thks for kind words guys, glad I can help out.
Tonight not a ton to say. I don't believe the line is accurate. In my mind the line would be Toronto -4 and even then I would make a regular play on Hamilton.
I don't like the way Toronto entered the playoffs (rested numerous starters) getting blown out at home to Montreal. I suppose its just a matter of opinion whether to rest starters or finish strong but I just have a bad feeling about it...
On the other side Hamilton played most of their starters in their finale and beat Ottawa on the road. Ottawa really wanted that game and Hamilton was still able to match their intensity and escape with the win.
As far as the actual game is concerned to outline it;
-Toronto has a great defense (has only looked good recently however). Personally I believe they are not as good as the numbers indicate. Maybe the recent form is finally a true reflection. Everyone says they have a bend but don't break defense. This saying is nonsense imo, especially in the CFL (which has a 20yrd endzone). To me its saying they are just getting lucky in the redzone. What would be the purpose of allowing teams to gobble up yards all over the field and then strategically plan to stop them at your 10yrd line??? The defense is still good but not great.
-Toronto has great special teams (however punter/fg kicker is nursing a hip pointer). This is actually quite key as in the CFL with only 3 downs there is a lot of punting and Toronto relies on good field position to win games. Hard to predict how effective N. Prefontaine will be though. I highly doubt he will be booting 50yrd fg's and 60yrd punts, like he is capable of.
In the return game Toronto has a major weapon. B. Levingston returned a kickoff and a missed fg 100+yrds last game against Hamilton and is a serious threat. He has a lot of speed but is not illusive, with the right schemes this player can be neutralized (as I've seen in games with good teams) but it is concerning.
-Toronto has a bad offense. They can't run, have a back who has speed but absolutely no vision, and their pass attack is inconsistent. All year they have ranked near the bottom in most offensive categories.
-Hamilton has a good, almost great offense. They can run the ball well and throw the deep ball. The biggest problem is despite the yards they can rack up QB D. McManus has a thirst for throwing INT's. He is a veteran QB but all throughout his career he has thrown picks and the trend has not stopped this year. Toronto took one back for a TD last game they played.
-Hamilton has a great front four which pressure's relentlessly. I think they lead the league in sacks (quite sure, if not 2nd) and can create serious problems. The secondary was somewhat revamped just over a month ago and has surprised people with their good play.
Hamilton's special teams are a question mark. Their FG kicker is inconsistent and their return game is average at best.
This game is a toss up. Toronto holds a clear edge in special teams but I can only hope Hamilton has prepared diligently for what killed them last game and at least control this aspect of the game. If they can do this and D. McManus does not throw an absurd amount of INT's Hamilton can win outright. If not they would still have a chance to cover anyways.
Lean Under 52 points as I can't believe they have posted a total over 50 for a game involving Toronto, sorry Winky.
gk
Tonight not a ton to say. I don't believe the line is accurate. In my mind the line would be Toronto -4 and even then I would make a regular play on Hamilton.
I don't like the way Toronto entered the playoffs (rested numerous starters) getting blown out at home to Montreal. I suppose its just a matter of opinion whether to rest starters or finish strong but I just have a bad feeling about it...
On the other side Hamilton played most of their starters in their finale and beat Ottawa on the road. Ottawa really wanted that game and Hamilton was still able to match their intensity and escape with the win.
As far as the actual game is concerned to outline it;
-Toronto has a great defense (has only looked good recently however). Personally I believe they are not as good as the numbers indicate. Maybe the recent form is finally a true reflection. Everyone says they have a bend but don't break defense. This saying is nonsense imo, especially in the CFL (which has a 20yrd endzone). To me its saying they are just getting lucky in the redzone. What would be the purpose of allowing teams to gobble up yards all over the field and then strategically plan to stop them at your 10yrd line??? The defense is still good but not great.
-Toronto has great special teams (however punter/fg kicker is nursing a hip pointer). This is actually quite key as in the CFL with only 3 downs there is a lot of punting and Toronto relies on good field position to win games. Hard to predict how effective N. Prefontaine will be though. I highly doubt he will be booting 50yrd fg's and 60yrd punts, like he is capable of.
In the return game Toronto has a major weapon. B. Levingston returned a kickoff and a missed fg 100+yrds last game against Hamilton and is a serious threat. He has a lot of speed but is not illusive, with the right schemes this player can be neutralized (as I've seen in games with good teams) but it is concerning.
-Toronto has a bad offense. They can't run, have a back who has speed but absolutely no vision, and their pass attack is inconsistent. All year they have ranked near the bottom in most offensive categories.
-Hamilton has a good, almost great offense. They can run the ball well and throw the deep ball. The biggest problem is despite the yards they can rack up QB D. McManus has a thirst for throwing INT's. He is a veteran QB but all throughout his career he has thrown picks and the trend has not stopped this year. Toronto took one back for a TD last game they played.
-Hamilton has a great front four which pressure's relentlessly. I think they lead the league in sacks (quite sure, if not 2nd) and can create serious problems. The secondary was somewhat revamped just over a month ago and has surprised people with their good play.
Hamilton's special teams are a question mark. Their FG kicker is inconsistent and their return game is average at best.
This game is a toss up. Toronto holds a clear edge in special teams but I can only hope Hamilton has prepared diligently for what killed them last game and at least control this aspect of the game. If they can do this and D. McManus does not throw an absurd amount of INT's Hamilton can win outright. If not they would still have a chance to cover anyways.
Lean Under 52 points as I can't believe they have posted a total over 50 for a game involving Toronto, sorry Winky.
gk
hno: :nuts: :hanging:
