1. Calgary Stampeders
Stomped the Riders in Riderville. Sure they lost once to Montreal, but flukey things happen in the CFL.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Still undefeated, but they were very close to losing to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, albeit on the road.
3. BC Lions
Ginger Jesus aka Travis Lulay has taken over as quarterback and running wild. He's not that old by CFL quarterback terms and played sparingly last year. Quarterback controversy brewing?
4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Lost to the Lions on the road. But it was close! And the could have won. Cross-over spot in the Bombers future it looks like
5. Toronto Argonauts
After beating Ottawa at home, one can't argue that the Argos, with Ray, Trestman and Popp are the kings of the East. For whatever that is worth. Picking up almost over the hill players on the cheap like Bear Woods has worked out well.
6. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Their record doesn't indicate it, but they aren't a bad team despite losing to Toronto on the road. They'll probably make the playoffs by the end of the year.
7. Montreal Alouettes
They had a bye week so that's something.
8. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Trounced by Calgary and at home. At this rate the Riders won't be crossing over.
9. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The team played well against Edmonton, then a player goes down late in the secondary and the Ticats can't stop the Eskimos for driving for a game winning score. Still winless. Sad.
Showing posts with label saskatchewan roughriders. Show all posts
Showing posts with label saskatchewan roughriders. Show all posts
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Thursday, July 13, 2017
2017 CFL Predictions Week 4
Toronto at Winnipeg
At the start of year, the West seems better than the East in the CFL (as it often seems to be). Also the Argos are on the road. I think it is pretty safe to pick the Bombers at home.
Blue Bombers 26 Argonauts 22
Calgary at Montreal
Can the Alouettes stop the Stampeder freight train. No.
Stampeders 39 Alouettes 19
Ottawa at Edmonton
East versus West. West at home. Ottawa seems snake bit this year. So I could see them losing on the road.
Eskimos 27 REDBLACKS 24
BC at Hamilton
As a Hamilton fan, this hasn't been a great start to the season. One hoped the secondary would be improved this year, but it seems to be worse. Whether Collaros just doesn't have it anymore or the offensive line is just that bad, is unknown, but either scenario is bad for the Cats. Jennings has had a reasonable start to the season, so even though they are three times zones off, the Lions are currently the better team.
Lions 35 Tiger-Cats 22
At the start of year, the West seems better than the East in the CFL (as it often seems to be). Also the Argos are on the road. I think it is pretty safe to pick the Bombers at home.
Blue Bombers 26 Argonauts 22
Calgary at Montreal
Can the Alouettes stop the Stampeder freight train. No.
Stampeders 39 Alouettes 19
Ottawa at Edmonton
East versus West. West at home. Ottawa seems snake bit this year. So I could see them losing on the road.
Eskimos 27 REDBLACKS 24
BC at Hamilton
As a Hamilton fan, this hasn't been a great start to the season. One hoped the secondary would be improved this year, but it seems to be worse. Whether Collaros just doesn't have it anymore or the offensive line is just that bad, is unknown, but either scenario is bad for the Cats. Jennings has had a reasonable start to the season, so even though they are three times zones off, the Lions are currently the better team.
Lions 35 Tiger-Cats 22
Thursday, August 13, 2015
2015 CFL Picks Week 8
Edmonton at Montreal
The Eskimos have a great defence and the Alouettes defence isn't too shabby either. Edmonton is missing Adarius Bowman, their top receiver which obviously hurts. Edmonton has managed to be a good team despite missing Mike Reilly and going with Matt Nichols, who has been kind of meh. Rakeem Cato has been impressive for Montreal, although their record hasn't been great. I'm going to go with that old CFL standby of going with the home team.
Alouettes 26 Eskimos 25
Toronto at Winnipeg
If Bomber quarterback Drew Willy wasn't whacked while playing in Hamilton last week, I would go with Winnipeg. The Bombers are going with Robert Marve at quarterback who is quite green. The Bombers have lost other players to injury so I think the Argos with Trevor Harris have the advantage. The Argos have shown no problems winning on the road in 2015.
Argonauts 30 Blue Bombers 21
BC at Hamilton
The Tiger-Cats have CJ Gable and Andy Fantuz out with arm injuries, but they still have Zach Collaros at quarterback plus a lot of decent receivers including Luke Tasker and Bakari Grant to drive the offense. Holley at running back is a bit of downgrade to Gable, but the offense is still good. The Lions have been up and down, although non-import Andrew Harris is having a great year at running back. Hamilton's defence and special teams have also been good and the Cats are undefeated at Tim Horton's Field. I don't see that changing.
Tiger-Cats 29 Lions 23
Ottawa at Calgary
The REDBLACKS have surprised this year by being better than they were expected to be. Calgary is good, but not as good as last year's Grey Cup winning team, plus Jon Cornish is out with a thumb injury. Chris Williams is still on the one game injured list as of today, which definitely hurts Ottawa. Ottawa still has a lot of receivers, but Williams when healthy is one of the most dangerous threats in the CFL. Assuming Williams doesn't play, plus Calgary being at home means a Stamps victory.
Stampeders 33 REDBLACKS 24
The Eskimos have a great defence and the Alouettes defence isn't too shabby either. Edmonton is missing Adarius Bowman, their top receiver which obviously hurts. Edmonton has managed to be a good team despite missing Mike Reilly and going with Matt Nichols, who has been kind of meh. Rakeem Cato has been impressive for Montreal, although their record hasn't been great. I'm going to go with that old CFL standby of going with the home team.
Alouettes 26 Eskimos 25
Toronto at Winnipeg
If Bomber quarterback Drew Willy wasn't whacked while playing in Hamilton last week, I would go with Winnipeg. The Bombers are going with Robert Marve at quarterback who is quite green. The Bombers have lost other players to injury so I think the Argos with Trevor Harris have the advantage. The Argos have shown no problems winning on the road in 2015.
Argonauts 30 Blue Bombers 21
BC at Hamilton
The Tiger-Cats have CJ Gable and Andy Fantuz out with arm injuries, but they still have Zach Collaros at quarterback plus a lot of decent receivers including Luke Tasker and Bakari Grant to drive the offense. Holley at running back is a bit of downgrade to Gable, but the offense is still good. The Lions have been up and down, although non-import Andrew Harris is having a great year at running back. Hamilton's defence and special teams have also been good and the Cats are undefeated at Tim Horton's Field. I don't see that changing.
Tiger-Cats 29 Lions 23
Ottawa at Calgary
The REDBLACKS have surprised this year by being better than they were expected to be. Calgary is good, but not as good as last year's Grey Cup winning team, plus Jon Cornish is out with a thumb injury. Chris Williams is still on the one game injured list as of today, which definitely hurts Ottawa. Ottawa still has a lot of receivers, but Williams when healthy is one of the most dangerous threats in the CFL. Assuming Williams doesn't play, plus Calgary being at home means a Stamps victory.
Stampeders 33 REDBLACKS 24
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
2015 CFL Picks Week 6
BC at Winnipeg
Surprisingly, Drew Willy is supposed to be starting at quarterback after getting sandwiched last week against Edmonton. The Bombers have been good with Willy and poor with his backup Brohm. BC has been somewhat meh this year, despite Travis Lulay playing and not being injured. Since it seems both quarterbacks could be suddenly injured at any time, I'll pick the home team.
Bombers 24 Lions 20
Saskatchewan at Edmonton
The Riders are now 0 and 5, Kevin Glenn was just placed on the six game injured list and the team is down to whoever their third string quarterback is. Edmonton on the other hand is starting their former second stringer Nichols even though their third stringer Franklin looked good last week. The Riders are on the road and have found any way possible to lose. I expect it to contain with much bitching in the province.
Eskimos 30 Roughriders 17
Montreal at Calgary
The Stampeders are still a good team, although their offensive line isn't as good as last year and Jon Cornish is injured. The Alouettes seem to have found a keeper in quarterback Rakeem Cato, himself essentially the fifth stringer in camp. Still the Stamps are at home, where they are 3 and 0 while the Alouettes are 0 and 1 on the road.
Stampeders 26 Alouettes 17
Toronto at Hamilton
Arguably the premier game in week 6. The Argos have fashioned a 3 and 1 record with backup quarterback Trevor Harris. Hamilton is 2 and 2 after four games on the road. Importantly the Ticats are home at Tim Horton's Field where they were undefeated in 2015. Plus the Ticats are starting to get healthier, including CJ Gable who last week against the Riders resurrected the Tiger-Cat running game with over 100 yards. Expect a hard fought game, but Gable and Ticat kicker Justin Medlock to make the difference.
Tiger-Cats 27 Argonauts 25
Surprisingly, Drew Willy is supposed to be starting at quarterback after getting sandwiched last week against Edmonton. The Bombers have been good with Willy and poor with his backup Brohm. BC has been somewhat meh this year, despite Travis Lulay playing and not being injured. Since it seems both quarterbacks could be suddenly injured at any time, I'll pick the home team.
Bombers 24 Lions 20
Saskatchewan at Edmonton
The Riders are now 0 and 5, Kevin Glenn was just placed on the six game injured list and the team is down to whoever their third string quarterback is. Edmonton on the other hand is starting their former second stringer Nichols even though their third stringer Franklin looked good last week. The Riders are on the road and have found any way possible to lose. I expect it to contain with much bitching in the province.
Eskimos 30 Roughriders 17
Montreal at Calgary
The Stampeders are still a good team, although their offensive line isn't as good as last year and Jon Cornish is injured. The Alouettes seem to have found a keeper in quarterback Rakeem Cato, himself essentially the fifth stringer in camp. Still the Stamps are at home, where they are 3 and 0 while the Alouettes are 0 and 1 on the road.
Stampeders 26 Alouettes 17
Toronto at Hamilton
Arguably the premier game in week 6. The Argos have fashioned a 3 and 1 record with backup quarterback Trevor Harris. Hamilton is 2 and 2 after four games on the road. Importantly the Ticats are home at Tim Horton's Field where they were undefeated in 2015. Plus the Ticats are starting to get healthier, including CJ Gable who last week against the Riders resurrected the Tiger-Cat running game with over 100 yards. Expect a hard fought game, but Gable and Ticat kicker Justin Medlock to make the difference.
Tiger-Cats 27 Argonauts 25
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Saskatchewan Roughriders Annual Report Out of 2014; Total Revenue $42.4 Million
The Saskatchewan Roughriders annual report for 2014 is out and includes a lot of interesting info. The Leader Post has an article with the pertinent details.
Of note, total revenues were $42.4 million for fiscal 2014-2015 down from $43.8 million the previous year, however that included a Grey Cup. Considering the Grey Cup is probably worth more than $1.4 million dollars one would have to think 2014-2015 is a better year than 2013-2014. Considering that the salary cap for last year was only $5 million, a lot of money was spent on non-salary expenses.
Profit was $2.2 million, although considering the Riders are a non-profit, they are going to basically spend what they have. The Ticats supposedly will be profitable in 2015-2016 although no doubt on much lower revenues.
Of note, total revenues were $42.4 million for fiscal 2014-2015 down from $43.8 million the previous year, however that included a Grey Cup. Considering the Grey Cup is probably worth more than $1.4 million dollars one would have to think 2014-2015 is a better year than 2013-2014. Considering that the salary cap for last year was only $5 million, a lot of money was spent on non-salary expenses.
Profit was $2.2 million, although considering the Riders are a non-profit, they are going to basically spend what they have. The Ticats supposedly will be profitable in 2015-2016 although no doubt on much lower revenues.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
2015 CFL Power Rankings: Pre Trainnig Camp Edition
1. Calgary Stampeders
The reigning Grey Cup champs may have lost some parts, but they're still a class above the rest of the league in consistency.
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Losing two potential Canadian starters before training camps starts definitely hurts but the Cats still have good Canadian strength and picking up Bomben in a trade with Montreal before the draft likely allows them to play three Canadians on the line. Collaros is obviously a star, and the rest of the offense is impressive with both CJ Gable and Nic Grigsby at running back.
3. Edmonton Eskimos
If quarterback Mike Reilly stays healthy, the Eskimos will do well. If Reilly who historically has taken a beating is injured, Edmonton won't be very good. I'm assuming he's healthy now.
4. Saskatchewan Roughriders
This placing assumes Darian Durant is healthy enough to start at quarterback again. The Riders have great defensive talent, but last year were weak at backup quarterback.
5. Montreal Alouettes
Can Crompton continue kicking ass as Montreal's starting quarterback? I've argued his numbers weren't great, but with Montreal's defense he doesn't need to be. No Duron Carter as a target is going to hurt.
6. BC Lions
Is Travis Lulay really going to be back and start? I'm skeptical. The rest of the team is meh.
7. Toronto Argonauts
Now that the Argos are sold, I'm assuming some money will flow from Bell and Tanenbaum. Yet another quarterback question, will Ricky Ray be healthy for the start of the season? I say not 100%.
8. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Lots of receivers. An aging Hank Burris. Better than Winnipeg
9. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Bombers continue their rebuild. Maybe they're better. But not much.
The reigning Grey Cup champs may have lost some parts, but they're still a class above the rest of the league in consistency.
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Losing two potential Canadian starters before training camps starts definitely hurts but the Cats still have good Canadian strength and picking up Bomben in a trade with Montreal before the draft likely allows them to play three Canadians on the line. Collaros is obviously a star, and the rest of the offense is impressive with both CJ Gable and Nic Grigsby at running back.
3. Edmonton Eskimos
If quarterback Mike Reilly stays healthy, the Eskimos will do well. If Reilly who historically has taken a beating is injured, Edmonton won't be very good. I'm assuming he's healthy now.
4. Saskatchewan Roughriders
This placing assumes Darian Durant is healthy enough to start at quarterback again. The Riders have great defensive talent, but last year were weak at backup quarterback.
5. Montreal Alouettes
Can Crompton continue kicking ass as Montreal's starting quarterback? I've argued his numbers weren't great, but with Montreal's defense he doesn't need to be. No Duron Carter as a target is going to hurt.
6. BC Lions
Is Travis Lulay really going to be back and start? I'm skeptical. The rest of the team is meh.
7. Toronto Argonauts
Now that the Argos are sold, I'm assuming some money will flow from Bell and Tanenbaum. Yet another quarterback question, will Ricky Ray be healthy for the start of the season? I say not 100%.
8. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Lots of receivers. An aging Hank Burris. Better than Winnipeg
9. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Bombers continue their rebuild. Maybe they're better. But not much.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Vancouver Sun Article Comparing BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps
The Vancouver Sun has a good article comparing which team in BC is second to the Canucks in terms of popularity. As someone interested in the economics of the CFL I always find these articles interesting. Some interesting points:
"Nationally, only the $1.3-billion Toronto Maple Leafs and $1-billion Montreal Canadiens of the NHL plus the $920-million Toronto Raptors of the NBA and $870-million Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball are valued as bigger Canadian sport franchises by Forbes."
"Nationally, only the $1.3-billion Toronto Maple Leafs and $1-billion Montreal Canadiens of the NHL plus the $920-million Toronto Raptors of the NBA and $870-million Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball are valued as bigger Canadian sport franchises by Forbes."
March 2015 CFL Power Rankings
It is the last day of March and I'm getting around to doing the power rankings for this month. Not a lot has changed. The Ticats resigned receiver Bakari Grant at a salary advantageous to the team which I definitely think is a positive for them. And I don't have a lot else. Naming a commissioner I don't think should affect the power rankings.
1. Calgary Stampeders
They won the Grey Cup and have Bo Levi Mitchell signed long term. They have lost some players, but they still have talent.
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
With the signing of Bakari Grant the Cats again have a solid receiving corps going into a second season with Zach Collaros. Sure they lost Greg Ellingson to Ottawa (who I do like) but he wasn't really starting last year anyways. The Cats did sign Nic Grigsby to go along with C.J. Gable at running back so the Cats are likely set on offense over all, even if Gable gets injured again.
The Cats did lose their best corner in Breaux to the New Orleans Saints, but they have a lot of Canadian talent on defence and could potentially start four Canadians. That's some solid depth.
3. Edmonton Eskimos
I'm assuming Mike Reilly is healthy at the start of the year.The Eskimos were a great team in the first half of 2014 and not particularly great in the second half. I think Edmonton should be good this year as well, but they will depend on Reilly and more importantly depend on him not getting injured. That last part I'm not that sure about.
4. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
Again I'm assuming that a starting quarterback is back and healthy. I like Durant and I like Saskatchewan's commitment to the run. I like Dressler and the Rider defence. We'll see how these all hold out. Probably not enough for delusional Rider fans.
5. BC Lions
So Travis Lulay is coming back? I don't doubt it is possible, but he is just as likely to blow out his shoulder signing autographs. There's talent on this team, but too many question marks. Like how well Andrew Harris plays.
6. Montreal Alouettes
Well they don't have receiver Duron Carter any more (and we don't have to listen to Rod Black pointing out who his father is constantly which is good for non-Montreal CFL fans). I've never really been on the bandwagon of Jonathon Crompton; to me his stats are a bit sucky. However the Alouettes have a good defence. And they have signed Dan LeFevour as a backup quarterback, which I think is good.
7. Toronto Argonauts
They still have Ricky Ray and Chad Owens which helps. Honestly, the Argos need to be sold and moved to BMO as soon as possible. I think that would help their team record a lot.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
They could surprise like they did the first six games of last year. Or suck like the last 12. Considering I have them second last, you can guess who I think the real Bombers are.
9. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Way better receivers, but they still have Henry Burris as the starter. I think the REDBLACKS will definitely win more than 2 games this year, but even five more wins puts them at only seven wins. Still I don't think it is inconceivable that if everything broke their way they could get an even win loss season (that may or may not include a lot of other teams losing their starting quarterbacks for extended periods of time).
1. Calgary Stampeders
They won the Grey Cup and have Bo Levi Mitchell signed long term. They have lost some players, but they still have talent.
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
With the signing of Bakari Grant the Cats again have a solid receiving corps going into a second season with Zach Collaros. Sure they lost Greg Ellingson to Ottawa (who I do like) but he wasn't really starting last year anyways. The Cats did sign Nic Grigsby to go along with C.J. Gable at running back so the Cats are likely set on offense over all, even if Gable gets injured again.
The Cats did lose their best corner in Breaux to the New Orleans Saints, but they have a lot of Canadian talent on defence and could potentially start four Canadians. That's some solid depth.
3. Edmonton Eskimos
I'm assuming Mike Reilly is healthy at the start of the year.The Eskimos were a great team in the first half of 2014 and not particularly great in the second half. I think Edmonton should be good this year as well, but they will depend on Reilly and more importantly depend on him not getting injured. That last part I'm not that sure about.
4. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
Again I'm assuming that a starting quarterback is back and healthy. I like Durant and I like Saskatchewan's commitment to the run. I like Dressler and the Rider defence. We'll see how these all hold out. Probably not enough for delusional Rider fans.
5. BC Lions
So Travis Lulay is coming back? I don't doubt it is possible, but he is just as likely to blow out his shoulder signing autographs. There's talent on this team, but too many question marks. Like how well Andrew Harris plays.
6. Montreal Alouettes
Well they don't have receiver Duron Carter any more (and we don't have to listen to Rod Black pointing out who his father is constantly which is good for non-Montreal CFL fans). I've never really been on the bandwagon of Jonathon Crompton; to me his stats are a bit sucky. However the Alouettes have a good defence. And they have signed Dan LeFevour as a backup quarterback, which I think is good.
7. Toronto Argonauts
They still have Ricky Ray and Chad Owens which helps. Honestly, the Argos need to be sold and moved to BMO as soon as possible. I think that would help their team record a lot.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
They could surprise like they did the first six games of last year. Or suck like the last 12. Considering I have them second last, you can guess who I think the real Bombers are.
9. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Way better receivers, but they still have Henry Burris as the starter. I think the REDBLACKS will definitely win more than 2 games this year, but even five more wins puts them at only seven wins. Still I don't think it is inconceivable that if everything broke their way they could get an even win loss season (that may or may not include a lot of other teams losing their starting quarterbacks for extended periods of time).
Monday, March 2, 2015
Former CFL First Round Pick Shomari Williams Released By Saskatchewan Roughriders
I saw on cfl.ca that the Riders released non-import defensive end Shomari Williams. Williams was drafted first overall by the Riders in 2010. Williams signed in 2013 with the Cats as a free agent and was pretty much injured the entire season, which was a major disappointment. The Cats traded him back to the Riders for the 2014 season.
Williams as a non-import was likely drawing a large salary, but only appeared to play special teams in 2014 with 17 special teams tackles. I'm doubting the Cats would sign him as they have plenty of Canadian (arguably too much) defensive line talent.
Williams as a non-import was likely drawing a large salary, but only appeared to play special teams in 2014 with 17 special teams tackles. I'm doubting the Cats would sign him as they have plenty of Canadian (arguably too much) defensive line talent.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Ricky Foley Back in Toronto After Trade With Roughriders For Emry
Not totally shocked to see defensive end and non-import Ricky Foley back in Toronto after a trade with the Riders that saw non-import linebacker Shea Emry go the other way. Foley went to York University (not exactly a powerhouse in the CIS) and is from Courtice, east of Toronto so returning back home is often appealing for CFL players.
Foley has a nose for the Grey Cup, winning with Toronto in 2012 and Saskatchewan in 2013. Foley, although not young had arguably his best season in 2014, with 12 sacks and 54 tackles. I believe that was the most sacks in the CFL for a non-import.
Foley has a nose for the Grey Cup, winning with Toronto in 2012 and Saskatchewan in 2013. Foley, although not young had arguably his best season in 2014, with 12 sacks and 54 tackles. I believe that was the most sacks in the CFL for a non-import.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
When Does the 2015 CFL Schedule Come Out?
Sure it still is 2014, but that isn't to early to start wondering when the 2015 schedule comes out. Last year the schedule came out somewhat early, coming out on February 12th. That seems strange considering both Hamilton and Ottawa had stadiums that would not be ready initially (and in Hamilton's case we all know it wasn't ready until Labour Day) and that meant planning the schedule should have been more difficult than normal.
This year with Tim Horton's Field and TD Place done, scheduling should become significantly easier. Hamilton can have a game whenever they want now and Ottawa I suppose has to work with their soccer team, although I'm guessing the REDBLACKS have priority. Montreal has some limitations in that games at Percival Molson Stadium have to be on Sundays when McGill is in session, but they can have a game pretty much every week if they want.
The main problem for CFL scheduling is the Toronto Argonauts at the Rogers Centre and having to work around the Blue Jays and whatever other road blocks Rogers puts in the team's way. The 2015 Toronto Blue Jays schedule has been out for a while now. The Jays are away from July 3rd to the 12th, so having the home opener then looks plausible. The Jays are also away for the Friday after Labour Day, so the Ticats and Argos could potentially have a home and home. The last Jays regular season home game is on Sunday September 27th.
Strangely the schedule was released really late in 2013, only coming out around March 5th. In 2012 it was on February 18th. It was also February 18th in 2011.
So a good prediction might be February 12th this year, or maybe a couple of days earlier since the stadiums are all ready.
This year with Tim Horton's Field and TD Place done, scheduling should become significantly easier. Hamilton can have a game whenever they want now and Ottawa I suppose has to work with their soccer team, although I'm guessing the REDBLACKS have priority. Montreal has some limitations in that games at Percival Molson Stadium have to be on Sundays when McGill is in session, but they can have a game pretty much every week if they want.
The main problem for CFL scheduling is the Toronto Argonauts at the Rogers Centre and having to work around the Blue Jays and whatever other road blocks Rogers puts in the team's way. The 2015 Toronto Blue Jays schedule has been out for a while now. The Jays are away from July 3rd to the 12th, so having the home opener then looks plausible. The Jays are also away for the Friday after Labour Day, so the Ticats and Argos could potentially have a home and home. The last Jays regular season home game is on Sunday September 27th.
Strangely the schedule was released really late in 2013, only coming out around March 5th. In 2012 it was on February 18th. It was also February 18th in 2011.
So a good prediction might be February 12th this year, or maybe a couple of days earlier since the stadiums are all ready.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
CFL Team Twitter Follower Numbers, December 2014
Which CFL team has the most Twitter followers? Which has the least? Unsurprisingly the Riders have the most (as of today):
Saskatchewan Roughriders 101,000
BC Lions 64,900
Winnipeg Blue Bombers 63,300
Montreal Alouettes 60,300
Toronto Argonauts 57,300
Calgary Stampeders 53,500
Edmonton Eskimos 48,300
Hamilton Tiger-Cats 47,600
Ottawa REDBLACKS 27,600
So the Ticats are second last in the CFL, ahead of the obviously new REDBLACKS. But they aren't that far behind the other teams. However the Ticats follow the least people, while some teams are following whores by comparison, which may be boosting their own follower numbers:
Saskatchewan Roughriders 18,900
Toronto Argonauts 13,900
BC Lions 3509
Montreal Alouettes 1364
Calgary Stampeders 680
Ottawa REDBLACKS 679
Saskatchewan Roughriders 101,000
BC Lions 64,900
Winnipeg Blue Bombers 63,300
Montreal Alouettes 60,300
Toronto Argonauts 57,300
Calgary Stampeders 53,500
Edmonton Eskimos 48,300
Hamilton Tiger-Cats 47,600
Ottawa REDBLACKS 27,600
So the Ticats are second last in the CFL, ahead of the obviously new REDBLACKS. But they aren't that far behind the other teams. However the Ticats follow the least people, while some teams are following whores by comparison, which may be boosting their own follower numbers:
Saskatchewan Roughriders 18,900
Toronto Argonauts 13,900
BC Lions 3509
Montreal Alouettes 1364
Calgary Stampeders 680
Ottawa REDBLACKS 679
Edmonton Eskimos 620
Winnipeg Blue Bombers 447
Hamilton Tiger-Cats 139
I'm not sure why the Ticats follow so few people on Twitter, but they do follow less than one hundredth of what the Argos do. Do the Ticats follow all their players? Or maybe when a player leaves the team, they unfollow them because they don't want them cluttering up their Twitter feed.
I'm a little surprised that Edmonton has so few followers, but perhaps as a community owned team they're not as focused on social media as a private company would be.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers 447
Hamilton Tiger-Cats 139
I'm not sure why the Ticats follow so few people on Twitter, but they do follow less than one hundredth of what the Argos do. Do the Ticats follow all their players? Or maybe when a player leaves the team, they unfollow them because they don't want them cluttering up their Twitter feed.
I'm a little surprised that Edmonton has so few followers, but perhaps as a community owned team they're not as focused on social media as a private company would be.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
2014 CFL East and West Semi-Final Predictions
So it's playoff time in the CFL. I've waited until just before game time to make my predictions, not because I wanted the most info, but because I'm lazy.
BC at Montreal
The Lions cross-over from the West with a 9 and 9 record, the same as the Alouettes (and the Ticats). The Alouettes could have avoided this game by losing by less than seven in Hamilton last week, but they've been hot, going 7 and 2 in the second half. The Lions were 4 and 5 in the last half of the season and all those victories were over the Bombers and the REDBLACKS. So there's that.
There's rumours that quarterback Travis Lulay could play and he isn't on the injured list, but I don't expect him to be a factor. More troubling for BC of late has been running back Andrew Harris being on the six game injured list.
The game is outside in Montreal which I think benefits the Alouettes although running back Brandon Whitaker is injured. The Als are only favoured by three points which is pretty much the average spread for a home team in the CFL, indicating the teams are evenly matched.
BC has in the past won a cross-over game (with Casey Printers at quarterback over Hamilton), but I think Montreal wins this in a close one due to their better defence.
Alouettes 22 Lions 17
Saskatchewan at Edmonton
If quarterback Mike Reilly wasn't injured, the Eskimos would have to be favoured over the Riders without Darian Durant. Instead we have a battle of backup quarterbacks in Edmonton.
Edmonton has been the better team, especially of late when the Riders have been terrible after Durant went down with an elbow injury. The Riders have gone so far as to resurrect Kerry Joseph's career (at least they didn't call Michael Bishop) and he starts this game over Tino Sunseri who himself has mostly been crap.
The Eskimos go with backup Matt Nichols who has mostly been mediocre and certainly isn't Reilly.
Both teams have decent running games, Saskatchewan relying on it heavily even with Durant healthy early in the year. Mid-November in Edmonton probably isn't going to be great weather wise, and with backups aplenty don't expect the air game to do much.
Last I checked the Eskimos were favoured by seven at home. I still think they will win, but this game is more interesting with Reilly hurt. There will likely be a lot of Rider fans in the stands, but it won't make much difference.
Eskimos 19 Riders 15
BC at Montreal
The Lions cross-over from the West with a 9 and 9 record, the same as the Alouettes (and the Ticats). The Alouettes could have avoided this game by losing by less than seven in Hamilton last week, but they've been hot, going 7 and 2 in the second half. The Lions were 4 and 5 in the last half of the season and all those victories were over the Bombers and the REDBLACKS. So there's that.
There's rumours that quarterback Travis Lulay could play and he isn't on the injured list, but I don't expect him to be a factor. More troubling for BC of late has been running back Andrew Harris being on the six game injured list.
The game is outside in Montreal which I think benefits the Alouettes although running back Brandon Whitaker is injured. The Als are only favoured by three points which is pretty much the average spread for a home team in the CFL, indicating the teams are evenly matched.
BC has in the past won a cross-over game (with Casey Printers at quarterback over Hamilton), but I think Montreal wins this in a close one due to their better defence.
Alouettes 22 Lions 17
Saskatchewan at Edmonton
If quarterback Mike Reilly wasn't injured, the Eskimos would have to be favoured over the Riders without Darian Durant. Instead we have a battle of backup quarterbacks in Edmonton.
Edmonton has been the better team, especially of late when the Riders have been terrible after Durant went down with an elbow injury. The Riders have gone so far as to resurrect Kerry Joseph's career (at least they didn't call Michael Bishop) and he starts this game over Tino Sunseri who himself has mostly been crap.
The Eskimos go with backup Matt Nichols who has mostly been mediocre and certainly isn't Reilly.
Both teams have decent running games, Saskatchewan relying on it heavily even with Durant healthy early in the year. Mid-November in Edmonton probably isn't going to be great weather wise, and with backups aplenty don't expect the air game to do much.
Last I checked the Eskimos were favoured by seven at home. I still think they will win, but this game is more interesting with Reilly hurt. There will likely be a lot of Rider fans in the stands, but it won't make much difference.
Eskimos 19 Riders 15
Friday, October 17, 2014
2014 CFL Predictions Week 17
Ottawa at Hamilton
Could Hamilton shit the bed here? Sure. I would expect though that after losing a heart breaker against the Argos in Dead Ted's Dome the Ticats will be itching to lay a beating. One issue, no Madu this week or Gable so there will be a new running back. Of late, the Ticats have really relied on the running back catching passes, especially if Collaros is in trouble. Madu had good hands, but wasn't a particularly great runner, so expect maybe a bit more running from Hamilton.
Tiger-Cats 33 REDBLACKS 22
Montreal at Toronto
Interesting game not just because the game means a lot in the standings, but also that the teams are somewhat close. Montreal has somewhat inexplicably won five of six. Crompton has emerged as a reasonable starter and far better than his predecessors (including the now departed Troy Smith). However Ricky Ray is still a far better quarterback at this stage and has Chad Owens. Montreal has a good defence, but the Argos have home field advantage.
Argonauts 29 Alouettes 24
Calgary at Winnipeg
Winnipeg is in free fall, sucking and releasing running backs. Bo Levi Mitchell is back and the Stamps can clinch first in the West. This does not go well for Winnipeg. Expect Mike O'Shea to do a slow burn on the sidelines.
Stampeders 41 Blue Bombers 29
Edmonton at Saskatchewan
So rumours are that Kerry Joseph starts for the Riders. A desperate move but somewhat understandable. Still Edmonton looked good last week and if the Riders try and run a ton (which is pretty likely) the Eskimo defensive line is going to have a good day.
Eskimos 33 Roughriders 19
Could Hamilton shit the bed here? Sure. I would expect though that after losing a heart breaker against the Argos in Dead Ted's Dome the Ticats will be itching to lay a beating. One issue, no Madu this week or Gable so there will be a new running back. Of late, the Ticats have really relied on the running back catching passes, especially if Collaros is in trouble. Madu had good hands, but wasn't a particularly great runner, so expect maybe a bit more running from Hamilton.
Tiger-Cats 33 REDBLACKS 22
Montreal at Toronto
Interesting game not just because the game means a lot in the standings, but also that the teams are somewhat close. Montreal has somewhat inexplicably won five of six. Crompton has emerged as a reasonable starter and far better than his predecessors (including the now departed Troy Smith). However Ricky Ray is still a far better quarterback at this stage and has Chad Owens. Montreal has a good defence, but the Argos have home field advantage.
Argonauts 29 Alouettes 24
Calgary at Winnipeg
Winnipeg is in free fall, sucking and releasing running backs. Bo Levi Mitchell is back and the Stamps can clinch first in the West. This does not go well for Winnipeg. Expect Mike O'Shea to do a slow burn on the sidelines.
Stampeders 41 Blue Bombers 29
Edmonton at Saskatchewan
So rumours are that Kerry Joseph starts for the Riders. A desperate move but somewhat understandable. Still Edmonton looked good last week and if the Riders try and run a ton (which is pretty likely) the Eskimo defensive line is going to have a good day.
Eskimos 33 Roughriders 19
Thursday, October 16, 2014
CFL Week 16 Television Ratings
Chris Zelkowich has the Canadian weekend sports television ratings out for last weekend here.
The CFL had a decent weekend, placing fifth, sixth, seventh and thirteenth with considerable hockey and NFL competition. Both the NFL and NHL benefits from being broadcast over the air versus CFL viewers only able to view if they have cable and TSN.
5. CFL, Bombers at Eskimos, Monday, TSN: 843,000
6. CFL, Roughriders at Alouettes, Monday, TSN: 782,000
7. CFL, Ticats at Argonauts, Friday, TSN: 636,000
13. CFL, RedBlacks at Lions, Saturday, TSN: 424,000
It is a little disappointing that the Ticats and Argos didn't draw better considering the ending, but I noticed while attending the game that some Argos fans left early so maybe some viewers did too, as it looked dire for the Argos for a while.
The BC Ottawa game was a little disappointing, although with Ottawa way out of the playoffs and the game a blowout, not particularly surprising. Zelkovich does point out that the Senators didn't draw a lot of fans:
"But Ottawa-Tampa Bay on Sportsnet One attracted only 112,000 and the Washington-Boston game on FX was watched by a paltry 15,000. Even Toronto FC outdid that (55,000 on TSN.)"
TFC has continued their week ratings. How MLSE expects to make a profit on the team with massive transfer signing bills and no television revenues is a mystery.
The Bombers and Eskimos managed the highest CFL ratings on Thanksgiving even though it was blowout.
The CFL had a decent weekend, placing fifth, sixth, seventh and thirteenth with considerable hockey and NFL competition. Both the NFL and NHL benefits from being broadcast over the air versus CFL viewers only able to view if they have cable and TSN.
5. CFL, Bombers at Eskimos, Monday, TSN: 843,000
6. CFL, Roughriders at Alouettes, Monday, TSN: 782,000
7. CFL, Ticats at Argonauts, Friday, TSN: 636,000
13. CFL, RedBlacks at Lions, Saturday, TSN: 424,000
It is a little disappointing that the Ticats and Argos didn't draw better considering the ending, but I noticed while attending the game that some Argos fans left early so maybe some viewers did too, as it looked dire for the Argos for a while.
The BC Ottawa game was a little disappointing, although with Ottawa way out of the playoffs and the game a blowout, not particularly surprising. Zelkovich does point out that the Senators didn't draw a lot of fans:
"But Ottawa-Tampa Bay on Sportsnet One attracted only 112,000 and the Washington-Boston game on FX was watched by a paltry 15,000. Even Toronto FC outdid that (55,000 on TSN.)"
TFC has continued their week ratings. How MLSE expects to make a profit on the team with massive transfer signing bills and no television revenues is a mystery.
The Bombers and Eskimos managed the highest CFL ratings on Thanksgiving even though it was blowout.
2014 CFL Power Rankings Week 16
1. Calgary Stampeders
Didn't play last week so they couldn't embarrass themselves out of the top rank. Also a week off probably helps them out a lot with Cornish and Mitchell. Besides the Stamps have pretty much locked up the top seed in the West so I'm not sure about them doing their best best in the regular season from now on.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Absolutely hammered Winnipeg. Which isn't saying much. Still they've got Reilly healthy and a good defence.
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Ticats lost a heart breaker to the Argos in Dead Ted's Dome by a single point after being way up. Still only losing by a point away is pretty much a victory on neutral ground in my book. Collaros is looking good and the defence now seems capable of sacking the opposing quarterback. Apart from shitting the bed in the last five minutes of the last game.
4. Toronto Argonauts
Ricky Ray is a good quarterback, you can't deny that. After playing mostly mediocre football last game, Ray and the Argos were able to turn it on late. Not much of a run game, but the team is certainly better when Chad Owens is playing.
5. BC Lions
Absolutely hammered the REDBLACKS at home. That's something I guess. Not having Andrew Harris didn't seem to hurt, although Antolin rushing for 157 yards on 17 carries is an adequate replacement. A little hard to judge the Lions against such a crappy team.
6. Montreal Alouettes
The Alouettes also hammered a team, namely the Riders. However the Riders were afraid to pass and were on the road, which generally isn't a good combo. Crompton has emerged as an OK CFL quarterback and the Alouettes decent is serviceable. Meh.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Yes the Bombers sucked against Edmonton on the road. However the Eskimos are a good team and Willy is better at quarterback than whatever the Riders have. Still it is interesting to see the Bombers collapse after such a good start and will pretty much miss the playoffs. There's always next year, which is pretty much the Bomber fan mantra considering how long it has been since they've won the cup.
8. Saskatchewan Roughriders
I would say that Sunseri sucks at quarterback, but in the last game against the Alouettes he only had 13 attempts with eight completions so it is a little hard to judge. But overall from his oeuvre of play this year Sunseri sucks. So much so that the Riders have went out and signed crotchety quarterback Kerry Joseph. Who will probably be an improvement over Sunseri and Doege, but the team will still be crap. And will still make the playoffs with a 9 and 6 record.
9. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Oh Ottawa. Hopefully next year goes better.
Didn't play last week so they couldn't embarrass themselves out of the top rank. Also a week off probably helps them out a lot with Cornish and Mitchell. Besides the Stamps have pretty much locked up the top seed in the West so I'm not sure about them doing their best best in the regular season from now on.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Absolutely hammered Winnipeg. Which isn't saying much. Still they've got Reilly healthy and a good defence.
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Ticats lost a heart breaker to the Argos in Dead Ted's Dome by a single point after being way up. Still only losing by a point away is pretty much a victory on neutral ground in my book. Collaros is looking good and the defence now seems capable of sacking the opposing quarterback. Apart from shitting the bed in the last five minutes of the last game.
4. Toronto Argonauts
Ricky Ray is a good quarterback, you can't deny that. After playing mostly mediocre football last game, Ray and the Argos were able to turn it on late. Not much of a run game, but the team is certainly better when Chad Owens is playing.
5. BC Lions
Absolutely hammered the REDBLACKS at home. That's something I guess. Not having Andrew Harris didn't seem to hurt, although Antolin rushing for 157 yards on 17 carries is an adequate replacement. A little hard to judge the Lions against such a crappy team.
6. Montreal Alouettes
The Alouettes also hammered a team, namely the Riders. However the Riders were afraid to pass and were on the road, which generally isn't a good combo. Crompton has emerged as an OK CFL quarterback and the Alouettes decent is serviceable. Meh.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Yes the Bombers sucked against Edmonton on the road. However the Eskimos are a good team and Willy is better at quarterback than whatever the Riders have. Still it is interesting to see the Bombers collapse after such a good start and will pretty much miss the playoffs. There's always next year, which is pretty much the Bomber fan mantra considering how long it has been since they've won the cup.
8. Saskatchewan Roughriders
I would say that Sunseri sucks at quarterback, but in the last game against the Alouettes he only had 13 attempts with eight completions so it is a little hard to judge. But overall from his oeuvre of play this year Sunseri sucks. So much so that the Riders have went out and signed crotchety quarterback Kerry Joseph. Who will probably be an improvement over Sunseri and Doege, but the team will still be crap. And will still make the playoffs with a 9 and 6 record.
9. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Oh Ottawa. Hopefully next year goes better.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Saskatchewan Rough Riders to Sign Kerry Joseph?
Just saw on CHML's Ted Michael's Twitter feed that the Riders are resigning quarterback Kerry Joseph. Obviously the Riders are in a difficult place, with no Darian Durant, but an excellent team besides the quarterback. Sunseri has mostly looked terrible as has Doege. I'm not sure Kerry Joseph is the answer, considering he's 41.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
2014 CFL Power Rankings Week 14
A week of upheaval as the West lost three games versus the East and won another in overtime against the lowly REDBLACKS. Remember also Tigercatatonia's philosophy on power rankings: it is what the teams would do this upcoming week (including injuries) not what they would do at the Grey Cup.
1. Calgary Stampeders
Losing to Montreal is somewhat ignoble for Calgary, however they don't have Bo Levi Mitchell so that hurts. Drew Tate is actually decent by CFL backup standards (as I long time Ticat fan, I can remember Billy "the Skid" Mitchell backing up Danny McManus), however Mitchell does seem superior. Calgary has a good overall team, so I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt this week.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Lost to the Ticats and actually didn't look particularly good apart from capitalizing on mistakes from the Ticats. Still they've got Mike Reilly back and seemingly healthy and that's a lot in the West with quarterbacks dropping like flies.
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Crazy as it might seem, the Tiger-Cats are a decent team now. Collaros is pretty much the best quarterback playing right now (with Mitchell injured, Reilly being thoroughly outplayed last week and Ray not the Ray of a few years ago) and the Cats have deep receiving corps. The defence is also looking excellent, and although Bulcke is injured for the season on the defensive line, Justin Hickman is back to play defensive end.
4. Toronto Argonauts
The Argos manhandled the Lions on the road last week and almost beat Calgary the week before. Amongst CFL quarterbacks Ray is both decent and consistent. The Argos have also seemed to get past their receiver problems and their defence is OK. Scott Milanovich as head coach also means the offense should be good with the proper personnel.
5. BC Lions
Lulay is gone it seems for the year and the Lions will be going with Kevin Glenn. Who hasn't played particularly well since Lulay was reinjured, including a loss at home against the Argos. BC has also suffered some injuries that have hurt them besides Lulay. The Lions don't look to be competitive with the top Western teams.
6. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
Sure the Riders were the only Western team to win last week, however it was in overtime versus the REDBLACKS. Durant is gone and the Riders have Sunseri as their man, who doesn't look particularly great. The Riders do have a good team besides their quarterback, so all isn't lost.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
This assumes the Bomber are at the moment Willyless, which they appear to be at this juncture. The Bombers are pretty much the worst of the Western teams even with Willy healthy having a 500 record. Without their Willy, the Bombers aren't a good team even compared to some Western teams. Maybe the Bombers can overcome not having a Willy as their pivot, but I'm skeptical.
8. Montreal Alouettes
They beat Calgary, but I'm not totally convinced at Crompton's abilities as a quarterback. Sure he's better than who the Alouettes had earlier (Troy Smith?), but that's not saying a lot. Still the Alouettes have a decent defence and have a shot at second in the East and making the playoffs.
9. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Almost won and doubled their win total. But in the end they didn't. What can you say about this team? They're terrible, that's what you can say.
1. Calgary Stampeders
Losing to Montreal is somewhat ignoble for Calgary, however they don't have Bo Levi Mitchell so that hurts. Drew Tate is actually decent by CFL backup standards (as I long time Ticat fan, I can remember Billy "the Skid" Mitchell backing up Danny McManus), however Mitchell does seem superior. Calgary has a good overall team, so I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt this week.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Lost to the Ticats and actually didn't look particularly good apart from capitalizing on mistakes from the Ticats. Still they've got Mike Reilly back and seemingly healthy and that's a lot in the West with quarterbacks dropping like flies.
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Crazy as it might seem, the Tiger-Cats are a decent team now. Collaros is pretty much the best quarterback playing right now (with Mitchell injured, Reilly being thoroughly outplayed last week and Ray not the Ray of a few years ago) and the Cats have deep receiving corps. The defence is also looking excellent, and although Bulcke is injured for the season on the defensive line, Justin Hickman is back to play defensive end.
4. Toronto Argonauts
The Argos manhandled the Lions on the road last week and almost beat Calgary the week before. Amongst CFL quarterbacks Ray is both decent and consistent. The Argos have also seemed to get past their receiver problems and their defence is OK. Scott Milanovich as head coach also means the offense should be good with the proper personnel.
5. BC Lions
Lulay is gone it seems for the year and the Lions will be going with Kevin Glenn. Who hasn't played particularly well since Lulay was reinjured, including a loss at home against the Argos. BC has also suffered some injuries that have hurt them besides Lulay. The Lions don't look to be competitive with the top Western teams.
6. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
Sure the Riders were the only Western team to win last week, however it was in overtime versus the REDBLACKS. Durant is gone and the Riders have Sunseri as their man, who doesn't look particularly great. The Riders do have a good team besides their quarterback, so all isn't lost.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
This assumes the Bomber are at the moment Willyless, which they appear to be at this juncture. The Bombers are pretty much the worst of the Western teams even with Willy healthy having a 500 record. Without their Willy, the Bombers aren't a good team even compared to some Western teams. Maybe the Bombers can overcome not having a Willy as their pivot, but I'm skeptical.
8. Montreal Alouettes
They beat Calgary, but I'm not totally convinced at Crompton's abilities as a quarterback. Sure he's better than who the Alouettes had earlier (Troy Smith?), but that's not saying a lot. Still the Alouettes have a decent defence and have a shot at second in the East and making the playoffs.
9. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Almost won and doubled their win total. But in the end they didn't. What can you say about this team? They're terrible, that's what you can say.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Saskatchewan Roughriders in Hamilton Lineup Preview
The Riders are coming in after back to back victories against the Blue Bombers and without starting quarterback Darian Durant who might be out for the season. The Cats lost in Montreal against the Alouettes last week.
The offensive line stays similar to previous game with the weird for the CFL formation of three American linemen. Olson and Figueroa are the import tackles and Simmons is the import guard. I'm a little surprised this far into the season the Cats haven't tried another Canadian at guard but apparently the team's depth is so bad they can only muster up two Canadian starters for the line. I guess they're waiting for Dyakowski. Filer is the centre and O'Neill the non-import guard.
Tasker and non-import Giguere are are the wide receivers. Grant and Fantuz are the import slotbacks and Fantuz is the other. Madu is again the running back and non-import Prime is the fullback. Collaros starts with Masoli and McGee the backups at quarterback.
Medlock kicks and punts as usual. What is different is Sinkfield in as kick and punt returner after mediocre efforts from Koch and Tasker against Montreal last week. No Koch at all this week as he is on the one game injured list (which doesn't mean a lot).
With five or six receivers there probably is four Canadian starters. With a fullback and four receivers I'm not sure as it could be five with the two linemen, Prime, Fantuz and Giguere.
On defence, Scott and Norwood are the import defensive ends. Scott hasn't played much this year as he only has three tackles this year but was listed as the starter last week. Last year he had 16 and a sack. Coleman started last week but was injured during the game is now on the six game list. Norwood has had 13 tackles in 2014 and two sacks.
As has been the case pretty much all this season, Bulcke and Laurent are the two non-import defensive tackle starters. New this week is 2013 first overall pick Linden Gaydosh in as a backup defensive tackle. That's a lot of Canadian depth at defensive tackle.
The linebackers are Lawrence, Reed and Harris. Big hitting Bowman is listed as a backup.
Again Breaux and non-import Stephen are the corners. Stewart is one halfback and Rico Murray is other moving from linebacker. tacking over from Davis. Non-import Butler is the safety.
That's four Canadian starters on defence this week, which as I have noted most weeks is a lot for a CFL team.
The offensive line stays similar to previous game with the weird for the CFL formation of three American linemen. Olson and Figueroa are the import tackles and Simmons is the import guard. I'm a little surprised this far into the season the Cats haven't tried another Canadian at guard but apparently the team's depth is so bad they can only muster up two Canadian starters for the line. I guess they're waiting for Dyakowski. Filer is the centre and O'Neill the non-import guard.
Tasker and non-import Giguere are are the wide receivers. Grant and Fantuz are the import slotbacks and Fantuz is the other. Madu is again the running back and non-import Prime is the fullback. Collaros starts with Masoli and McGee the backups at quarterback.
Medlock kicks and punts as usual. What is different is Sinkfield in as kick and punt returner after mediocre efforts from Koch and Tasker against Montreal last week. No Koch at all this week as he is on the one game injured list (which doesn't mean a lot).
With five or six receivers there probably is four Canadian starters. With a fullback and four receivers I'm not sure as it could be five with the two linemen, Prime, Fantuz and Giguere.
On defence, Scott and Norwood are the import defensive ends. Scott hasn't played much this year as he only has three tackles this year but was listed as the starter last week. Last year he had 16 and a sack. Coleman started last week but was injured during the game is now on the six game list. Norwood has had 13 tackles in 2014 and two sacks.
As has been the case pretty much all this season, Bulcke and Laurent are the two non-import defensive tackle starters. New this week is 2013 first overall pick Linden Gaydosh in as a backup defensive tackle. That's a lot of Canadian depth at defensive tackle.
The linebackers are Lawrence, Reed and Harris. Big hitting Bowman is listed as a backup.
Again Breaux and non-import Stephen are the corners. Stewart is one halfback and Rico Murray is other moving from linebacker. tacking over from Davis. Non-import Butler is the safety.
That's four Canadian starters on defence this week, which as I have noted most weeks is a lot for a CFL team.
Friday, September 12, 2014
2014 CFL Predictions Week 12
Montreal at Edmonton
Edmonton has lost back to back games against Calgary, but the Alouettes aren't the Stamps. The Alouettes did manage to win at home last week with Crompton as their starting quarterback, but looked absolutely dreadful in the first half. Even if Reilly doesn't start for Edmonton, I would take Nicholls over Crompton especially at home.
Eskimos 41 Alouettes 25
Toronto at Calgary
One team only has one loss, is at home and the other team has no receivers (although I thought I heard something about Durie being back). So not really a hard call (East versus West this generally isn't a hard call in general).
Stampeders
Winnipeg at BC
So no more Lulay. Not that BC was any better with him last week compared to Glenn. This game is on the road for the Bombers who have lost two straight, albeit to the Riders. I'm going to go against the grain and pick the Bombers.
Bombers 29 Lions 21
Saskatchewan at Hamilton
Besides the quarterback position this week, the Riders have more talent than the Ticats (although for a two win team at this stage of the year, the Ticats' talent isn't that bad). However with no Durant, the Riders have to start some guy Tino Sunseri at pivot. The Riders now have Dressler back which would help, but not much with an inexperienced quarterback. The Cats start Collaros who has looked mostly good since returning for a concussion. The Riders have a great pass rush, but Collaros has looked relatively adept at picking up blitzes compared to most CFL quarterbacks who mostly just shit the bed whenever a blitz comes. The Cats are at home, but the difference in quarterbacks will be the game.
Tiger-Cats 24 Riders 22
Edmonton has lost back to back games against Calgary, but the Alouettes aren't the Stamps. The Alouettes did manage to win at home last week with Crompton as their starting quarterback, but looked absolutely dreadful in the first half. Even if Reilly doesn't start for Edmonton, I would take Nicholls over Crompton especially at home.
Eskimos 41 Alouettes 25
Toronto at Calgary
One team only has one loss, is at home and the other team has no receivers (although I thought I heard something about Durie being back). So not really a hard call (East versus West this generally isn't a hard call in general).
Stampeders
Winnipeg at BC
So no more Lulay. Not that BC was any better with him last week compared to Glenn. This game is on the road for the Bombers who have lost two straight, albeit to the Riders. I'm going to go against the grain and pick the Bombers.
Bombers 29 Lions 21
Saskatchewan at Hamilton
Besides the quarterback position this week, the Riders have more talent than the Ticats (although for a two win team at this stage of the year, the Ticats' talent isn't that bad). However with no Durant, the Riders have to start some guy Tino Sunseri at pivot. The Riders now have Dressler back which would help, but not much with an inexperienced quarterback. The Cats start Collaros who has looked mostly good since returning for a concussion. The Riders have a great pass rush, but Collaros has looked relatively adept at picking up blitzes compared to most CFL quarterbacks who mostly just shit the bed whenever a blitz comes. The Cats are at home, but the difference in quarterbacks will be the game.
Tiger-Cats 24 Riders 22
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