The Pirates shocked the IFL last week by knocking off the Frisco Fighters 53-50 in a come from behind win. Now they turn their attention to the number one seeded Green Bay Blizzard. The two teams last met on June 8th with the Blizzard prevailing 36-33. 

The Pirates lead the all-time series between the two teams 5-3. 

Here are three keys for the Pirates tonight if they want to advance to the IFL Championship game for the second time in four years.

1. Keep it rolling on O: The Pirates stars on offense came to play last week. Quarterback Alejandro Bennifield, running back Jimmie Robinson and Thomas Owens all had big time performances in the win over Frisco. I would expect more of the same tonight. These guys are feeling it. 

2. Push the pace: Green Bay doesn’t want to play an uptempo game. Make them do it. The Pirates have the better skill group and they are the more explosive team. They need to turn this into a track meet.

3. Defense must get key stops late: Like last week, the defense needs to get key stops late. Green Bay isn’t as explosive as Frisco offensively, so the defense could play well this week. 

Final Thoughts: No offense to the Blizzard, but I don’t buy them as the top seed. I think the Pirates are the better team and I think they will find a way tonight. When the lights are brightest, their best players step up and they will tonight.