Saturday, September 15, 2012

CFL Game Day: Toronto at British Columbia (September 15)

For the second week in a row the British Columbia Lions are involved in a battle of first place teams, based mainly on the strength of their convincing victory over the Montreal Alouettes last week.

The Lions were dominant last week, making life miserable for the Alouettes, especially quarterback Anthony Calvillo, the Als loss gave the Argos a chance to climb into first on their own, a perch they took and now bring to Vancouver for the showdown of division leaders.

The Lions have been firing on most of their cylinders for the majority of the season, a few setbacks here and there for the most part haven't been fatal and thus far in 2012, the Lions are clearly the top of the pack and full value for their record of 7 and 3.

And while statistically they are tied for first in the West with Calgary, Saturday's game brings both squads even in Games Played and a victory will once again provide a two point cushion for the Leos over the Stamps.

Toronto has been looking better and better as the season moves on, the two big victories over the Tiger Cats surrounding the Labour Day portion of the schedule has been instrumental to their climb up the CFL division standings in the east.

At 6 and 4 the Argos are currently tied with the Alouettes for first in the east, secure that the bottom sector of the division most likely won't be providing much of a challenge this year, making first place a race between Montreal and Toronto.

Ricky Ray's comfort zone is getting larger with his new team, a running game has suddenly become part of the Argo attack though Chad Kackert won't be in the line up on Saturday owing to a leg injury.

On special teams, Chad Owens has fans on the edge of their seats with every return, one is never sure if we're about to see a spectacular return for the highlight reel with each kick, at some point we imagine CFL punters will be making good use of sideline placement rather than run the risk.

For the Lions it's been all about Travis Lulay, the Lions QB is clearly staking his turf as one of the league's top QB's this year, his work against Montreal last week particularly effective, putting the Als on their heels frequently.

It no doubt will be a trend he hopes to reprise when the Argos take to the BC Place field on Saturday.

Game Time 4 PM PT, 7 ET, BC Place Stadium TSN

Toronto 23 at British Columbia 28 (28,526)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Solomon Elimimian returns to B. C. Lions
National Post-- Argonauts aim to outsmart tricky Lions
Toronto Sun-- Could we see an Argos-Lions Braley Bunch Grey Cup?
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argos tackle B. C. Lions without Chad Kackert
Vancouver Province-- Chapdelaine's philosophy a winner for B. C. Lions
Vancouver Sun-- Lions welcome back Solomon Elimimian, but Adam Bighill still...

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
British Columbia Lions

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Lions hold on to beat Argos
National Post-- Argos fall yards short of victory against Lions
Toronto Sun-- Penalties continue to cost Argos
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argos lose to B. C. Lions 28-23
Vancouver Province-- Lions in giving mood, but take the win
Vancouver Sun-- Lions maintain master over East teams with 28-23 win over Argos


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