls, 1 int
#57 Sone Valdin (Defensive Lineman) - 4 tkls, 1.5 sacks
#11 Rasmus Lindqvist (Kicker) - 2 fgm (67%), 42 long
AIK
#15 Carl Viktor Ekberg (Quarterback) - 10/27 (37%), 120 yds, 1 td
#24 Edgar Wallén (Running back) - 17 att, 98 yds, 1 td
#19 Isac Vikman (Wide Receiver) - 2 rec, 18 yds, 1 td
#3 Oliver Langlais (Wide Receiver) - 4 rec, 59 yds
#4 Joshua Akena (Linebacker) - 12.5 tkls
#11 Gaston Gunnberg-Quérat (Defensive Back) - 6.5 tkls, 1 ff, 1 pbu
#91 Karim Rabhi (Defensive Lineman) - 2.5 tkls, 1 sack
Matchup Analysis
The Griffins do not have much of an edge offensively against the AIK defense. In the trenches, the Griffins will be able to get a sizable push and create running lanes, but AIK linebacker Joshua Akena is a tackling machine. Where the Griffins will excel and create distance from their opponents is in their aggressive playcalling. Last week they utilized double passes and an unbalanced Wildcat formation to tip the scales in their favor. If they continue that creative type of aggression against AIK, it will be possible for the Limhamn Griffins offense to score often in this matchup.
The AIK offense did not show much potential in their opening game, so it’s hard to believe they will be able to be very successful. The Griffins defense has been able to put immense pressure on opposing offenses in each of its previous games, including their matchup with the Stockholm Mean Machines. AIK did not handle pressure well in their last game, and their playcalling never adjusted for it. That will be a problem in this game if the AIK offense continues to rely on deep passing concepts that take time, while not being able to avoid the pressure that the Griffins are able to provide. If AIK are able to rely more on a balanced attack of running the ball and quick pass concepts, they have the talent to move the ball against the Griffins defense.
Who Will Win?
The Limhamn Griffins are the better team in this matchup. In most areas, the Griffins will have an advantage over AIK, but this game will include some intangibles. The rivalry between these two teams is strong, and this game is pivotal for AIK to have a chance at the playoffs without having to beat all of the top Super Serien teams to do so. But the game will be played on the field, where Alexander Nesic will be the X-factor for the Limhamn Griffins team, and AIK will still have to figure out what they are good at throughout the game. The Griffins won’t lose this game to a team that has no identity yet.
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