Esports Report

This week in Houston eSports: Clutch Gaming earns its namesake; Outlaws get held up

This week in Houston eSports: Clutch Gaming earns its namesake; Outlaws get held up
Clutch Gaming is heading to the playoffs. Twitter

Clutch Gaming continues to improve their play in the North American League Championship Series and after a 2-0 week, lock up a playoff berth at 9-5 with four games remaining in the Spring Split. Unfortunately, the Houston Outlaws had a frustrating 0-2 week experiencing losses to both Philadelphia and New York.

Clutch Gaming (9-5) Third Place

Clutch Gaming continues to beat the teams they should beat, with a 2-0 week against Optic Gaming and Flyquest. The team controlled the game from the beginning against Optic with a 2k gold lead by the 11-minute mark and a final tally of only giving up one kill without losing a single tower or objective throughout the swift 26-minute game. CG also had a solid game against Flyquest, breaking the game open after securing the Baron buff at around 21 minutes and applying methodical, safe gameplay in their 43-minute win. Solo and Febiven also finished the week with zero deaths apiece, and the team only giving up four deaths across both games. Their two wins were enough to secure them a guaranteed playoff spot as they have 4 games remaining and a four-game lead over 7th place Counter Logic Gaming while already owning the tiebreaker for their 2-0 split record against CLG.

Predictions (8-2)

This week is Clutch Gaming’s chance to step up into the top ranks of the NALCS. With games against Echo Fox (11-3) and Team Liquid (8-6), they face a tough week. Last week I predicted ahead of time an 0-2 week, but those predictions are now revised to 1-1 with a loss to Echo Fox and a victory over Liquid. Clutch Gaming clearly has already adapted well to the changes in the new 8.4 patch.

Houston Outlaws (9-5) 5th Place

Last week the Outlaws lost a 3-2 heartbreaker against the Philadelphia Fusion after going up 2-0 and losing three straight maps against the Fusion. Four out of the five maps were decided by only one point, including all three victories by the Fusion. The Outlaws were similarly frustrated in their 0-4 defeat against the New York Excelsior with the maps either being dominated by the Excelsior or a close defeat, each decided by only one point. The Outlaws retain a +17 overall map differential which will serve them well in any tiebreakers. However, if the Outlaws hope to participate in the stage two playoffs, they will need to get back into form quickly as they sit tied for 7th at 2-2 with a 0 differential within Stage Two.

Predictions (6-2)

After the Outlaws failed to avenge two of their three stage one defeats, the Outlaws face the Los Angeles Valiant (10-4) for the first time this season and the Florida Mayhem (1-13) who the Outlaws defeated 4-0 during Stage One. The Outlaws will likely play the Valiant with a chip on their shoulder and after the 0-2 week are likely to not underestimate the Mayhem. The Outlaws will return to form with a 2-0 week.

Any comments or feedback on what you’d like to see in future columns? Find me on twitter - @mattdj2002

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Joe Mixon will miss the first four games of the season. Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images.

The Houston Texans’ season is right around the corner, with their opener set for a week from Sunday. One of the biggest questions of training camp has been the status of running back Joe Mixon.

Mixon hasn’t taken part in practices, and with the regular season fast approaching, his Week 1 availability always seemed doubtful. On Monday, the Texans provided clarity.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter: “Texans are not activating running back Joe Mixon by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline, making him ineligible to play at least the first four games this season due to an ankle injury. Mixon will be moved to Reserve/Non-Football Injury, which automatically rules him out for at least four games.”

With Mixon sidelined, Houston will turn to Nick Chubb, Damien Pierce, Dare Ogunbowale, rookie Woody Marks, and Jawhar Jordan to carry the load.

All signs point to Chubb taking the starting role in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams.

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