In advance of tomorrow's trivia title match at Keegan's Irish Pub, I've obtained the latest odds from the High Street bookies on each of the team's chances.

1. Hugh's Harpies 2-1: Once again, this is Hugh's contest to lose. He's a built his team to win and anything short of victory will be a devastating disappointment. Of course, Browns were supposed to go the Super Bowl and the Indians were supposed to win the '97 World Series. That's why we play the game.

2. Fraters Libertas 12-1: The absence of Saint Paul leaves our team with a big void to fill. The C-Span watching, self-proclaimed Civil War buff and burrito connoisseur is off on a tour of ballparks across America and will miss the match. Without him on hand to tell the Nihilist in Golf Pants to "shut the F*** up!" I don't see how our squad can expect to finish in the money.

3. NARN II 7-2: Mitch and Captain Ed are being joined by a guy named Michael who claims to have won on Jeopardy! some years ago and Inge. Inge brings something to the table, but I'm not sure exactly what it is or whether it's something you really want at the table in the first place.

4. The Peoples Republic of Minneapolis 6-1: This could be an interesting squad. A couple of local lefty bloggers and the guy Hugh likes to call the "Giant Ute," who played on Team Hewitt last time around, but was given his walking papers this year. If anybody knows how to hold a grudge, it's a Ukrainian.

5. Three Weddings and a Funeral 8-1: A group of local right-wing bloggers who prove that while nice guys don't always finish last, they usually don't win either.

6. Taxpayer's League Lushes 3-1: If Hugh's squad pulls another choke job, this is the team to watch. They've got a nice cross-section of knowledge and the always dangerous Sisyphus, the straw that stirs the drink at Nihilist In Golf Pants.

7. Team Anti-Strib 7-1: If they get enough questions with a local angle, they have a shot.

8. Threat Level Midnight 8-1: These guys are the true X factor.

9. Freedom Dogs 8-1: Despite his clear androgynous leanings, I don't think Terry Keegan is a big Bowie fan.

That leaves one spot still open for a last minute challenger to jump in. Do you have what it takes?
Posted by Chad--Link