Wild Card Preview 2024

Playoff Showdown: No. 3 SD (9-4) vs. No. 6 DUCK (9-4)

As the American Contract League (ACL) playoffs kick off, a highly anticipated matchup looms between No. 3 South Dakota Bighorns (SD) and No. 6 Washington Geoducks (DUCK). These two storied franchises, both boasting identical all-time records of 40-17—the best in league history—will clash with more than just playoff advancement on the line. The winner of this showdown will claim the title of the winningest franchise in the ACL's four-year history.

The Teams

South Dakota Bighorns (9-4)
The Bighorns, four-time High Plains champions, enter the postseason riding the momentum of yet another divisional title. South Dakota secured their fourth consecutive championship by defeating the Geoducks in Week 12, completing a season sweep of their rivals. This victory pushed their all-time head-to-head record against DUCK to 7-3, though their playoff encounters are tied at 1-1. SD’s balanced roster and battle-tested mentality make them a formidable force.

Washington Geoducks (9-4)
While the Geoducks have often played second fiddle to the Bighorns in regular-season accolades, they carry a critical distinction: they’re former champions. Washington’s title-winning run in 2021 required road victories, including a memorable triumph over SD in the divisional round. This season, DUCK once again finds itself in the underdog role. Though South Dakota won both regular-season meetings, it’s notoriously difficult to beat a team three times in a season.

Key Storylines

• Historic Rivalry: SD leads the all-time series 7-3, but playoff matchups are evenly split at 1-1. The winner will not only break the postseason tie but also claim sole possession of the top spot in the league’s all-time standings.

• Last Playoff Clash: In the 2022 divisional round, SD edged out DUCK 146.5 to 135.46 to advance to their first championship game.

• Odds: The Playoff Prophet gives South Dakota a 58% chance of victory, leaning on their recent dominance in this rivalry.

Playoff Showdown: No. 4 MN (7-6) vs. No. 5 AZA (5-8)

For the first time in ACL history, the Minnesota Fighting Squirrels (MN) and Arizona Albatross (AZA) will face off in postseason action. Arizona, the reigning champion and Defensive manager of the year this season is the heavy favorite to move to the second round but Minnesota has been known to get lucky in December and has been upset to multiple stellar teams in the past. 

The Teams

Minnesota Fighting Squirrels (7-6)
Minnesota’s season has been a tale of two halves. After a red-hot 7-2 start, the Fighting Squirrels stumbled to four consecutive losses to close the regular season. Despite the late-season collapse, MN edged out the Wisconsin Gamecocks for the division title by a razor-thin margin in total points (1,479.84 to 1,438.2). This marks Minnesota’s fourth consecutive postseason appearance and division title, but they’ll need to rediscover their early-season form to make a deep run.

Arizona Albatross (5-8)
The reigning ACL champions had a turbulent regular season but managed to secure the Super Wild Card berth as the league’s highest-scoring team. At 5-8, Arizona becomes the second team in ACL history to reach the playoffs with a losing record, and they’re a dark horse capable of putting up massive numbers. The Albatross’ explosive scoring potential makes them a dangerous opponent despite their low seed.

Key Storylines

• Series History: Arizona holds a 2-1 all-time advantage over Minnesota but has never faced them in the postseason.

• Recent Meeting: MN triumphed over AZA in Week 2 of this season, winning 128.1 to 98.05.

• Odds: The Playoff Prophet gives Arizona a slight edge, with a 57% chance to advance to the divisional round.