The Ticats lead the season series with the Argos 1-0 after a win at Tim Horton's Field earlier in the year. With three games against the Argos this year, the Cats can secure the Harold Ballard Cup award to the winner of the season series between the teams. The Cats won the 2014 Harold Ballard Cup and the 2014 Labour Day classic 13-12 in a nail bitter.
Harold Ballard of course was a former owner of both the Cats and the Argonauts. Probably more important for the Cats than winning the Harold Ballard Cup (although that would be awesome) would be that the Cats would lock up the tie breaker with the Argos in case they finished the season with the same number of points. With both teams sporting 6 and 3 records that could be important for who hosts the East final. Given the Cats record at Tim Horton's stadium, hosting the final would definitely help their Grey Cup chances.
I'm always a little surprised the Cats don't make a bigger deal about the Harold Ballard Cup (it isn't even on Wikipedia).
Showing posts with label toronto argonauts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toronto argonauts. Show all posts
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Friday, February 6, 2015
Hamilton or Toronto for the 2016 Grey Cup?
I've already blogged about the Ticats having a good chance of landing the 2016 Grey Cup at Tim Horton's Field. However there's some news and not particularly good. Apparently former CFL commissioner and now Toronto Mayor John Tory made a claim about the 2016 cup coming to Toronto in 2016:
Tory, a former CFL commissioner, may have prematurely awarded the league’s championship game to Toronto next year.
Talking with 590 The Fan’s Jeff Blair, Tory said 2016 is going to be a big sporting year for the city, including hosting the Grey Cup.
“Think about what a great year for sports it’s going to be in 2016,” Tory said. “I was reminded of the fact the Grey Cup is here. We’ve got the NBA all-star game, we’ve got the World Cup of Hockey, and that’s on the heels of the Pan Am Games this year.”
But Tory was forced to back off his declaration a few hours later. Tory’s spokesman Amanda Galbraith said the mayor misspoke.
Considering that Toronto just had the Cup in 2012 that seems to me like going to the well to often, especially considering the lack of interest in the league in the Toronto area. Hamilton hasn't hosted since 1996 and 1972 before that and we have a new, hopefully finished soon stadium.
I'm wondering if the reason for the Toronto rumours is that the league would like to make the Argos more saleable with the profits from a 2016 Cup baked into the cake. Without that need I would feel more confident about Hamilton's chances. Still I think that four years is too short for Toronto.
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.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Ticats Owner Bob Young Fined $10K For Criticizing CFL Officiating
The Scratching Post is reporting that the league has fined Bob Young ten large for criticizing a particular offside call in last week's Hamilton Toronto game at Dead Ted's Dome:
At issue is a fourth quarter offside call against the Ticats which gave Toronto a second chance after Hamilton stopped them on third-and-short near the Ticat goal line. But Hamilton was flagged for offside and the Argos used their second chance to score the winning points in a 26-24 victory.
“The biggest 'controversy' is not so much the call itself, but is the Toronto GM coaching the sideline judge during the play. The result was the official called a very marginal penalty,” Young wrote. “At the very least there should have been two penalties. The other for objectionable conduct to Toronto for their GM's blatant and successful attempt to influence an official on the field.”
I remember some calls against the Cats in that quarter, but I'm not sure exactly which one this referred to. I do remember Plesius being called for offside, but I'm thought that one wasn't on third down. Certainly was an important call in determining how the game turned out. Also pretty weird that Barker was down there right on the sideline.
At issue is a fourth quarter offside call against the Ticats which gave Toronto a second chance after Hamilton stopped them on third-and-short near the Ticat goal line. But Hamilton was flagged for offside and the Argos used their second chance to score the winning points in a 26-24 victory.
“The biggest 'controversy' is not so much the call itself, but is the Toronto GM coaching the sideline judge during the play. The result was the official called a very marginal penalty,” Young wrote. “At the very least there should have been two penalties. The other for objectionable conduct to Toronto for their GM's blatant and successful attempt to influence an official on the field.”
I remember some calls against the Cats in that quarter, but I'm not sure exactly which one this referred to. I do remember Plesius being called for offside, but I'm thought that one wasn't on third down. Certainly was an important call in determining how the game turned out. Also pretty weird that Barker was down there right on the sideline.
A Look at the Last Hamilton at Toronto Game's Statistics
Here's a look at the stats from the Ticats 26 to 24 loss in Toronto.
Certainly one aspect of the game was how poor the Ticats, especially the offense played in the first quarter. Toronto outscored the Ticats 15 to 0, although it could have been worse as the Ticats defence
managed to hold the Argos from scoring multiple TDs.
Zach Collaros ended up having a statistically good game with 335 yards passing from 24 completions out of 36 attempts. Collaros had 3 passing TDs versus one interception. Curiously Collaros had no rushing attempts at all. Which to me seems a bit problematic, as a few runs by Collaros
would mix it up a bit for the Argos defence.
The Ticats had basically no rushing overall, with former Bomber Nick Grigsby rushing six times for six yards. Curiously Grigsby who had a lot of catches as a Bomber had none in this game, although obviously he just showed up in Hamilton. Madu had three rushes for six years returning for injury. Madu also had five catches 39 yards.
One issue for the Cats in this game was no Andy Fantuz, which I think was part of the woes the Ticats offense had in the first quarter. Fantuz is good at getting open and that option wasn't there and Collaros seemed to have trouble in the first quarter. There was again no Greg Ellingson either in this game.
Luke Tasker emerged as the primary receiver with nine catches and 138 yards. Giguere had a decent game with the three catches for 66 yards taking over at slotback for Fantuz. Banks and
Sinkfield had three catches each. Bakari Grant only had one catch for three yards which seems odd. Former Hamilton Hurricane Coates who has had a few catches over the past few games had no catches but started at Giguere's usual wide receiver spot most likely due to ratio issues.
Defensively only Reed from the middle linebacker spot was credited with a sack while also having a forced fumble. Lawrence had two forced fumbles and Justin Hickman had one, while Rico Murray
had the interception. I remember Hall and Hickman having both a pass knockdowns although I can't verify it online (which is sad because while not being as good as a sack, for a defence a pass knockdown is an excellent result).
One statistical difference of note between the Argos and Ticats that I think was important was the difference in punting average between Medlock and Swayze "Don't Call Me Patrick" Waters.
In perfect conditions inside Dead Ted's Dome, Medlock had a 42.9 yard average with 50 as his longest punt whereas Waters averaged a massive 51.8 yards. There was several times in the game where it looked like the Ticats would going to get good field position after forcing the Argos to punt and Waters ended up booming one and the Cats ended up with mediocre field position. Medlock's
kicking has been excellent, however his punting left something to be desired in comparison to Water's punting in this game.
Certainly one aspect of the game was how poor the Ticats, especially the offense played in the first quarter. Toronto outscored the Ticats 15 to 0, although it could have been worse as the Ticats defence
managed to hold the Argos from scoring multiple TDs.
Zach Collaros ended up having a statistically good game with 335 yards passing from 24 completions out of 36 attempts. Collaros had 3 passing TDs versus one interception. Curiously Collaros had no rushing attempts at all. Which to me seems a bit problematic, as a few runs by Collaros
would mix it up a bit for the Argos defence.
The Ticats had basically no rushing overall, with former Bomber Nick Grigsby rushing six times for six yards. Curiously Grigsby who had a lot of catches as a Bomber had none in this game, although obviously he just showed up in Hamilton. Madu had three rushes for six years returning for injury. Madu also had five catches 39 yards.
One issue for the Cats in this game was no Andy Fantuz, which I think was part of the woes the Ticats offense had in the first quarter. Fantuz is good at getting open and that option wasn't there and Collaros seemed to have trouble in the first quarter. There was again no Greg Ellingson either in this game.
Luke Tasker emerged as the primary receiver with nine catches and 138 yards. Giguere had a decent game with the three catches for 66 yards taking over at slotback for Fantuz. Banks and
Sinkfield had three catches each. Bakari Grant only had one catch for three yards which seems odd. Former Hamilton Hurricane Coates who has had a few catches over the past few games had no catches but started at Giguere's usual wide receiver spot most likely due to ratio issues.
Defensively only Reed from the middle linebacker spot was credited with a sack while also having a forced fumble. Lawrence had two forced fumbles and Justin Hickman had one, while Rico Murray
had the interception. I remember Hall and Hickman having both a pass knockdowns although I can't verify it online (which is sad because while not being as good as a sack, for a defence a pass knockdown is an excellent result).
One statistical difference of note between the Argos and Ticats that I think was important was the difference in punting average between Medlock and Swayze "Don't Call Me Patrick" Waters.
In perfect conditions inside Dead Ted's Dome, Medlock had a 42.9 yard average with 50 as his longest punt whereas Waters averaged a massive 51.8 yards. There was several times in the game where it looked like the Ticats would going to get good field position after forcing the Argos to punt and Waters ended up booming one and the Cats ended up with mediocre field position. Medlock's
kicking has been excellent, however his punting left something to be desired in comparison to Water's punting in this game.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
John Tory Wins Toronto Mayoralty, Good for the Argonauts?
So Tory has defeated Doug Ford, but a not particularly remarkable 6% and is now the mayor of Toronto. Of course of interest to CFL fans is the fact that Tory was also a former commissioner of the CFL in the 90s, including during some pretty dark days for the league.
Obviously with Toronto the current problem franchise for the CFL and owner David Braley being somewhat of a lame duck owner, having a former CFL commissioner as the mayor has to help. The biggest roadblock currently for the Argos is finding a way to play at TFC's BMO field and that involves dealing with Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment, the owner of the Leafs, Raptors and TFC.
Rob Ford certainly liked the Argos, however he was also a pretty big fan of bringing the NFL to Toronto (which somewhat like Quebec separatism seems to be on life support with the Bills having new owners). Somehow I don't think Tory will be leading a renewed NFL to Toronto charge (although there are rumours of the St Louis Rams leaving albeit back to LA not Toronto).
Hopefully Tory can find a way to facilitate a move of the Argos to BMO Field, while not totally screwing the Argos out of revenue from game day concessions and the like. The renewal of sponsorship for the facility is coming up and one would have to think that having the Argos at the stadium would be valuable for whoever the new sponsor is.
Certainly part of the value of the sponsorship for BMO is the fact it is right on the Gardner and a lot of drivers go by it everyday (part of the rationale of the Tiger-Cats having a stadium at Confederation Park besides the QEW and also why the Ticats want a city approved sign by the QEW (which the Ontario Ministry of Transportation doesn't want)). However the Argos draw considerably more viewers on television than TFC (whose viewership frankly is pathetic) across the country which would be valuable to a company like BMO which is national. The Argos should get some of this additional value, although I'm sure MLSE doesn't think the same (the Tim Horton's Field naming rights are rumoured to between $1 and $1.5 million)
Obviously with Toronto the current problem franchise for the CFL and owner David Braley being somewhat of a lame duck owner, having a former CFL commissioner as the mayor has to help. The biggest roadblock currently for the Argos is finding a way to play at TFC's BMO field and that involves dealing with Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment, the owner of the Leafs, Raptors and TFC.
Rob Ford certainly liked the Argos, however he was also a pretty big fan of bringing the NFL to Toronto (which somewhat like Quebec separatism seems to be on life support with the Bills having new owners). Somehow I don't think Tory will be leading a renewed NFL to Toronto charge (although there are rumours of the St Louis Rams leaving albeit back to LA not Toronto).
Hopefully Tory can find a way to facilitate a move of the Argos to BMO Field, while not totally screwing the Argos out of revenue from game day concessions and the like. The renewal of sponsorship for the facility is coming up and one would have to think that having the Argos at the stadium would be valuable for whoever the new sponsor is.
Certainly part of the value of the sponsorship for BMO is the fact it is right on the Gardner and a lot of drivers go by it everyday (part of the rationale of the Tiger-Cats having a stadium at Confederation Park besides the QEW and also why the Ticats want a city approved sign by the QEW (which the Ontario Ministry of Transportation doesn't want)). However the Argos draw considerably more viewers on television than TFC (whose viewership frankly is pathetic) across the country which would be valuable to a company like BMO which is national. The Argos should get some of this additional value, although I'm sure MLSE doesn't think the same (the Tim Horton's Field naming rights are rumoured to between $1 and $1.5 million)
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Bo Levi Mitchell Injured?
Just watching the Stamps Argos game and Bo Levi Mitchell looks like he was hurt on a run by a hit by Shea Emry. Mitchell was down for a while and then tried to get up and went down again. The Stamps have Drew Tate in.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Will Rob Ford Go to the East Final on Sunday?
Cunnilingus maven Rob Ford has been asked by the organizers of the Toronto Santa Claus parade to not come this Sunday. The Argos Ticats playoff game is also this Sunday and yesterday Rob Ford sported his Argonauts shirt (number 12) while making some ill-advised comments, so the possibility is there that he could attend. The Argos have tried to distance themselves from Ford, however if did attend (and made it known he was attending) that could lead to some additional publicity and perhaps attendance for the game. On last night's Daily Show, the CFL tag on the front of Ford's shirt was prominently visible.
Hamilton mayor Bob "Britannia" Bratina has refused a traditional friendly bet with Ford. As a Hamiltonian and Ticat fan, I think this is ill-advised as our mayor should have more confidence in his team.
Hamilton mayor Bob "Britannia" Bratina has refused a traditional friendly bet with Ford. As a Hamiltonian and Ticat fan, I think this is ill-advised as our mayor should have more confidence in his team.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Toronto Argonauts Just Opened Up the 500 Level for the 2013 CFL Eastern Final
Just saw a tweet from @CFL that the Argos have opened up the 500 level (basically the upper level of the Roger's Centre) for the Eastern Final. I highly suggest getting tickets there rather than the lower bowl.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Argos Resting Ricky Ray for Final Regular Season Game
So says this Toronto Sun article. Can't really blame them, as Montreal has a defensive that never stops blitzing and Ray is coming off an injury. Ray has looked good the past couple of games, so there's no need to play to get rust off.
Friday, September 6, 2013
MLSE Buying Toronto Argonauts?
I have to admit I was surprised to see this Canadian Pres article about MLSE (owners of the Maple Leafs, Raptors and Toronto FC) kicking the tires on buying the Argonauts and having them play at Toronto FC's BMO field.
With the Blue Jay's wanting to switch to natural turf in the Roger's Centre and eventually booting the Argos, playing at a reconfigured BMO would be a good option and would give the Argos a chance for a sellout.
For MLSE, given that the CFL salary cap is around $4.4 million, and that MLSE already has a big ticketing and market infrastructure available, turning a profit on the Argos wouldn't be that hard. Especially since attendance is bound to go up from the cavernous and crappy for football Roger's Centre. Also for the naming rights, getting repeated nationwide exposure on TSN for the CFL would be an improvement, since TFC's television ratings are dismal compared to the CFL.
With the Blue Jay's wanting to switch to natural turf in the Roger's Centre and eventually booting the Argos, playing at a reconfigured BMO would be a good option and would give the Argos a chance for a sellout.
For MLSE, given that the CFL salary cap is around $4.4 million, and that MLSE already has a big ticketing and market infrastructure available, turning a profit on the Argos wouldn't be that hard. Especially since attendance is bound to go up from the cavernous and crappy for football Roger's Centre. Also for the naming rights, getting repeated nationwide exposure on TSN for the CFL would be an improvement, since TFC's television ratings are dismal compared to the CFL.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Argos Up Big at Half 31 to 7
So much for the Eskimos as the Argos exploded in the second quarter. Ray is looking good as is Kackert. Joseph and Boyd, not so much. Owens returned a punt for a TD, surprisingly for the first time this year. I wonder what the record is for combined regular season and playoffs combined yards? Maurice Mann wasn't bad either.
Are the Argos a great team or the Eskimos a bad team. I'm leaning toward the Eskimos being a bad team, although I feel more confident in the Argos next week. At the very least the spread will be smaller.
Are the Argos a great team or the Eskimos a bad team. I'm leaning toward the Eskimos being a bad team, although I feel more confident in the Argos next week. At the very least the spread will be smaller.
CFL Playoff Previews Division Semi-Final 2012
Edmonton at Toronto
Cross-over time. Edmonton has already booted Eric Tillman as general manager which is a little weird and also shows upper management doesn't really expect the Eskimos to go very far.
Edmonton sucked down the stretch, but managed to get in to the playoffs anyways, while the Argos at least managed to win their last two games including against a desperate Hamilton team. The Argos have Ricky Ray as their quarterback while the Eskimos go with the superannuated Kerry Joseph. Most interesting is that the Eskimos J.C. Sherritt, who had broken the regular season CFL record for tackles in the regular season (formerly held by Ticat Calvin Tiggle) won't be playing. I didn't really like the Esks chances and now I really don't.
Toronto is favoured by four points, which I think is a little charitable.
Team Suck 29 Eskimos 17
Saskatchewan at Calgary
The big story is the Stamps starting Drew Tate over Kevin "Rodney Dangerfield" Glenn, which seems like a bit of hubris. Also goes against the Brian Mulrooney doctrine of dancing with the one that brought you. Or was the Mulrooney doctrine accepting suitcases of money from people named Karl-Heinz. I digress.
The Stamps do have running back Jon Cornish and his record of rushing yards ever by a Canadian, which certainly helped Glenn. Also receiver and blocker downfield Nik Lewis which doesn't hurt.
Probably a lot depends on how Rider quarterback Darian Durant plays. He's been up and down this year so who knows who shows up.
No doubt the Riders will have a lot of fans at McMahon, which blunts the home field advantage, but I still like the Stamps, despite the Tate hubris. I assume Tate will be on a short leash and there will be a lot of Cornish running. Stamps favoured by six, but I think it will be closer.
Stamps 33, Riders 29
Cross-over time. Edmonton has already booted Eric Tillman as general manager which is a little weird and also shows upper management doesn't really expect the Eskimos to go very far.
Edmonton sucked down the stretch, but managed to get in to the playoffs anyways, while the Argos at least managed to win their last two games including against a desperate Hamilton team. The Argos have Ricky Ray as their quarterback while the Eskimos go with the superannuated Kerry Joseph. Most interesting is that the Eskimos J.C. Sherritt, who had broken the regular season CFL record for tackles in the regular season (formerly held by Ticat Calvin Tiggle) won't be playing. I didn't really like the Esks chances and now I really don't.
Toronto is favoured by four points, which I think is a little charitable.
Team Suck 29 Eskimos 17
Saskatchewan at Calgary
The big story is the Stamps starting Drew Tate over Kevin "Rodney Dangerfield" Glenn, which seems like a bit of hubris. Also goes against the Brian Mulrooney doctrine of dancing with the one that brought you. Or was the Mulrooney doctrine accepting suitcases of money from people named Karl-Heinz. I digress.
The Stamps do have running back Jon Cornish and his record of rushing yards ever by a Canadian, which certainly helped Glenn. Also receiver and blocker downfield Nik Lewis which doesn't hurt.
Probably a lot depends on how Rider quarterback Darian Durant plays. He's been up and down this year so who knows who shows up.
No doubt the Riders will have a lot of fans at McMahon, which blunts the home field advantage, but I still like the Stamps, despite the Tate hubris. I assume Tate will be on a short leash and there will be a lot of Cornish running. Stamps favoured by six, but I think it will be closer.
Stamps 33, Riders 29
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
CFL Predictions 2012 Week 4, Part A
Winnipeg at Toronto
The Bombers are winless and Pierceless heading into Toronto. The Argos are coming off a close one, losing in Hamilton. The Argos are favoured by a relatively massive 8.5 points. Is Bomber coach Paul LaPolice's job in jeopardy? Maybe. Ricky Ray has been effective against better teams and the Argos should have an easy win.
Suck People 30, Bombers 16
Saskatchewan at Calgary
The Riders are unbeaten and the Stamps Tateless, having to make due with Kevin Glenn, who has a penchant for interceptions that give away the game. One problem for the Riders is the non-import receiver Rob Bagg is on the nine game injury list. The Riders are favoured by 3.5 points on the road. I'm going to go against my better judgment and say the Stamps win at home.
Stamps 35, Riders 32
The Bombers are winless and Pierceless heading into Toronto. The Argos are coming off a close one, losing in Hamilton. The Argos are favoured by a relatively massive 8.5 points. Is Bomber coach Paul LaPolice's job in jeopardy? Maybe. Ricky Ray has been effective against better teams and the Argos should have an easy win.
Suck People 30, Bombers 16
Saskatchewan at Calgary
The Riders are unbeaten and the Stamps Tateless, having to make due with Kevin Glenn, who has a penchant for interceptions that give away the game. One problem for the Riders is the non-import receiver Rob Bagg is on the nine game injury list. The Riders are favoured by 3.5 points on the road. I'm going to go against my better judgment and say the Stamps win at home.
Stamps 35, Riders 32
Saturday, July 7, 2012
CFL 2012 Predictions, Week 2, Part B
Calgary at Toronto,
The Stamps looked good at home against the Alouettes last week, with Drew Tate playing well at quarterback as did non-import running back Jon Cornish. The Argos didn't look great losing a close one to the Esks at Commonwealth, although they did have a raft of penalties which in theory is fixable. Ricky Ray was respectable with 29 for 39 passes for 298 yards with a TD and no picks. Owens caught 6 passes for 100 yards so at least the Argos look like they have some receivers this year.
This is a winnable game at home for Toronto, with the Stamps favoured by 3.5, but I'm going to go with the safe pick Calgary.
Stampeders 25, Suck People 20
Edmonton at Saskatchewan
I would not have suspected before the season started that the Riders would be favoured by 4.5 points at home. The Riders looked great last week against Hamilton, with Durant returning to pre 2011 form and Dressler have a fabulous day receiving, even if actually dropped a pass.
Edmonton was more meh beating the Argos at home. Jyles had only an OK game and Fred Stamps only had 21 receiving yards, but the Eskimos still won. I'll go with the Riders. Durant right now is a better quarterback.
Riders 30, Eskimos 27
The Stamps looked good at home against the Alouettes last week, with Drew Tate playing well at quarterback as did non-import running back Jon Cornish. The Argos didn't look great losing a close one to the Esks at Commonwealth, although they did have a raft of penalties which in theory is fixable. Ricky Ray was respectable with 29 for 39 passes for 298 yards with a TD and no picks. Owens caught 6 passes for 100 yards so at least the Argos look like they have some receivers this year.
This is a winnable game at home for Toronto, with the Stamps favoured by 3.5, but I'm going to go with the safe pick Calgary.
Stampeders 25, Suck People 20
Edmonton at Saskatchewan
I would not have suspected before the season started that the Riders would be favoured by 4.5 points at home. The Riders looked great last week against Hamilton, with Durant returning to pre 2011 form and Dressler have a fabulous day receiving, even if actually dropped a pass.
Edmonton was more meh beating the Argos at home. Jyles had only an OK game and Fred Stamps only had 21 receiving yards, but the Eskimos still won. I'll go with the Riders. Durant right now is a better quarterback.
Riders 30, Eskimos 27
Saturday, June 30, 2012
CFL Predictions, Week1, Part B
Toronto at Edmonton
Vegas seems to have this as a pick'em game, so I guess at a neutral site, Toronto would be the stronger team. Toronto should in theory be better than last year, although putting together a lot of new pieces, including a quarterback early is never easy. I don't have a lot of faith in Edmonton this year. Somehow they managed to get a good record, mainly on the back of Fred Stamps receiving. I don't have a lot of confidence in the Eskimos starting quarterback Steven Jyles, so strange as it may seem, I'll go with the Argos.
Argos 25, Eskimos 22
Montreal at Calgary
The Stamps seems to be favoured by three at home. I'm not convinced by Drew Tate yet, I need to see a string of good games before I jump on that chuckwagon. Calvillo played well in last year's Eastern final. It was the defence that failed. After an off-season shakeup, are the Alouette defenders better? I'm not sure, but Montreal GM Jim Popp always seems to find gems. I'll go with the Alouettes in a close one.
Alouettes 28, Calgary 26
Vegas seems to have this as a pick'em game, so I guess at a neutral site, Toronto would be the stronger team. Toronto should in theory be better than last year, although putting together a lot of new pieces, including a quarterback early is never easy. I don't have a lot of faith in Edmonton this year. Somehow they managed to get a good record, mainly on the back of Fred Stamps receiving. I don't have a lot of confidence in the Eskimos starting quarterback Steven Jyles, so strange as it may seem, I'll go with the Argos.
Argos 25, Eskimos 22
Montreal at Calgary
The Stamps seems to be favoured by three at home. I'm not convinced by Drew Tate yet, I need to see a string of good games before I jump on that chuckwagon. Calvillo played well in last year's Eastern final. It was the defence that failed. After an off-season shakeup, are the Alouette defenders better? I'm not sure, but Montreal GM Jim Popp always seems to find gems. I'll go with the Alouettes in a close one.
Alouettes 28, Calgary 26
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