Cnotes 2017 Canadian Football League Picks/Trends/News thru Grey Cup !!

[CNOTES]

PREVIEW
BOMBERS, RIDERS EYE LABOUR DAY CLASSIC CROWN


REGINA — There will a little bit more on the line when the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers face off on Sunday at Regina’s new Mosaic Stadium.


The Labour Classic between the prairie provinces is a game that players and fans alike mark on their calendars as a highlight of the regular season.


Winnipeg and Saskatchewan are two teams that have been trending upwards in recent weeks, adding even more intrigue to the annual showdown.


The Bombers picked up a victory in a double overtime thriller against the Montreal Alouettes in Week 10, coming away from Percival Molson Stadium with a 34-31 win.


Bombers pivot Matt Nichols threw for 227 yards with three touchdowns passes and an interception. Clarence Denmark was on the receiving end of two of those passes, one of them coming in overtime, to lift the Bombers to their fifth straight win and their seventh of the season.


On defence, Chris Randle had a par of interceptions while Taylor Loffler racked up nine tackles.


The Bombers and Riders went down to the wire in Week 2, but it was Winnipeg that came out on top with a 43-40 overtime win. Bombers running back Andrew Harris says that both teams have improved since that first meeting.


“When you look at the film, [the Riders] don’t do too much different [compared to first game]. I just think now they’re making more plays,” Harris told BlueBombers.com. “They’ve come together. They had a lot of new pieces on their defence, on offence… they’re just finding a way to come together now.


“It’s definitely going to be a challenge for us. Obviously it was [in Week 2], but I think we’re a different team too from [then]. You build, you get better and better. It will be interesting to see how it’s going to play out once it’s all said and done.”


Receiver Weston Dressler will be back in the lineup for the Bombers on Sunday. The 32-year-old has not played since Week 6 when he left a game against the Alouettes with a lower body injury. Dressler was the team’s leading receiver before being sidelined for four games.


The Roughriders picked up where they left off prior to their bye week, defeating the Edmonton Eskimos 54-31 at Commonwealth Stadium.


Saskatchewan received offensive contributions from a number of players as Naaman Roosevelt, Cameron Marshall and Bakari Grant each had receiving touchdowns while Vernon Adams added a rushing major. Special teams also added to the scoreboard when Willie Jefferson picked up his own blocked punt and ran it into the end zone.


Kevin Glenn completed 19 of 31 passes for 240 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.


The Riders’ defence was equally as impressive, holding Eskimos pivot Mike Reilly to just 160 yards in the air with no touchdown passes. Kacy Rodgers and Jovon Johnson each had a pick-six in the win to add to Saskatchewan’s dominance on the scoreboard.


The victory was the first of the season for the Riders on the road. Saskatchewan is riding high heading into the Labour Day Classic, coming off of back-to-back blowout victories that saw the Riders score a combined 95 points compared to their opponents’ 39 points.


The Riders hope that they can carry that momentum forward into Sunday. Glenn says that the Labour Day Classic is a special game for a number of reasons.


“I think it’s the excitement and the build-up that goes into it,” Kevin Glenn told Riderville.com. “The fact that we’re playing Winnipeg, a close province team in the prairies. The tradition, the history behind it. I think all that kind of stuff plays into it… when you have the league in existence as long as it’s been and you play so many games, it continues that rich tradition.”


Depsite chatter that he may make his 2017 debut this week, Chad Owens will not play in the Labour Day Classic. Owens said earlier in the week that he was mentally preparing as if he would be in the lineup on Sunday. Owens started the season on the Riders’ six-game injured list because of a foot injury that he suffered last season that forced him to miss his last six games with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.


By The Numbers


5 – Win streak for the Bombers heading into Week 11


12 – Turnovers forced by the Riders’ defence in their last two games


16 – Passing touchdowns for Kevin Glenn this season, third overall in the league.


23– Straight starts that Matt Nichols has made for the Bombers. The last quarterback to do that in Winnipeg was Kevin Glenn between 2006 and 2008.


The Skinny


The Bombers and Riders are two of the CFL’s hottest teams heading into this Labour Day Classic matchup. It is the first game of a home-and-home series, as the two teams travel back to Winnipeg in Week 12 for the Banjo Bowl.


While the Bombers’ offence has been dominant for most of this season, boasting a league-high 34.2 points per game, their defence has struggled. Winnipeg’s defence ranks second-last in yards given up per game (410.4) and points per game (30.9). It could spell trouble against a Saskatchewan squad that has been on an offensive surge the past two games,


A win for the Bombers would move them into first place in the West, at least temporarily, while the Riders are trying to keep pace for a playoff spot and are currently at the bottom of the division with a 4-4 record.


Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m. ET and can be followed live via CFL.ca Game Tracker and seen on TSN and ESPN 3.

 

[CNOTES]

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



SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


WPG at SSK 04:00 PM


SSK -2.5


O 60.0

 

[CNOTES]

RECAP
OFFENSIVE OUTBURST: RIDERS OVERPOWER BOMBERS FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WIN


REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders put on an offensive display at new Mosaic Stadium on Sunday, defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 38-24 in the annual Labour Day Classic.


The Riders jumped out to an early lead by scoring 34 points in the first half and never looked back.


Kevin Glenn tossed three touchdown passes and threw for 386 yards in the win while Bakari Grant led all receivers with 139 yards on seven catches.


The Riders were the first on the board, notching a field goal on the opening drive of the game. Tyler Crapigna split the uprights from 50 yards out for his longest successful attempt of the season.


The Blue Bombers responded on their first drive with a Justin Medlock field goal from 39 yards out to tie the game up a three apiece midway through the first quarter.


Saskatchewan would pull ahead before the quarter was over. Kevin Glenn hit Roosevelt in stride and the Riders’ leading receiver ran untouched into the end zone for a 53-yard major.


The Bombers didn’t have the ball back for long.


On the first play of the ensuing drive, Ed Gainey read the play perfectly and picked off Nichols’ pass. The defensive back ran the ball back 30 yards to set up a Riders first and goal. Vernon Adams made the short one-yard charge into the end zone to give Saskatchewan a 17-3 lead.


The Riders weren’t done there.


A Winnipeg two-and-out sent the ball back to Saskatchewan. Nic Demski took the punt return and surged past a sea of Blue and Gold, picking up 63 yards and setting Saskatchewan up for another first and goal. Glenn found Rob Bagg in the end zone to give the Riders their third touchdown of the quarter to hold a commanding 24-3 lead after 15 minutes.


Winnipeg appeared to score its first major of the day when Tim Flanders took a pass from Glenn and shook off a heard of Bombers defenders before crossing the plane. However, a late illegal block penalty took the points off the board.


Just two plays later, Glenn connected with Flanders again. The Bombers’ running back picked up 11 yards after the short pass and charged into the end zone. This time there were no flags, cutting the Riders’ lead to 24-10.


The Bombers added a field goal on their next drive as they continued to claw back into the game.


Saskatchewan managed to put more distance between the two teams before halftime. Bakari Grant caught a short pass from Glenn and sprinted up the field 44 yards after the catch to set up the Riders in the red zone. Glenn spotted Duron Carter alone in the end zone a couple plays later for another touchdown to pull the Riders further ahead.


Saskatchewan continued its offensive momentum when Cameron Marshall took a handoff from Glenn and streamed down the sideline for a 48-yard run. Marshall was pushed out of bounds just short of the goal line, but the Bomber defence held strong, sacking Glenn on a second down and keeping the ball out of the end zone. The Riders didn’t come away empty handed, settling for a field goal instead.


The Bombers notched another field goal before the end of the quarter to head into the half down 34-16.


The beginning of the second half was quiet for both teams. Crapigna’s third field goal of the game were the only points scored in the third quarter.


Andrew Harris refused to be silenced by the Riders, making his presence known midway through the fourth quarter. Nichols tossed a short pass to the dual threat running back, who then dashed 10 yards into the end zone to chip into the Riders’ lead.


That was as close as the Bombers would get. Nichols led a steady charge downfield and appeared to be putting Winnipeg in a position to score. The Bombers’ quarterback threw a pass into the end zone, but Nichols’ efforts were spoiled by Gainey, who picked off the pass for his second interception of the day.


Gainey’s sixth pick of the season extended his lead over the rest of the field in 2017.


The Bombers will be out for revenge next week when they travel back to Winnipeg to take on the Riders in the annual Banjo Bowl.

 

[CNOTES]

Monday, September 4, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
3:00 PM Edmonton Eskimos Calgary Stampeders
6:30 PM Toronto Argonauts Hamilton Tiger Cats


WEEK 12
Friday, September 8, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
10:00 PM Montreal Alouettes British Columbia Lions

Saturday, September 9, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
3:00 PM Saskatchewan Roughriders Winnipeg Blue Bombers
6:00 PM Hamilton Tiger Cats Ottawa Redblacks
9:00 PM Calgary Stampeders Edmonton Eskimos


*******************


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 Edmonton 9 7 2 0 14 261 256 4-1-0 3-1-0 2-2-0


3 Winnipeg 10 7 3 0 14 332 316 3-1-0 4-2-0 2-3-0

4 Saskatchewan 9 5 4 0 10 289 227 4-1-0 1-3-0 3-3-0


5 BC 10 5 5 0 10 269 274 2-2-0 3-3-0 2-4-0




EAST DIVISION


RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV


1 Ottawa 11 4 6 1 9 314 275 2-3-1 2-3-0 3-2-0

2 Toronto 10 4 6 0 8 230 254 3-2-0 1-4-0 4-1-0

3 Montreal 10 3 7 0 6 203 263 3-3-0 0-4-0 1-3-0

4 Hamilton 8 0 8 0 0 148 310 0-4-0 0-4-0 0-2-0

 

[CNOTES]

Monday’s six-pack


Since 1980, the 10 largest pointspread upsets in college football history:


+43— Howard over UNLV, 9-2-17


+39— Stanford over USC, 10-6-07


+36.5— Texas State over Houston, 9-1-12


+36— Syracuse over Louisville, 9-22-07


+36— UTEP over BYU, 10-26-85


+36— Temple over Virginia Tech, 10-17-98


+35.5— Central Michigan over Western Michigan, 11-11-00


+35— Oregon State over Washington 10-19-85


+33— Appalachian State over Michigan, 9-1-07


+33— Liberty over Baylor, 9-2-17


— Florida State QB Deondre Francois is out for the year after his knee injury Saturday nite.
— UCLA 45, Texas A&M 44— Aggies led 44-10 in 3rd quarter. Really, they did.
— Virginia Tech 31, West Virginia 24— WVU was on the Tech 10-yard line when game ended.
— USA 81, Argentina 76— Americans were down 20 in third quarter. Jeff Van Gundy’s team comes home with the gold medal from the AmeriCup tournament— a great road win.


*********************


Monday’s List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind…….

13) If you have season tickets for an NFL team, you buy 10 games at regular season prices; the obvious problem is this: 2 of those 10 games are exhibition games.


NFL should reduce the price of those two unwatchable preseason games to $25, which would allow people who don’t normally go to exhibition games to go. At some point, the owners have to stop sucking every last dollar from the consumer. Its not good business. Greed isn’t good.


12) 37 Buccaneers sat out their exhibition game Thursday night; assuming all of those guys are making the squad, that means only 16 players who will be Bucs in Week 1 played vs Washington.


11) NFL owners get stadiums built for them; they’re rich people with a sense of entitlement that is out of control. At some point, NFL owners need to give something back to their communities.


10) Seahawks acquired defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson from the Jets on Friday. In return, Seattle sent WR Jermaine Kearse and a 2018 2nd-round draft pick to New Jersey.


9) A professional golfer named Kelly Kraft (#64 in FedEx Cup standings) made a 12 on the par-5 second hole Friday, shot a 44 on the front nine, then withdrew with a foot injury. Oy.


8) Nigel Williams-Goss transferred from Washington to Gonzaga, sat out 2015-16, then helped the Zags make the Final Four last year. He skipped his senior year at Gonzaga, was drafted in the second round by Utah, but instead of getting a two-way contract with Utah, he is off to Serbia to play ball for $130,000 this season. Curious decision.


7) 49ers cut QB Matt Barkley, who figures to get picked up by someone (Buffalo??). Browns cut Brock Osweiler, who still banks $16M from Cleveland— Osweiler is headed back to Denver with a hefty bank account, but with very little success on the field.


6) Baseball players who are September 1st call-ups making minimum MLB salary ($535,000 a year) will earn $90,628 for the rest of the season.


5) Was reading where Justin Verlander approved his trade to Houston one minute before the trade deadline. Supposedly there was a chance he would be traded to the Cubs, but that fell thru.


4) UL-Lafayette 51, SE Louisiana 48— Ragin’ Cajuns ran two kicks back for TD’s; Lions ran a punt back for a score. With 0:42 left, SE Louisiana scored a TD to make score 49-48- they went for two points and the win, but their QB fumbled and ULL ran it back for two points of their own. Game was 35-35 at halftime.


3) Cleveland Browns’ three QB’s (Kizer-Kessler-Hogan) have a total of zero NFL wins to their credit. Browns are paying Brock Osweiler $15M+ to be a backup in Denver.


Dolphins signed K Cody Parkey, which means RPI alum Andrew Franks is out of a job, at least for now.


2) Indians 11, Tigers 1— Cleveland has won 11 games in a row.


1) Jets, Jaguars, Browns picked up five guys each off the waiver wire; Ram picked up three, the Colts four. Most of the better teams didn’t add anyone— you can get a little bit of a feel of who the better teams are by seeing which teams add which players.

 

[CNOTES]

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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




----------------------------------------------------------------------


Monday, September 4

Edmonton @ Calgary


Game 355-356
September 4, 2017 @ 3:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Edmonton
108.590
Calgary
125.027
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 16 1/2
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 11
54 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
(-11); Over


Toronto @ Hamilton


Game 357-358
September 4, 2017 @ 6:30 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
109.394
Hamilton
101.473
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 8
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 4 1/2
53
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-4 1/2); Under


***********************


CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up


Week 11


Edmonton (7-2) @ Calgary (7-1-1)— Eskimos allowed 33-54 points in losing last two games after a 7-0 start that included five wins by 5 or less points. Edmonton is 3-1 on road, scoring 28.5 pts/game. Over is 5-1 in their last six games, 2-2 in their road tilts. Eskimos are 3-5 vs spread in their last eight visits here. Calgary swept Edmonton LY, 45-24/34-28 in OT; Stampeders are 14-3 in last 17 series games, with last three games going over the total. Calgary won/covered its last five games; they’re 4-0 at home, 3-1 vs spread, with wins by 4-17-59-16 points. Over is 5-4 in their games, 2-2 at home.


Toronto (4-6) @ Hamilton (0-8)— Weird week in Hamilton; June Jones is the new coach, but he tried to bring Art Briles in as an offensive assistant- that got vetoed by the CFL. Former Oregon QB Masoli gets nod here for Ti-Cats, who are 0-8 this year, 1-6-1 vs spread, with home losses by 15-3-27-19 points. Over is 5-2-1 in their games this season. Hamilton (-3.5) lost season opener in Toronto 32-15; they were outgunned 545-258. Argonauts lost four of last five games, including last four games on road. Under is 7-3 in Toronto games this season. Argonauts lost last five trips to Hamilton,

 

[CNOTES]

cfl last 17 games:


Date w-l-t % units record


09/03/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
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..........36 - 15 - 1........70.58%.....+ 98.00

 

[CNOTES]

RECAP
STAMPS STIFLE ESKS, CRUISE TO SIXTH STRAIGHT WIN


CALGARY – The Calgary Stampeders made a statement on Mark’s Labour Day Weekend, winning their sixth game in a row and beating the rival Edmonton Eskimos 39-18 at McMahon Stadium.


With first place on the line, the crucial West Division matchup sent the Esks (7-3) to their third straight loss while the Stamps improved to 8-1-1.


Bo Levi Mitchell tossed 277 passing yards and a pick while Mike Reilly threw for 320 yards and added a pair of interceptions and touchdown passes.


Calgary scored on the opening possession and got it done in all three facets of the game, holding off a brief fourth quarter Eskimos comeback.


DaVaris Daniels started the game with a 45-yard gain to get the Stamps offence rolling right off the bat. Right outside of the redzone, a Jerome Messam rush moved the ball further but Calgary would settle for the field goal and the 3-0 lead.


The Stamps defence continued to carry the early momentum. After an offside call gave the Esks a first down, Brandon Smith got the ball back for Calgary by forcing a Cory Watson fumble that was recovered by the home team. Working back on offence, Mitchell found Anthony Parker open outside the goal line before Messam rumbled his way to the end zone for the touchdown. Roy Finch caught the two-point conversion as the Stamps lead grew to 11-0.


First down grabs by Brandon Zylstra and Adarius Bowman kept the chains moving as Edmonton looked to put some points on the board. A 14-yard rush from Ladarius Perkins put the Esks past midfield and a Kenny Stafford reception moved them into scoring territory. Chris Milo booted a 22-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 11-3.


Marquay McDaniel’s 23-yard gain closed out the first quarter. The Stamps drive continued with a Julan Lynch grab before Parker’s 24-yard sweep rush scored another touchdown and increased the Calgary lead to 18-3.


While trading possessions, the Stamps defence maintained their pressure on Reilly and the Esks offence throughout. On an Edmonton punt, Roy Finch had a case of déjà vu to last year’s Labour Day game, returning the kick 90 yards to the endzone as it was 25-3 with just over six minutes remaining in the first half.


Opting for the short game, the Esks chipped their way downfield with a series of small rushes and passes. Milo kicked a 46-yard field goal to end the drive.


Calgary added a single on a Paredes missed 42-yard field goal attempt as the Stamps carried a 26-6 lead into halftime.


The Esks did not get off to a good start in the second half as Reilly was intercepted by Shaq Richardson on the second play of the drive. Messam immediately punched in his second major of the game as Stamps lead quickly grew to 33-6.


Just outside of the three-minute warning and still pressing for points, things did not get any better for the Esks. Richardson jumped a pass route and secured his second interception of the game, again putting the Stamps in instant scoring territory. Paredes notched another field goal to grow Calgary’s lead.


Edmonton opened the fourth quarter with short passes and rushes to work their way towards the endzone. They capitalized with a Kenny Stafford touchdown but could not convert on the two-point attempt as the score sat at 36-12.


The Stamps didn’t look done on offence as Mitchell found Daniels 46 yards downfield on the next possession. Now looking at scoring territory, Mitchell’s throw was intercepted by Forrest Hightower as Edmonton went back to work offensively. Reilly rushed 22 yards past midfield and then found Zylstra 41 yards downfield for the touchdown but again were unsuccessful on the two-point convert attempt, still trailing 36-18.


A 22-yard gain by Marken Michel kept the Stamps offence moving as the clock began winding down to under three minutes. Paredes kicked another field goal to put the Stamps back up 39-18 and secured the victory by forcing a late turnover on downs.


Next week, the two clubs face off in a rematch at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.


**********************


RECAP
TICATS HANG ON TO WIN WET AND WILD LABOUR DAY CLASSIC


HAMILTON — Lirim Hajrullahu’s last-minute 37-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left for the Argos, sending the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to their first win of the season in the Labour Day Classic on Monday night in Hamilton, 24-22.


C.J. Gable scored the go-ahead touchdown with 2:30 remaining while the Argos came up just short of the late-game comeback, sealing a wet and wild Labour Day that included a two-hour, eight-minute delay due to lightning.


Jeremiah Masoli went 19-of-33 for 219 yards, a touchdown and an interception in his first career start on Labour Day while June Jones won his coaching debut after taking over for Kent Austin. Brandon Banks had a team-high 98 receiving yards and a touchdown. Gable chipped in with 43 rushing yards and 12 receiving yards.


Argonauts quarterback Ricky Ray threw for 325 yards, two touchdowns and an interception on 34-of-47 passing in a strong second-half performance by the veteran quarterback, including a pair of touchdown tosses to DeVier Posey.


For the Ticats, the annual Labour Day Classic against their most-hated rival was highly-anticipated after a turbulent couple of weeks in Tiger Town, including changes to the coaching staff and under centre. But in Jones’ first game as head coach and Masoli’s first under centre, things didn’t start out as planned.


A time count violation cost the Ticats five yards before their first offensive play while, shortly after, Masoli’s second-down pass was intercepted by Argos linebacker Marcus Ball.


The Ticats avoided disaster, getting a quick stop and forcing a 35-yard field goal by Lirim Hajrullahu with hopes of better things to come.


They would, eventually, but not right away as the two East Division rivals sparred lightly through the first 15 minutes of the ball-game.


With both offences struggling, Ray’s deep ball to S.J. Green was intercepted by Richard Leonard in double coverage. But after a 30-yard return into Argo territory, the Boatmen escaped trouble, getting a quick stop and the football back.


It was 6-0 after Hajrullahu’s second field goal of the game, this one from 13 yards out, when it appeared that Martese Jackson had broken the game wide open. The speedy and slippery return specialist eluded defenders and took off down the sideline for a 101-yard punt return touchdown, only to have the game’s biggest play called back on a holding penalty.


At 7:32 p.m. ET, with just under nine minutes to go in the second quarter, lightning in the area forced the fans into the concourse and an eventual two-plus hour delay.


The storm passed and the wind, although still a major factor, died down a little bit to set up the final two-and-a-half quarters of football at Tim Hortons Field. Up 6-0, the Argos had a chance to make it a two-score lead when they lined Hajrullahu up for a 43-yard attempt against the breeze. The kick had the distance but missed to the left, leading to their seventh point of the night and a lead of a converted touchdown.


With 1:59 and the wind at their backs, the Ticats showed no hesitation trying a 57-yard field goal — and it paid off as Castillo split the uprights to deliver the first points of the night for the Black and Gold.


Jones’ club had a chance for more before the half after stopping the Argos on third-and-three in Ticats territory. But after a swift trip into scoring range, time slipped away from the first-time CFL coach and his team. Toronto defensive coordinator Corey Chamblin brought the pressure and Masoli was sacked after time expired, sending Hamilton into the half with little to show for the late swing in momentum.


A very short halftime break arrived at 10:03 p.m. ET as the teams switched sides and the third quarter got under way.


The Ticats didn’t get any time to think about it and maybe that was a good thing, because after a first down by Jalen Saunders on a hitch screen, Banks snuck in behind the Argos’ defence, hauling in a wide open 64-yard touchdown pass from Masoli to give the Ticats a 10-7 lead.


With the ball in their possession and the wind at their backs, the Ticats planned to take full advantage of a rain-soaked field tilting quickly in their favour. On the very next play, Argos returner Jackson had the ball knocked from his grip and picked up and returned for a touchdown by Felix Faubert-Lussier. Osagie Odiase forced the fumble as the special teams play gave the Ticats a 17-7 lead.


As quickly as the Tabbies gained momentum, the Argo offence finally discovered itself after its most unproductive stretch of the season. Over the previous eight quarters coming into the second half on Monday night, that unit managed only three field goals while failing to find the end zone.


That changed quickly part way through the third quarter. After a forgettable first half, Ray got into a groove with seven completions on nine attempts, culminating in a a 10-yard touchdown pass to Posey to cut the Argos’ deficit to 17-14 late in the third quarter.


Momentum is a big part of football and it can change in a moment’s notice. And suddenly, at the turn of the fourth quarter, momentum had slipped from the Ticats to the Argos in a big way.


On the first play of the fourth quarter, Castillo’s kick against the wind trailed off to the left and was retrieved from the end zone by Jackson, leaving the Ticats empty-handed.


Marc Trestman’s offence, methodical as always, went back to work. Ray completed five straight passes to four different receivers, including one to Posey at the Hamilton 11 that was turned into a go-ahead touchdown for the Double Blue.


The seven-play, 66-yard scoring drop put the Argos ahead 21-17 early in the fourth quarter.


With under 7:00 to go in the game, the Ticats had a chance to steal back the momentum, pinning Jackson and the Argos back at their own one-yard-line after a big punt by Castillo. But calm and cool as ever, Ray rolled out to his right and completed a pass to Jeff Fuller and another one to Green, moving the sticks and providing some breathing room.


Despite a stretch of 15 completions on 17 attempts by Ray, the Argos had to punt from their own 22 with the wind at their backs. With the wind shifting and a 15-yard penalty for no yards, the Ticats took over with optimal field position near their opponent’s 40 looking to make up a four-point deficit.


They did, and quickly, with help from a pass interference call against Rico Murray on Luke Tasker in the Argo end zone. The penalty set the Ticats up at the one, leading to a one-yard plunge by C.J. Gable and a 24-21 Ticats lead with two and a half minutes left.


Ray used his feet along with a fortunate Argo bounce on a completion to Green, moving the boatmen into field goal range on the ensuing drive. At the Hamilton 30, Hajrullahu’s 37-yard field goal in the wind missed to the left, sending the Ticats to their first win of the 2017 season.


The division rivals played to a crowd of 23,926 at Tim Hortons Field in a game that took five hours and three minutes from start to finish.


For the Ticats, the victory is a huge sigh of relief in a season that had strayed well off path. The Tabbies, at 1-8, move to within six points of a playoff spot behind the second-place Argos with two games in hand.


From the Argos’ perspective, their second straight loss stings, especially after controlling the clock for 34:53 and holding a 389-261 edge in offensive yards. The Boatmen also held a 26-16 edge in first downs while converting 17 of their 28 second-down attempts (61%) compared to Hamilton’s 33 per cent clip (6-of-18).


While the Argos lead the CFL both in sacks for and sacks against, Monday’s contest produced only two quarterback takedowns — one for each side.


Shawn Lemon left the game early in the third quarter with an apparent injury and Mercer Timmis was helped off the field early in the fourth. Neither player returned.


The Argos are off in Week 11 with a much-needed bye, their first of the 2017 campaign, while the Ticats head to the nation’s capital for their second clash of the season with the Ottawa REDBLACKS on Saturday, Sept. 9.

 

[CNOTES]

WEEK 12
Friday, September 8, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
10:00 PM Montreal Alouettes British Columbia Lions


Saturday, September 9, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
3:00 PM Saskatchewan Roughriders Winnipeg Blue Bombers
6:00 PM Hamilton Tiger Cats Ottawa Redblacks
9:00 PM Calgary Stampeders Edmonton Eskimos


WEEK 13
Friday, September 15, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
7:00 PM Saskatchewan Roughriders Hamilton Tiger Cats


Saturday, September 16, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
4:00 PM Edmonton Eskimos Toronto Argonauts
7:00 PM British Columbia Lions Calgary Stampeders


Sunday, September 17, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
1:00 PM Ottawa Redblacks Montreal Alouettes


WEEK 14
Friday, September 22, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
8:00 PM Ottawa Redblacks Winnipeg Blue Bombers
11:00 PM Hamilton Tiger Cats British Columbia Lions


Saturday, September 23, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
7:00 PM Montreal Alouettes Toronto Argonauts


Sunday, September 24, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
4:00 PM Calgary Stampeders Saskatchewan Roughriders




******************************


WEST DIVISION


RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV


1 Calgary 10 8 1 1 17 337 187 5-0-0 3-1-1 4-0-0


2 Winnipeg 10 7 3 0 14 332 316 3-1-0 4-2-0 2-3-0

3 Edmonton 10 7 3 0 14 279 295 4-1-0 3-2-0 2-3-0

4 Saskatchewan 9 5 4 0 10 289 227 4-1-0 1-3-0 3-3-0

5 BC 10 5 5 0 10 269 274 2-2-0 3-3-0 2-4-0




EAST DIVISION


RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV


1 Ottawa 11 4 6 1 9 314 275 2-3-1 2-3-0 3-2-0


2 Toronto 11 4 7 0 8 252 278 3-2-0 1-5-0 4-2-0


3 Montreal 10 3 7 0 6 203 263 3-3-0 0-4-0 1-3-0


4 Hamilton 9 1 8 0 2 172 332 1-4-0 0-4-0 1-2-0




y - Clinched Division
x - Clinched Playoff Berth
c - Clinched Crossover

 

[CNOTES]

cfl last 17 games:


Date w-l-t % units record


09/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
09/03/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
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..........38 - 17 - 1.......69.09%.....+ 97.00

 

[CNOTES]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 12


The extended Labor Day schedule in the CFL got underway last Thursday with Ottawa cruising past Montreal 32-4 on the road in a game that closed as a PICK. Sunday’s lone matchup between Winnipeg and Saskatchewan ended with the Roughriders rolling to a 38-24 victory against the Blue Bombers as two-point favorites.


Monday’s Labor Day doubleheader started with Calgary covering a 10-point spread at home with a 39-18 victory against Edmonton. Hamilton closed out Week 11 with its first straight-up victory of the season by getting past Toronto 24-22 as a three-point home underdog.


Friday, Sept. 8


Montreal Alouettes (3-7 SU, 4-6 ATS) vs. British Columbia Lions (5-5 SU, 4-5-1 ATS)
Point-spread: BC -7 ½
Total: 49 ½


Game Overview


Montreal has just one SU victory in its last six games and it has failed to cover in its last three. This once stout defense that held Edmonton to 19 points and Calgary to 23 points early in the year, has now allowed at least 32 points in each of its last three games. Drew Willy replaced Darian Durant in last week’s loss and he completed eight of his 11 passing attempts for 98 yards. It remains to be seen which quarterback will get the call against BC.


The Lions return to action following last week’s bye in desperate need of a win after dropping their last three games SU with a 0-2-1 slide ATS. BC beat Montreal on the road 23-16 in early July to cover as three-point favorites with Jonathon Jennings at quarterback, but this offense has looked its best with Travis Lulay under center. The veteran signal caller has thrown for 1,693 yards and 10 touchdowns in his time on the field running the Lions’ offense.

Betting Trends


-- BC has won the last four meetings both SU and ATS including three games on the road. The total stayed UNDER 50 points in the first meeting this season and it has stayed UNDER in six of the last nine games in this inter-division matchup.


Saturday, Sept. 9


Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-4 SU, 6-3 ATS) vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-3 SU, 7-3 ATS)
Point-spread: Winnipeg -2
Total: 60


Game Overview


The Roughriders are making a move in the West Division standings with three wins in a row (SU and ATS) and they can make up some more ground on Winnipeg in the backend of this home-and-home series. Kevin Glen put the ball up 36 times in Sunday’s win and he completed 26 passes for 386 yards and three touchdowns in one of his best performances of the year.


Winnipeg’s recent five-game SU winning streak came to an end in Sunday’s loss and it is now 4-2 ATS during this same span. The total went OVER the closing 58-point line in that loss and it has gone OVER in eight of the Blue Bombers’ first 10 games this year behind an offense that is averaging 33.2 points per game. Matt Nichols threw for 364 yards and two scores against Saskatchewan, but he was also picked off twice.

Betting Trends


-- Winnipeg still holds a 4-1 SU edge in the last five games of the West Division clash, but Saskatchewan has covered in three of the last four meetings. The total has gone OVER in three of the last four meetings.


Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-8 SU, 3-6 ATS) vs. Ottawa RedBlacks (4-6-1 SU, 7-3 ATS)
Point-spread: Ottawa -12
Total: 54


Game Overview


Hamilton lost to Ottawa 37-18 in Week 9 as a 3 ½-point home underdog with the total ending as a PUSH on that 55-point line. In Monday’s game against Toronto, the Tiger-Cats needed a last-minute 37 field goal to capture their first SU victory of the year. Jeremiah Masoli got the start at quarterback in place of Zach Collaros and he completed 19-of-33 attempts for 219 yards and a score. June Jones made his debut as Hamilton’s new head coach.


The RedBlacks are back on top in the East Division standings with last Thursday’s win against Montreal and they have now posted victories in their last three games both SU and ATS. The offense has averaged 33.3 PPG during this current run to complement a defense that has allowed an average of just 15.3 PPG. Trevor Harris added another 343 passing yards to his CFL-high 3,531 passing yards on the year.


Betting Trends


-- The road team has won the last three meetings SU, but Ottawa has a 5-1 edge ATS in the last six meetings. The total had gone OVER in the last four meetings before ending as a PUSH a few weeks ago.


Calgary Stampeders (8-1-1 SU, 6-3-1 ATS) vs. Edmonton Eskimos (7-3 SU, 3-7 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -6
Total: 56


Game Overview


Calgary continued to assert itself as the top team in the CFL with Monday’s victory. It was the Stampeders’ sixth SU win in a row while going a very profitable 5-0-1 ATS. The total went OVER the closing 55-point line against the Eskimos and it has gone OVER in three of their last five games. While Calgary’s offense has averaged 35.7 PPG during this winning streak, the defense has held opposing teams to fewer than 20 points in five of the six games.


The Eskimos’ current slide has reached three games both SU and ATS following an impressive SU seven-game winning streak to start the season. Edmonton has been a tough team to bet on all season long and it is 1-4 ATS in five previous home games this season. Mike Reilly completed 34 of his 53 passing attempts for 320 yards and two touchdowns in Monday’s losing cause, but he also tossed two interceptions to raise his total to nine on the year.


Betting Trends


-- The Stampeders have now won the last three meetings both SU and ATS with the total going OVER in the last four games between these two bitter West Division rivals.

 

[CNOTES]

CFL
Dunkel


Week 12


Friday, September 8

Montreal @ BC Lions


Game 651-652
September 8, 2017 @ 10:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Montreal
104.962
BC Lions
114.874
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
BC Lions
by 10
51
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
BC Lions
by 7 1/2
49 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
BC Lions
(-7 1/2); Over




Saturday, September 9

Calgary @ Edmonton


Game 657-658
September 9, 2017 @ 9:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Calgary
123.287
Edmonton
110.330
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 13
64
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 6
56
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
(-6); Over


Hamilton @ Ottawa


Game 655-656
September 9, 2017 @ 6:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
101.345
Ottawa
119.909
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 18 1/2
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
by 12
54
Dunkel Pick:
Ottawa
(-12); Over


Saskatchewan @ Winnipeg


Game 653-654
September 9, 2017 @ 3:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Saskatchewan
115.864
Winnipeg
122.327
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 6 1/2
64
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Winnipeg
by 1
60
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(-1); Over

 

[CNOTES]

CFL
Long Sheet


Week 12


Friday, September 8


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MONTREAL (3 - 7) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (5 - 5) - 9/8/2017, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 4-1 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 4-1 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Saturday, September 9


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SASKATCHEWAN (5 - 4) at WINNIPEG (7 - 3) - 9/9/2017, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 131-95 ATS (+26.5 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) off a division game this season.
SASKATCHEWAN is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in weeks 10 through 15 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 5-2 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HAMILTON (1 - 8) at OTTAWA (4 - 6 - 1) - 9/9/2017, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 5-1 against the spread versus HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 5-1 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CALGARY (8 - 1 - 1) at EDMONTON (7 - 3) - 9/9/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in a road game where the total is between 52.5 and 56 over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 127-93 ATS (+24.7 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1996.
CALGARY is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) versus division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in weeks 10 through 15 over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in a home game where the total is between 52.5 and 56 over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 4-3 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 4-3 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[CNOTES]

CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up


Week 12


Montreal (3-7) @ BCLions (5-5)— Both teams lost last three games; Lions (-2.5) beat Alouettes 23-16 in Montreal in Week 3, game that was 6-6 at the half. Als lost five of last six visits here. Under is 6-3 in last nine series games. Montreal is 0-4 on road, 2-2 as a road underdog, with losses by 4-5-1-32 points on foreign soil. Under is 7-3 in Alouette games this season. Lions are 2-2 at home, 1-2 as home favorites, with home wins by 15-3 points. Under is 3-0-1 in their last four games. In its last three games, Montreal scored only 6-31-4 points.


Saskatchewan (5-4) @ Winnipeg (7-3)— Roughriders ended Winnipeg’s 5-game win streak with a 38-24 home win last week. Saskatchewan won its last three games, scoring 41-54-38 points after a 2-4 start- they lost 43-40 at home to Bombers earlier this season. Riders are 1-3 on road, 2-2 as a road underdog; under is 3-1 in their road games. Winnipeg is 3-1 at home, 2-1 as a home favorite; seven of their last eight games went over. Blue Bombers have scored 33+ points in 8 of their 10 games this season. Over is 7-2 in last nine series games.


Hamilton (1-8) @ Ottawa (4-6-1)— Short week for Tiger-Cats, who upset Toronto Monday for their first win of season. Hamilton is 0-4 on road, 1-3 as road underdogs; three of those four games went over total. Ottawa won its last three games after a 1-6-1 start; RedBlacks are 2-3-1 at home, 2-3 as home favorites. Under is 6-1-2 in their last nine games. Ti-Cats lost 37-18 at home to Ottawa three weeks ago; RedBlacks won five of last six series games- over is 5-2 in last seven series games. Hamilton split its four visits here.


Edmonton (7-3) @ Calgary (8-1-1)— Eskimos allowed 33-54-39 points in losing last three games after a 7-0 start that included five wins by 5 or less points. Edmonton is 3-2 on road, 2-2 vs spread as an underdog; over is 6-1 in their last seven games, 3-2 in their home games. Calgary is 15-3 in its last 18 series games, with last four games going over the total. Calgary won/covered its last six games; they’re 3-1-1 on road, 3-2 as road favorites. Over is 3-2 in their road games. Short week for both teams after Calgary beat Eskimos 39-18 at home on Labor Day.

 

[CNOTES]

CFL


Week 12


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Friday, September 8


10:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Montreal's last 9 games when playing British Columbia
Montreal is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing British Columbia
British Columbia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
British Columbia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Montreal




Saturday, September 9

3:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. WINNIPEG
Saskatchewan is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Winnipeg
Saskatchewan is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Winnipeg is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
Winnipeg is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

6:00 PM
HAMILTON vs. OTTAWA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Hamilton's last 5 games when playing Ottawa
Hamilton is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing Hamilton
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing at home against Hamilton

9:00 PM
CALGARY vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games on the road
Calgary is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Edmonton is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Calgary
Edmonton is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Calgary

 

[CNOTES]

Friday’s six-pack


— Chiefs 42, Patriots 27— Alex Smith played really well, going 28-35 for 365 yards, four TD’s.


— Kareem Hunt is first player since Billy Sims in 1980 to gain 180+ yards from scrimmage and score 3+ TD’s in his NFL debut.


— Chiefs had the ball up 21-17 with 7:10 to go in 3rd quarter; KC was still +$155 on the live line.


— Indians 11, White Sox 2— Cleveland has now won 15 games in a row.


— Rockies 9, Dodgers 1— Clayton Kershaw lasted only 3.2 innings, allowing four runs.


— Florida, Florida State, Miami, South Florida all cancelled their football games this weekend because of Hurricane Irma.


******************************


Friday’s List of 13: NFL knowledge with the season here…….


13) Dallas Cowboys haven’t played in a Super Bowl since the 1995 season; Russell Wilson, Ben Roethlisberger both won a Super Bowl in their second season- Dallas is hoping Dak Prescott gets a championship in his second season.


12) Roethlisberger has played all 16 games in only three of his 13 NFL seasons; he missed one game in four other seasons.


11) Teams who have rebuilt/are rebuilding their offensive lines:
— Vikings have four new starters on the offensive line.
— Broncos, Ravens, Chargers, Lions, Rams all have three new starters.


10) Indianapolis Colts have eight new starters on defense; their QB and center are both out to start this season.


9) Lot of people are touting the Buccaneers to be a playoff team this year; after watching Hard Knocks this summer, I wasn’t overly impressed by anything about them, other than coach Dirk Koetter is a very calm person. Even when he curses someone out, it is done quietly.


Koetter got the head coaching job because of how he’s helped Jameis Winston develop as a QB; would’ve liked to have seen some of that behind-the-scenes teaching on Hard Knocks.


8) Carolina Panthers lost six games by 3 or less points last year; teams like that often make a quantum leap forward if they get some breaks the next season, but Carolina was also 15-1 the year before, so maybe last year was the correction.


In any event. Cam Newton’s shoulder is the Panthers’ most important variable.


7) Do you think Bill Belichick will retire when Tom Brady does?


6) Oakland Raiders have five new starters on defense; Derek Carr has been terrific at QB as a Raider, but he is 1-5 against the Chiefs.


5) Minnesota QB Sam Bradford’s passes traveled an average of 6.24 yards in the air LY, the shortest average pass of any starting QB, which helps explain why he completed 70% of them.


Bradford’s best WR is Michael Floyd, who is suspended for the first four games this year.


4) Baltimore Ravens were 8-8 LY, losing three games they led with 2:30 to play; since June 1, Ravens have lost four starters for the season with injuries. Joe Flacco didn’t take a snap in the preseason games and they have three new starters on the OL. I’m a skeptic.


3) Arizona Cardinals have only five outdoor games this season; three of their road games are in domes. Cardinals also have six new starters on defense this season.


2) New Orleans Saints have been 7-9 the last three seasons; they’ve got six new starters on defense this year. Will they run the ball more this season to protect that defense, and aging QB Drew Brees? They’ve added Adrian Peterson, so it is a popular theory.


1) Last two years, Chargers are 7-17 in games decided by 8 or less points; they’ve got 10 starters back on defense and a rookie coach who hired two former head coaches as coordinators, which seems like a smart move.

 

[CNOTES]

cfl last 17 games:


Date w-l-t % units record


09/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
09/03/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
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..........38 - 17 - 1.......69.09%.....+ 97.00

 

[CNOTES]

PREVIEW
ALS, LIONS SEARCH FOR A SPARK ON FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL


VANCOUVER — It’s beginning to feel a lot like desperation time in the Alouettes and Lions’ respective camps.


Wally Buono’s BC squad is winless in over a month, offence has been hard to come by on a regular basis and the Leos’ star-studded defence has battled consistency issues.


Jacques Chapdelaine’s Montreal team is coming off a one-sided 32-4 defeat at the hands of the division-leading Ottawa REDBLACKS, and has been blown out in two of its last three outings.


Both clubs have seen their playoff hopes dim in recent weeks, but the good news is the post-season is still well within reach.


Hard-hitting veteran linebacker Kyries Hebert knows that despite their recent struggles, the Montreal Alouettes are far from out of the East Division playoff race.


“Right now we’re really focused on trying to be the best team we can be, not really focusing on what the record is but understanding where we are in the standings,” Hebert told MontrealAlouettes.com. “We’re still really close to a playoff spot, so we’re going to fight hard these last eight games.”


As for the challenge posed by the struggling Lions, Hebert believes the Alouettes control their own destiny as they head to the Pacific coast.


“The key to winning in BC is high energy and execution — we can’t allow the trip to have anything to do with it,” explained Hebert. “Overall, it’s mind over matter. If we go with a positive mindset (and) execute our plays, we’ll have a chance to win.”


Two-time CFL East Division All-Star centre Luc Brodeur-Jourdain says the offence — limited to just 277 total yards and no touchdowns by Ottawa — needs to step up.


“We know we have to be better offensively, especially in the red zone,” admitted Brodeur-Jourdain. “Despite the adversity we’ve faced since the beginning of the season, the spirit of the team is very positive (and) we’re still focused on team success.”


The 34-year-old veteran insists that despite Montreal’s struggles in recent weeks, team morale has not dropped.


“Whether it’s been injuries, or the losses to Toronto or Ottawa, nobody has let their heads drop,” continued the Laval alumnus. “Thankfully, the standings are still tight in the East.”


The Alouettes released backup quarterback Jacory Harris — formerly of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats — this week. They also added international tackle Xavier Fulton, who was released by the Ticats more than a week ago. Fulton is in the lineup and ready to back up Jovan Olafioye, who’s expected to return this week to his usual left tackle post.


Injured Alouettes linebacker Anthony Sarao will not play on Noel Thorpe’s defence this week. He’s replaced in the lineup by Branden Dozier.


The BC Lions have something to prove to themselves and the rest of the West Division on Friday night at BC Place. Wally Buono’s squad has not won in four weeks and finds itself slipping to the back of the ultra-competitive pack in the CFL’s West Division.


“You can’t win a bunch of games unless you win the first one so that’s where we’re at,” Friday night’s Lions starting quarterback, Travis Lulay, told BCLions.com. “We’ve got Montreal. They’re coming off three straight losses and trying to find themselves a little bit too. They’re still in the race in the East so it’s a big game for them and us.”


Lulay got the nod for Friday’s matchup against the Alouettes following BC’s Week 10 loss in the nation’s capital; the veteran pivot completed 18 of 23 passes for 202 yards, a pair of touchdowns and an almost-comeback at TD Place.


Were it not for a late interception off a deflection, Lulay might have led the largest comeback in CFL history. With that said, there’s no reason his Lions can’t turn around their season.


“The one championship I won here, we were 1-6 before we started winning football games,” said Lulay. “The vets understand there is a lot of football left. There is a sense of urgency when you see what’s happening in the West.”


With virtually everybody in the West minus Edmonton picking up points in recent weeks, the slide of the Lions — winless in their last three — has been exacerbated.


“We’ve given up 21 passes over 30 yards, (but) we’re number one against the run,” said legendary Lions head coach Wally Buono. “(If) you eliminate half those mistakes — and most have been mistakes — and we’d probably have another win or two.”


Playing cleaner football on defence is a major key for BC this week, especially given the fact its opponents — Darian Durant and the Alouettes — failed to find the end zone against Ottawa last week.


“You’re going to get beat sometimes, but if you eliminate a large portion (of mistakes) that were either lack of discipline or mental mistakes, that makes you a better football team,” continued Buono. “I’m going to say it’s communication, but it’s also execution.”


With Mic’hael Brooks on the six-game injured list, the Lions will go with rookie D-end Ken Boatright; the Southern Illinois product will be making his CFL debut.


The athletic Micah Awe will start at linebacker in place of Tony Burnett, who will dress as backup. Awe — a Nigerian national — is a promising prospect for the Lions; the 1994-born rookie has looked sharp on specials in his debut campaign after a productive four-year career at Texas Tech.


With the Lions’ D-line struggling to generate pressure, the team hopes that Boatright and Awe can make a difference in the front seven. Either way, Alex Bazzie could soon be back on the roster following as the former Lions defensive end considers his options following an NFL stint.

By The Numbers


18 – Turnovers committed by the Alouettes offence, a fairly middle-of-the-pack (4th) number compared to BC’s league-high 24.


73 – League-leading tackles registered by veteran BC linebacker Solomon Elimimian.


94.8 – CFL-leading QUAR rating for Lions pivot Travis Lulay.


203 — Points scored by Montreal, the second-fewest in the league ahead of only 1-8 Hamilton (172).

The Skinny

Well, one of these two teams will break out of a slump.


Come Friday, it will have been four weeks since either claimed points; in that time, other teams — Saskatchewan and Calgary in the West, Ottawa in the East — have widened their respective gap over the Lions and Als.


Travis Lulay is deservedly getting a start, but will it be enough to give the Lions a much-needed win? Can Darian Durant jolt the Alouette offence to life?


The road ahead certainly doesn’t get any easier after Week 12 for either team; Week 13 sees the Lions face a trip to the proverbial lion’s den in Calgary to face the Stamps, while Montreal returns home to host the first-place and red-hot Ottawa REDBLACKS.


Given what’s ahead on the schedule, the two points up for grabs on Friday night in Vancouver gain even more meaning as the Lions and Als fight to remain relevant in their respective divisions.


Kickoff is slated for 10:00 p.m. ET and can be followed live via CFL.ca Game Tracker and seen on TSN and ESPN 3.

 

[CNOTES]

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


MTL at BC 10:00 PM

BC -8.5


U 49.5

 

[CNOTES]

LIONS RIGHT THE SHIP, SMASH ALOUETTES 41-18


VANCOUVER — A dominant second quarter helped the BC Lions to a confident 41-18 win over the visiting Montreal Alouettes on Friday Night Football at BC Place.


Jonathon Jennings, Jeremiah Johnson and co. dominated on offence, Anthony Gaitor stole the spotlight with a special-teams touchdown, and the Lions defence limited Darian Durant and the Montreal offence to just 68 first-half yards.


The night began with a gasp of horror for the Lions, as starting quarterback Travis Lulay was forced to leave the game with what was reported by TSN as a serious knee injury.


Jonathon Jennings — fresh off losing the keys to the offence in Ottawa — then came in and settled the hosts’ nerves with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Manny Arceneaux. Jennings found Bryan Burnham for an athletic two-point convert, and would go on to showcase a strong arm en route to a 295-yard, two-touchdown performance.


His veteran counterpart, Montreal’s Darian Durant, threw for 258 yards and a touchdown in the losing effort.


Montreal kicker Boris Bede then clanked a 50-yard field-goal attempt off the upright for a dead ball.


Lions kicker Ty Long responded with a miss of his own on the ensuing possession from 44 yards out.


Bede made good on his next attempt, a 48-yarder, early in the second quarter to cut Montreal’s deficit to 8-3.


A pair of safeties — one earned by BC’s David Menard, one conceded by the Als — pushed the Lions lead to 12-3.


With the Montreal offence stalling and the defence tiring, the hosts extended their lead when Jennings found Chris Rainey for an eight-yard touchdown. Long’s convert then made it 19-3.


After a beautiful Stefan Logan return set the Alouettes up for a half-ending feel-good field goal, Bede’s kick was blocked and returned by BC’s Anthony Gaitor for a touchdown. Long’s convert then gave the Lions a 26-3 half-time lead and polished off a 14-point BC swing in the final 34 seconds of the half.


The visitors managed just 68 yards of offence in the first half.


Durant and co. came out firing in the second half; after a long completion to Tiquan Underwood moved the Alouettes deep into Lions territory, Durant found Ernest Jackson on a six-yard touchdown pass. The two then combined for a successful two-point convert to cut the BC lead to 26-12.


The Lions responded quickly as — after a ridiculous 48-yard Jennings-to-Burnham connection — Jeremiah Johnson plunged into the end zone from the 1-yard line. Long’s convert made it 33-12.


Rookie Ken Boatright, making his first start of the season on Friday night, then announced his presence by recovering a Tyrell Sutton fumble forced by teammate Maxx Forde.


Long added a punt single on a bizarre goal-line stand-off between Logan and BC’s cover team, making it 34-12.


A slicing Jeremiah Johnson touchdown run from four yards out — his 11th all-purpose major of the season — added insult to Montreal’s collective injury midway through the fourth quarter; Long’s convert drifted wide left, and BC’s lead stood at 40-12.


Darian Durant waltzed into the end zone inside the final four minutes for a consolation touchdown; Montreal’s offensive line collapsed on the ensuing two-point convert and the veteran pivot was forced to throw the ball away.


Long added another punt single late in the day to round out Friday’s scoring; backup quarterback Drew Willy took the final few snaps of the afternoon for Montreal.


What would have been a late touchdown for the Alouettes and Tiquan Underwood was taken off the board on an illegal contact penalty.


Defensive standouts for the Lions in the win included Solomon Elimimian, who added seven tackles to his league-leading total, and two-sack man David Menard.


The win snapped a three-game skid for the Lions (6-5), who will re-focus for a trip to Calgary’s McMahon Stadium in Week 13, while the Alouettes’ (3-8) losing streak stands at four with the red-hot Ottawa REDBLACKS looming next Sunday.