Bracketology: Great game in LOC history (Third Place Finals)

We're nearly there. Two months ago I set out on the journey of finding the best game in LOC history, and today we're one step closer to its conclusion. While there are no doubt many more incredible games to come, we must take note of the 2 that didn't quite make the final. But really, every game in this bracket is truly what the league is all about. Friendship, competition, and incredible scenes.

Third Place Finals
(41) Stat Change-Gate Vs. (64) Corona Bowl VI
Either of these games would have been a worthy winner, but instead they're battling it out for the right of 3rd place. Stat Change-Gate took place in Week 9 of the 2013 season between Bear Necessities and Forge Flyers. Both of these teams were having middling years and would not make a playoff appearance. Forge Flyers were holding a lead in this one from the Thursday night game all through the 9pm games, but surrendered the lead during the Sunday night game. Forge Flyers tried to stage a comeback on Monday night, but ultimately fell 5 points short, losing to Bear Necessities 120.98 - 115.56. That was until, the following Tuesday morning. As it would turn out, a TD pass by Bear Necessities QB Joe Flacco was reviewed and found to be a lateral pass, therefore a run play. This wiped 6 points off the board from Flacco & Bear Necessities score, giving Forge Flyers the only Tuesday win in the LOC ever, with a score of 115.56 - 114.98. To this day, the most controversial game in history.

Corona Bowl VI was an incredible game for so many reasons. Week 16 of the 2014 season, The Dream Team faced Tom's Tyrants. The Dream Team had only made playoffs once before in 2012, going one and done. They had a tremendous start to 2014, but a slew of running back injuries marred their season. However, they managed to reach the Corona Bowl for the first time in their history. Tom's Tyrants put themselves on the map with a somewhat surprising title in 2011 - the first by a Rookie Division team. Ever since then they have been one of the best and most respected teams in the LOC. 2014 wasn't going to plan however, and they were 2-5 entering Week 8. What happened next had only been done once before by Gridiron Gang in 2010. They would go on to win 6 of their last 7 regular season games to sneak into the playoffs, putting up score lines of over 200 and 198 along the way. They charged to their second Corona Bowl appearance. The game itself was a close one throughout, The Dream Team held the lead from the start of the the game, albeit never more than a 20 point lead. It was the Monday night football game, The Dream Team held about a 14 point lead with Julius Thomas and A.J. Green to play. Tom's Tyrants only had C.J. Anderson left to play, and had conceded defeat before the resolution of the game. What happened next would make Coach Nathwani wish he got that concession in writing. A.J. Green wound up not catching a pass on the night, while Julius Thomas only managed 3.3 points. Tom's Tyrants had their chance, and late in the game C.J. Anderson gave them a narrow lead. They would hold on to the lead, winning the closest Corona Bowl ever, 103.02 - 100.76. Never before have we seen a comeback as dramatic as this, at such an important time. Tom's Tyrants became the first team to win 2 Corona Bowls, and have never lost a title game.

Winner: Corona Bowl VI
Reason: I feel like this game suffers a bit from the recency effect - because it is so recent it is overlooked for fairness of the older games. But realistically, in 5 years we'll still be talking about this game, and in all honesty I'm kind of sad it didn't win the greatest game this time round. But it is definitely top 3.