GAME RECAP
RIDERS DOMINATE ESKIMOS AT COMMONWEALTH FOR FIRST ROAD VICTORY
EDMONTON — The Saskatchewan Roughriders snapped their winless record on the road with a victory at Commonwealth Stadium over the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday night.
The 54-31 win improved the Riders to 1-3 away from Mosaic Stadium and handed the Eskimos their first loss at home as Saskatchewan dominated in all three phases of the game.
The Roughriders defence continued their dominance from their Week 8 contest against the BC Lions, collecting two pick six’s in the win. The offence also scored four times – thanks to Naaman Roosevelt, Cameron Marshall, Duron Carter and Vernon Adams Jr. – and special teams got in on the scoring action as well with Willie Jefferson scooping and scoring his own blocked punt.
Both teams exchanged two and outs on their first possessions of the ball game as they started to feel each other out.
Duke Williams got into the game early on the Eskimos second drive as Mike Reilly found him for a 34-yard gain. Shamawd Chambers, in his first start of the season, was the Esks pivot’s next target to get within inches of the first down.
Reilly fumbled his quarterback sneak looking for that first down and Ese Mrabure recovered the ball, bringing the Riders offence back to the field.
That turnover led to a major for the Riders as Roosevelt caught a Kevin Glenn pass deep in the end zone with one hand for the score. The touchdown was Glenn’s 15th touchdown pass of the year and just his second on the road.
The drive started with a Rob Bagg catch to bring Saskatchewan into Edmonton territory. Glenn then aired it out to Roosevelt bringing the Riders inside the 30-yard line.
Marshall then made a 20-yard gain, running out of bounds at the eight-yard line. The first attempt for the Riders pivot looking for the end zone was to Nic Demski, who had the pass go off his fingers. But Glenn’s second attempt was successful to Roosevelt for six.
If the Saskatchewan Roughriders were worried about their 0-3 record on the road, they didn’t show it as they took an early 7-0 lead.
The Riders defence also took the momentum from their impressive outing in Week 8 early in the contest, forcing the Eskimos to two punts and a fumble in their first three drives.
Edmonton’s defence pushed back, however, forcing the Riders to punt on their next possession.
Jamill Smith made his mark in his first game with the Eskimos, returning Josh Bartel’s punt 35 yards giving the Esks good field position. But the Esks’ offence couldn’t make anything happen and the Riders defence forced them to punt once again.
Jefferson blocked Hugh O’Neill’s punt, recovered it and brought it to the house himself for the Riders’ second touchdown of the night off a turnover. With Tyler Crapigna’s convert kick, Saskatchewan took a 14-0 lead with just over two minutes left in the first quarter.
Edmonton started driving down the field as the opening quarter expired and Brandon Zylstra, in his return after missing two games to injury, caught a 33-yard pass to bring the Esks to the one-yard line. Reilly then plunged in for the home team’s first score of the ball game.
But the Eskimos momentum was taken right away after O’Niell’s convert kick was blocked and Carter took it out of the end zone and all the way down the field adding two points to the Riders’ score and extending their lead to 16-6.
On Saskatchewan’s next drive, Adams Jr. made his Riders debut that led to Crapigna adding three more points to his team’s lead with a 20-yard field goal.
When the Riders seemed to be rolling once again, Johnny Adams notched an interception after Glenn’s pass went off Roosevelt’s hands inside the red zone.
With just 15 seconds left in the half, the Riders weren’t done scoring just yet.
Under pressure and as he was falling, Glenn flipped the ball to Marshall who dodged himself into the end zone for the Riders third major of the night and extended their lead to 26-6 as the first half concluded.
Kenny Ladler blocked Crapigna’s 43-yard field goal attempt to start the second quarter and Alex Hoffman-Ellis recovered it for Edmonton.
Both team’s traded offensive possessions for most of the third frame as their defences stood tall.
The next score came late in the quarter, after Jovon Johnson picked off Reilly and took it 40 yards for another Riders touchdown. The 11-year CFL veteran’s score extended Saskatchewan’s lead to 33-6.
Things didn’t get better for the Eskimos pivot, as Kacy Rodgers also intercepted Reilly on the Eskimos next drive and ran it into the end zone. The second pick-six of the game extended the lead to 40-7.
Edmonton scored on their next possession. O’Neill punted the ball away and Cauchy Muamba scored the touchdown on a misplayed punt return by Demiski. The Esks then went for two as Reilly found Williams, cutting the Riders lead to 40-15 early in the final frame as the home team looked for a spark.
The Riders defence added to their takeaways on the night after recovering a Reilly fumble bringing Saskatchewan’s offence back onto the field.
Adams Jr. scored his first touchdown as member of the Roughriders late in the fourth, as he scurried around the line of scrimmage to run untouched into the end zone. That score extended the Riders lead to 47-15.
James Franklin made his season debut on the Esks next drive that led to a LaDarius Perkins touchdown with just over three minutes left in the contest. The Esks two-point convert was successful to Kenny Stafford to cut the Riders lead to 47-23.
The Riders still weren’t done scoring. Carter scored another major for the visiting team with just over one minute left in the contest as he stretched into the end zone.
Franklin passed to Bryant Mitchell with just 16 seconds left to add a touchdown to the Eskimos point total but it wasn’t enough and Edmonton was handed their second loss of 2017.
Saskatchewan heads home next week to take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers while the Eskimos take a trip to Calgary for a tussle with the Stampeders.
RIDERS DOMINATE ESKIMOS AT COMMONWEALTH FOR FIRST ROAD VICTORY
EDMONTON — The Saskatchewan Roughriders snapped their winless record on the road with a victory at Commonwealth Stadium over the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday night.
The 54-31 win improved the Riders to 1-3 away from Mosaic Stadium and handed the Eskimos their first loss at home as Saskatchewan dominated in all three phases of the game.
The Roughriders defence continued their dominance from their Week 8 contest against the BC Lions, collecting two pick six’s in the win. The offence also scored four times – thanks to Naaman Roosevelt, Cameron Marshall, Duron Carter and Vernon Adams Jr. – and special teams got in on the scoring action as well with Willie Jefferson scooping and scoring his own blocked punt.
Both teams exchanged two and outs on their first possessions of the ball game as they started to feel each other out.
Duke Williams got into the game early on the Eskimos second drive as Mike Reilly found him for a 34-yard gain. Shamawd Chambers, in his first start of the season, was the Esks pivot’s next target to get within inches of the first down.
Reilly fumbled his quarterback sneak looking for that first down and Ese Mrabure recovered the ball, bringing the Riders offence back to the field.
That turnover led to a major for the Riders as Roosevelt caught a Kevin Glenn pass deep in the end zone with one hand for the score. The touchdown was Glenn’s 15th touchdown pass of the year and just his second on the road.
The drive started with a Rob Bagg catch to bring Saskatchewan into Edmonton territory. Glenn then aired it out to Roosevelt bringing the Riders inside the 30-yard line.
Marshall then made a 20-yard gain, running out of bounds at the eight-yard line. The first attempt for the Riders pivot looking for the end zone was to Nic Demski, who had the pass go off his fingers. But Glenn’s second attempt was successful to Roosevelt for six.
If the Saskatchewan Roughriders were worried about their 0-3 record on the road, they didn’t show it as they took an early 7-0 lead.
The Riders defence also took the momentum from their impressive outing in Week 8 early in the contest, forcing the Eskimos to two punts and a fumble in their first three drives.
Edmonton’s defence pushed back, however, forcing the Riders to punt on their next possession.
Jamill Smith made his mark in his first game with the Eskimos, returning Josh Bartel’s punt 35 yards giving the Esks good field position. But the Esks’ offence couldn’t make anything happen and the Riders defence forced them to punt once again.
Jefferson blocked Hugh O’Neill’s punt, recovered it and brought it to the house himself for the Riders’ second touchdown of the night off a turnover. With Tyler Crapigna’s convert kick, Saskatchewan took a 14-0 lead with just over two minutes left in the first quarter.
Edmonton started driving down the field as the opening quarter expired and Brandon Zylstra, in his return after missing two games to injury, caught a 33-yard pass to bring the Esks to the one-yard line. Reilly then plunged in for the home team’s first score of the ball game.
But the Eskimos momentum was taken right away after O’Niell’s convert kick was blocked and Carter took it out of the end zone and all the way down the field adding two points to the Riders’ score and extending their lead to 16-6.
On Saskatchewan’s next drive, Adams Jr. made his Riders debut that led to Crapigna adding three more points to his team’s lead with a 20-yard field goal.
When the Riders seemed to be rolling once again, Johnny Adams notched an interception after Glenn’s pass went off Roosevelt’s hands inside the red zone.
With just 15 seconds left in the half, the Riders weren’t done scoring just yet.
Under pressure and as he was falling, Glenn flipped the ball to Marshall who dodged himself into the end zone for the Riders third major of the night and extended their lead to 26-6 as the first half concluded.
Kenny Ladler blocked Crapigna’s 43-yard field goal attempt to start the second quarter and Alex Hoffman-Ellis recovered it for Edmonton.
Both team’s traded offensive possessions for most of the third frame as their defences stood tall.
The next score came late in the quarter, after Jovon Johnson picked off Reilly and took it 40 yards for another Riders touchdown. The 11-year CFL veteran’s score extended Saskatchewan’s lead to 33-6.
Things didn’t get better for the Eskimos pivot, as Kacy Rodgers also intercepted Reilly on the Eskimos next drive and ran it into the end zone. The second pick-six of the game extended the lead to 40-7.
Edmonton scored on their next possession. O’Neill punted the ball away and Cauchy Muamba scored the touchdown on a misplayed punt return by Demiski. The Esks then went for two as Reilly found Williams, cutting the Riders lead to 40-15 early in the final frame as the home team looked for a spark.
The Riders defence added to their takeaways on the night after recovering a Reilly fumble bringing Saskatchewan’s offence back onto the field.
Adams Jr. scored his first touchdown as member of the Roughriders late in the fourth, as he scurried around the line of scrimmage to run untouched into the end zone. That score extended the Riders lead to 47-15.
James Franklin made his season debut on the Esks next drive that led to a LaDarius Perkins touchdown with just over three minutes left in the contest. The Esks two-point convert was successful to Kenny Stafford to cut the Riders lead to 47-23.
The Riders still weren’t done scoring. Carter scored another major for the visiting team with just over one minute left in the contest as he stretched into the end zone.
Franklin passed to Bryant Mitchell with just 16 seconds left to add a touchdown to the Eskimos point total but it wasn’t enough and Edmonton was handed their second loss of 2017.
Saskatchewan heads home next week to take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers while the Eskimos take a trip to Calgary for a tussle with the Stampeders.
Saturday, August 26
Toronto @ Calgary
Game 377-378
August 26, 2017 @ 9:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
110.236
Calgary
124.185
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 14
62
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 10
55
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
(-10); Over
BC Lions @ Ottawa
Game 375-376
August 26, 2017 @ 3:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
BC Lions
112.024
Ottawa
115.123
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 3
53
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
by 1
55
Dunkel Pick:
Ottawa
(-1); Under
************************
Saturday, August 26
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BRITISH COLUMBIA (5 - 4) at OTTAWA (2 - 6 - 1) - 8/26/2017, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 92-66 ATS (+19.4 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 69-47 ATS (+17.3 Units) in road games off a division game since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 27-10 ATS (+16.0 Units) in road games in August games since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) off a loss against a division rival over the last 3 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up losses over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 2-2 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 2-2 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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TORONTO (4 - 5) at CALGARY (6 - 1 - 1) - 8/26/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) off a win over a division rival over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in August games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 4-1 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 5-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
*****************************
BC Lions (5-4) @ Ottawa (2-6-1)— Lions beat Ottawa 29-23/40-33 in LY’s meetings; they’re 4-2 overall vs Ottawa— under was 4-1-1 in those games. BC lost three of last four games, scoring 8-17 points in losses the last two weeks. Lions’ last three games stayed under; they’re 3-2 on road, 1-1 as a road underdog. Five of Ottawa’s six losses are by 4 or less points; RedBlacks are 1-3-1 at home; they’re 2-3 vs spread as a favorite this season. Under is 5-1-1 in Ottawa’s last seven games.
Toronto (4-5) @ Calgary (6-1-1)— Stampeders (-6) won 41-24 at Toronto three weeks ago, their 7th win in a row over the Argonauts, who’ve lost last three visits to Calgary, by 7-5-18 points. Under is 8-2 in last ten series games played here. Toronto snapped 3-game skid with win over Montreal last week; Argos are 1-3 on road, 1-3 as a road underdog, with losses by 8-11-12 points, and the lone win 26-25 at Ottawa. Calgary won/covered its last four games; they’re 3-0 at home, 2-1 as a home favorite, winning by 4-17-59 points- this is their first home game in a month.
**************************
Saturday, August 26
3:30 PM
BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. OTTAWA
British Columbia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
British Columbia is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 2-6-1 SU in its last 9 games ,
Ottawa is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing British Columbia
9:00 PM
TORONTO vs. CALGARY
Toronto is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Toronto is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games
Calgary is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Calgary's last 10 games when playing at home against Toronto
Toronto @ Calgary
Game 377-378
August 26, 2017 @ 9:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
110.236
Calgary
124.185
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 14
62
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 10
55
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
(-10); Over
BC Lions @ Ottawa
Game 375-376
August 26, 2017 @ 3:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
BC Lions
112.024
Ottawa
115.123
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 3
53
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
by 1
55
Dunkel Pick:
Ottawa
(-1); Under
************************
Saturday, August 26
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRITISH COLUMBIA (5 - 4) at OTTAWA (2 - 6 - 1) - 8/26/2017, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 92-66 ATS (+19.4 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 69-47 ATS (+17.3 Units) in road games off a division game since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 27-10 ATS (+16.0 Units) in road games in August games since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) off a loss against a division rival over the last 3 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up losses over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 2-2 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 2-2 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TORONTO (4 - 5) at CALGARY (6 - 1 - 1) - 8/26/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) off a win over a division rival over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in August games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 4-1 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 5-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
*****************************
BC Lions (5-4) @ Ottawa (2-6-1)— Lions beat Ottawa 29-23/40-33 in LY’s meetings; they’re 4-2 overall vs Ottawa— under was 4-1-1 in those games. BC lost three of last four games, scoring 8-17 points in losses the last two weeks. Lions’ last three games stayed under; they’re 3-2 on road, 1-1 as a road underdog. Five of Ottawa’s six losses are by 4 or less points; RedBlacks are 1-3-1 at home; they’re 2-3 vs spread as a favorite this season. Under is 5-1-1 in Ottawa’s last seven games.
Toronto (4-5) @ Calgary (6-1-1)— Stampeders (-6) won 41-24 at Toronto three weeks ago, their 7th win in a row over the Argonauts, who’ve lost last three visits to Calgary, by 7-5-18 points. Under is 8-2 in last ten series games played here. Toronto snapped 3-game skid with win over Montreal last week; Argos are 1-3 on road, 1-3 as a road underdog, with losses by 8-11-12 points, and the lone win 26-25 at Ottawa. Calgary won/covered its last four games; they’re 3-0 at home, 2-1 as a home favorite, winning by 4-17-59 points- this is their first home game in a month.
**************************
Saturday, August 26
3:30 PM
BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. OTTAWA
British Columbia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
British Columbia is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 2-6-1 SU in its last 9 games ,
Ottawa is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing British Columbia
9:00 PM
TORONTO vs. CALGARY
Toronto is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Toronto is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games
Calgary is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Calgary's last 10 games when playing at home against Toronto
cfl last 17 games:
Date w-l-t % units record
08/25/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/24/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/18/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00
08/17/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/13/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/12/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/11/2017 1-1-0 0.00% -0.50
08/10/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/05/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
08/03/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/29/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
07/28/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/27/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/22/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/21/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/20/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
totals............29 - 15........65.90%.....+ 63.00
Date w-l-t % units record
08/25/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/24/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/18/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00
08/17/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/13/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/12/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/11/2017 1-1-0 0.00% -0.50
08/10/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/05/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
08/03/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/29/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
07/28/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/27/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/22/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/21/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/20/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
totals............29 - 15........65.90%.....+ 63.00
PREVIEW
REDBLACKS ENTERTAIN LIONS IN SATURDAY MATINEE
OTTAWA — The Ottawa REDBLACKS and BC Lions find themselves in similar positions entering their meeting on Saturday afternoon in the nation’s capital.
Both are second-last in their division. Both left points on the field throughout the first half of the 2017 CFL season. Both understand the need to step it up in the second half if they want to be in the playoffs.
Saturday’s visitors, the BC Lions, have something of a quarterback controversy brewing: Jonathan Jennings has battled inconsistency in recent weeks en route to a pair of losses, while Travis Lulay won his last start back on Aug. 5.
Saturday’s hosts, the Ottawa REDBLACKS, have just two victories to show for nine close football games; the screws are tightened and the pressure is most definitely on in the nation’s capital.
As evidenced by the words of defensive back Ronnie Yell this week, the BC Lions are far from satisfied with their 5-4 record entering this Saturday’s clash with the REDBLACKS in Ottawa.
“5-4 is average, man,” Yell told BCLions.com candidly. “That’s average for us and we don’t want to be there. We’re going to work extremely hard to get to the top in the second half of the season.”
BC will have a chance to snap a two-game losing skid and begin the process of righting the ship against the REDBLACKS; despite Ottawa’s 2-6-1 record, the Lions know a win won’t come easy at TD Place.
“They have been in all those games they’ve lost, it just seems like they can’t catch a break,” said Yell. “It’s not a pushover game. Their record doesn’t indicate who they are and we have to be ready for them in their house.”
The Lions’ 21-17 defeat to Calgary last week left a sour taste in the mouths of all involved with the team, most of all Head Coach Wally Buono.
“The missed opportunities obviously were disturbing, the blocked kick was disturbing,” said Buono, who expects his team to bounce back in Ottawa. “Our quarterback will be better, our offensive line will be better and I think our receiving corps will be better. That should hopefully allow us to score more points; which makes our team better.”
Former REDBLACK and leading running back Jeremiah Johnson is excited to face his former team.
“This is really funny because I want them to be yelling as loud as they can so I can shut them up as fast as I can,” said Johnson, who ran for 11 touchdowns in 15 games with Ottawa over the 2014 and 2015 seasons. “Those fans did me right when I was there so I most definitely want to give them a show, but at the end of the day I want to give them a show and break their back as well.”
The Lions secondary will receive a boost with the return of T.J. Lee from injury; the Eastern Washington product had recorded 17 tackles and two interceptions prior to a Week 6 injury against Edmonton.
Saturday will mark the return of receiver Chris Williams to the nation’s capital; the BC pass-catcher has hauled in 214 yards and a touchdown in three games since returning from an injury that delayed the start of his 2017 season. The New Mexico St. alum caught 15 touchdowns and broke the 1,200-yard mark twice (2015, 2016) during his time with the REDBLACKS.
Last week’s 38-17 win in Hamilton eased some of the pressure in Ottawa’s camp, but not all. The REDBLACKS, after all, are still a 2-6-1 team.
However: They’re a 2-6-1 team in the struggling East Division, meaning they’re only three points out of first.
“It goes to show you that where we’ve come up short is making key plays in the fourth quarter,” Ottawa head coach Rick Campbell told OttawaREDBLACKS.com, referencing his team’s losing record and positive point-differential. “Obviously our record’s not where we want, (but) we do know we can play with anybody — we’ve got to put some wins in the bank, (because) it’s going to be competitive down the stretch.”
The challenge for the REDBLACKS this week is a unique one in the ultra-talented but under-performing BC Lions.
“Typically, you can find a strength (or weakness) in a team’s defence, (but) you can’t with (BC’s) defence, because they’re all strengths,” admitted Ottawa quarterback Trevor Harris. “Their pass rush, their linebacking core — led by Solomon, doesn’t get much better than him — (and) their DBs break on everything, they have length, speed (and) veterans back there.”
REDBLACKS linebacker Taylor Reed believes his defence has to keep it simple against the Lions this week.
“We’ve had some plays, easy touchdown stuff, that could’ve been preventable,” explained Reed. “Guys going for the big play instead of the easy play, and it extended the drive (or) gave up a touchdown — we have to buckle down on defence (and) get the QB down when we have the chance to.”
Running back Mossis Madu Jr. will dress in just his second game since Week 5, replacing the injured William Powell; Madu, an Oklahoma product, has averaged 4.49 yards-per-carry in limited action.
Former Saskatchewan Roughrider Jonathan Newsome will make his REDBLACKS debut at D-end, replacing Teidrick Smith; the 26 year-old was signed by Ottawa on Jul. 7, shortly after Chris Jones and co. released him in Saskatchewan.
By The Numbers
3 – Wins in three tries this season for BC against East Division opponents.
41.9 – Difference in QUAR rating between BC quarterbacks Jonathon Jennings (52.1) and Travis Lulay (94.0).
118 – Passes caught by Greg Ellingson (60) and Brad Sinopoli (58) this season, first and second in the league respectively.
2,862 – League-high passing yards for Ottawa’s Trevor Harris.
The Skinny
Now isn’t this a tasty matchup?
Both the Lions and REDBLACKS have an embarrassment of riches at multiple positions, and watching the two battle it out at TD Place should be fun.
How long is Jonathon Jennings’s leash under centre, given Travis Lulay’s quality appearances this season? How will Jonathan Newsome look in his REDBLACKS debut? Can Ottawa close out a game on home turf?
These questions will be answered on Saturday afternoon at a sunny TD Place.
Both teams will want to put disappointing first halves behind them; what better way to start than in Week 10?
Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and can be followed live via CFL.ca Game Tracker and seen on TSN and ESPN 3.
REDBLACKS ENTERTAIN LIONS IN SATURDAY MATINEE
OTTAWA — The Ottawa REDBLACKS and BC Lions find themselves in similar positions entering their meeting on Saturday afternoon in the nation’s capital.
Both are second-last in their division. Both left points on the field throughout the first half of the 2017 CFL season. Both understand the need to step it up in the second half if they want to be in the playoffs.
Saturday’s visitors, the BC Lions, have something of a quarterback controversy brewing: Jonathan Jennings has battled inconsistency in recent weeks en route to a pair of losses, while Travis Lulay won his last start back on Aug. 5.
Saturday’s hosts, the Ottawa REDBLACKS, have just two victories to show for nine close football games; the screws are tightened and the pressure is most definitely on in the nation’s capital.
As evidenced by the words of defensive back Ronnie Yell this week, the BC Lions are far from satisfied with their 5-4 record entering this Saturday’s clash with the REDBLACKS in Ottawa.
“5-4 is average, man,” Yell told BCLions.com candidly. “That’s average for us and we don’t want to be there. We’re going to work extremely hard to get to the top in the second half of the season.”
BC will have a chance to snap a two-game losing skid and begin the process of righting the ship against the REDBLACKS; despite Ottawa’s 2-6-1 record, the Lions know a win won’t come easy at TD Place.
“They have been in all those games they’ve lost, it just seems like they can’t catch a break,” said Yell. “It’s not a pushover game. Their record doesn’t indicate who they are and we have to be ready for them in their house.”
The Lions’ 21-17 defeat to Calgary last week left a sour taste in the mouths of all involved with the team, most of all Head Coach Wally Buono.
“The missed opportunities obviously were disturbing, the blocked kick was disturbing,” said Buono, who expects his team to bounce back in Ottawa. “Our quarterback will be better, our offensive line will be better and I think our receiving corps will be better. That should hopefully allow us to score more points; which makes our team better.”
Former REDBLACK and leading running back Jeremiah Johnson is excited to face his former team.
“This is really funny because I want them to be yelling as loud as they can so I can shut them up as fast as I can,” said Johnson, who ran for 11 touchdowns in 15 games with Ottawa over the 2014 and 2015 seasons. “Those fans did me right when I was there so I most definitely want to give them a show, but at the end of the day I want to give them a show and break their back as well.”
The Lions secondary will receive a boost with the return of T.J. Lee from injury; the Eastern Washington product had recorded 17 tackles and two interceptions prior to a Week 6 injury against Edmonton.
Saturday will mark the return of receiver Chris Williams to the nation’s capital; the BC pass-catcher has hauled in 214 yards and a touchdown in three games since returning from an injury that delayed the start of his 2017 season. The New Mexico St. alum caught 15 touchdowns and broke the 1,200-yard mark twice (2015, 2016) during his time with the REDBLACKS.
Last week’s 38-17 win in Hamilton eased some of the pressure in Ottawa’s camp, but not all. The REDBLACKS, after all, are still a 2-6-1 team.
However: They’re a 2-6-1 team in the struggling East Division, meaning they’re only three points out of first.
“It goes to show you that where we’ve come up short is making key plays in the fourth quarter,” Ottawa head coach Rick Campbell told OttawaREDBLACKS.com, referencing his team’s losing record and positive point-differential. “Obviously our record’s not where we want, (but) we do know we can play with anybody — we’ve got to put some wins in the bank, (because) it’s going to be competitive down the stretch.”
The challenge for the REDBLACKS this week is a unique one in the ultra-talented but under-performing BC Lions.
“Typically, you can find a strength (or weakness) in a team’s defence, (but) you can’t with (BC’s) defence, because they’re all strengths,” admitted Ottawa quarterback Trevor Harris. “Their pass rush, their linebacking core — led by Solomon, doesn’t get much better than him — (and) their DBs break on everything, they have length, speed (and) veterans back there.”
REDBLACKS linebacker Taylor Reed believes his defence has to keep it simple against the Lions this week.
“We’ve had some plays, easy touchdown stuff, that could’ve been preventable,” explained Reed. “Guys going for the big play instead of the easy play, and it extended the drive (or) gave up a touchdown — we have to buckle down on defence (and) get the QB down when we have the chance to.”
Running back Mossis Madu Jr. will dress in just his second game since Week 5, replacing the injured William Powell; Madu, an Oklahoma product, has averaged 4.49 yards-per-carry in limited action.
Former Saskatchewan Roughrider Jonathan Newsome will make his REDBLACKS debut at D-end, replacing Teidrick Smith; the 26 year-old was signed by Ottawa on Jul. 7, shortly after Chris Jones and co. released him in Saskatchewan.
By The Numbers
3 – Wins in three tries this season for BC against East Division opponents.
41.9 – Difference in QUAR rating between BC quarterbacks Jonathon Jennings (52.1) and Travis Lulay (94.0).
118 – Passes caught by Greg Ellingson (60) and Brad Sinopoli (58) this season, first and second in the league respectively.
2,862 – League-high passing yards for Ottawa’s Trevor Harris.
The Skinny
Now isn’t this a tasty matchup?
Both the Lions and REDBLACKS have an embarrassment of riches at multiple positions, and watching the two battle it out at TD Place should be fun.
How long is Jonathon Jennings’s leash under centre, given Travis Lulay’s quality appearances this season? How will Jonathan Newsome look in his REDBLACKS debut? Can Ottawa close out a game on home turf?
These questions will be answered on Saturday afternoon at a sunny TD Place.
Both teams will want to put disappointing first halves behind them; what better way to start than in Week 10?
Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and can be followed live via CFL.ca Game Tracker and seen on TSN and ESPN 3.
PREVIEW
STAMPS LOOK TO CONTINUE HOME DOMINANCE VS. ARGOS
CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders search for their 14th straight win at McMahon Stadium against the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday night as cross-division foes finish off Week 10.
Calgary has not dropped a game on home turf since Oct. 10, 2015, presenting a tough challenge for the Double Blue.
The Argonauts are coming off of an impressive victory after dominating the Montreal Alouettes in all three phases last week, cruising to a 38-6 win in a key East Division matchup. Veteran pivot Ricky Ray tossed four touchdown passes and threw for 377 yards. Receiver S.J. Green found the end zone twice and racked up 145 yards on nine catches.
Running back Brandon Whitaker also appears to be finding his stride after missing a pair of games earlier in the season. The 31-year-old has 185 rushing yards on 31 catches in his past two games.
It was a redemption game for the Argos after losing to the Als just one week earlier. The victory gave the Boatmen sole possession of first place in their division.
“We look at [last week] as a glimpse of the team we want to become,” Argos head coach Marc Trestman told Argonauts.ca. “We don’t know what that team’s going to be and we don’t know where we’re going to be at the end of the season… but we’re going to try and build on what we did last week.
“We’re going to try and be efficient. We’re going to try and be a smarter football team.”
Ray has proven this season that age is just a number. The 37-year-old ranks second in the league in passing yards (2,798), trailing only Ottawa’s Trevor Harris by less than 100 yards despite playing one less game.
The Argos’ receiving corps will have a different look compared to last week with the return of DeVier Posey in the lineup. The 27-year-old got off to a stellar start in 2017, racking up 280 receiving yards through three games before being placed on the six game injured list. Jimmy Ralph will get the start on Saturday in the absence of receiver Anthony Coombs, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Coombs reportedly requires surgery, although Trestman wouldn’t rule out a return later this season.
Also out for the Argos is Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, who is day-to-day after exiting last weekend’s win. That means some juggling for Corey Chamblin in the defensive backfield, resulting in rookie 25-year-old Alden Darby getting his first career start at field corner.
Alan-Michael Cash is also out after being placed on the one-game injured list while the Argos’ hobbled D-line continues to await the return of Cleyon Laing and Victor Butler. The latter did some workouts this week but was not deemed ready to play.
The Argos will have their hands full with on of the best in the West. The Stamps edged the BC Lions 21-17 on the road last week to improve to 6-1-1 on the season. Rene Paredes was a perfect five-for-five on field goal attempts while Jerome Messam had the Stamps’ only touchdown of the night, powering into the end zone on a short one-yard run.
While the Stamps got the job done in hostile territory, quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell was only successful on 15 of 31 attempts, mustering 237 yards and an interception. Mitchell’s completion percentage of 48.4 per cent was his second-lowest as a starter.
Mitchell said after the win that his arm was not 100 per cent. However, both Mitchell and Head Coach Dave Dickenson confirmed earlier in the week that the starting quarterback would good to go for Week 10 despite some soreness.
The Stamps have proven once again this year to be one of the best offences in the CFL, averaging a league best 34.4 yards per game.
Dickenson says that both his offence and defence will have to be sharp to compete with a strong Argos squad.
“I think our guys are excited to play,” Dickenson told Stampeders.com. “I think we’re going to have a great challenge. You look at their roster, Toronto, their receiving core is just excellent. Great size, speed…. They put on a show last week. [It’s a] big challenge for our defence there.
“Defensively they pretty much had their way with Montreal. They made them look like they didn’t have anything that could be successful.”
The Stamps will be without a key part of their lineup as defensive lineman Charleston Hughes will not be on the field Saturday. Dickenson says that the injury does not appear to be long term.
While the absence of Hughes hurts, the Stamps’ defence gets some help in the form of Josh Bell. Bell replaces rookie Tunde Adeleke at safety after missing three games.
Deron Mayo could dress for the first time in 2017 after needing some extra time to recover from the knee injury that ended his 2016 season. However, he’s listed behind Jameer Thurman on the depth chart and could be a game-time decision for the Stamps.
By The Numbers
1 – Games that Calgary has lost at home in its last 20 matches.
7 – League leading rushing touchdowns for Jerome Messam this season.
18 – First downs that the Stampeders held the BC Lions to last week.
88 – Receiving targets for S.J. Green, the most for any player this year.
100 – Marc Trestman reaches the century game mark in this contest against the Stamps, with an overall career record of 63-36.
The Skinny
While the Argos and Stamps are led by two of the top quarterbacks in the league, Ray and Mitchell will both be in tough against the opposition’s defence.
The Argos and Stamps rank first and second respectively in yards given up per game. The Double Blue have held their opponents to only 335.3 yards per game on average while Calgary is not far behind, averaging 355.9 yards. The Stamps have also given up a league best 20.3 points per game, four points less than the next closest team.
Toronto linebacker Bear Woods and Calgary’s Alex Singleton sit third and fourth in tackles this season with 53 and 52. Two tough defences could equal a low scoring battle to close out Week 10.
Kickoff is slated for 9:00 p.m. ET and can be followed live via CFL.ca Game Tracker and seen on TSN and ESPN 3.
STAMPS LOOK TO CONTINUE HOME DOMINANCE VS. ARGOS
CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders search for their 14th straight win at McMahon Stadium against the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday night as cross-division foes finish off Week 10.
Calgary has not dropped a game on home turf since Oct. 10, 2015, presenting a tough challenge for the Double Blue.
The Argonauts are coming off of an impressive victory after dominating the Montreal Alouettes in all three phases last week, cruising to a 38-6 win in a key East Division matchup. Veteran pivot Ricky Ray tossed four touchdown passes and threw for 377 yards. Receiver S.J. Green found the end zone twice and racked up 145 yards on nine catches.
Running back Brandon Whitaker also appears to be finding his stride after missing a pair of games earlier in the season. The 31-year-old has 185 rushing yards on 31 catches in his past two games.
It was a redemption game for the Argos after losing to the Als just one week earlier. The victory gave the Boatmen sole possession of first place in their division.
“We look at [last week] as a glimpse of the team we want to become,” Argos head coach Marc Trestman told Argonauts.ca. “We don’t know what that team’s going to be and we don’t know where we’re going to be at the end of the season… but we’re going to try and build on what we did last week.
“We’re going to try and be efficient. We’re going to try and be a smarter football team.”
Ray has proven this season that age is just a number. The 37-year-old ranks second in the league in passing yards (2,798), trailing only Ottawa’s Trevor Harris by less than 100 yards despite playing one less game.
The Argos’ receiving corps will have a different look compared to last week with the return of DeVier Posey in the lineup. The 27-year-old got off to a stellar start in 2017, racking up 280 receiving yards through three games before being placed on the six game injured list. Jimmy Ralph will get the start on Saturday in the absence of receiver Anthony Coombs, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Coombs reportedly requires surgery, although Trestman wouldn’t rule out a return later this season.
Also out for the Argos is Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, who is day-to-day after exiting last weekend’s win. That means some juggling for Corey Chamblin in the defensive backfield, resulting in rookie 25-year-old Alden Darby getting his first career start at field corner.
Alan-Michael Cash is also out after being placed on the one-game injured list while the Argos’ hobbled D-line continues to await the return of Cleyon Laing and Victor Butler. The latter did some workouts this week but was not deemed ready to play.
The Argos will have their hands full with on of the best in the West. The Stamps edged the BC Lions 21-17 on the road last week to improve to 6-1-1 on the season. Rene Paredes was a perfect five-for-five on field goal attempts while Jerome Messam had the Stamps’ only touchdown of the night, powering into the end zone on a short one-yard run.
While the Stamps got the job done in hostile territory, quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell was only successful on 15 of 31 attempts, mustering 237 yards and an interception. Mitchell’s completion percentage of 48.4 per cent was his second-lowest as a starter.
Mitchell said after the win that his arm was not 100 per cent. However, both Mitchell and Head Coach Dave Dickenson confirmed earlier in the week that the starting quarterback would good to go for Week 10 despite some soreness.
The Stamps have proven once again this year to be one of the best offences in the CFL, averaging a league best 34.4 yards per game.
Dickenson says that both his offence and defence will have to be sharp to compete with a strong Argos squad.
“I think our guys are excited to play,” Dickenson told Stampeders.com. “I think we’re going to have a great challenge. You look at their roster, Toronto, their receiving core is just excellent. Great size, speed…. They put on a show last week. [It’s a] big challenge for our defence there.
“Defensively they pretty much had their way with Montreal. They made them look like they didn’t have anything that could be successful.”
The Stamps will be without a key part of their lineup as defensive lineman Charleston Hughes will not be on the field Saturday. Dickenson says that the injury does not appear to be long term.
While the absence of Hughes hurts, the Stamps’ defence gets some help in the form of Josh Bell. Bell replaces rookie Tunde Adeleke at safety after missing three games.
Deron Mayo could dress for the first time in 2017 after needing some extra time to recover from the knee injury that ended his 2016 season. However, he’s listed behind Jameer Thurman on the depth chart and could be a game-time decision for the Stamps.
By The Numbers
1 – Games that Calgary has lost at home in its last 20 matches.
7 – League leading rushing touchdowns for Jerome Messam this season.
18 – First downs that the Stampeders held the BC Lions to last week.
88 – Receiving targets for S.J. Green, the most for any player this year.
100 – Marc Trestman reaches the century game mark in this contest against the Stamps, with an overall career record of 63-36.
The Skinny
While the Argos and Stamps are led by two of the top quarterbacks in the league, Ray and Mitchell will both be in tough against the opposition’s defence.
The Argos and Stamps rank first and second respectively in yards given up per game. The Double Blue have held their opponents to only 335.3 yards per game on average while Calgary is not far behind, averaging 355.9 yards. The Stamps have also given up a league best 20.3 points per game, four points less than the next closest team.
Toronto linebacker Bear Woods and Calgary’s Alex Singleton sit third and fourth in tackles this season with 53 and 52. Two tough defences could equal a low scoring battle to close out Week 10.
Kickoff is slated for 9:00 p.m. ET and can be followed live via CFL.ca Game Tracker and seen on TSN and ESPN 3.
GAME RECAP
REDBLACKS HOLD OFF LATE SURGE BY LIONS FOR 31-24 VICTORY
OTTAWA — The Ottawa REDBLACKS narrowly held off a fourth quarter comeback attempt by the BC Lions for a 31-24 victory at TD Place in game one of a Saturday CFL doubleheader.
The REDBLACKS appeared to be in control with a 31-3 lead heading into the final 15 minutes, but the Lions battled back to score three touchdowns in the final quarter in what would have been the greatest comeback in league history. A pass by Travis Lulay was picked off with less than two minutes to go and the REDBLACKS controlled the clock from there for the win.
Running back Mossis Madu had a touchdown on the ground and in the air for Ottawa in the win while Lions quarterback Jonathon Jennings was pulled in the loss.
The REDBLACKS had a short field to work with on their second possession of the game, beginning their drive at their own 53-yard line. Ottawa was not able to take full advantage of the field position, settling for a 41-yard field goal from Brett Maher.
Ottawa punted the ball away on its next drive, but a too many men call against the Lions gave the REDBLACKS another third down attempt and put them within striking distance of a field goal. Maher split the uprights from 48-yards out to pull Ottawa ahead 6-0.
The kick was Maher’s eighth straight successful field goal attempt, setting an Ottawa pro-football record.
The Manny Show was on full display near the end of the first quarter when Emmanuel Arceneaux hauled in a 52-yard catch to put the Lions just outside of the red zone. However, BC could not capitalize on the big play as a Jennings pass in the end zone was picked off by Ottawa defensive back Corey Tindal.
The REDBLACKS held the Lions to just two first downs in the first 15 minutes of the match.
Ottawa continued to pull away in the second quarter as Harris and his offence controlled the clock with a steady charge down the field. A gamble on third down in the red zone paid off, setting Ottawa up just one-yard short of a touchdown. Ryan Lindley charged across the plane for the major, increasing the REDBLACKS’ lead.
Another field goal by Maher puller the REDBLACKS ahead 15-0 late in the second quarter.
The Lions attempted a 45-yard field goal with less than a minute left in the game, but Ty Long’s kick sailed wide left. Diontae Spencer charged out of the end zone, running the ball 90 yards downfield. His long return set up Maher’s fourth field goal of the day to carry an 18-0 REDBLACKS lead heading into halftime.
In need of an offensive spark, the Leos decided put backup pivot Travis Lulay at the helm to start the third quarter.
A pass interference call against BC proved costly for the Lions, moving the REDBLACKS 44 yards downfield. Madu capped off the drive by taking a pitch from Harris and making the eight-yard dash into the end zone for the major.
The Lions finally managed to get on the board midway through the third quarter thanks to their strong ground game. It started with Chris Rainey’s 49-yard punt return, followed by an 18-yard rush by Jeremiah Johnson. Lulay also got in on the action, running the ball on three straight plays. The REDBLACKS’ defence held strong, standing up the Lions twice within the ten-yard line. BC settled for a short field goal to narrowly cut into the REDBLACKS lead.
Madu continued to work his third quarter magic, notching his second touchdown of the quarter by snagging a pass from Harris in the end zone. The REDBLACKS third touchdown of the game gave them a commanding 31-3 lead heading into the final 15 minutes.
Despite the large deficit, the Lions refused to go down without a fight. Bryan Burnham made a spectacular 42-yard catch to set up BC’s first touchdown of the game at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Running back Jeremiah Johnson capped off the drive with a four-yard dash into the end zone for the major, putting the score at 31-10.
The Lions weren’t done there.
A REDBLACKS two-and-out gave BC control of the ball once again. Lulay and the Lions offence moved the sticks and continued to crawl their way back into the game. Johnson recorded his second touchdown of the afternoon, catching a three-yard toss from Lulay to cut the REDBLACKS lead to 31-17.
The Lions battled back to make it a one-score game when Ronnie Yell intercepted a Harris pass deep in Ottawa territory, setting up the Lions for first and goal. Burnham caught a Lulay pass in the short left corner of the end zone to make it a 31-24 score late in the fourth quarter.
BC got the ball back once again with less than two minutes remaining, but could not pull off the miraculous comeback. Jonathan Newsome caught a bouncing ball for a REDBLACKS interception with just over a minute remaining as Ottawa held on for the win.
Up next for the REDBLACKS is a date with the Montreal Alouettes in an all-East matchup, while the Lions are on a bye week. They will return to action Sept. 8 to take on the Als at BC Place.
REDBLACKS HOLD OFF LATE SURGE BY LIONS FOR 31-24 VICTORY
OTTAWA — The Ottawa REDBLACKS narrowly held off a fourth quarter comeback attempt by the BC Lions for a 31-24 victory at TD Place in game one of a Saturday CFL doubleheader.
The REDBLACKS appeared to be in control with a 31-3 lead heading into the final 15 minutes, but the Lions battled back to score three touchdowns in the final quarter in what would have been the greatest comeback in league history. A pass by Travis Lulay was picked off with less than two minutes to go and the REDBLACKS controlled the clock from there for the win.
Running back Mossis Madu had a touchdown on the ground and in the air for Ottawa in the win while Lions quarterback Jonathon Jennings was pulled in the loss.
The REDBLACKS had a short field to work with on their second possession of the game, beginning their drive at their own 53-yard line. Ottawa was not able to take full advantage of the field position, settling for a 41-yard field goal from Brett Maher.
Ottawa punted the ball away on its next drive, but a too many men call against the Lions gave the REDBLACKS another third down attempt and put them within striking distance of a field goal. Maher split the uprights from 48-yards out to pull Ottawa ahead 6-0.
The kick was Maher’s eighth straight successful field goal attempt, setting an Ottawa pro-football record.
The Manny Show was on full display near the end of the first quarter when Emmanuel Arceneaux hauled in a 52-yard catch to put the Lions just outside of the red zone. However, BC could not capitalize on the big play as a Jennings pass in the end zone was picked off by Ottawa defensive back Corey Tindal.
The REDBLACKS held the Lions to just two first downs in the first 15 minutes of the match.
Ottawa continued to pull away in the second quarter as Harris and his offence controlled the clock with a steady charge down the field. A gamble on third down in the red zone paid off, setting Ottawa up just one-yard short of a touchdown. Ryan Lindley charged across the plane for the major, increasing the REDBLACKS’ lead.
Another field goal by Maher puller the REDBLACKS ahead 15-0 late in the second quarter.
The Lions attempted a 45-yard field goal with less than a minute left in the game, but Ty Long’s kick sailed wide left. Diontae Spencer charged out of the end zone, running the ball 90 yards downfield. His long return set up Maher’s fourth field goal of the day to carry an 18-0 REDBLACKS lead heading into halftime.
In need of an offensive spark, the Leos decided put backup pivot Travis Lulay at the helm to start the third quarter.
A pass interference call against BC proved costly for the Lions, moving the REDBLACKS 44 yards downfield. Madu capped off the drive by taking a pitch from Harris and making the eight-yard dash into the end zone for the major.
The Lions finally managed to get on the board midway through the third quarter thanks to their strong ground game. It started with Chris Rainey’s 49-yard punt return, followed by an 18-yard rush by Jeremiah Johnson. Lulay also got in on the action, running the ball on three straight plays. The REDBLACKS’ defence held strong, standing up the Lions twice within the ten-yard line. BC settled for a short field goal to narrowly cut into the REDBLACKS lead.
Madu continued to work his third quarter magic, notching his second touchdown of the quarter by snagging a pass from Harris in the end zone. The REDBLACKS third touchdown of the game gave them a commanding 31-3 lead heading into the final 15 minutes.
Despite the large deficit, the Lions refused to go down without a fight. Bryan Burnham made a spectacular 42-yard catch to set up BC’s first touchdown of the game at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Running back Jeremiah Johnson capped off the drive with a four-yard dash into the end zone for the major, putting the score at 31-10.
The Lions weren’t done there.
A REDBLACKS two-and-out gave BC control of the ball once again. Lulay and the Lions offence moved the sticks and continued to crawl their way back into the game. Johnson recorded his second touchdown of the afternoon, catching a three-yard toss from Lulay to cut the REDBLACKS lead to 31-17.
The Lions battled back to make it a one-score game when Ronnie Yell intercepted a Harris pass deep in Ottawa territory, setting up the Lions for first and goal. Burnham caught a Lulay pass in the short left corner of the end zone to make it a 31-24 score late in the fourth quarter.
BC got the ball back once again with less than two minutes remaining, but could not pull off the miraculous comeback. Jonathan Newsome caught a bouncing ball for a REDBLACKS interception with just over a minute remaining as Ottawa held on for the win.
Up next for the REDBLACKS is a date with the Montreal Alouettes in an all-East matchup, while the Lions are on a bye week. They will return to action Sept. 8 to take on the Als at BC Place.
RECAP
STAMPEDERS DEFENCE DOMINANT EN ROUTE TO 23-7 WIN OVER ARGOS
CALGARY — Defence stole the show on Saturday night at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium, where the hometown Stampeders defeated the Toronto Argonauts 23-7.
Calgary (7-1-1) created pressure on Toronto (4-6) quarterback Ricky Ray throughout the night, limited its visitors to just three first-half first downs, and simply dominated the line of scrimmage en route to sole possession of first place in the West Division.
Stamps D-end JaGared Davis had a pair of sacks in the winning effort, and played — along with the rest of Calgary’s pass rush — a key part in Ray’s sub-standard 256-yard outing.
Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 383 yards and two touchdowns in the win, with DaVaris Daniels — final line: 114 receiving yards, two touchdowns — being his target of choice on the night.
Defence was the story of the first quarter, as the two squads combined for just four first downs and 101 net yards.
A strong punt return from Roy Finch late in the first quarter set the Stamps up with good field position; Bo Levi Mitchell then marched the Calgary offence down inside the red zone.
Once there, Mitchell was picked off by Cassius Vaughn in the Toronto end zone; Vaughn then motored for a 115-yard pick-six, which was initially flagged for pass interference but corrected to stand upon review. Lirim Hajrullahu’s convert gave the visitors a 7-0 lead.
Calgary would respond later in the quarter, as Mitchell found receiver DaVaris Daniels just inside the end zone on a 21-yard connection for the latter’s third touchdown of 2017. Rene Paredes missed the convert, so Toronto’s lead temporarily stood at 7-6.
The Stamps defence took over on the following series, as Alex Singleton and Micah Johnson combined to bring down Ray for a sack. Ja’Gared Davis then broke through on the following play for his second sack of the night.
Rene Paredes handed his Calgary team the lead on the final play of the first half, drilling a 40-yard field goal to send the Stamps to the locker room with a 9-7 lead.
Early in the third quarter, Mitchell found Daniels for the pair’s second touchdown of the night — a 38-yard bomb. The ensuing Paredes convert pushed the hosts’ lead to 16-7.
The Calgary kicker then made it a 10-point lead on the following kickoff; with the help of a Shawn Lemon roughing-the-kicker penalty on the convert, Paredes forced the Argos to concede a single in their end zone.
Paredes, a Concordia product, extended the Stamps’ advantage to 20-7 with a 24-yard field goal.
Ray and the Argos offence then saw their ensuing drive early in the fourth quarter stall near midfield due to penalty trouble.
Coordinator DeVone Claybrooks’s Calgary defence continued to dominate through the fourth quarter, forcing a two-and-out and, later, a critical turnover on downs near midfield.
A 32-yard Paredes field goal inside the final two minutes rounded out the night’s scoring.
Brandon Smith led the Stamps defensively with seven tackles, while standout linebacker Alex Singleton was also a force. Brandon Harris led the Argos with seven tackles in a losing cause.
On the special-teams front, Calgary return man Roy Finch ripped off a number of sizeable returns, while diminutive Toronto speedster Martese Jackson was held largely in check (7-yard average).
Receiver DeVier Posey caught five passes for 60 yards in his return to the lineup for Toronto.
Both the Stamps and Argos now enter crucial weeks in the run-up to Labour Day weekend rivalry contests.
Mitchell and the Stamps will now prepare for a long-weekend Monday showdown at McMahon Stadium against provincial rivals Edmonton (7-2) on Sept. 4 (3 p.m. ET), while Ray and the Argos will look to bounce back in the second game of the Monday doubleheader against Hamilton (0-9) at Tim Horton’s Field (6:30 p.m. ET).
STAMPEDERS DEFENCE DOMINANT EN ROUTE TO 23-7 WIN OVER ARGOS
CALGARY — Defence stole the show on Saturday night at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium, where the hometown Stampeders defeated the Toronto Argonauts 23-7.
Calgary (7-1-1) created pressure on Toronto (4-6) quarterback Ricky Ray throughout the night, limited its visitors to just three first-half first downs, and simply dominated the line of scrimmage en route to sole possession of first place in the West Division.
Stamps D-end JaGared Davis had a pair of sacks in the winning effort, and played — along with the rest of Calgary’s pass rush — a key part in Ray’s sub-standard 256-yard outing.
Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 383 yards and two touchdowns in the win, with DaVaris Daniels — final line: 114 receiving yards, two touchdowns — being his target of choice on the night.
Defence was the story of the first quarter, as the two squads combined for just four first downs and 101 net yards.
A strong punt return from Roy Finch late in the first quarter set the Stamps up with good field position; Bo Levi Mitchell then marched the Calgary offence down inside the red zone.
Once there, Mitchell was picked off by Cassius Vaughn in the Toronto end zone; Vaughn then motored for a 115-yard pick-six, which was initially flagged for pass interference but corrected to stand upon review. Lirim Hajrullahu’s convert gave the visitors a 7-0 lead.
Calgary would respond later in the quarter, as Mitchell found receiver DaVaris Daniels just inside the end zone on a 21-yard connection for the latter’s third touchdown of 2017. Rene Paredes missed the convert, so Toronto’s lead temporarily stood at 7-6.
The Stamps defence took over on the following series, as Alex Singleton and Micah Johnson combined to bring down Ray for a sack. Ja’Gared Davis then broke through on the following play for his second sack of the night.
Rene Paredes handed his Calgary team the lead on the final play of the first half, drilling a 40-yard field goal to send the Stamps to the locker room with a 9-7 lead.
Early in the third quarter, Mitchell found Daniels for the pair’s second touchdown of the night — a 38-yard bomb. The ensuing Paredes convert pushed the hosts’ lead to 16-7.
The Calgary kicker then made it a 10-point lead on the following kickoff; with the help of a Shawn Lemon roughing-the-kicker penalty on the convert, Paredes forced the Argos to concede a single in their end zone.
Paredes, a Concordia product, extended the Stamps’ advantage to 20-7 with a 24-yard field goal.
Ray and the Argos offence then saw their ensuing drive early in the fourth quarter stall near midfield due to penalty trouble.
Coordinator DeVone Claybrooks’s Calgary defence continued to dominate through the fourth quarter, forcing a two-and-out and, later, a critical turnover on downs near midfield.
A 32-yard Paredes field goal inside the final two minutes rounded out the night’s scoring.
Brandon Smith led the Stamps defensively with seven tackles, while standout linebacker Alex Singleton was also a force. Brandon Harris led the Argos with seven tackles in a losing cause.
On the special-teams front, Calgary return man Roy Finch ripped off a number of sizeable returns, while diminutive Toronto speedster Martese Jackson was held largely in check (7-yard average).
Receiver DeVier Posey caught five passes for 60 yards in his return to the lineup for Toronto.
Both the Stamps and Argos now enter crucial weeks in the run-up to Labour Day weekend rivalry contests.
Mitchell and the Stamps will now prepare for a long-weekend Monday showdown at McMahon Stadium against provincial rivals Edmonton (7-2) on Sept. 4 (3 p.m. ET), while Ray and the Argos will look to bounce back in the second game of the Monday doubleheader against Hamilton (0-9) at Tim Horton’s Field (6:30 p.m. ET).
WEST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Calgary 9 7 1 1 15 298 169 4-0-0 3-1-1 3-0-0
2 Winnipeg 9 7 2 0 14 308 278 3-1-0 4-1-0 2-2-0
3 Edmonton 9 7 2 0 14 261 256 4-1-0 3-1-0 2-2-0
4 BC 10 5 5 0 10 269 274 2-2-0 3-3-0 2-4-0
5 Saskatchewan 8 4 4 0 8 251 203 3-1-0 1-3-0 2-3-0
EAST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Toronto 10 4 6 0 8 230 254 3-2-0 1-4-0 4-1-0
2 Ottawa 10 3 6 1 7 282 271 2-3-1 1-3-0 2-2-0
3 Montreal 9 3 6 0 6 199 231 3-2-0 0-4-0 1-2-0
4 Hamilton 8 0 8 0 0 148 310 0-4-0 0-4-0 0-2-0
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Calgary 9 7 1 1 15 298 169 4-0-0 3-1-1 3-0-0
2 Winnipeg 9 7 2 0 14 308 278 3-1-0 4-1-0 2-2-0
3 Edmonton 9 7 2 0 14 261 256 4-1-0 3-1-0 2-2-0
4 BC 10 5 5 0 10 269 274 2-2-0 3-3-0 2-4-0
5 Saskatchewan 8 4 4 0 8 251 203 3-1-0 1-3-0 2-3-0
EAST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Toronto 10 4 6 0 8 230 254 3-2-0 1-4-0 4-1-0
2 Ottawa 10 3 6 1 7 282 271 2-3-1 1-3-0 2-2-0
3 Montreal 9 3 6 0 6 199 231 3-2-0 0-4-0 1-2-0
4 Hamilton 8 0 8 0 0 148 310 0-4-0 0-4-0 0-2-0
WEEK 11
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
7:30 PM Ottawa Redblacks Montreal Alouettes
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
4:00 PM Winnipeg Blue Bombers Saskatchewan Roughriders
Monday, September 4, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
3:00 PM Edmonton Eskimos Calgary Stampeders
6:30 PM Toronto Argonauts Hamilton Tiger Cats
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
7:30 PM Ottawa Redblacks Montreal Alouettes
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
4:00 PM Winnipeg Blue Bombers Saskatchewan Roughriders
Monday, September 4, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
3:00 PM Edmonton Eskimos Calgary Stampeders
6:30 PM Toronto Argonauts Hamilton Tiger Cats
cfl last 17 games:
Date w-l-t % units record
08/26/2017 3-0-1 100.00% +1500
08/25/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/24/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/18/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00
08/17/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/13/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/12/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/11/2017 1-1-0 0.00% -0.50
08/10/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/05/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
08/03/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/29/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
07/28/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/27/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/22/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/21/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/20/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
totals............32 - 15 - 1........68.08%.....+ 78.00
Date w-l-t % units record
08/26/2017 3-0-1 100.00% +1500
08/25/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/24/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/18/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00
08/17/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/13/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/12/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/11/2017 1-1-0 0.00% -0.50
08/10/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/05/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
08/03/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/29/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
07/28/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/27/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/22/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/21/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/20/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
totals............32 - 15 - 1........68.08%.....+ 78.00
Tuesday’s six-pack
Six baseball contracts that surprised me:
— Jordan Zimmerman, Det: 3 years, $74M left after this year
— Jose Altuve, Hst: 4 years, $12.5M; club option for 2018. Think they’ll take it?
— David Wright, NYM: Mets are on hook for 3 more years, $47M
— Francisco Cervelli, Pitt: 2 years, $22M left after this year
— Albert Pujols, LAA: 4 years left, $114M left after this year. Oy.
— Mike Trout, LAA: 3 years left, $102M left after this year.
***************************
Tuesday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but……..
13) Hurricane happenings:
— Astros-Rangers series this week moves to the Trop in St Petersburg.
— Texans-Cowboys exhibition game Thursday moves to Dallas.
— BYU-LSU football Saturday moves to the Superdome in New Orleans.
12) This storm in Texas might be the worst storm ever; another 15-25 inches of rain is expected between now and Thursday. We pray for everyone down there; stay safe!!!!
11) Only two New York Mets have been active for all their games this season; Jerry Blevins and Jacob deGrom.
10) Mets’ 1B prospect Dominic Smith is batting .161 in his first 59 major league AB’s; it is too early to worry about him (Rhys Hoskins started 0-12 and look how he’s doing) but I saw Smith play in Las Vegas in July and wasn’t all that impressed by him then. Time will tell.
9) June Jones is now the coach of the Hamilton TigerCats of the CFL after the TiCats got off to an awful start this season; he’s brought in former Baylor coach Art Briles as an assistant.
8) Rice University’s football team came back from its game in Australia and has relocated at TCU in Fort Worth, as they wait out the storm/flooding near their campus.
7) Indianapolis Colts traded long snapper Thomas Hennessy to Jets in exchange for safety Ronald Martin. Unusual trade.
6) Miami Marlins have new owners, a team that is rolling right now and the best outfield in all of baseball, but I keep seeing articles on how the the team might trade Giancarlo Stanton at the end of the season. Is that a good idea?
Stanton has a HUGE contract that has a long way to go on it; trading him is a bold move, since he is having a great season and is hugely popular in Miami. What could they get back for him? Tough early decision for the new ownership.
5) The profile of Ivy League basketball is getting bigger; Yale-St Bonaventure game on December 9 is going to be shown on ESPNU.
4) Jets named Josh McCown their starting QB, which if he is healthy, is the only possible choice they could’ve made. Bryce Petty played well Saturday but hurt his knee; the other options were not good at all.
3) Clayton Kershaw is going to be activated later this week and will start either Friday/Saturday against the Padres in San Diego. He threw five innings in a AAA rehab start Saturday.
2) If you want to replace those statues that have been taken down recently, how about a statue of a first responder carrying two little kids out of a flooded house? Those guys are heroes, for sure.
1) DeShone Kizer will be the Cleveland Browns’ 27th different starting QB since 1999.
Six baseball contracts that surprised me:
— Jordan Zimmerman, Det: 3 years, $74M left after this year
— Jose Altuve, Hst: 4 years, $12.5M; club option for 2018. Think they’ll take it?
— David Wright, NYM: Mets are on hook for 3 more years, $47M
— Francisco Cervelli, Pitt: 2 years, $22M left after this year
— Albert Pujols, LAA: 4 years left, $114M left after this year. Oy.
— Mike Trout, LAA: 3 years left, $102M left after this year.
***************************
Tuesday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but……..
13) Hurricane happenings:
— Astros-Rangers series this week moves to the Trop in St Petersburg.
— Texans-Cowboys exhibition game Thursday moves to Dallas.
— BYU-LSU football Saturday moves to the Superdome in New Orleans.
12) This storm in Texas might be the worst storm ever; another 15-25 inches of rain is expected between now and Thursday. We pray for everyone down there; stay safe!!!!
11) Only two New York Mets have been active for all their games this season; Jerry Blevins and Jacob deGrom.
10) Mets’ 1B prospect Dominic Smith is batting .161 in his first 59 major league AB’s; it is too early to worry about him (Rhys Hoskins started 0-12 and look how he’s doing) but I saw Smith play in Las Vegas in July and wasn’t all that impressed by him then. Time will tell.
9) June Jones is now the coach of the Hamilton TigerCats of the CFL after the TiCats got off to an awful start this season; he’s brought in former Baylor coach Art Briles as an assistant.
8) Rice University’s football team came back from its game in Australia and has relocated at TCU in Fort Worth, as they wait out the storm/flooding near their campus.
7) Indianapolis Colts traded long snapper Thomas Hennessy to Jets in exchange for safety Ronald Martin. Unusual trade.
6) Miami Marlins have new owners, a team that is rolling right now and the best outfield in all of baseball, but I keep seeing articles on how the the team might trade Giancarlo Stanton at the end of the season. Is that a good idea?
Stanton has a HUGE contract that has a long way to go on it; trading him is a bold move, since he is having a great season and is hugely popular in Miami. What could they get back for him? Tough early decision for the new ownership.
5) The profile of Ivy League basketball is getting bigger; Yale-St Bonaventure game on December 9 is going to be shown on ESPNU.
4) Jets named Josh McCown their starting QB, which if he is healthy, is the only possible choice they could’ve made. Bryce Petty played well Saturday but hurt his knee; the other options were not good at all.
3) Clayton Kershaw is going to be activated later this week and will start either Friday/Saturday against the Padres in San Diego. He threw five innings in a AAA rehab start Saturday.
2) If you want to replace those statues that have been taken down recently, how about a statue of a first responder carrying two little kids out of a flooded house? Those guys are heroes, for sure.
1) DeShone Kizer will be the Cleveland Browns’ 27th different starting QB since 1999.
CFL Betting Recap - Week 10
League Betting Notes
-- Favorites went 3-1 SU in Week 10
-- Favorites went 3-1 ATS in Week 10
-- Home/road teams posted a 2-2 SU record in Week 10
-- Home/road teams posted a 2-2 ATS record in Week 10
-- The 'over' went 2-1-1 in Week 9
Analysis
Favorites went 3-1 both straight up and against the spread in Week 10 and the 'chalk' is now 7-1 both SU and ATS over the last two weeks. In the three non-divisional games, the West posted a 2-1 record over the East.
The scoreboard operator was working hard this week as the 'over' went 2-1-1 in Week 10 with five of eight teams scoring 30-plus points, and Saskatchewan lit it up with 54 points.
Team Betting Notes
-- Calgary (7-1-1) took over first place of the West Division on Saturday as it stifled Toronto 23-7 as a 10-point home favorite, improving to 4-0 at home this season. The Stampeders have won and covered five straight games and four of those decisions came by double digits. They've only allowed 169 points this season and that's the best scoring defense in the league.
-- Winnipeg (7-2) extended its winning streak to five games in Week 10 with a 34-31 road win over Montreal. The team is 4-1 ATS during this span and 7-2 overall versus the number, which is the best mark in the CFL. Including last week's win, the Blue Bombers are 3-1 this season with games decided by three points or less. The 'over' is 7-1.
-- After winning its first seven games of the season, Edmonton (7-2) suffered its second straight setback in Week 10 and the defense has contributed to the defeats. The unit was helpless in a 54-31 loss at Saskatchewan on Friday and helped the 'over' stay hot with a 5-1 run in the last six contests. This was the first home loss of the season for Edmonton.
-- British Columbia (5-5) is another team struggling in the West Divison, losers in three straight and four of their last five games. On Saturday, the club dropped a 31-24 road decision at Ottawa. The offense has been held to 49 points over the last three losses after averaging 31.4 points per game in their first seven games. The 'under' is on a 3-0-1 streak.
-- The week off helped Saskatchewan (4-4), who put up a season-high 54 points in its victory over Edmonton. The Roughriders cashed as road underdogs (+5.5) over the Lions and that victory was the first away win of the season for them. The club is 5-3 ATS overall.
-- Ottawa (3-6-1) showed some first for the second straight week as it defeated BC 31-24 as a short home favorite (-1). Despite putting up more than 30 points for the second straight week, total bettors saw the outcome push once again as it landed on the closing number of 55.
-- Defense continues to be a major issue for Montreal (3-6) lately and it showed on Thursday as the Alouettes lost a 34-31 home decision to Winnipeg. The team has allowed over 30 points in three of its last four games, which has led to a 1-3 record. Despite the loss, they only trail Toronto by one game in the East Division.
-- The Argonauts (4-6) haven't won back-to-back games all season and that trend continued on Saturday as the team was trounced 23-7 at Calgary. The Argos have gone 1-4 on the road this season and the 'under' is 3-2 in those games.
-- Hamilton (0-8) didn't win or lose in Week 10 as the club was on bye. The T-Cats will be returning on Sept. 4 versus Toronto.
League Betting Notes
-- Favorites went 3-1 SU in Week 10
-- Favorites went 3-1 ATS in Week 10
-- Home/road teams posted a 2-2 SU record in Week 10
-- Home/road teams posted a 2-2 ATS record in Week 10
-- The 'over' went 2-1-1 in Week 9
Analysis
Favorites went 3-1 both straight up and against the spread in Week 10 and the 'chalk' is now 7-1 both SU and ATS over the last two weeks. In the three non-divisional games, the West posted a 2-1 record over the East.
The scoreboard operator was working hard this week as the 'over' went 2-1-1 in Week 10 with five of eight teams scoring 30-plus points, and Saskatchewan lit it up with 54 points.
Team Betting Notes
-- Calgary (7-1-1) took over first place of the West Division on Saturday as it stifled Toronto 23-7 as a 10-point home favorite, improving to 4-0 at home this season. The Stampeders have won and covered five straight games and four of those decisions came by double digits. They've only allowed 169 points this season and that's the best scoring defense in the league.
-- Winnipeg (7-2) extended its winning streak to five games in Week 10 with a 34-31 road win over Montreal. The team is 4-1 ATS during this span and 7-2 overall versus the number, which is the best mark in the CFL. Including last week's win, the Blue Bombers are 3-1 this season with games decided by three points or less. The 'over' is 7-1.
-- After winning its first seven games of the season, Edmonton (7-2) suffered its second straight setback in Week 10 and the defense has contributed to the defeats. The unit was helpless in a 54-31 loss at Saskatchewan on Friday and helped the 'over' stay hot with a 5-1 run in the last six contests. This was the first home loss of the season for Edmonton.
-- British Columbia (5-5) is another team struggling in the West Divison, losers in three straight and four of their last five games. On Saturday, the club dropped a 31-24 road decision at Ottawa. The offense has been held to 49 points over the last three losses after averaging 31.4 points per game in their first seven games. The 'under' is on a 3-0-1 streak.
-- The week off helped Saskatchewan (4-4), who put up a season-high 54 points in its victory over Edmonton. The Roughriders cashed as road underdogs (+5.5) over the Lions and that victory was the first away win of the season for them. The club is 5-3 ATS overall.
-- Ottawa (3-6-1) showed some first for the second straight week as it defeated BC 31-24 as a short home favorite (-1). Despite putting up more than 30 points for the second straight week, total bettors saw the outcome push once again as it landed on the closing number of 55.
-- Defense continues to be a major issue for Montreal (3-6) lately and it showed on Thursday as the Alouettes lost a 34-31 home decision to Winnipeg. The team has allowed over 30 points in three of its last four games, which has led to a 1-3 record. Despite the loss, they only trail Toronto by one game in the East Division.
-- The Argonauts (4-6) haven't won back-to-back games all season and that trend continued on Saturday as the team was trounced 23-7 at Calgary. The Argos have gone 1-4 on the road this season and the 'under' is 3-2 in those games.
-- Hamilton (0-8) didn't win or lose in Week 10 as the club was on bye. The T-Cats will be returning on Sept. 4 versus Toronto.
CFL
Long Sheet
Week 11
Thursday, August 31
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OTTAWA (3 - 6 - 1) at MONTREAL (3 - 6) - 8/31/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in a road game where the total is between 49.5 and 52 over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games versus division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games when playing on a Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 6-1 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 6-1 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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Sunday, September 3
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WINNIPEG (7 - 2) at SASKATCHEWAN (4 - 4) - 9/3/2017, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) in road games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 131-95 ATS (+26.5 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 20-4 ATS (+15.6 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 35-16 ATS (+17.4 Units) in home games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 119-90 ATS (+20.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in weeks 10 through 15 over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 5-1 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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Monday, September 4
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EDMONTON (7 - 2) at CALGARY (7 - 1 - 1) - 9/4/2017, 3:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 3-3 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 3-3 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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TORONTO (4 - 6) at HAMILTON (0 - 8) - 9/4/2017, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
HAMILTON is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 2 seasons.
HAMILTON is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HAMILTON is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
HAMILTON is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 6-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 6-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CFL
Week 11
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 31
7:30 PM
OTTAWA vs. MONTREAL
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Ottawa is 3-6-1 SU in its last 10 games ,
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Montreal's last 10 games when playing Ottawa
Montreal is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Ottawa
Sunday, September 3
4:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Winnipeg is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing Saskatchewan
Winnipeg is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 5 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Saskatchewan's last 8 games when playing Winnipeg
Monday, September 4
3:00 PM
EDMONTON vs. CALGARY
Edmonton is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 6 games
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Calgary is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Edmonton
6:30 PM
TORONTO vs. HAMILTON
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 10 games
Hamilton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Hamilton's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
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Long Sheet
Week 11
Thursday, August 31
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OTTAWA (3 - 6 - 1) at MONTREAL (3 - 6) - 8/31/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in a road game where the total is between 49.5 and 52 over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games versus division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games when playing on a Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 6-1 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 6-1 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, September 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WINNIPEG (7 - 2) at SASKATCHEWAN (4 - 4) - 9/3/2017, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) in road games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 131-95 ATS (+26.5 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 20-4 ATS (+15.6 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 35-16 ATS (+17.4 Units) in home games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 119-90 ATS (+20.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in weeks 10 through 15 over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 5-1 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, September 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDMONTON (7 - 2) at CALGARY (7 - 1 - 1) - 9/4/2017, 3:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 3-3 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 3-3 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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TORONTO (4 - 6) at HAMILTON (0 - 8) - 9/4/2017, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
HAMILTON is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 2 seasons.
HAMILTON is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HAMILTON is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
HAMILTON is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 6-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 6-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFL
Week 11
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 31
7:30 PM
OTTAWA vs. MONTREAL
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Ottawa is 3-6-1 SU in its last 10 games ,
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Montreal's last 10 games when playing Ottawa
Montreal is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Ottawa
Sunday, September 3
4:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Winnipeg is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing Saskatchewan
Winnipeg is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 5 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Saskatchewan's last 8 games when playing Winnipeg
Monday, September 4
3:00 PM
EDMONTON vs. CALGARY
Edmonton is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 6 games
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Calgary is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Edmonton
6:30 PM
TORONTO vs. HAMILTON
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 10 games
Hamilton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Hamilton's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECAP
HARRIS HITS HIS STRIDE AS REDBLACKS ROLL OVER ALOUETTES
MONTREAL – Trevor Harris threw three touchdowns and the REDBLACKS defence allowed just four points as Ottawa cruised to a 32-4 victory over the Montreal Alouettes to kick off Mark’s Labour Day Weekend. Harris turned in one of his best performances of the season, completing 78% of his passes for 343 yards and three scores while WR Greg Ellingson eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards on the season. The Montreal Alouettes made a change at QB, replacing Darian Durant with Drew Willy after Durant completed just 12 of 21 passes for 140 yards and an interception through three quarters.
The REDBLACKS offence came out firing on their opening drive, as Trevor Harris guided his team into the Montreal half with ease. But after a failed challenge on an attempt at the end zone, the Alouettes defence came up big on second down, forcing a fumble and sending the REDBLACKS away without any points.
One week after surpassing Geroy Simon for the most receptions in CFL history, Nik Lewis was busy early, with Durant locked in on his number one target.
REDBLACKS K Brett Maher continued to find success, converting his 15th consecutive field goal to go along with a punt single to give Ottawa a four point lead at the end of the first quarter.
Ottawa caught a break early in the second quarter when Alouettes DB Greg Henderson was flagged for defensive pass interference in the Montreal end zone. With the ball on the one-yard line, Harris faked the handoff to Mossis Madu before finding Diontae Spencer, who had a clear path to the end zone for the game’s first touchdown. Up by 12, the REDBLACKS opted to try the two-point convert, but Madu couldn’t push the pile into the end zone.
Playing in his 100th career CFL game, Brad Sinopoli continued to find success, making several clutch grabs for first downs as Harris and the REDBLACKS offence clicked in the first half. A rare missed field goal from Maher resulted in Ottawa’s second single of the game, and the REDBLACKS led 13-1 in the dying minutes of the half.
With the REDBLACKS looking to add to their lead in the final minute, Harris’s attempt for Spencer down the left sideline was intercepted by Tyree Hollins. With the ball inside their own five yard line, Durant heaved up a deep ball for B.J. Cunningham which he pulled in for a 56-yard gain. Durant would use his legs to pick up another 19 yards and move within field goal range, but Bede’s field goal attempt was wide and Spencer was able to bring the ball out, preventing a single.
It was all Ottawa in the first half, tallying 17 first downs to Montreals five and carrying the pace of play through much of the half. Harris continued his strong QB play, completing over 70% of his passes for 170 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
The third quarter brought more of the same, as the REDBLACKS continued to bring the game to the Als.
WR Josh Stangby left his mark on the game in the third quarter, extending for a phenomenal diving touchdown catch to extend the REDBLACKS lead.
Greg Ellingson got involved in a big way after a quiet first half, eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards for the third consecutive season and pulling in a 42-yard touchdown from Harris to add to an already lopsided REDBLACKS lead.
With the REDBLACKS leading big late in the game, the Alouettes opted to make a change at quarterback, removing Darian Durant and giving Drew Willy his first extended action in Montreal.
Next week the Alouettes will head West where they’ll take on the BC Lions. The REDBLACKS will head home to Ottawa where they’ll host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in another important East Division matchup.
HARRIS HITS HIS STRIDE AS REDBLACKS ROLL OVER ALOUETTES
MONTREAL – Trevor Harris threw three touchdowns and the REDBLACKS defence allowed just four points as Ottawa cruised to a 32-4 victory over the Montreal Alouettes to kick off Mark’s Labour Day Weekend. Harris turned in one of his best performances of the season, completing 78% of his passes for 343 yards and three scores while WR Greg Ellingson eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards on the season. The Montreal Alouettes made a change at QB, replacing Darian Durant with Drew Willy after Durant completed just 12 of 21 passes for 140 yards and an interception through three quarters.
The REDBLACKS offence came out firing on their opening drive, as Trevor Harris guided his team into the Montreal half with ease. But after a failed challenge on an attempt at the end zone, the Alouettes defence came up big on second down, forcing a fumble and sending the REDBLACKS away without any points.
One week after surpassing Geroy Simon for the most receptions in CFL history, Nik Lewis was busy early, with Durant locked in on his number one target.
REDBLACKS K Brett Maher continued to find success, converting his 15th consecutive field goal to go along with a punt single to give Ottawa a four point lead at the end of the first quarter.
Ottawa caught a break early in the second quarter when Alouettes DB Greg Henderson was flagged for defensive pass interference in the Montreal end zone. With the ball on the one-yard line, Harris faked the handoff to Mossis Madu before finding Diontae Spencer, who had a clear path to the end zone for the game’s first touchdown. Up by 12, the REDBLACKS opted to try the two-point convert, but Madu couldn’t push the pile into the end zone.
Playing in his 100th career CFL game, Brad Sinopoli continued to find success, making several clutch grabs for first downs as Harris and the REDBLACKS offence clicked in the first half. A rare missed field goal from Maher resulted in Ottawa’s second single of the game, and the REDBLACKS led 13-1 in the dying minutes of the half.
With the REDBLACKS looking to add to their lead in the final minute, Harris’s attempt for Spencer down the left sideline was intercepted by Tyree Hollins. With the ball inside their own five yard line, Durant heaved up a deep ball for B.J. Cunningham which he pulled in for a 56-yard gain. Durant would use his legs to pick up another 19 yards and move within field goal range, but Bede’s field goal attempt was wide and Spencer was able to bring the ball out, preventing a single.
It was all Ottawa in the first half, tallying 17 first downs to Montreals five and carrying the pace of play through much of the half. Harris continued his strong QB play, completing over 70% of his passes for 170 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
The third quarter brought more of the same, as the REDBLACKS continued to bring the game to the Als.
WR Josh Stangby left his mark on the game in the third quarter, extending for a phenomenal diving touchdown catch to extend the REDBLACKS lead.
Greg Ellingson got involved in a big way after a quiet first half, eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards for the third consecutive season and pulling in a 42-yard touchdown from Harris to add to an already lopsided REDBLACKS lead.
With the REDBLACKS leading big late in the game, the Alouettes opted to make a change at quarterback, removing Darian Durant and giving Drew Willy his first extended action in Montreal.
Next week the Alouettes will head West where they’ll take on the BC Lions. The REDBLACKS will head home to Ottawa where they’ll host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in another important East Division matchup.
cfl last 17 games:
Date w-l-t % units record
08/31/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/26/2017 3-0-1 100.00% +15.00
08/25/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/24/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/18/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00
08/17/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/13/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/12/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/11/2017 1-1-0 0.00% -0.50
08/10/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/05/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
08/03/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/29/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
07/28/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/27/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/22/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/21/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/20/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
totals..........34 - 15 - 1........69.38%.....+ 88.00
Date w-l-t % units record
08/31/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/26/2017 3-0-1 100.00% +15.00
08/25/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/24/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/18/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00
08/17/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/13/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/12/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/11/2017 1-1-0 0.00% -0.50
08/10/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/05/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
08/03/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/29/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
07/28/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/27/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/22/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/21/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/20/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
totals..........34 - 15 - 1........69.38%.....+ 88.00
Sunday’s six-pack
— Undrafted rookie Cooper Rush won the backup QB job in Dallas.
— Patriots traded #3 QB Jacoby Brissett to the Colts for WR Phillip Dorsett, who was their first round draft pick in 2015.
— JJ Watt’s tremendous fundraising efforts have now raised over $17M.
— Marlins 7, Phillies 4— Giancarlo Stanton hit his 52nd home run.
— Miguel Cabrera’s suspension was reduced to six games; it started Saturday.
— Get well soon to Tigers DH Victor Martinez, who will undergo cardiac ablation surgery to fix a recurring heartbeat issue.
*************************
Sunday’s List of 13: Wrapping up a college football Saturday
13) Alabama 24, Florida State 7— Horrific night for the Seminoles; QB Francois looks like he suffered a serious knee injury late in the game- they have no experience behind him.
FSU’s special teams imploded late in the third quarter, allowing a blocked punt, then fumbling the ensuing kickoff after an Alabama FG.
12) Maryland 51, Texas 41— Longhorns scored TD’s on defense, on a blocked FG and on a punt return, but STILL LOST BY 10 POINTS!!!! Texas was favored by 18.5. Oy.
Maryland also scored a TD on a blocked FG; they ran ball for 263 yards, threw it for 219 and their backup QB played the whole 4th quarter. Great win for the Terrapins.
11) USC 49, Western Michigan 31— Amazingly misleading final score; game was tied 14-14 at the half, was 28-28 with 7:30 left in 4th quarter. It was 35-31 with 4:00 left, but Trojans scored two TD’s in last 3:49 and won their opener, gaining 521 total yards.
USC has a backup long snapper named Jake Olsen who has been blind since he was 12 years old. He came in and made a perfect snap on a USC PAT late in the game. Good for him.
10) Oklahoma State 59, Tulsa 24— Cowboys averaged over 10 yards a play, but Tulsa converted 16-26 on third down, ran 98 plays, which is a huge red flag for an OSU defense that has to try and stop Big X offenses down the road.
9) Michigan 33, Florida 17— Gators’ defense had two pick-6’s in a 1:29 span early in 2nd quarter, but those were Gators’ only two TD’s of the game. Young Wolverines made two FG’s of 50+ yards and added a defensive TD late in the game. Florida had ten kids suspended for this game; for their sake, hope those ten kids are mostly on offense.
8) James Madison 34, East Carolina 14— Not only did the Pirates lose at home to a I-AA team, JMU was a 2.5-point road favorite. Not often a I-AA team is a road favorite at a I-A opponent.
7) There have already been 45 games this year where a I-A team played a I-AA team. Lot of schools treat these I-AA games are dress rehearsals for their conference games, an “exhibition” game with regular season prices, where you can work some of the kinks out. Not sure how much they help, especially if you lose, like ECU, Georgia State, UNLV and Baylor did.
6) Liberty 48, Baylor 45— Speaking of which, Matt Rhule’s debut in Waco didn’t go very well.
Howard 43, UNLV 40– Caylin Newton is Cam Newton’s brother; he threw for 140 yards, ran for 190 more, as Howard upset the Runnin’ Rebels.
Missouri 72, Missouri State 43— This game was 48-35 at the half. when you give up 35 points in a half to any team, especially a I-AA team, you have defensive issues.
Mizzou gained 815 yards, threw for 521, but they’re an SEC team and if you’re going to win SEC games, you damn sure better have a solid defense.
5) California 35, North Carolina 30— Golden Bears (+12.5) come east and post the upset, with soph QB Bowers throwing for 363 yards and four TD’s, including passes of 54, 67 yards.
4) Illinois 24, Ball State 21— Cardinals outgained the Illini 375-216 but couldn’t give the MAC an upset win. Illinois scored the winning TD with 2:06 left, then Ball State missed a 54-yard FG at the end. Cardinals were 12-21 on third down.
3) Nebraska 43, Arkansas State 36— Red Wolves have only 2 returning starts on their offensive line this year- that almost never happens!!! Despite being so young up front, junior QB named Hansen threw for 415 yards and three TD’s. Cornhuskers led 41-26 with 10:00 left, but when the game ended, Arkansas State had the ball on the Nebraska 10-yard line.
2) Louisville 35, Purdue 28— Lot tougher than expected. Cardinals committed 16 penalties for 110 yards, offsetting the 524 yards they gained from scrimmage.
1) Iowa 24, Wyoming 3— Hawkeyes held Cowboys’ QB Josh Allen without a TD, in a game where total offense was only 263-233 in good weather. Iowa’s offense has lot of work to do.
Flashback to 2003: Iowa (-10) beat Miami OH 21-3 in both team’s opener. Miami came to Iowa City with a highly-touted veteran QB, but also failed to score a touchdown that day.
Before you write off Josh Allen, remember that Miami’s QB that day was Ben Roethlisberger.
— Undrafted rookie Cooper Rush won the backup QB job in Dallas.
— Patriots traded #3 QB Jacoby Brissett to the Colts for WR Phillip Dorsett, who was their first round draft pick in 2015.
— JJ Watt’s tremendous fundraising efforts have now raised over $17M.
— Marlins 7, Phillies 4— Giancarlo Stanton hit his 52nd home run.
— Miguel Cabrera’s suspension was reduced to six games; it started Saturday.
— Get well soon to Tigers DH Victor Martinez, who will undergo cardiac ablation surgery to fix a recurring heartbeat issue.
*************************
Sunday’s List of 13: Wrapping up a college football Saturday
13) Alabama 24, Florida State 7— Horrific night for the Seminoles; QB Francois looks like he suffered a serious knee injury late in the game- they have no experience behind him.
FSU’s special teams imploded late in the third quarter, allowing a blocked punt, then fumbling the ensuing kickoff after an Alabama FG.
12) Maryland 51, Texas 41— Longhorns scored TD’s on defense, on a blocked FG and on a punt return, but STILL LOST BY 10 POINTS!!!! Texas was favored by 18.5. Oy.
Maryland also scored a TD on a blocked FG; they ran ball for 263 yards, threw it for 219 and their backup QB played the whole 4th quarter. Great win for the Terrapins.
11) USC 49, Western Michigan 31— Amazingly misleading final score; game was tied 14-14 at the half, was 28-28 with 7:30 left in 4th quarter. It was 35-31 with 4:00 left, but Trojans scored two TD’s in last 3:49 and won their opener, gaining 521 total yards.
USC has a backup long snapper named Jake Olsen who has been blind since he was 12 years old. He came in and made a perfect snap on a USC PAT late in the game. Good for him.
10) Oklahoma State 59, Tulsa 24— Cowboys averaged over 10 yards a play, but Tulsa converted 16-26 on third down, ran 98 plays, which is a huge red flag for an OSU defense that has to try and stop Big X offenses down the road.
9) Michigan 33, Florida 17— Gators’ defense had two pick-6’s in a 1:29 span early in 2nd quarter, but those were Gators’ only two TD’s of the game. Young Wolverines made two FG’s of 50+ yards and added a defensive TD late in the game. Florida had ten kids suspended for this game; for their sake, hope those ten kids are mostly on offense.
8) James Madison 34, East Carolina 14— Not only did the Pirates lose at home to a I-AA team, JMU was a 2.5-point road favorite. Not often a I-AA team is a road favorite at a I-A opponent.
7) There have already been 45 games this year where a I-A team played a I-AA team. Lot of schools treat these I-AA games are dress rehearsals for their conference games, an “exhibition” game with regular season prices, where you can work some of the kinks out. Not sure how much they help, especially if you lose, like ECU, Georgia State, UNLV and Baylor did.
6) Liberty 48, Baylor 45— Speaking of which, Matt Rhule’s debut in Waco didn’t go very well.
Howard 43, UNLV 40– Caylin Newton is Cam Newton’s brother; he threw for 140 yards, ran for 190 more, as Howard upset the Runnin’ Rebels.
Missouri 72, Missouri State 43— This game was 48-35 at the half. when you give up 35 points in a half to any team, especially a I-AA team, you have defensive issues.
Mizzou gained 815 yards, threw for 521, but they’re an SEC team and if you’re going to win SEC games, you damn sure better have a solid defense.
5) California 35, North Carolina 30— Golden Bears (+12.5) come east and post the upset, with soph QB Bowers throwing for 363 yards and four TD’s, including passes of 54, 67 yards.
4) Illinois 24, Ball State 21— Cardinals outgained the Illini 375-216 but couldn’t give the MAC an upset win. Illinois scored the winning TD with 2:06 left, then Ball State missed a 54-yard FG at the end. Cardinals were 12-21 on third down.
3) Nebraska 43, Arkansas State 36— Red Wolves have only 2 returning starts on their offensive line this year- that almost never happens!!! Despite being so young up front, junior QB named Hansen threw for 415 yards and three TD’s. Cornhuskers led 41-26 with 10:00 left, but when the game ended, Arkansas State had the ball on the Nebraska 10-yard line.
2) Louisville 35, Purdue 28— Lot tougher than expected. Cardinals committed 16 penalties for 110 yards, offsetting the 524 yards they gained from scrimmage.
1) Iowa 24, Wyoming 3— Hawkeyes held Cowboys’ QB Josh Allen without a TD, in a game where total offense was only 263-233 in good weather. Iowa’s offense has lot of work to do.
Flashback to 2003: Iowa (-10) beat Miami OH 21-3 in both team’s opener. Miami came to Iowa City with a highly-touted veteran QB, but also failed to score a touchdown that day.
Before you write off Josh Allen, remember that Miami’s QB that day was Ben Roethlisberger.
Sunday, September 3
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WINNIPEG (7 - 2) at SASKATCHEWAN (4 - 4) - 9/3/2017, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) in road games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 131-95 ATS (+26.5 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 20-4 ATS (+15.6 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 35-16 ATS (+17.4 Units) in home games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 119-90 ATS (+20.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in weeks 10 through 15 over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 5-1 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, September 3
4:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Winnipeg is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing Saskatchewan
Winnipeg is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 5 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Saskatchewan's last 8 games when playing Winnipeg
-------------------------------
Sunday, September 3
Winnipeg @ Saskatchewan
Game 353-354
September 3, 2017 @ 4:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
121.193
Saskatchewan
116.999
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 4
63
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Saskatchewan
by 2 1/2
61
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(+2 1/2); Over
--------------------------------
Winnipeg (7-2) @ Saskatchewan (4-4)— Roughriders scored 41-54 points in winning its last two games; they scored 38.7 pts/game in winning last three home games. Over is 3-1 in their home games. Winnipeg (-1) won 43-40 in OT in Regina in their first meeting, back in Week 2. Blue Bombers won last four series games overall; they’re 3-1 in last four visits to Saskatchewan. Winnipeg won its last five games, covered its last four; they’re 4-1 on road this year, with two OT wins- four of the five games were decided by exactly three points. Over is 7-2 in their games this year.
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WINNIPEG (7 - 2) at SASKATCHEWAN (4 - 4) - 9/3/2017, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) in road games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 131-95 ATS (+26.5 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 20-4 ATS (+15.6 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 35-16 ATS (+17.4 Units) in home games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 119-90 ATS (+20.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in weeks 10 through 15 over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 5-1 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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Sunday, September 3
4:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Winnipeg is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing Saskatchewan
Winnipeg is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 5 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Saskatchewan's last 8 games when playing Winnipeg
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Sunday, September 3
Winnipeg @ Saskatchewan
Game 353-354
September 3, 2017 @ 4:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
121.193
Saskatchewan
116.999
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 4
63
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Saskatchewan
by 2 1/2
61
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(+2 1/2); Over
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Winnipeg (7-2) @ Saskatchewan (4-4)— Roughriders scored 41-54 points in winning its last two games; they scored 38.7 pts/game in winning last three home games. Over is 3-1 in their home games. Winnipeg (-1) won 43-40 in OT in Regina in their first meeting, back in Week 2. Blue Bombers won last four series games overall; they’re 3-1 in last four visits to Saskatchewan. Winnipeg won its last five games, covered its last four; they’re 4-1 on road this year, with two OT wins- four of the five games were decided by exactly three points. Over is 7-2 in their games this year.
