CFL
Long Sheet
Week 12
Friday, September 9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONTREAL (3 - 7) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (7 - 3) - 9/9/2016, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 3-3 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 3-3 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, September 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SASKATCHEWAN (1 - 9) at WINNIPEG (6 - 4) - 9/10/2016, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 123-91 ATS (+22.9 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 113-84 ATS (+20.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-3 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALGARY (8 - 1 - 1) at EDMONTON (5 - 5) - 9/10/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
CALGARY is 121-88 ATS (+24.2 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1996.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-3 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-3 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, September 11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAMILTON (5 - 5) at TORONTO (4 - 6) - 9/11/2016, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 8-1 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 7-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Long Sheet
Week 12
Friday, September 9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONTREAL (3 - 7) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (7 - 3) - 9/9/2016, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 3-3 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 3-3 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, September 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SASKATCHEWAN (1 - 9) at WINNIPEG (6 - 4) - 9/10/2016, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 123-91 ATS (+22.9 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 113-84 ATS (+20.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-3 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALGARY (8 - 1 - 1) at EDMONTON (5 - 5) - 9/10/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
CALGARY is 121-88 ATS (+24.2 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1996.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-3 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-3 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, September 11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAMILTON (5 - 5) at TORONTO (4 - 6) - 9/11/2016, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 8-1 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 7-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CFL
Week 12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 9
10:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Montreal's last 23 games on the road
Montreal is 2-14 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of British Columbia's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of British Columbia's last 5 games at home
Saturday, September 10
4:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. WINNIPEG
Saskatchewan is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Saskatchewan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 6 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games at home
7:00 PM
CALGARY vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Calgary is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Edmonton is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Edmonton is 3-12-1 SU in its last 16 games ,when playing Calgary
Sunday, September 11
4:30 PM
HAMILTON vs. TORONTO
Hamilton is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Hamilton is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Hamilton
Toronto is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games
Week 12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 9
10:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Montreal's last 23 games on the road
Montreal is 2-14 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of British Columbia's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of British Columbia's last 5 games at home
Saturday, September 10
4:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. WINNIPEG
Saskatchewan is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Saskatchewan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 6 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games at home
7:00 PM
CALGARY vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Calgary is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Edmonton is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Edmonton is 3-12-1 SU in its last 16 games ,when playing Calgary
Sunday, September 11
4:30 PM
HAMILTON vs. TORONTO
Hamilton is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Hamilton is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Hamilton
Toronto is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games
WEST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Calgary 10 8 1 1 17 323 209 5-0-0 3-1-1 7-1-0
2 BC 10 7 3 0 14 280 246 2-2-0 5-1-0 2-2-0
3 Winnipeg 10 6 4 0 12 259 229 1-3-0 5-1-0 2-3-0
4 Edmonton 10 5 5 0 10 296 292 3-3-0 2-2-0 3-2-0
5 Saskatchewan 10 1 9 0 2 195 347 1-4-0 0-5-0 0-6-0
EAST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Ottawa 10 5 4 1 11 262 255 1-3-1 4-1-0 3-2-0
2 Hamilton 10 5 5 0 10 312 269 2-2-0 3-3-0 3-0-0
3 Toronto 10 4 6 0 8 237 285 1-5-0 3-1-0 2-3-0
4 Montreal 10 3 7 0 6 205 237 1-5-0 2-2-0 1-4-0
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Calgary 10 8 1 1 17 323 209 5-0-0 3-1-1 7-1-0
2 BC 10 7 3 0 14 280 246 2-2-0 5-1-0 2-2-0
3 Winnipeg 10 6 4 0 12 259 229 1-3-0 5-1-0 2-3-0
4 Edmonton 10 5 5 0 10 296 292 3-3-0 2-2-0 3-2-0
5 Saskatchewan 10 1 9 0 2 195 347 1-4-0 0-5-0 0-6-0
EAST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Ottawa 10 5 4 1 11 262 255 1-3-1 4-1-0 3-2-0
2 Hamilton 10 5 5 0 10 312 269 2-2-0 3-3-0 3-0-0
3 Toronto 10 4 6 0 8 237 285 1-5-0 3-1-0 2-3-0
4 Montreal 10 3 7 0 6 205 237 1-5-0 2-2-0 1-4-0
CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up
Week 12
Montreal (3-7) @ British Columbia (7-3)– Lions (-2) won 38-18 in Montreal August 4 (was 23-18 after 3rd quarter); BC won four of its last five games, last two by total of nine points- they’re 2-2 at home, 1-2 as home favorites. Montreal lost seven of last nine games, is 2-2 on road, 2-2 as road dogs- their losses on road are by 13-11 points. Teams are 7-7 in last 14 meetings; Alouettes lost last five visits here, by 42-33-22-36-10 points. Under is 18-8 in Als’ last 26 road games, 9-4 in Lions’ last 13 games overall.
Saskatchewan (1-9) @ Winnipeg (6-4)– Bombers kicked FG with 0:02 left, won 28-25 in Regina LW, third win in last four series games. Five of last six series games went over total. Roughriders lost last six games, are 0-5 on road (2-3 as road dog, over 3-2), allowing 40.2 ppg. Winnipeg won its last five games after a 1-4 start; they’re 1-3 at home, 0-1 as home favorites- under is 3-0-1 in their home games this year, 9-1-2 in their last 12. Riders are 4-14-1 vs spread in their last 19 road games.
Calgary (8-1-1) @ Edmonton (5-5)– Stampeders won their last seven games since a tie in Ottawa; they’re 3-1-1 on road, with only loss by 2 in Vancouver. Eskimos lost 45-24 in Calgary LW, its first loss in last four series games- they are 3-13 in last 16 games with its rival. Edmonton’s 15-11 win here LY was its first in last eight visits. Under is 7-4 in last 11 series games. Eskimos are 3-3 at home this year despite being favored in all six games; over is 8-3 in Edmonton’s last 11 home games, 4-2 this season.
Hamilton (5-5) @ Toronto (4-6)– TiCats (-9) beat Toronto 49-36 LW, after trailing 30-17 at the half; Hamilton outscored Argos 18-0 in 4th quarter (Toronto was playing for 2nd time in five days). TiCats won last six series games, winning 35-29/42-20 in last two trips to Toronto. Under is 7-4 in last 11 series games. Argonauts lost last four games after a 4-2 start; they’re 1-5 at home (over 4-2) with only win over Montreal. Hamilton lost its last three road games, allowing 38 ppg; they’re 3-3 as a favorite this year, 2-0 as a road favorite.
— Underdogs 25-16-1, home teams 14-29-2 vs spread…….Over: 21-22-2
Armadillo's Write-Up
Week 12
Montreal (3-7) @ British Columbia (7-3)– Lions (-2) won 38-18 in Montreal August 4 (was 23-18 after 3rd quarter); BC won four of its last five games, last two by total of nine points- they’re 2-2 at home, 1-2 as home favorites. Montreal lost seven of last nine games, is 2-2 on road, 2-2 as road dogs- their losses on road are by 13-11 points. Teams are 7-7 in last 14 meetings; Alouettes lost last five visits here, by 42-33-22-36-10 points. Under is 18-8 in Als’ last 26 road games, 9-4 in Lions’ last 13 games overall.
Saskatchewan (1-9) @ Winnipeg (6-4)– Bombers kicked FG with 0:02 left, won 28-25 in Regina LW, third win in last four series games. Five of last six series games went over total. Roughriders lost last six games, are 0-5 on road (2-3 as road dog, over 3-2), allowing 40.2 ppg. Winnipeg won its last five games after a 1-4 start; they’re 1-3 at home, 0-1 as home favorites- under is 3-0-1 in their home games this year, 9-1-2 in their last 12. Riders are 4-14-1 vs spread in their last 19 road games.
Calgary (8-1-1) @ Edmonton (5-5)– Stampeders won their last seven games since a tie in Ottawa; they’re 3-1-1 on road, with only loss by 2 in Vancouver. Eskimos lost 45-24 in Calgary LW, its first loss in last four series games- they are 3-13 in last 16 games with its rival. Edmonton’s 15-11 win here LY was its first in last eight visits. Under is 7-4 in last 11 series games. Eskimos are 3-3 at home this year despite being favored in all six games; over is 8-3 in Edmonton’s last 11 home games, 4-2 this season.
Hamilton (5-5) @ Toronto (4-6)– TiCats (-9) beat Toronto 49-36 LW, after trailing 30-17 at the half; Hamilton outscored Argos 18-0 in 4th quarter (Toronto was playing for 2nd time in five days). TiCats won last six series games, winning 35-29/42-20 in last two trips to Toronto. Under is 7-4 in last 11 series games. Argonauts lost last four games after a 4-2 start; they’re 1-5 at home (over 4-2) with only win over Montreal. Hamilton lost its last three road games, allowing 38 ppg; they’re 3-3 as a favorite this year, 2-0 as a road favorite.
— Underdogs 25-16-1, home teams 14-29-2 vs spread…….Over: 21-22-2
CFL
Dunkel
Week 12
Friday, September 9
Montreal @ BC Lions
Game 483-484
September 9, 2016 @ 10:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Montreal
107.691
BC Lions
114.707
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
BC Lions
by 7
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
BC Lions
by 9 1/2
48 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Montreal
(+9 1/2); Over
Saturday, September 10
Saskatchewan @ Winnipeg
Game 485-486
September 10, 2016 @ 4:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Saskatchewan
104.504
Winnipeg
121.127
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 16 1/2
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Winnipeg
by 7
52 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(-7); Over
Calgary @ Edmonton
Game 487-488
September 10, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Calgary
123.473
Edmonton
115.454
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 8
48
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 2 1/2
54
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
(-2 1/2); Under
Sunday, September 11
Hamilton @ Toronto
Game 489-490
September 11, 2016 @ 4:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
111.071
Toronto
108.413
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hamilton
by 3
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Hamilton
by 6 1/2
54
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+6 1/2); Over
Dunkel
Week 12
Friday, September 9
Montreal @ BC Lions
Game 483-484
September 9, 2016 @ 10:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Montreal
107.691
BC Lions
114.707
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
BC Lions
by 7
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
BC Lions
by 9 1/2
48 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Montreal
(+9 1/2); Over
Saturday, September 10
Saskatchewan @ Winnipeg
Game 485-486
September 10, 2016 @ 4:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Saskatchewan
104.504
Winnipeg
121.127
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 16 1/2
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Winnipeg
by 7
52 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(-7); Over
Calgary @ Edmonton
Game 487-488
September 10, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Calgary
123.473
Edmonton
115.454
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 8
48
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 2 1/2
54
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
(-2 1/2); Under
Sunday, September 11
Hamilton @ Toronto
Game 489-490
September 11, 2016 @ 4:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
111.071
Toronto
108.413
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hamilton
by 3
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Hamilton
by 6 1/2
54
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+6 1/2); Over
GAME RECAP
LIONS START HOT, NEVER LOOK BACK IN WIN OVER ALS
VANCOUVER – The BC Lions scored touchdowns on their first three possessions and never looked back, topping the Montreal Alouettes 38-27 on Friday night at BC Place.
It was not what Rakeem Cato and the Als were hoping for in his first start under centre since being named the starter. The sophomore threw for 255 yards and a touchdown on 21-of-29 passing.
Johnson ran for 159 yards, his first game this season reaching triple digits in rushing yards.
A 45-yard punt return by Chris Rainey got things going for the Lions and Jennings quickly took advantage of the field position given to him. Johnson rumbled through for a 24-yard gain before Jennings found Manny Arceneaux in the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown strike. Johnson added a two-point convert as BC jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead.
Stefan Logan responded with a midfield kick return of his own as Cato and the offence returned to the field. Duron Carter got the drive going, hauling in a sideline grab. A series of short passes moved the chains but the Als were stopped just outside of the endzone. Anthony Fera kicked a field goal to cut the Lions’ lead to 8-3.
The Lions would add another touchdown on their second possession. A 19-yard rush by Jennings set up a 10-yard grab by Bryan Burnham. Johnson then pushed through for the major and extended the BC lead to 15-3.
Rainey continued to contribute, this time on a handoff rush that was good for 33 yards. Jennings found Burnham but he was stopped near the goal line. Johnson punched in the short yardage touchdown for his second score of the night. Richie Leone missed the extra point but the Lions still led 21-3 to open up the second quarter.
The BC defence continued to shut down the Alouettes offence, allowing for Jennings to have more time on the field. A 46-yard gain by Burnham put the Lions in the red zone where Leone tacked on a 17-yard field goal to grow the BC lead.
Looking to get some more points on the board before halftime, Tyrell Sutton moved the chains on the ground and Carter kept them going through the air. Kenny Stafford came up empty in the end zone on a deep toss from Cato so Montreal was forced to settle for a field goal, a 42-yarder from Fera to cut the score to 24-6.
Johnson kept up his rushing attack in the second half, going on a 27-yard run to open the third quarter. Things quickly turned in the Als’ favour after a Jonathon Mincy forced fumble on Geraldo Boldewijn was recovered by Chip Cox, who it took it 57 yards to the house and Montreal cut the deficit to 24-13.
The Lions used an Arceneaux stiff arm to get the offence going again. Now facing second-and-20, a second effort by Burnham was enough to move the chains. Another big rush from Rainey led to a Travis Lulay touchdown as BC added another seven points.
Some trickery by the Alouettes brought the Larks near the red zone after a gain by Nik Lewis. Cato flipped the ball to Carter, who tossed it 37 yards downfield to BJ Cunningham. Montreal could not get any closer and Fera booted another field goal to end the quarter trailing 31-16.
Another sideline catch by Carter pushed the Als 40 yards downfield and was followed by a Cunningham first down. The drive was kept alive through a series of short rushes and ended with another Fera field goal as the Als continued to chip away at the Lions’ lead, now 31-19.
Johnson, already with two touchdowns on the night, would not be denied on back-to-back rushes. A 26-yard run gave the running back his third rushing major of the game with 6:11 remaining to put the Lions up 38-19.
Montreal used Logan’s long return to start its next drive with good field position. A 34-yard grab by Cunningham put the Als in position to score and Cato found Lewis for a touchdown. Stafford brought in the two-point convert and Montreal trailed 38-27 with 3:48 left in the game but they would not get the ball back.
In his first game back after missing last week’s contest, Carter totaled five receptions and 76 yards.
Next week, the Als visit Tim Hortons Field to take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in an East Division showdown while the Lions are on the bye week.
LIONS START HOT, NEVER LOOK BACK IN WIN OVER ALS
VANCOUVER – The BC Lions scored touchdowns on their first three possessions and never looked back, topping the Montreal Alouettes 38-27 on Friday night at BC Place.
It was not what Rakeem Cato and the Als were hoping for in his first start under centre since being named the starter. The sophomore threw for 255 yards and a touchdown on 21-of-29 passing.
Johnson ran for 159 yards, his first game this season reaching triple digits in rushing yards.
A 45-yard punt return by Chris Rainey got things going for the Lions and Jennings quickly took advantage of the field position given to him. Johnson rumbled through for a 24-yard gain before Jennings found Manny Arceneaux in the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown strike. Johnson added a two-point convert as BC jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead.
Stefan Logan responded with a midfield kick return of his own as Cato and the offence returned to the field. Duron Carter got the drive going, hauling in a sideline grab. A series of short passes moved the chains but the Als were stopped just outside of the endzone. Anthony Fera kicked a field goal to cut the Lions’ lead to 8-3.
The Lions would add another touchdown on their second possession. A 19-yard rush by Jennings set up a 10-yard grab by Bryan Burnham. Johnson then pushed through for the major and extended the BC lead to 15-3.
Rainey continued to contribute, this time on a handoff rush that was good for 33 yards. Jennings found Burnham but he was stopped near the goal line. Johnson punched in the short yardage touchdown for his second score of the night. Richie Leone missed the extra point but the Lions still led 21-3 to open up the second quarter.
The BC defence continued to shut down the Alouettes offence, allowing for Jennings to have more time on the field. A 46-yard gain by Burnham put the Lions in the red zone where Leone tacked on a 17-yard field goal to grow the BC lead.
Looking to get some more points on the board before halftime, Tyrell Sutton moved the chains on the ground and Carter kept them going through the air. Kenny Stafford came up empty in the end zone on a deep toss from Cato so Montreal was forced to settle for a field goal, a 42-yarder from Fera to cut the score to 24-6.
Johnson kept up his rushing attack in the second half, going on a 27-yard run to open the third quarter. Things quickly turned in the Als’ favour after a Jonathon Mincy forced fumble on Geraldo Boldewijn was recovered by Chip Cox, who it took it 57 yards to the house and Montreal cut the deficit to 24-13.
The Lions used an Arceneaux stiff arm to get the offence going again. Now facing second-and-20, a second effort by Burnham was enough to move the chains. Another big rush from Rainey led to a Travis Lulay touchdown as BC added another seven points.
Some trickery by the Alouettes brought the Larks near the red zone after a gain by Nik Lewis. Cato flipped the ball to Carter, who tossed it 37 yards downfield to BJ Cunningham. Montreal could not get any closer and Fera booted another field goal to end the quarter trailing 31-16.
Another sideline catch by Carter pushed the Als 40 yards downfield and was followed by a Cunningham first down. The drive was kept alive through a series of short rushes and ended with another Fera field goal as the Als continued to chip away at the Lions’ lead, now 31-19.
Johnson, already with two touchdowns on the night, would not be denied on back-to-back rushes. A 26-yard run gave the running back his third rushing major of the game with 6:11 remaining to put the Lions up 38-19.
Montreal used Logan’s long return to start its next drive with good field position. A 34-yard grab by Cunningham put the Als in position to score and Cato found Lewis for a touchdown. Stafford brought in the two-point convert and Montreal trailed 38-27 with 3:48 left in the game but they would not get the ball back.
In his first game back after missing last week’s contest, Carter totaled five receptions and 76 yards.
Next week, the Als visit Tim Hortons Field to take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in an East Division showdown while the Lions are on the bye week.
Saturday, Sept. 10
Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-9 SU, 4-6 ATS) vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-4 SU, 5-4-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Winnipeg -7 ½
Total: 52 ½
Game Overview
You got to give credit to the Roughriders for keeping their last two games close enough to cover in light of such a dismal season overall, but with just one win in 10 games they are now officially riding out the string in these next eight contests. Darian Durant continues to put up some big numbers with 399 yards passing and a completion rate of 76.6 percent on 47 passing attempts in the first game of this home-and-home, but Saskatchewan’s defense continues to show why it is the worst in the league in points allowed (347).
The Blue Bombers’ SU winning streak has reached five games and this last win was the first time they closed as actual favorites. Matt Nichols has made his way into the discussion for this season’s CFL Most Outstanding Player with how well he has thrown the ball during this current run. He went 27-for-39 in last week’s game against the Roughriders for 341 yards and a score.
Betting Trends
With last week’s win, the Blue Bombers have now won three of the last four meetings SU with the series tied 2-2 ATS. The total has gone OVER in five of the last six meetings.
Calgary Stampeders (8-1-1 SU, 8-2 ATS) vs. Edmonton Eskimos (5-5 SU, 3-6-1)
Point-spread: Calgary – 2 ½
Total: 55
Game Overview
Calgary can really take a big step towards the West Division title with a sweep in this home-and-home matchup. The Stampers’ current SU winning streak now stands at seven games and they have covered ATS in their last five games on the strength of a combined margin of victory of 82 points. Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 380 yards and two scores and Jerome Messam added 110 yards and two more scores on the ground in last week’s win.
The Eskimos took a big step backwards with last week’s loss after stringing together a trio of SU wins in their previous three games. Mike Reilly still leads the CFL in total passing yards with 3,315 and he also leads the way in touchdown throws with 17. Most of Edmonton’s problems this season have been on the other side of the ball with a defense that is allowing an average of 29.2 points a game.
Betting Trends
Calgary beat Edmonton SU for the first time in the past four matchups with last week’s win and it is now 11-4 ATS in the last 15 meetings. The total has now gone OVER in four of the last seven games between these two division rivals
Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-9 SU, 4-6 ATS) vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-4 SU, 5-4-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Winnipeg -7 ½
Total: 52 ½
Game Overview
You got to give credit to the Roughriders for keeping their last two games close enough to cover in light of such a dismal season overall, but with just one win in 10 games they are now officially riding out the string in these next eight contests. Darian Durant continues to put up some big numbers with 399 yards passing and a completion rate of 76.6 percent on 47 passing attempts in the first game of this home-and-home, but Saskatchewan’s defense continues to show why it is the worst in the league in points allowed (347).
The Blue Bombers’ SU winning streak has reached five games and this last win was the first time they closed as actual favorites. Matt Nichols has made his way into the discussion for this season’s CFL Most Outstanding Player with how well he has thrown the ball during this current run. He went 27-for-39 in last week’s game against the Roughriders for 341 yards and a score.
Betting Trends
With last week’s win, the Blue Bombers have now won three of the last four meetings SU with the series tied 2-2 ATS. The total has gone OVER in five of the last six meetings.
Calgary Stampeders (8-1-1 SU, 8-2 ATS) vs. Edmonton Eskimos (5-5 SU, 3-6-1)
Point-spread: Calgary – 2 ½
Total: 55
Game Overview
Calgary can really take a big step towards the West Division title with a sweep in this home-and-home matchup. The Stampers’ current SU winning streak now stands at seven games and they have covered ATS in their last five games on the strength of a combined margin of victory of 82 points. Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 380 yards and two scores and Jerome Messam added 110 yards and two more scores on the ground in last week’s win.
The Eskimos took a big step backwards with last week’s loss after stringing together a trio of SU wins in their previous three games. Mike Reilly still leads the CFL in total passing yards with 3,315 and he also leads the way in touchdown throws with 17. Most of Edmonton’s problems this season have been on the other side of the ball with a defense that is allowing an average of 29.2 points a game.
Betting Trends
Calgary beat Edmonton SU for the first time in the past four matchups with last week’s win and it is now 11-4 ATS in the last 15 meetings. The total has now gone OVER in four of the last seven games between these two division rivals
Saturday, September 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SASKATCHEWAN (1 - 9) at WINNIPEG (6 - 4) - 9/10/2016, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 123-91 ATS (+22.9 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 113-84 ATS (+20.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-3 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALGARY (8 - 1 - 1) at EDMONTON (5 - 5) - 9/10/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
CALGARY is 121-88 ATS (+24.2 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1996.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-3 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-3 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, September 10
4:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. WINNIPEG
Saskatchewan is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Saskatchewan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 6 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games at home
7:00 PM
CALGARY vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Calgary is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Edmonton is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Edmonton is 3-12-1 SU in its last 16 games ,when playing Calgary
-------------------------
Saskatchewan (1-9) @ Winnipeg (6-4)– Bombers kicked FG with 0:02 left, won 28-25 in Regina LW, third win in last four series games. Five of last six series games went over total. Roughriders lost last six games, are 0-5 on road (2-3 as road dog, over 3-2), allowing 40.2 ppg. Winnipeg won its last five games after a 1-4 start; they’re 1-3 at home, 0-1 as home favorites- under is 3-0-1 in their home games this year, 9-1-2 in their last 12. Riders are 4-14-1 vs spread in their last 19 road games.
Calgary (8-1-1) @ Edmonton (5-5)– Stampeders won their last seven games since a tie in Ottawa; they’re 3-1-1 on road, with only loss by 2 in Vancouver. Eskimos lost 45-24 in Calgary LW, its first loss in last four series games- they are 3-13 in last 16 games with its rival. Edmonton’s 15-11 win here LY was its first in last eight visits. Under is 7-4 in last 11 series games. Eskimos are 3-3 at home this year despite being favored in all six games; over is 8-3 in Edmonton’s last 11 home games, 4-2 this season.
---------------------------------
Saturday, September 10
Saskatchewan @ Winnipeg
Game 485-486
September 10, 2016 @ 4:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Saskatchewan
104.504
Winnipeg
121.127
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 16 1/2
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Winnipeg
by 7
52 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(-7); Over
Calgary @ Edmonton
Game 487-488
September 10, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Calgary
123.473
Edmonton
115.454
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 8
48
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 2 1/2
54
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
(-2 1/2); Under
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SASKATCHEWAN (1 - 9) at WINNIPEG (6 - 4) - 9/10/2016, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 123-91 ATS (+22.9 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 113-84 ATS (+20.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-3 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALGARY (8 - 1 - 1) at EDMONTON (5 - 5) - 9/10/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
CALGARY is 121-88 ATS (+24.2 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1996.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-3 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-3 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, September 10
4:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. WINNIPEG
Saskatchewan is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Saskatchewan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 6 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games at home
7:00 PM
CALGARY vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Calgary is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Edmonton is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Edmonton is 3-12-1 SU in its last 16 games ,when playing Calgary
-------------------------
Saskatchewan (1-9) @ Winnipeg (6-4)– Bombers kicked FG with 0:02 left, won 28-25 in Regina LW, third win in last four series games. Five of last six series games went over total. Roughriders lost last six games, are 0-5 on road (2-3 as road dog, over 3-2), allowing 40.2 ppg. Winnipeg won its last five games after a 1-4 start; they’re 1-3 at home, 0-1 as home favorites- under is 3-0-1 in their home games this year, 9-1-2 in their last 12. Riders are 4-14-1 vs spread in their last 19 road games.
Calgary (8-1-1) @ Edmonton (5-5)– Stampeders won their last seven games since a tie in Ottawa; they’re 3-1-1 on road, with only loss by 2 in Vancouver. Eskimos lost 45-24 in Calgary LW, its first loss in last four series games- they are 3-13 in last 16 games with its rival. Edmonton’s 15-11 win here LY was its first in last eight visits. Under is 7-4 in last 11 series games. Eskimos are 3-3 at home this year despite being favored in all six games; over is 8-3 in Edmonton’s last 11 home games, 4-2 this season.
---------------------------------
Saturday, September 10
Saskatchewan @ Winnipeg
Game 485-486
September 10, 2016 @ 4:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Saskatchewan
104.504
Winnipeg
121.127
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 16 1/2
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Winnipeg
by 7
52 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(-7); Over
Calgary @ Edmonton
Game 487-488
September 10, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Calgary
123.473
Edmonton
115.454
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 8
48
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 2 1/2
54
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
(-2 1/2); Under
PREVIEW
BOMBERS, RIDERS CLASH IN ANNUAL BANJO BOWL
WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are hot right now.
Mike O’Shea’s football team has won five games in a row entering Saturday’s Banjo Bowl rematch with its prairie rival, the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Where the Bombers once sat anchored at the bottom of their division with a 1-4 record, they’ve now surged to 6-4 and currently sit in third in the tough West Division. What’s transpired in Winnipeg has been nothing short of a 180-degree turnaround.
Speaking of 180-degree turnarounds, that’s what the province of Saskatchewan will be hoping for in the second half of the 2016 season. At 1-9, the Riders are the worst team in the league on both offence (195 points for, 9th) and defence (347 points against, 9th).
Winnipeg took last week’s Labour Day Classic in Regina, 28-25, snapping an 11-year drought in Riderville and more importantly inching to within a game of the BC Lions for second in the West.
While last week’s loss to Winnipeg at home was a disappointing one, there were positives to be taken from it for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and their fan base.
Darian Durant threw for a season-high 399 passing yards, receiver Caleb Holley emerged as a legitimate threat downfield and the Rider defence held an opponent under 30 points for just the second time since Week 5.
That said, Durant also threw two key interceptions and the Rider defence was unable to stop Winnipeg on its game-winning field goal drive — due in large part to a pass interference penalty on Justin Cox.
“We have to look at what we can do to extend drives, not give up big plays (and) not take penalties at inopportune times,” Riders head coach Chris Jones told Riderville.com. “Those are the things that lose you football games.
“One thing about us is we’re never going to quit; nobody wants it more for these young guys in our locker room than me and my coaching staff.”
Thus, despite not having found themselves in the win column since mid-July, the Riders are heading to Winnipeg with their eyes on a W they see as attainable.
“We’re looking at it as a game we’re trying to go in and win,” said quarterback Darian Durant. “We feel like we let an opportunity slip by with the game (here) last week (and) want to try to correct our mistakes and come out on top (Saturday).”
While Saskatchewan sits a minimum of four wins from the playoff conversation in the West, linebacker Greg Jones insists heads remain high inside the Rider locker room.
“I feel like we still have a chance to get back in; (it’s) that light in the tunnel situation,” explained the Michigan alum. “We feel like we can get back in it; you can’t win by being negative and having our heads down. It is what it is, but we’re going to keep chugging.”
One of the keys to Saskatchewan’s improved passing game has been slotback Naaman Roosevelt. The Buffalo native has racked up 272 receiving yards in the Riders’ past two outings, but hasn’t found the end zone since a Week 5 win against Ottawa.
The Rider defence will have to improve its ability to crash the pocket and foster quarterback pressure to have success in Winnipeg on Saturday and beyond; Saskatchewan’s 14 sacks are the fewest in the league by some distance, and that lack of D-Line production has contributed to the team’s league-low mark of three interceptions.
For the Bombers, it doesn’t seem that long ago certain analysts around the league were questioning head coach Mike O’Shea’s future in Winnipeg.
Sparked by a Week 6 switch under centre to Matt Nichols, the Bombers have improved in all phases and become one of the best all-around teams in the league.
With five straight wins under their blue belts, the Bombers aren’t taking the Riders lightly entering Saturday’s grudge match.
“This team that we’re playing this week felt like they could’ve had the win (last week),” quarterback Matt Nichols told BlueBombers.com. “They’re a very good football team; they had multiple chances to beat Edmonton, could’ve beat Calgary…they’re a good team that hasn’t come away with the close ones.
“We’ll have to be much better than last week to win.”
As for facing an opponent twice in a row, Nichols stresses the importance of trying to pick up any small advantage.
“You’re obviously very familiar with the opponent (at this point), but at the same time you watch your film and are (still) trying to pick up things,” said the Eastern Washington alum. “You never know what to expect — I’ve been a part of a lot of back-to-backs where one game, you’ll get a certain coverage, and the next week they’ll do something different.”
Winnipeg will be bolstered by a sell-out crowd at Investors Group Field this weekend.
“When this place is rocking, it’s tough to be an offence,” chuckled former Rider and current Bomber Weston Dressler. “The communication factor makes it harder (but) they’ve got some vets on that offence that have been through it and experienced it.”
One of the driving forces behind Winnipeg’s five-game winning streak has been national running back Andrew Harris. The Winnipeg native leads the CFL in carries (143) and rush yards (655), and sits tied with Calgary’s Jerome Messam in 20-plus-yard runs (3).
“He leads by example,” said Coach O’Shea. “I think there’s a lot of things you can talk about Andrew in that regard; he knows the playbook inside-out, helps his teammates, recognizes situations where they need help on the field.”
Jamaal Westerman’s been one of the most-disruptive presences on Winnipeg’s defence this season; the Brooklyn native has recorded 23 tackles and a team-high five sacks, while consistently creating inside pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Winnipeg tackle-leader Ian Wild is obviously another key figure within coordinator Richie Hall’s defensive unit. Wild is on pace to shatter his previous career-high in tackles, 83 in 2014, and sits fourth in the league with 60 entering Week 12.
By the Numbers
0 – Wins in five tries away from home for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2016.
6:1 – Winnipeg QB Matt Nichols’ QB:interception ratio since being handed the starting reins in Week 6.
10 – Pass touchdowns thrown by the Riders this season, the lowest mark in the CFL.
34 – Field goals made by Winnipeg K Justin Medlock this season, second only to Calgary’s Rene Paredes.
The Skinny
The Bombers have been the better team on paper, but you can throw that all away when it comes to the Banjo Bowl.
Saskatchewan put in one of its best performances of the season last week in front of a charged-up crowd at Mosaic. The question will be whether the Riders can replicate some of their best football of a forgettable 2016 season in a hostile environment at IGF.
The Riders will need to shut down Andrew Harris early and consistently if they want to pull off the upset away from home. The Bombers will have to handle Darian Durant and the Riders’ passing attack more effectively if they are to cruise to the comfortable home win their expectant fans are hoping for.
Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m. ET and can be seen live on TSN or followed online via CFL.ca Game Tracker.
BOMBERS, RIDERS CLASH IN ANNUAL BANJO BOWL
WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are hot right now.
Mike O’Shea’s football team has won five games in a row entering Saturday’s Banjo Bowl rematch with its prairie rival, the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Where the Bombers once sat anchored at the bottom of their division with a 1-4 record, they’ve now surged to 6-4 and currently sit in third in the tough West Division. What’s transpired in Winnipeg has been nothing short of a 180-degree turnaround.
Speaking of 180-degree turnarounds, that’s what the province of Saskatchewan will be hoping for in the second half of the 2016 season. At 1-9, the Riders are the worst team in the league on both offence (195 points for, 9th) and defence (347 points against, 9th).
Winnipeg took last week’s Labour Day Classic in Regina, 28-25, snapping an 11-year drought in Riderville and more importantly inching to within a game of the BC Lions for second in the West.
While last week’s loss to Winnipeg at home was a disappointing one, there were positives to be taken from it for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and their fan base.
Darian Durant threw for a season-high 399 passing yards, receiver Caleb Holley emerged as a legitimate threat downfield and the Rider defence held an opponent under 30 points for just the second time since Week 5.
That said, Durant also threw two key interceptions and the Rider defence was unable to stop Winnipeg on its game-winning field goal drive — due in large part to a pass interference penalty on Justin Cox.
“We have to look at what we can do to extend drives, not give up big plays (and) not take penalties at inopportune times,” Riders head coach Chris Jones told Riderville.com. “Those are the things that lose you football games.
“One thing about us is we’re never going to quit; nobody wants it more for these young guys in our locker room than me and my coaching staff.”
Thus, despite not having found themselves in the win column since mid-July, the Riders are heading to Winnipeg with their eyes on a W they see as attainable.
“We’re looking at it as a game we’re trying to go in and win,” said quarterback Darian Durant. “We feel like we let an opportunity slip by with the game (here) last week (and) want to try to correct our mistakes and come out on top (Saturday).”
While Saskatchewan sits a minimum of four wins from the playoff conversation in the West, linebacker Greg Jones insists heads remain high inside the Rider locker room.
“I feel like we still have a chance to get back in; (it’s) that light in the tunnel situation,” explained the Michigan alum. “We feel like we can get back in it; you can’t win by being negative and having our heads down. It is what it is, but we’re going to keep chugging.”
One of the keys to Saskatchewan’s improved passing game has been slotback Naaman Roosevelt. The Buffalo native has racked up 272 receiving yards in the Riders’ past two outings, but hasn’t found the end zone since a Week 5 win against Ottawa.
The Rider defence will have to improve its ability to crash the pocket and foster quarterback pressure to have success in Winnipeg on Saturday and beyond; Saskatchewan’s 14 sacks are the fewest in the league by some distance, and that lack of D-Line production has contributed to the team’s league-low mark of three interceptions.
For the Bombers, it doesn’t seem that long ago certain analysts around the league were questioning head coach Mike O’Shea’s future in Winnipeg.
Sparked by a Week 6 switch under centre to Matt Nichols, the Bombers have improved in all phases and become one of the best all-around teams in the league.
With five straight wins under their blue belts, the Bombers aren’t taking the Riders lightly entering Saturday’s grudge match.
“This team that we’re playing this week felt like they could’ve had the win (last week),” quarterback Matt Nichols told BlueBombers.com. “They’re a very good football team; they had multiple chances to beat Edmonton, could’ve beat Calgary…they’re a good team that hasn’t come away with the close ones.
“We’ll have to be much better than last week to win.”
As for facing an opponent twice in a row, Nichols stresses the importance of trying to pick up any small advantage.
“You’re obviously very familiar with the opponent (at this point), but at the same time you watch your film and are (still) trying to pick up things,” said the Eastern Washington alum. “You never know what to expect — I’ve been a part of a lot of back-to-backs where one game, you’ll get a certain coverage, and the next week they’ll do something different.”
Winnipeg will be bolstered by a sell-out crowd at Investors Group Field this weekend.
“When this place is rocking, it’s tough to be an offence,” chuckled former Rider and current Bomber Weston Dressler. “The communication factor makes it harder (but) they’ve got some vets on that offence that have been through it and experienced it.”
One of the driving forces behind Winnipeg’s five-game winning streak has been national running back Andrew Harris. The Winnipeg native leads the CFL in carries (143) and rush yards (655), and sits tied with Calgary’s Jerome Messam in 20-plus-yard runs (3).
“He leads by example,” said Coach O’Shea. “I think there’s a lot of things you can talk about Andrew in that regard; he knows the playbook inside-out, helps his teammates, recognizes situations where they need help on the field.”
Jamaal Westerman’s been one of the most-disruptive presences on Winnipeg’s defence this season; the Brooklyn native has recorded 23 tackles and a team-high five sacks, while consistently creating inside pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Winnipeg tackle-leader Ian Wild is obviously another key figure within coordinator Richie Hall’s defensive unit. Wild is on pace to shatter his previous career-high in tackles, 83 in 2014, and sits fourth in the league with 60 entering Week 12.
By the Numbers
0 – Wins in five tries away from home for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2016.
6:1 – Winnipeg QB Matt Nichols’ QB:interception ratio since being handed the starting reins in Week 6.
10 – Pass touchdowns thrown by the Riders this season, the lowest mark in the CFL.
34 – Field goals made by Winnipeg K Justin Medlock this season, second only to Calgary’s Rene Paredes.
The Skinny
The Bombers have been the better team on paper, but you can throw that all away when it comes to the Banjo Bowl.
Saskatchewan put in one of its best performances of the season last week in front of a charged-up crowd at Mosaic. The question will be whether the Riders can replicate some of their best football of a forgettable 2016 season in a hostile environment at IGF.
The Riders will need to shut down Andrew Harris early and consistently if they want to pull off the upset away from home. The Bombers will have to handle Darian Durant and the Riders’ passing attack more effectively if they are to cruise to the comfortable home win their expectant fans are hoping for.
Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m. ET and can be seen live on TSN or followed online via CFL.ca Game Tracker.
WEST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Calgary 10 8 1 1 17 323 209 5-0-0 3-1-1 7-1-0
2 BC 11 8 3 0 16 318 273 3-2-0 5-1-0 2-2-0
3 Winnipeg 10 6 4 0 12 259 229 1-3-0 5-1-0 2-3-0
4 Edmonton 10 5 5 0 10 296 292 3-3-0 2-2-0 3-2-0
5 Saskatchewan 10 1 9 0 2 195 347 1-4-0 0-5-0 0-6-0
EAST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Ottawa 10 5 4 1 11 262 255 1-3-1 4-1-0 3-2-0
2 Hamilton 10 5 5 0 10 312 269 2-2-0 3-3-0 3-0-0
3 Toronto 10 4 6 0 8 237 285 1-5-0 3-1-0 2-3-0
4 Montreal 11 3 8 0 6 232 275 1-5-0 2-3-0 1-4-0
y - Clinched Division
x - Clinched Playoff Berth
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Calgary 10 8 1 1 17 323 209 5-0-0 3-1-1 7-1-0
2 BC 11 8 3 0 16 318 273 3-2-0 5-1-0 2-2-0
3 Winnipeg 10 6 4 0 12 259 229 1-3-0 5-1-0 2-3-0
4 Edmonton 10 5 5 0 10 296 292 3-3-0 2-2-0 3-2-0
5 Saskatchewan 10 1 9 0 2 195 347 1-4-0 0-5-0 0-6-0
EAST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Ottawa 10 5 4 1 11 262 255 1-3-1 4-1-0 3-2-0
2 Hamilton 10 5 5 0 10 312 269 2-2-0 3-3-0 3-0-0
3 Toronto 10 4 6 0 8 237 285 1-5-0 3-1-0 2-3-0
4 Montreal 11 3 8 0 6 232 275 1-5-0 2-3-0 1-4-0
y - Clinched Division
x - Clinched Playoff Berth
PREVIEW
ESKS LOOK TO TURN THE TABLES IN LABOUR DAY REMATCH WITH STAMPS
EDMONTON — Can anybody stop the Calgary Stampeders?
That’s the question on the minds of the other eight members of the CFL entering Week 12, as the Stamps have won seven in a row and seem destined to march to first place in the CFL’s West Division.
The Edmonton Eskimos tried and failed last week in Cowtown, succumbing to a one-sided 45-24 defeat. Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 380 yards, Jerome Messam ran for 110. Same old Stamps.
This week the Esks return home attempting to solve the talented jigsaw that is Calgary.
Dave Dickenson’s Calgary Stampeders haven’t lost a game since the month of June and are the best offensive (323 points for) and defensive (209 points against) team in the CFL.
Fresh off a strong performance in the first end of a home-and-home with the Esks, Calgary will mix things up on both sides of the football in an effort to extend its winning streak to eight.
“It is a challenge — you understand they’re going to see the film and make adjustments, but you can’t put a full gameplan on (your own) guys in five days,” Dickenson told Stampeders.com. “We tried to save some plays, I was able to have a double game plan (last week) and save some things.”
The Stamps head coach knows the Eskimo front seven will be hungry to pressure quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, who has received the best protection of any CFL quarterback from his offensive line, which has allowed a league-low 10 sacks.
“Both quarterbacks got hit quite a bit (last week), so mentally it’s as much about strong will and staying sharp as anything,” said Dickenson. “Physically, in a back-to-back, you’re just trying to hang on — I’m expecting both quarterbacks to be at their best and perform well.”
One of the unsung heroes of Calgary’s deep receiving corps in 2016 has been national wideout Anthony Parker. The Okotoks, Alta. native has already set career-highs in receptions (36) and receiving yards (500), and appears on-track to break his career-high in touchdown receptions (4).
“Bo’s been looking my way a lot, I think I have a career-high in targets,” chuckled Parker. “We’re getting open, and the scheme is great: Dave (Dickenson)’s calling plays to get me the ball, and it’s been a great year so far.”
While Calgary’s offensive line remains untouched from the team’s Labour Day victory, its defensive line has lost two members — one to injury and one to suspension. Despite being labeled a ’50/50′ throughout the week’s practices, Frank Beltre will sit for the Stamps with an injury. Quinn Smith will serve the first of his three-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy.
With Charleston Hughes and Micah Johnson still leading the line, Calgary’s defence should still provide Edmonton’s offensive line with all it can handle.
While the Stamps have been a model of consistency, the Edmonton Eskimos are about as unpredictable a team as you’ll find in the CFL this season.
On certain nights, Edmonton’s offence shines, while on others it’s the Esks’ defence which keeps the team in ballgames.
Last week neither truly came to play; Jason Maas’s football team was beaten soundly in all three phases by its provincial rival, whom it will get a shot against this week in a critical rematch.
“We got beat by a better team that day,” Maas admitted to Esks.com. “We’ve got a great opportunity (just) four days later to beat them in our own building and feel much better about ourselves.”
The Esks head coach admits improvements are needed in all facets of his team’s game if Edmonton is to have a shot at halting Calgary’s two-plus-month undefeated run.
“Bottom line is when you lose a game, you’re pissed off. We’re going to do everything, we’re going to throw the kitchen sink at them,” said Maas. “You’ve got to flush the loss and come mentally and physically ready to play (this week).”
Among those who need to be better is Mike Reilly.
The Esks quarterback completed 23 of 36 passes for 219 yards, a single touchdown and a pair of interceptions in his team’s loss at McMahon last week, and admits it was a frustrating one.
“I think we left a lot of opportunities out there that would’ve made the score closer — we didn’t do it,” said Reilly, the CFL leader in pass yards (3315) through 11 weeks of play. “They beat us, they beat us well, but there’s little things that (had we) taken care of the ball better, play(ed) better, yeah, it would’ve been a closer game (last week).”
The two squads are familiar with each other, with few secrets between the two schematically and personnel-wise.
“They’ve been playing a certain way from the beginning of the season (and) so have we, so it’s going to come to down to whoever executes their gameplan,” explained Reilly. “We get a chance to make those plays on Saturday, and if we make (them), yes it will be a different result.”
In order to make those plays, Reilly will need help from his offensive line, which failed to protect him — surrendering four sacks — and failed to open consistent holes for running back John White, who was limited to 50 rush yards.
By the Numbers
4 – Fumbles forced by Edmonton LB JC Sherritt; most in the CFL.
5.4 – Yards per carry for Calgary RB Jerome Messam; most among starting running backs.
292 – Points allowed by the Esks this season; the worst figure in the league for a team not named Saskatchewan.
6,552 – Combined passing yards between Reilly (3,315) and Mitchell (3,237), first and second in the CFL respectively.
The Skinny
This Battle of Alberta is shaping up to be a good one.
Edmonton needs to make a statement and prove to itself and the rest of the league that it can compete with the league’s top dogs.
Calgary has rolled through some injuries and bouts of adversity without so much as a hitch during its seven-game win streak.
Will Jason Maas’s Esks move above — or drop below — .500? Can Calgary push its ridiculous-yet-merited streak to eight? Find out Saturday night, primetime, from Commonwealth Stadium.
Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET and can be seen live on TSN or followed online via CFL.ca Game Tracker.
ESKS LOOK TO TURN THE TABLES IN LABOUR DAY REMATCH WITH STAMPS
EDMONTON — Can anybody stop the Calgary Stampeders?
That’s the question on the minds of the other eight members of the CFL entering Week 12, as the Stamps have won seven in a row and seem destined to march to first place in the CFL’s West Division.
The Edmonton Eskimos tried and failed last week in Cowtown, succumbing to a one-sided 45-24 defeat. Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 380 yards, Jerome Messam ran for 110. Same old Stamps.
This week the Esks return home attempting to solve the talented jigsaw that is Calgary.
Dave Dickenson’s Calgary Stampeders haven’t lost a game since the month of June and are the best offensive (323 points for) and defensive (209 points against) team in the CFL.
Fresh off a strong performance in the first end of a home-and-home with the Esks, Calgary will mix things up on both sides of the football in an effort to extend its winning streak to eight.
“It is a challenge — you understand they’re going to see the film and make adjustments, but you can’t put a full gameplan on (your own) guys in five days,” Dickenson told Stampeders.com. “We tried to save some plays, I was able to have a double game plan (last week) and save some things.”
The Stamps head coach knows the Eskimo front seven will be hungry to pressure quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, who has received the best protection of any CFL quarterback from his offensive line, which has allowed a league-low 10 sacks.
“Both quarterbacks got hit quite a bit (last week), so mentally it’s as much about strong will and staying sharp as anything,” said Dickenson. “Physically, in a back-to-back, you’re just trying to hang on — I’m expecting both quarterbacks to be at their best and perform well.”
One of the unsung heroes of Calgary’s deep receiving corps in 2016 has been national wideout Anthony Parker. The Okotoks, Alta. native has already set career-highs in receptions (36) and receiving yards (500), and appears on-track to break his career-high in touchdown receptions (4).
“Bo’s been looking my way a lot, I think I have a career-high in targets,” chuckled Parker. “We’re getting open, and the scheme is great: Dave (Dickenson)’s calling plays to get me the ball, and it’s been a great year so far.”
While Calgary’s offensive line remains untouched from the team’s Labour Day victory, its defensive line has lost two members — one to injury and one to suspension. Despite being labeled a ’50/50′ throughout the week’s practices, Frank Beltre will sit for the Stamps with an injury. Quinn Smith will serve the first of his three-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy.
With Charleston Hughes and Micah Johnson still leading the line, Calgary’s defence should still provide Edmonton’s offensive line with all it can handle.
While the Stamps have been a model of consistency, the Edmonton Eskimos are about as unpredictable a team as you’ll find in the CFL this season.
On certain nights, Edmonton’s offence shines, while on others it’s the Esks’ defence which keeps the team in ballgames.
Last week neither truly came to play; Jason Maas’s football team was beaten soundly in all three phases by its provincial rival, whom it will get a shot against this week in a critical rematch.
“We got beat by a better team that day,” Maas admitted to Esks.com. “We’ve got a great opportunity (just) four days later to beat them in our own building and feel much better about ourselves.”
The Esks head coach admits improvements are needed in all facets of his team’s game if Edmonton is to have a shot at halting Calgary’s two-plus-month undefeated run.
“Bottom line is when you lose a game, you’re pissed off. We’re going to do everything, we’re going to throw the kitchen sink at them,” said Maas. “You’ve got to flush the loss and come mentally and physically ready to play (this week).”
Among those who need to be better is Mike Reilly.
The Esks quarterback completed 23 of 36 passes for 219 yards, a single touchdown and a pair of interceptions in his team’s loss at McMahon last week, and admits it was a frustrating one.
“I think we left a lot of opportunities out there that would’ve made the score closer — we didn’t do it,” said Reilly, the CFL leader in pass yards (3315) through 11 weeks of play. “They beat us, they beat us well, but there’s little things that (had we) taken care of the ball better, play(ed) better, yeah, it would’ve been a closer game (last week).”
The two squads are familiar with each other, with few secrets between the two schematically and personnel-wise.
“They’ve been playing a certain way from the beginning of the season (and) so have we, so it’s going to come to down to whoever executes their gameplan,” explained Reilly. “We get a chance to make those plays on Saturday, and if we make (them), yes it will be a different result.”
In order to make those plays, Reilly will need help from his offensive line, which failed to protect him — surrendering four sacks — and failed to open consistent holes for running back John White, who was limited to 50 rush yards.
By the Numbers
4 – Fumbles forced by Edmonton LB JC Sherritt; most in the CFL.
5.4 – Yards per carry for Calgary RB Jerome Messam; most among starting running backs.
292 – Points allowed by the Esks this season; the worst figure in the league for a team not named Saskatchewan.
6,552 – Combined passing yards between Reilly (3,315) and Mitchell (3,237), first and second in the CFL respectively.
The Skinny
This Battle of Alberta is shaping up to be a good one.
Edmonton needs to make a statement and prove to itself and the rest of the league that it can compete with the league’s top dogs.
Calgary has rolled through some injuries and bouts of adversity without so much as a hitch during its seven-game win streak.
Will Jason Maas’s Esks move above — or drop below — .500? Can Calgary push its ridiculous-yet-merited streak to eight? Find out Saturday night, primetime, from Commonwealth Stadium.
Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET and can be seen live on TSN or followed online via CFL.ca Game Tracker.
GAME RECAP
STRUMMING ALONG: BOMBERS WIN BANJO BOWL, LOSE HARRIS TO INJURY
WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ red-hot play continued on Saturday, but it came at a cost.
Matt Nichols was solid, completing 21 of his 32 passes for 247 yards and two rushing touchdowns, as the Bombers won their sixth-straight game, downing the Saskatchewan Roughriders 17-10 in the annual Banjo Bowl.
However, it wasn’t all good news for the Bombers, as tailback Andrew Harris was forced out of action after one half of play due to a lower-body injury.
Winnipeg’s six-game win streak is their longest in 15 years. Not coincidentally, Nichols improved to 6-0 as a starter this season.
The Riders received an admirable effort under centre from Darian Durant. The veteran pivot completed 64% of his passes for 283 yards and a touchdown.
Defence was the story early on, as both the Bombers and Riders put together staunch performances without the ball in the first quarter.
First, the Riders seemed primed for the endzone on their opening possession, but a stingy Bomber D had other plans with their backs against the wall.
Facing 1st-and-10 on their own one-yard line, the Bombers held the line to perfection, limiting the Riders to a 14-yard field goal by Tyler Crapigna after the visitors failed to gain any positive yardage from just outside the goal line.
Saskatchewan, meanwhile, also flexed their muscle defensively, keeping Nichols to 23 yards through the air and Harris to just 17 yards on the ground.
The defensive story continued into the second quarter, as the Riders squashed what seemed like a momentum-building drive by the Nichols and the Bomber offence.
But, despite guiding his unit into Green and White territory for the first time all game, he wasn’t able to get past the 33 yard line and was forced to settle for a 35-yard field goal by Justin Medlock.
It wasn’t until the last five minutes of the half that the Bombers finally broke through the Riders defensive front, as Nichols hooked up with Weston Dressler for a massive 49-yard reception.
To make matters worse for the Roughriders, they received a roughing-the-passer penalty and were also flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct on the play, giving the Bombers a fresh set of downs just 10 yards out of the endzone.
On the very next play, the Riders were again flagged for roughing-the-passer, as Ese Mrabure was called for a high-hit on Nichols.
Two plays later, Nichols called his own number, punching it in from one-yard out for the TD.
The Bombers would take a 10-3 lead into the break.
Nichols was solid in the opening 30 minutes, completing 11 of his 18 passes for 140 yards. Durant, meanwhile, was good on just six of his 16 attempts for 95 yards.
The big story of the half for the Riders, however, was their discipline issues, as they were flagged 12 times for 85 yards.
Just prior to the start of the third quarter, the Bombers announced that Harris wouldn’t be returning to action due to a lower-body injury. Prior to showing up on the sidelines for the start of the third quarter in his street clothes, Harris picked up 22 yards on six carries, as well as 13 yards on three receptions.
With the Bombers trying to find their footing following the Harris injury, the Riders were busy doing what they could to find a way to put some points on the board.
The answer, it seemed, was in the hands of receiver Naman Roosevelt, who came up huge for the Riders midway through the third quarter.
Saskatchewan’s leading receiver hauled in two big passes from Durant, the second of which resulted in a 13-yard game-tying touchdown.
The two teams entered the fourth quarter tied up at 10. Winnipeg received some more bad news prior to the start of the fourth quarter, as the team announced that receiver Ryan Smith would not return to action due to an upper-body injury.
But the ailing Bombers defence would eventually receive some much needed help from their teammates on the defensive side of the ball, as defensive tackle Brandon Tennant forced a fumble which was eventually recovered by DB Johnny Adams.
With the ball back in his hands thanks to a heads up effort by his defence, Nichols embarked on a five-play, 83-yard drive which was capped off by his second rushing touchdown of the game.
On the drive, Nichols completed passes of 38 and 25 yards to Julian Feoli-Gudino and Dressler respectively, and took off for a 15-yard gain to the Saskatchewan one-yard line which set up his TD.
The score ultimately proved to be the game-winner, as the Riders weren’t able to develop any further traction on the offensive side of the ball.
Next week, the Bombers will play host to the Toronto Argonauts, while the Riders will return home to face the Edmonton Eskimos.
STRUMMING ALONG: BOMBERS WIN BANJO BOWL, LOSE HARRIS TO INJURY
WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ red-hot play continued on Saturday, but it came at a cost.
Matt Nichols was solid, completing 21 of his 32 passes for 247 yards and two rushing touchdowns, as the Bombers won their sixth-straight game, downing the Saskatchewan Roughriders 17-10 in the annual Banjo Bowl.
However, it wasn’t all good news for the Bombers, as tailback Andrew Harris was forced out of action after one half of play due to a lower-body injury.
Winnipeg’s six-game win streak is their longest in 15 years. Not coincidentally, Nichols improved to 6-0 as a starter this season.
The Riders received an admirable effort under centre from Darian Durant. The veteran pivot completed 64% of his passes for 283 yards and a touchdown.
Defence was the story early on, as both the Bombers and Riders put together staunch performances without the ball in the first quarter.
First, the Riders seemed primed for the endzone on their opening possession, but a stingy Bomber D had other plans with their backs against the wall.
Facing 1st-and-10 on their own one-yard line, the Bombers held the line to perfection, limiting the Riders to a 14-yard field goal by Tyler Crapigna after the visitors failed to gain any positive yardage from just outside the goal line.
Saskatchewan, meanwhile, also flexed their muscle defensively, keeping Nichols to 23 yards through the air and Harris to just 17 yards on the ground.
The defensive story continued into the second quarter, as the Riders squashed what seemed like a momentum-building drive by the Nichols and the Bomber offence.
But, despite guiding his unit into Green and White territory for the first time all game, he wasn’t able to get past the 33 yard line and was forced to settle for a 35-yard field goal by Justin Medlock.
It wasn’t until the last five minutes of the half that the Bombers finally broke through the Riders defensive front, as Nichols hooked up with Weston Dressler for a massive 49-yard reception.
To make matters worse for the Roughriders, they received a roughing-the-passer penalty and were also flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct on the play, giving the Bombers a fresh set of downs just 10 yards out of the endzone.
On the very next play, the Riders were again flagged for roughing-the-passer, as Ese Mrabure was called for a high-hit on Nichols.
Two plays later, Nichols called his own number, punching it in from one-yard out for the TD.
The Bombers would take a 10-3 lead into the break.
Nichols was solid in the opening 30 minutes, completing 11 of his 18 passes for 140 yards. Durant, meanwhile, was good on just six of his 16 attempts for 95 yards.
The big story of the half for the Riders, however, was their discipline issues, as they were flagged 12 times for 85 yards.
Just prior to the start of the third quarter, the Bombers announced that Harris wouldn’t be returning to action due to a lower-body injury. Prior to showing up on the sidelines for the start of the third quarter in his street clothes, Harris picked up 22 yards on six carries, as well as 13 yards on three receptions.
With the Bombers trying to find their footing following the Harris injury, the Riders were busy doing what they could to find a way to put some points on the board.
The answer, it seemed, was in the hands of receiver Naman Roosevelt, who came up huge for the Riders midway through the third quarter.
Saskatchewan’s leading receiver hauled in two big passes from Durant, the second of which resulted in a 13-yard game-tying touchdown.
The two teams entered the fourth quarter tied up at 10. Winnipeg received some more bad news prior to the start of the fourth quarter, as the team announced that receiver Ryan Smith would not return to action due to an upper-body injury.
But the ailing Bombers defence would eventually receive some much needed help from their teammates on the defensive side of the ball, as defensive tackle Brandon Tennant forced a fumble which was eventually recovered by DB Johnny Adams.
With the ball back in his hands thanks to a heads up effort by his defence, Nichols embarked on a five-play, 83-yard drive which was capped off by his second rushing touchdown of the game.
On the drive, Nichols completed passes of 38 and 25 yards to Julian Feoli-Gudino and Dressler respectively, and took off for a 15-yard gain to the Saskatchewan one-yard line which set up his TD.
The score ultimately proved to be the game-winner, as the Riders weren’t able to develop any further traction on the offensive side of the ball.
Next week, the Bombers will play host to the Toronto Argonauts, while the Riders will return home to face the Edmonton Eskimos.
STAMPS EXTEND STREAK; COMPLETE COMEBACK TO DEFEAT ESKS IN OVERTIME
EDMONTON — It took the Stampeders thirty minutes to come alive, but they eventually did in a big way.
Heading into the second half, the Stamps trailed Edmonton 17-3, but led by DaVaris Daniels who scored two touchdowns, Calgary clawed back to win 34-28 in overtime. The come-from-behind Labour Day rematch victory extended the Stamps’ winning streak to eight.
Bo Levi Mitchell threw for over 300+ yards for the ninth time this season – the most of any quarterback in the CFL. Calgary’s star pivot completed 25-of-38 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns.
His counterpart, Mike Reilly, completed 35-of-45 passes for 432 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. Edmonton’s quarterback also had 12 carries for 37 yards in the contest.
Along with his two touchdowns, Daniels finished his night with six receptions for 113 yards.
On the first play of Edmonton’s first possession of the ball game, Reilly found Derel Walker for the Eskimos first major score. The 104-yard touchdown propelled Walker over the 1000-yard receiving mark on the season. Walker finished with seven catches for 164 yards.
Sean Whyte’s 32-yard point after was good and the Eskimos took a 7-0 lead.
Edmonton’s defence was up for the task of taking on the league’s hottest offence, shutting down Bo Levi Mitchell and co. entirely in the first 15 minutes and held them to just a field goal in the first half.
With the Esks in field goal position, Whyte looked to attempt a field goal to add to his team’s lead. But when the holder Jordan Lynch couldn’t handle the snap, he had to scramble to make a play. Lynch didn’t connect his pass with Mike Miller and the Stamps escaped without giving up any more points with 8:51 left in the first quarter.
With just under two minutes left in the first frame, and on a third-and-one, John White couldn’t power through to get the final yard and the ball was back in the hands of the Stampeders.
But they didn’t have it for very long.
Deon Lacey picked off Mitchell’s pass intended for Bakari Grant, giving the ball right back to the home team.
Adarius Bowman hauled in a 26-yard pass to add to the Eskimos lead – turning Lacey’s pick into a major score to start the second quarter – capping off a six play, 66-yard drive. Whyte made the 32-yard field goal, after Bowman’s sixth touchdown of the season, to give the Esks a 14-0 lead.
Rene Paredes put the first points on the board for the Stamps with three and a half minutes left in the first half. With the 40-yard field goal, Paredes extended his streak to 32 consecutive and the Esks held a 14-3 lead.
In response, Reilly immediately found Chris Getzlaf and then White, who rushed for 32 yards, and the Esks were in scoring position at the three minute warning.
A few plays later, on a second-and-goal, Reilly tried to find Walker in the back of the end zone, but missed, bringing the field goal unit to the field. Whyte made the 12-yarder adding to the Esks lead with under a minute left in the half (17-3).
Just when seemed like the last play had been made, and the half was over, it was determined that there was still two seconds left on the clock. Calgary’s field goal unit made their way on to the field and Paredes missed the 47-yard kick, ending his consecutive streak at 32. Kenzel Doe took the return down the field 74-yards but Rob Cote tackled him, saving what could have been another Eskimo score, and Edmonton headed to the locker room with a 17-3 lead.
To start the second half of the contest, the Stamps trotted down the field into scoring position. To cap a 51-yard eight play drive, Paredes kicked a 22-yard field goal to cut the Eskimos lead to 17-6.
Just when it seemed like the Stamps may have started to gain some momentum, the Esks took it right back and started to roll down the field on the next possession.
With Edmonton inside the Calgary 10-yard line, Junior Turner took down Calvin McCarty (who slotted in for White who left shaken up earlier in the third), bringing Whyte back into the game. Whyte made the 16-yard kick extending the Esks lead to 20-6 with 4:17 left in the third quarter.
McCarty was hurt on the play and headed to the locker room for treatment and White made his return.
Daniels, who was completely covered by an Eskimo in the end zone, scored the Stampeders’ first touchdown of the game, catching a 30-yard toss from Mitchell with 2:18 left in the third quarter. Paredes made the 32-yard field goal and the Esks held a 20-13 lead.
White, playing with an apparent sore shoulder, fumbled the football and Josh Bell recovered it giving the Stamps the ball back to end the third quarter.
To cap a nine play, 68-yard drive, Daniels scored his second major of the night, hauling in a 27-yard pass and after Paredes made the point after, the Stamps had tied the game 20-20 with 10:57 left in the fourth.
With five minutes left in the contest, and the scored knotted at 20, Almondo Sewell took down the Stamps’ pivot on a second-and-15, forcing Calgary to punt the ball.
Defensive back Mike Miller replaced White in the running back position, as White and McCarty both nursed injuries.
With 1:15 left in the game, Reilly and his offence had the ball, and a long field, to work with to try for one more score to win the game.
The Esks trotted down the field but had to settle for Whyte trying to kick the game winning field goal with four seconds left on the clock. Whyte missed the 52-yarder, sending the game to over time.
Reilly appeared to have surged into the end zone for a touchdown in the first mini-game, but after a review, it was taken back because he was taken down before he crossed the plane. On his second attempt, the Eskimo pivot snuck in for the major score. Reilly then found Nate Coehoorn for the two-point convert.
When Calgary got the ball, Mitchell threw to Grant, but a pass interference call moved the Stamps all the was down to the one-yard line. Buckley then found the end zone for the touchdown. Mitchell missed the two-point convert intended for Daniels but with Edmonton offside, he was given another chance.
Calgary was then given a ten yard penalty for a delay of game, but Mitchell still was able to find Daniels for an 11-yard two-point convert sending it to another round of overtime.
Calgary had the ball first and Grant hauled in a 23-yard pass from Mitchell for the touchdown. Mitchell looked for Marquay McDaniel for the two-point convert but he was unsuccessful and the Stamps held a 34-28 lead.
The Eskimos couldn’t score on their next possession, solidifying the Stamps’ victory.
Calgary hosts the Ottawa REDBLACKS in Week 13, while the Eskimos head to Saskatchewan to take on the struggling Roughriders.
EDMONTON — It took the Stampeders thirty minutes to come alive, but they eventually did in a big way.
Heading into the second half, the Stamps trailed Edmonton 17-3, but led by DaVaris Daniels who scored two touchdowns, Calgary clawed back to win 34-28 in overtime. The come-from-behind Labour Day rematch victory extended the Stamps’ winning streak to eight.
Bo Levi Mitchell threw for over 300+ yards for the ninth time this season – the most of any quarterback in the CFL. Calgary’s star pivot completed 25-of-38 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns.
His counterpart, Mike Reilly, completed 35-of-45 passes for 432 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. Edmonton’s quarterback also had 12 carries for 37 yards in the contest.
Along with his two touchdowns, Daniels finished his night with six receptions for 113 yards.
On the first play of Edmonton’s first possession of the ball game, Reilly found Derel Walker for the Eskimos first major score. The 104-yard touchdown propelled Walker over the 1000-yard receiving mark on the season. Walker finished with seven catches for 164 yards.
Sean Whyte’s 32-yard point after was good and the Eskimos took a 7-0 lead.
Edmonton’s defence was up for the task of taking on the league’s hottest offence, shutting down Bo Levi Mitchell and co. entirely in the first 15 minutes and held them to just a field goal in the first half.
With the Esks in field goal position, Whyte looked to attempt a field goal to add to his team’s lead. But when the holder Jordan Lynch couldn’t handle the snap, he had to scramble to make a play. Lynch didn’t connect his pass with Mike Miller and the Stamps escaped without giving up any more points with 8:51 left in the first quarter.
With just under two minutes left in the first frame, and on a third-and-one, John White couldn’t power through to get the final yard and the ball was back in the hands of the Stampeders.
But they didn’t have it for very long.
Deon Lacey picked off Mitchell’s pass intended for Bakari Grant, giving the ball right back to the home team.
Adarius Bowman hauled in a 26-yard pass to add to the Eskimos lead – turning Lacey’s pick into a major score to start the second quarter – capping off a six play, 66-yard drive. Whyte made the 32-yard field goal, after Bowman’s sixth touchdown of the season, to give the Esks a 14-0 lead.
Rene Paredes put the first points on the board for the Stamps with three and a half minutes left in the first half. With the 40-yard field goal, Paredes extended his streak to 32 consecutive and the Esks held a 14-3 lead.
In response, Reilly immediately found Chris Getzlaf and then White, who rushed for 32 yards, and the Esks were in scoring position at the three minute warning.
A few plays later, on a second-and-goal, Reilly tried to find Walker in the back of the end zone, but missed, bringing the field goal unit to the field. Whyte made the 12-yarder adding to the Esks lead with under a minute left in the half (17-3).
Just when seemed like the last play had been made, and the half was over, it was determined that there was still two seconds left on the clock. Calgary’s field goal unit made their way on to the field and Paredes missed the 47-yard kick, ending his consecutive streak at 32. Kenzel Doe took the return down the field 74-yards but Rob Cote tackled him, saving what could have been another Eskimo score, and Edmonton headed to the locker room with a 17-3 lead.
To start the second half of the contest, the Stamps trotted down the field into scoring position. To cap a 51-yard eight play drive, Paredes kicked a 22-yard field goal to cut the Eskimos lead to 17-6.
Just when it seemed like the Stamps may have started to gain some momentum, the Esks took it right back and started to roll down the field on the next possession.
With Edmonton inside the Calgary 10-yard line, Junior Turner took down Calvin McCarty (who slotted in for White who left shaken up earlier in the third), bringing Whyte back into the game. Whyte made the 16-yard kick extending the Esks lead to 20-6 with 4:17 left in the third quarter.
McCarty was hurt on the play and headed to the locker room for treatment and White made his return.
Daniels, who was completely covered by an Eskimo in the end zone, scored the Stampeders’ first touchdown of the game, catching a 30-yard toss from Mitchell with 2:18 left in the third quarter. Paredes made the 32-yard field goal and the Esks held a 20-13 lead.
White, playing with an apparent sore shoulder, fumbled the football and Josh Bell recovered it giving the Stamps the ball back to end the third quarter.
To cap a nine play, 68-yard drive, Daniels scored his second major of the night, hauling in a 27-yard pass and after Paredes made the point after, the Stamps had tied the game 20-20 with 10:57 left in the fourth.
With five minutes left in the contest, and the scored knotted at 20, Almondo Sewell took down the Stamps’ pivot on a second-and-15, forcing Calgary to punt the ball.
Defensive back Mike Miller replaced White in the running back position, as White and McCarty both nursed injuries.
With 1:15 left in the game, Reilly and his offence had the ball, and a long field, to work with to try for one more score to win the game.
The Esks trotted down the field but had to settle for Whyte trying to kick the game winning field goal with four seconds left on the clock. Whyte missed the 52-yarder, sending the game to over time.
Reilly appeared to have surged into the end zone for a touchdown in the first mini-game, but after a review, it was taken back because he was taken down before he crossed the plane. On his second attempt, the Eskimo pivot snuck in for the major score. Reilly then found Nate Coehoorn for the two-point convert.
When Calgary got the ball, Mitchell threw to Grant, but a pass interference call moved the Stamps all the was down to the one-yard line. Buckley then found the end zone for the touchdown. Mitchell missed the two-point convert intended for Daniels but with Edmonton offside, he was given another chance.
Calgary was then given a ten yard penalty for a delay of game, but Mitchell still was able to find Daniels for an 11-yard two-point convert sending it to another round of overtime.
Calgary had the ball first and Grant hauled in a 23-yard pass from Mitchell for the touchdown. Mitchell looked for Marquay McDaniel for the two-point convert but he was unsuccessful and the Stamps held a 34-28 lead.
The Eskimos couldn’t score on their next possession, solidifying the Stamps’ victory.
Calgary hosts the Ottawa REDBLACKS in Week 13, while the Eskimos head to Saskatchewan to take on the struggling Roughriders.
Sunday, Sept. 11
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (5-5 SU, 5-5 ATS) vs. Toronto Argonauts (4-6 SU, 4-6 ATS)
Point-spread: Hamilton -4
Total: 56
Game Overview
This home-and-home series features two teams headed in opposite directions. Fortunately for Tiger-Cats’ fans their team has some upward momentum at 5-5 with two wins in their last three games both SU and ATS. Zach Collaros continued to shake off the rust from a long layoff with 359 yards passing and four touchdown strikes in Monday’s win while completing 28-of-35 passing attempts.
Toronto is clearly headed in the wrong direction with four losses in a row both SU and ATS. It returns home for Sunday’s game with an unexpected 1-5 record at brand new BMO Field this season both SU and ATS. Ricky Ray still put on a show in Monday’s loss with 386 yards passing and three scores behind a completion rate of 75.6 percent on 41 attempts.
Betting Trends
Hamilton ran its record to 11-1 ATS against Toronto in the last 12 meetings. The Tiger-Cats have also covered ATS in the last eight games of this division tilt and the total has gone OVER in three of the last four meetings.
---------------------------------
Sunday, September 11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAMILTON (5 - 5) at TORONTO (4 - 6) - 9/11/2016, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 8-1 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 7-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
-----------------------------
Sunday, September 11
4:30 PM
HAMILTON vs. TORONTO
Hamilton is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Hamilton is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Hamilton
Toronto is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games
------------------------------------------------
Hamilton (5-5) @ Toronto (4-6)– TiCats (-9) beat Toronto 49-36 LW, after trailing 30-17 at the half; Hamilton outscored Argos 18-0 in 4th quarter (Toronto was playing for 2nd time in five days). TiCats won last six series games, winning 35-29/42-20 in last two trips to Toronto. Under is 7-4 in last 11 series games. Argonauts lost last four games after a 4-2 start; they’re 1-5 at home (over 4-2) with only win over Montreal. Hamilton lost its last three road games, allowing 38 ppg; they’re 3-3 as a favorite this year, 2-0 as a road favorite.
----------------------------
Sunday, September 11
Hamilton @ Toronto
Game 489-490
September 11, 2016 @ 4:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
111.071
Toronto
108.413
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hamilton
by 3
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Hamilton
by 6 1/2
54
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+6 1/2); Over
-------------------------
Sun – Sept. 11
Hamilton at Toronto, 4:30 PM ET
Hamilton: 5-3 ATS off a home win over a division rival
Toronto: 1-7 ATS in a home game where the total is between 52.5 and 56
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (5-5 SU, 5-5 ATS) vs. Toronto Argonauts (4-6 SU, 4-6 ATS)
Point-spread: Hamilton -4
Total: 56
Game Overview
This home-and-home series features two teams headed in opposite directions. Fortunately for Tiger-Cats’ fans their team has some upward momentum at 5-5 with two wins in their last three games both SU and ATS. Zach Collaros continued to shake off the rust from a long layoff with 359 yards passing and four touchdown strikes in Monday’s win while completing 28-of-35 passing attempts.
Toronto is clearly headed in the wrong direction with four losses in a row both SU and ATS. It returns home for Sunday’s game with an unexpected 1-5 record at brand new BMO Field this season both SU and ATS. Ricky Ray still put on a show in Monday’s loss with 386 yards passing and three scores behind a completion rate of 75.6 percent on 41 attempts.
Betting Trends
Hamilton ran its record to 11-1 ATS against Toronto in the last 12 meetings. The Tiger-Cats have also covered ATS in the last eight games of this division tilt and the total has gone OVER in three of the last four meetings.
---------------------------------
Sunday, September 11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAMILTON (5 - 5) at TORONTO (4 - 6) - 9/11/2016, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 8-1 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 7-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
-----------------------------
Sunday, September 11
4:30 PM
HAMILTON vs. TORONTO
Hamilton is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Hamilton is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Hamilton
Toronto is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games
------------------------------------------------
Hamilton (5-5) @ Toronto (4-6)– TiCats (-9) beat Toronto 49-36 LW, after trailing 30-17 at the half; Hamilton outscored Argos 18-0 in 4th quarter (Toronto was playing for 2nd time in five days). TiCats won last six series games, winning 35-29/42-20 in last two trips to Toronto. Under is 7-4 in last 11 series games. Argonauts lost last four games after a 4-2 start; they’re 1-5 at home (over 4-2) with only win over Montreal. Hamilton lost its last three road games, allowing 38 ppg; they’re 3-3 as a favorite this year, 2-0 as a road favorite.
----------------------------
Sunday, September 11
Hamilton @ Toronto
Game 489-490
September 11, 2016 @ 4:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
111.071
Toronto
108.413
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hamilton
by 3
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Hamilton
by 6 1/2
54
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+6 1/2); Over
-------------------------
Sun – Sept. 11
Hamilton at Toronto, 4:30 PM ET
Hamilton: 5-3 ATS off a home win over a division rival
Toronto: 1-7 ATS in a home game where the total is between 52.5 and 56
GAME RECAP
SAME START, DIFFERENT RESULT: LEFEVOUR POWERS ARGOS OVER ‘CATS IN REMATCH
TORONTO – Dan LeFevour passed for 329 yards and Brandon Whitaker galloped along the ground as the Toronto Argonauts, without Ricky Ray, held off another Hamilton comeback with a 33-21 win over the rival Tiger-Cats.
LeFevour completed 75 per cent of his passes against his former club as the Argonauts defence dialed up their best performance of the season in the win.
In fact, the Argonauts defence was so dominant in this one that it held Ticats QB Zach Collaros to under 250 yards passing.
It was going to be tough for these two teams to live up to the first of the home-and-home last Monday where they turned in an instant classic. The two clubs combined for 85 points – an all-time record between them – and an offensive airshow to the tune of over 700 yards and seven touchdown passes between the starting quarterbacks was the headline.
The story surrounding the quarterbacks carried well into the week leading into this one as it was revealed that Argonauts veteran Ricky Ray sustained a fractured rib in the loss forcing him to miss the next 4-6 weeks.
As a result it was Dan LeFevour making his first career start in Double Blue, just a month after joining the club and looking to replace Ray who owns the league’s third-best Quarterback Rating.
Anyone asking how LeFevour would fare after almost two years between starts were answered with a 7-play, 71-yard touchdown drive which he marched with confidence and finished with a completion to Tori Gurley on a corner route.
For Gurley, his third touchdown in the two-game series.
Lost in last week’s defeat to the ‘Cats was a dominant first quarter by the Argos defence before Collaros and company had a chance to snuff out their game plan. Pressure was the name of the game in the first half as the Toronto defensive line dialed up the heat on the Tiger-Cats’ firs three possessions. Getting to Collaros made him force a pass into to Terrence Toliver which was batted and knocked into the hands of TJ Heath who returned the interception to the Hamilton 40 yard line.
The turnover set up a 35-yard field goal for Lirim Hajrullahu – who already had a make to extend the Argos lead to 13-0 as the second quarter got underway.
Collaros tried to take advantage of some open space due to the rush by the Argonauts and on a second-and-14, he exposed Toronto’s blitz. The Argos sent the house, Collaros dropped back and delivered a strike to Toliver who got in behind CB AJ Jefferson and battled his way into the endzone for a 59-yard major.
Lefevour looked to answer after completing 8 of his first 10 passes. He promptly delivered first down passes to Kevin Elliott and Kenny Shaw but his first blemish would come at the hands of DE Adrian Tracey who made a play on a bootleg, knocking down a pass into the flat and intercepting it near mid field to stall the Argos drive.
The turnover led to a 51-yard Brett Maher field goal to cut the Argos lead to 13-10.
The previous pick seemed to rattle the Argos pivot as his next pass would result in the same way. Another intermediate pass over the middle was read perfectly by a dropping Larry Dean. The middle linebacker snagged the errant toss and returned it to the Toronto 10 yard line. Four plays later Jeremiah Masoli seized the lead with a 1-yard touchdown plunge.
As the second quarter ticked down, the Argos were just trying to get to halftime before more momentum slipped away. A 41-yard punt return from Brandon Banks didn’t help their cause antoher Maher boot followed to increase the Hamilton lead to 20-13.
The Argos added a field goal right before half that may have done more to calm LeFevour’s nerves – who completed four passes on the drive – than it did putting points on the board.
The second half began with the Tiger-Cats holding a four-point lead but it was the Argonauts who would seize momentum and the lead back in quick order.
On the first play from scrimmage, LeFevour chucked a pass up for Gurley who out-jumped a pair of Ticat defenders and hauled in an unreal 45-yard pass. A play later, Whitaker took a handoff, countered an off-tackle run back to the middle and raced through the teeth of the Hamilton defence, scampering 36 yards for a touchdown.
Hamilton followed with a two-and-out but could not get a punt away to flip the field back in their favour. For the second straight week, the Argos blocked a Maher punt to gain instant field position for their quarterback. A Justin Hickman block and recover led to a 6-yard run by Whitaker to open the Toronto lead to 30-20 early in the third.
With LeFevour back in a rythem and the special teams coming up with a huge play it was the defence’s job to set the tone in the third and their defensive line obliged. On almost every play from scrimmage, Collaros was seeing a blitzing Toronto Argonaut, keeping him on the turf and the ‘Cats off the scoreboard.
As the ‘D’ held Collaros in check, LeFevour went over the 300 yard passing mark for the day with a big first down completion to Elliott to set up a 30-yard field goal to extend the lead to 13.
Despite the one-sided second half, the Tiger-Cats were still within striking distance and looking to cut into the lead with a touchdown. Collaros completed four straight passes for 70 yards to get the Tiger-Cats in the redzone. With just over 5 minutes remaining, Collaros dropped back, locked in on a receiver over the middle but Heath once again stepped in the passing lane and intercepted throw in the endzone.
LeFevour and the Argos killed the clock with the help of another turnover to seal the win as they take a big win into Winnipeg next week to play a red-hot Blue Bombers squad. Meanwhile the Tiger-Cats return home to take on the Montreal Alouettes.
SAME START, DIFFERENT RESULT: LEFEVOUR POWERS ARGOS OVER ‘CATS IN REMATCH
TORONTO – Dan LeFevour passed for 329 yards and Brandon Whitaker galloped along the ground as the Toronto Argonauts, without Ricky Ray, held off another Hamilton comeback with a 33-21 win over the rival Tiger-Cats.
LeFevour completed 75 per cent of his passes against his former club as the Argonauts defence dialed up their best performance of the season in the win.
In fact, the Argonauts defence was so dominant in this one that it held Ticats QB Zach Collaros to under 250 yards passing.
It was going to be tough for these two teams to live up to the first of the home-and-home last Monday where they turned in an instant classic. The two clubs combined for 85 points – an all-time record between them – and an offensive airshow to the tune of over 700 yards and seven touchdown passes between the starting quarterbacks was the headline.
The story surrounding the quarterbacks carried well into the week leading into this one as it was revealed that Argonauts veteran Ricky Ray sustained a fractured rib in the loss forcing him to miss the next 4-6 weeks.
As a result it was Dan LeFevour making his first career start in Double Blue, just a month after joining the club and looking to replace Ray who owns the league’s third-best Quarterback Rating.
Anyone asking how LeFevour would fare after almost two years between starts were answered with a 7-play, 71-yard touchdown drive which he marched with confidence and finished with a completion to Tori Gurley on a corner route.
For Gurley, his third touchdown in the two-game series.
Lost in last week’s defeat to the ‘Cats was a dominant first quarter by the Argos defence before Collaros and company had a chance to snuff out their game plan. Pressure was the name of the game in the first half as the Toronto defensive line dialed up the heat on the Tiger-Cats’ firs three possessions. Getting to Collaros made him force a pass into to Terrence Toliver which was batted and knocked into the hands of TJ Heath who returned the interception to the Hamilton 40 yard line.
The turnover set up a 35-yard field goal for Lirim Hajrullahu – who already had a make to extend the Argos lead to 13-0 as the second quarter got underway.
Collaros tried to take advantage of some open space due to the rush by the Argonauts and on a second-and-14, he exposed Toronto’s blitz. The Argos sent the house, Collaros dropped back and delivered a strike to Toliver who got in behind CB AJ Jefferson and battled his way into the endzone for a 59-yard major.
Lefevour looked to answer after completing 8 of his first 10 passes. He promptly delivered first down passes to Kevin Elliott and Kenny Shaw but his first blemish would come at the hands of DE Adrian Tracey who made a play on a bootleg, knocking down a pass into the flat and intercepting it near mid field to stall the Argos drive.
The turnover led to a 51-yard Brett Maher field goal to cut the Argos lead to 13-10.
The previous pick seemed to rattle the Argos pivot as his next pass would result in the same way. Another intermediate pass over the middle was read perfectly by a dropping Larry Dean. The middle linebacker snagged the errant toss and returned it to the Toronto 10 yard line. Four plays later Jeremiah Masoli seized the lead with a 1-yard touchdown plunge.
As the second quarter ticked down, the Argos were just trying to get to halftime before more momentum slipped away. A 41-yard punt return from Brandon Banks didn’t help their cause antoher Maher boot followed to increase the Hamilton lead to 20-13.
The Argos added a field goal right before half that may have done more to calm LeFevour’s nerves – who completed four passes on the drive – than it did putting points on the board.
The second half began with the Tiger-Cats holding a four-point lead but it was the Argonauts who would seize momentum and the lead back in quick order.
On the first play from scrimmage, LeFevour chucked a pass up for Gurley who out-jumped a pair of Ticat defenders and hauled in an unreal 45-yard pass. A play later, Whitaker took a handoff, countered an off-tackle run back to the middle and raced through the teeth of the Hamilton defence, scampering 36 yards for a touchdown.
Hamilton followed with a two-and-out but could not get a punt away to flip the field back in their favour. For the second straight week, the Argos blocked a Maher punt to gain instant field position for their quarterback. A Justin Hickman block and recover led to a 6-yard run by Whitaker to open the Toronto lead to 30-20 early in the third.
With LeFevour back in a rythem and the special teams coming up with a huge play it was the defence’s job to set the tone in the third and their defensive line obliged. On almost every play from scrimmage, Collaros was seeing a blitzing Toronto Argonaut, keeping him on the turf and the ‘Cats off the scoreboard.
As the ‘D’ held Collaros in check, LeFevour went over the 300 yard passing mark for the day with a big first down completion to Elliott to set up a 30-yard field goal to extend the lead to 13.
Despite the one-sided second half, the Tiger-Cats were still within striking distance and looking to cut into the lead with a touchdown. Collaros completed four straight passes for 70 yards to get the Tiger-Cats in the redzone. With just over 5 minutes remaining, Collaros dropped back, locked in on a receiver over the middle but Heath once again stepped in the passing lane and intercepted throw in the endzone.
LeFevour and the Argos killed the clock with the help of another turnover to seal the win as they take a big win into Winnipeg next week to play a red-hot Blue Bombers squad. Meanwhile the Tiger-Cats return home to take on the Montreal Alouettes.
