BUAFL Southern Final: 4 Key Questions

1. Will Southampton's Title experience give them the edge?

Over the past few years Southampton head coach Graham Thorpe has built a model program with a winning mentality. They've taken home two of the last three national titles and carry much of this championship experience with their current squad and coaching team. In last weeks division final the Stags came through in the dying minutes to clinch the division belt. In what's bound to be another tight scrap will the Stags wealth of experience shine through and prove to be the deciding factor?

2. The Lions have yet to face a truly potent offence - will they be prepared for the Stags?

The brutal Birmingham defence has been almost impenetrable this season. They have, however, not yet faced a team with as much fire-power as the Stags hold. Duel threat quarterback Dom Olney provides a very different set of challenges to the signal callers they have contained previously and Brum will have to work hard to prevent him gaining yards in any way possible. Another interesting battle will be between the Stags undersized but explosive veteran runningback Tam Amachree and Birmingham's hulking defensive front eight. If the Lions can shut down last years league MVP the Stags game plan could start to come undone. However Southampton may be able to exploit the large but slow Birmingham linebackers by getting Tam to the edges, forcing them to over-pursue and thus open up wide cut back lanes. These two units certainly match up well and it should be a fascinating contest.

3. How will the Stags cope with the long away trip and the fact that they will be playing on grass not 3G?

Southampton have had the luxury of being able to play all their toughest games at home in the Cage, on a fast 3G surface. It will be interesting to see how the lengthy trip and change to turf will effect the Stags and especially their speedy offence.

4. Will the Stags defence be able to stifle the Lions prolific offence?

Birmingham's balanced offence has simple devastated every team they've faced so far. Even UWE's experience unit could do nothing to stem the tide of points. So do the Stags stand a chance? They certainly have the talent. The exceptional linebacking duo of Iain Anderson and Ed Wilkes rack up tackles and form the foundation of the Stags defence. Last years National Champions looks to monstrous defensive end Ed Butcher to apply pressure to the Quarterback and few teams have been able to contain him this year. The secondary is patrolled by wily vet Ben Webb who has a keen nose for the ball and is adept running it back. Will they be up to the challenge?

How important do you think these questions will be in determining the outcome of this Southern Final matchup?

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