British Columbia brings its eight game winning streak into Ontario to wrap up week seventeen of the CFL Season, a chance to keep pace with the Edmonton Eskimos atop the CFL West, not to mention make life just a little bit more difficult for the Calgary Stampeders in their quest to regain the division lead.
They take on a Hamilton squad that knows that their playoff future involves a road game in the CFL East's semifinal, a fate that leaves head coach Marcel Bellefeuille with a bit of a dilemma, does he go full tilt into his final few games of the 2011 season, or does he judiciously pick and choose when to play his starters, assessing who has the hot hand, protecting key players from possible injury, for the Cats their whole season now rests on that semi final in November, the next few weeks basically hard tackle practice scrimmages to work out the troubles that have dotted their season thus far.
The Lions have been on fire since August, the Cats not so much so, more of a step forward, two steps back, it will make for an interesting study into approaches as they lead up to kick off at Ivor Wynne.
It's a game with many subplots, but perhaps none greater than the return of Arland Bruce to Hamilton, Saturday's game offers up an opportunity for a wee bit of payback to the land of oska wee wee, Bruce of course left the Cats for the Lions den earlier this season under less than amicable discussions.
Travis Lulay has been among the top of the league's quarterback class since that Lions run began in August, he has had deadly accuracy when finding Geroy Simon and Arland Bruce III to name a few, the Lions running game has also made a key impact on their success, galloping for yardage that changes the tempo of most games.
For Bruce Saturday's game offers up an opportunity for a wee bit of payback to the land of oska wee wee, Bruce of course left the Cats for the Lions den earlier this season under less than amicable discussions.
The Cats can't say that's been their reality of late, there have been struggles at QB, a running game that has been hot and cold as well, concerns that have led them to their current two game losing skid.
A streak could be broken tonight, or a streak will continue on, it's all dependant on which team comes out on top as week seventeen comes to a wrap
Game Time 7 PM ET ( 4 PT) Ivor Wynne Stadium TSN
Pre Game
Vancouver Province-- Lions' Arland Bruce is pro turnaround specialist
Vancouver Sun-- Lions veteran McCallum still has a leg up on the competition
Hamilton Spectator-- This is no Holloway-Barnes re-enactment
Globe and Mail-- New faces in old places greet Arland Bruce III
National Post-- Ticats veterans address slump
Quick Snaps Hamilton Tiger Cats
Quick Snaps British Columbia Lions
British Columbia 10 at Hamilton 42
Attendance-- 25,536
Post Game
Vancouver Province-- B. C. Lions win streak ends at eight in Hamilton
Vancouver Sun-- Injuries continue to chip away at B. C. Lions roster in loss to the Tiger-Cats
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats maul Lions 42-10
Globe and Mail-- Tiger Cats rout Lions
National Post-- Ticats halt Lions' eight-game winning streak
Canada.com-- Lions mauled by Tiger-Cats
Three downs, a bigger ball, wider field and a lot more entertainment! The world of Canadian Football.
Showing posts with label CFL Regular Season Week 17. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CFL Regular Season Week 17. Show all posts
Saturday, October 22, 2011
CFL Gameday: Montreal at Winnipeg (October 22)
A chance to put some space between first and second place and clinch an Eastern title is up for grabs on Saturday afternoon, as the CFL East leading Alouettes travel to Winnipeg in a marquee matchup for week seventeen.
The Als who have begun to swing into a homestretch trot of late, have climbed past the Bombers in the CFL's east, a long hard slog that had a few pitfalls along the way but as the colder weather arrives and the season winds down, it's a replay of a march that has been seen many time in recent CFL history.
Though truth be told, the Als have usually had first place nailed down well before the waning weeks of October. With Anthony Calvillo once again rattling off the records and conducting his offence like a maestro at the Montreal Symphony, the Als have once again served notice that they very well could be the team to beat in the East.
Winnipeg of course held the lead for a good portion of the season, a few injuries along the way however and the Swagger tailed off for a bit, rising up from time to time as the Winnipeg defence found ways to keep their team alive through those lean weeks of offensive troubles.
The last few weeks have seen the Bombers find ways to win, not quite as convincingly as in the early portion of the season, but good enough to keep the pace to a fashion with the Als as the two battle down the stretch for the Eastern Final playoff home date.
A good portion of that battle could be finished by today should the Als win they would clinch the Eastern title and avoid a return visit in November's cold, however, if the Bombers find their game and take it to the Als in front of what will be another CanadInn stadium sellout, well, then it's destined to be a photo finish to the wire in the final two weeks of the 2011 season.
Game Time 2 PM CT (3 PM ET, Noon PT) CanadInn Stadium TSN
Pre Game
Winnipeg Sun-- Where the East is won
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers gunning for top spot in the East
Globe and Mail-- Bombers and Pierce look for rhythm against Als
National Post-- Bombers persevere through injury bug
Canada.com-- Als face Bombers with eyes on East Division prize
Quick Snaps Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Quick Snaps Montreal Alouettes
Montreal 25 at Winnipeg 26
Attendance-- 30,360
Post Game
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers rallied against champs
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers come back from 15 point deficit to beat Als
Globe and Mail-- Bombers roar back to beat Alouettes
National Post-- Blue Bombers reclaim East Division lead
Canada.com-- Anthony Calvillo shoulders blame for loss
The Als who have begun to swing into a homestretch trot of late, have climbed past the Bombers in the CFL's east, a long hard slog that had a few pitfalls along the way but as the colder weather arrives and the season winds down, it's a replay of a march that has been seen many time in recent CFL history.
Though truth be told, the Als have usually had first place nailed down well before the waning weeks of October. With Anthony Calvillo once again rattling off the records and conducting his offence like a maestro at the Montreal Symphony, the Als have once again served notice that they very well could be the team to beat in the East.
Winnipeg of course held the lead for a good portion of the season, a few injuries along the way however and the Swagger tailed off for a bit, rising up from time to time as the Winnipeg defence found ways to keep their team alive through those lean weeks of offensive troubles.
The last few weeks have seen the Bombers find ways to win, not quite as convincingly as in the early portion of the season, but good enough to keep the pace to a fashion with the Als as the two battle down the stretch for the Eastern Final playoff home date.
A good portion of that battle could be finished by today should the Als win they would clinch the Eastern title and avoid a return visit in November's cold, however, if the Bombers find their game and take it to the Als in front of what will be another CanadInn stadium sellout, well, then it's destined to be a photo finish to the wire in the final two weeks of the 2011 season.
Game Time 2 PM CT (3 PM ET, Noon PT) CanadInn Stadium TSN
Pre Game
Winnipeg Sun-- Where the East is won
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers gunning for top spot in the East
Globe and Mail-- Bombers and Pierce look for rhythm against Als
National Post-- Bombers persevere through injury bug
Canada.com-- Als face Bombers with eyes on East Division prize
Quick Snaps Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Quick Snaps Montreal Alouettes
Montreal 25 at Winnipeg 26
Attendance-- 30,360
Post Game
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers rallied against champs
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers come back from 15 point deficit to beat Als
Globe and Mail-- Bombers roar back to beat Alouettes
National Post-- Blue Bombers reclaim East Division lead
Canada.com-- Anthony Calvillo shoulders blame for loss
Friday, October 21, 2011
CFL Gameday: Saskatchewan at Calgary (October 21)
Friday night is football night for Alberta, the Eskimos will have done battle with the Argos by the time the Riders and Stamps take to the field at McMahon Stadium tonight, so the Stamps will be more than aware just how important the two points up for grabs could be.
The result of last weeks loss to the Argos, has put the Stamps in peril of losing out on a home playoff date, watching the rival Eskimos and the streaking BC Lions stake out the top of the CFL West for the battle for the western title.
That mis-step last week also has caused more than a bit of turmoil in the Stampeders camp, coach John Hufnagel has shifted Henry Burris to back up status, handing the starting assignment to Drew Tate, who makes his first CFL start against the Riders tonight.
We're still not sure that this isn't some kind of message delivery session for Hufnagel, eager to get his once starting QB's attention heading into the playoff race, the idea that the Stamps have decided to rework their offence over the last three weeks of the season would seem to be a little drastic and perhaps even a little bit dangerous.
How the Stamps respond to all the drama of the week remains to be seen, but we can't help but think that the competition had a little bit to do with the Hufnagel decision, no offence to the Riders but their quality of play this year makes them the perfect team to try and send a message through.
Tate may find that he has just enough success to put the Riders away, but not enough to knock Burris out of the starter's role for future weeks, then again the frustration that Hufnagel has had with his quarterback and his team for that matter has been well documented.
Friday night's game may just provide the punctuation mark on some of his oft repeated refrains of the last few months.
While the Stamps are playing for their season now, Saskatchewan is just playing out the season.
Ken Miller getting a little weary it seems of all the attention of late, the early days of his return which were hailed as a good day by some for Rider football have long since faded, instead now the same problems that Greg Marshall had to endure have once again popped up and like Marshal, there seems that there has been little that Miller has been able to do to change those problems.
It's too late for the Riders this year, the Stamps however still have a bit of time to work out their troubles, how they react to the week of change leading up to today's game could provide us with an idea as to how the rest of their season is going to go.
Game Time 7:30 pm MT (6:30 PT, 9:30 ET) McMahon Stadium TSN
Pre Game
Calgary Herald-- Stamps are in "prove it" territory today
Calgary Sun-- New Stamps QB set to start against Roughriders
Regina Leader Post-- Roughriders and Stampeders' views differ regarding quarterbacks
Globe and Mail-- Time running out for Stampeders to pick up the pieces
Canada.com-- Stamps confidence shaken by losses
Quick Snaps Calgary Stampeders
Quick Snaps Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan 13 at Calgary 25
Attendance-- 29,698
Post Game
Calgary Sun-- Stamps well above passing grade
Calgary Herald-- Tate guide Stamps to win over Roughriders
Regina Leader Post-- Darian Durant survives scare as Riders lost 24-13 to Stampeders
Globe and Mail-- Drew Tate spurs Stamps past Riders
National Post-- Tate wins first start, Stampeders down Roughriders
The result of last weeks loss to the Argos, has put the Stamps in peril of losing out on a home playoff date, watching the rival Eskimos and the streaking BC Lions stake out the top of the CFL West for the battle for the western title.
That mis-step last week also has caused more than a bit of turmoil in the Stampeders camp, coach John Hufnagel has shifted Henry Burris to back up status, handing the starting assignment to Drew Tate, who makes his first CFL start against the Riders tonight.
We're still not sure that this isn't some kind of message delivery session for Hufnagel, eager to get his once starting QB's attention heading into the playoff race, the idea that the Stamps have decided to rework their offence over the last three weeks of the season would seem to be a little drastic and perhaps even a little bit dangerous.
How the Stamps respond to all the drama of the week remains to be seen, but we can't help but think that the competition had a little bit to do with the Hufnagel decision, no offence to the Riders but their quality of play this year makes them the perfect team to try and send a message through.
Tate may find that he has just enough success to put the Riders away, but not enough to knock Burris out of the starter's role for future weeks, then again the frustration that Hufnagel has had with his quarterback and his team for that matter has been well documented.
Friday night's game may just provide the punctuation mark on some of his oft repeated refrains of the last few months.
While the Stamps are playing for their season now, Saskatchewan is just playing out the season.
Ken Miller getting a little weary it seems of all the attention of late, the early days of his return which were hailed as a good day by some for Rider football have long since faded, instead now the same problems that Greg Marshall had to endure have once again popped up and like Marshal, there seems that there has been little that Miller has been able to do to change those problems.
It's too late for the Riders this year, the Stamps however still have a bit of time to work out their troubles, how they react to the week of change leading up to today's game could provide us with an idea as to how the rest of their season is going to go.
Game Time 7:30 pm MT (6:30 PT, 9:30 ET) McMahon Stadium TSN
Pre Game
Calgary Herald-- Stamps are in "prove it" territory today
Calgary Sun-- New Stamps QB set to start against Roughriders
Regina Leader Post-- Roughriders and Stampeders' views differ regarding quarterbacks
Globe and Mail-- Time running out for Stampeders to pick up the pieces
Canada.com-- Stamps confidence shaken by losses
Quick Snaps Calgary Stampeders
Quick Snaps Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan 13 at Calgary 25
Attendance-- 29,698
Post Game
Calgary Sun-- Stamps well above passing grade
Calgary Herald-- Tate guide Stamps to win over Roughriders
Regina Leader Post-- Darian Durant survives scare as Riders lost 24-13 to Stampeders
Globe and Mail-- Drew Tate spurs Stamps past Riders
National Post-- Tate wins first start, Stampeders down Roughriders
CFL Gameday: Edmonton at Toronto (October 21)
The anticipation in Toronto must be high, the Argos on the cusp of achievement at last, the prospect of two wins in a row in this 2011 season on the table for tonight's matchup with the Eskimos, the planning of the parade route must have gone on long into the night.
Well, ok, there's probably not much anticipation, possibly even little interest in week seventeen's kickoff game at Rogers Stadium, but hey, they drew up the schedule, may as well finish the season off.
The Argos if nothing else, can provide the same service for the Eskimos that they did for the Stamps last week, provide the role of spoiler to the feel good story in Alberta's northern reaches this season, the Stamps of course will be hoping that whatever it is that the Argos did to them, they do to the Eskies, if for no other reason than to keep their hopes of a home playoff date at McMahon Stadium alive for another week.
Toronto, playing out the string and observing player efforts for consideration next year will have nothing to lose of course, long since eliminated from any playoff aspirations in the East, the Argos can play pretty well carefree and take chances that team seeking a playoff spot may not take.
The Argos are hoping to end the season on a winning note, providing something to build on for the 2012 year, to that end, the players realize that these final weeks are really an audition for next years opportunities, a lack of resolve and effort no doubt to be marked down on the list of positive and negatives of a year that went wrong early on.
Edmonton on the other hand will have to be all business, methodical and true to the blueprint, probably more aware that a mistake could be costly to the long term plan of a playoff spot and further march into the post season.
The key for Kavis Reed's squad is to continue to work in sync, putting some of the setbacks of the year behind them, providing the momentum heading into the final weeks of the season and wherever that playoff spot may take them.
Game Time 6:30 ET (4:30 MT, 3:30 PT) Rogers Centre TSN
Pre Game
Toronto Star-- Winning still top priority for Argos
Toronto Sun-- Argos hope he's Mann enough
National Post-- Argos look to future after dismal season
Edmonton Journal-- Argonauts still dangerous - Reed
Edmonton Sun-- Esks QB hopes for early birthday present
Quick Snaps Toronto Argonauts
Quick Snaps Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton 31 at Toronto 24
Attendance-- 19,176
Post Game
Toronto Sun-- Argos get black jack against Esks
Toronto Star-- Owens' record lone bright spot for abysmal Argonauts
Globe and Mail-- Eskimos hang on to beat Argos
National Post-- Owens makes history, Argos fall short
Edmonton Sun-- Esks' Messam almost messed up
Edmonton Journal-- Argos come to within a TD of unfathomable comeback...
Well, ok, there's probably not much anticipation, possibly even little interest in week seventeen's kickoff game at Rogers Stadium, but hey, they drew up the schedule, may as well finish the season off.
The Argos if nothing else, can provide the same service for the Eskimos that they did for the Stamps last week, provide the role of spoiler to the feel good story in Alberta's northern reaches this season, the Stamps of course will be hoping that whatever it is that the Argos did to them, they do to the Eskies, if for no other reason than to keep their hopes of a home playoff date at McMahon Stadium alive for another week.
Toronto, playing out the string and observing player efforts for consideration next year will have nothing to lose of course, long since eliminated from any playoff aspirations in the East, the Argos can play pretty well carefree and take chances that team seeking a playoff spot may not take.
The Argos are hoping to end the season on a winning note, providing something to build on for the 2012 year, to that end, the players realize that these final weeks are really an audition for next years opportunities, a lack of resolve and effort no doubt to be marked down on the list of positive and negatives of a year that went wrong early on.
Edmonton on the other hand will have to be all business, methodical and true to the blueprint, probably more aware that a mistake could be costly to the long term plan of a playoff spot and further march into the post season.
The key for Kavis Reed's squad is to continue to work in sync, putting some of the setbacks of the year behind them, providing the momentum heading into the final weeks of the season and wherever that playoff spot may take them.
Game Time 6:30 ET (4:30 MT, 3:30 PT) Rogers Centre TSN
Pre Game
Toronto Star-- Winning still top priority for Argos
Toronto Sun-- Argos hope he's Mann enough
National Post-- Argos look to future after dismal season
Edmonton Journal-- Argonauts still dangerous - Reed
Edmonton Sun-- Esks QB hopes for early birthday present
Quick Snaps Toronto Argonauts
Quick Snaps Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton 31 at Toronto 24
Attendance-- 19,176
Post Game
Toronto Sun-- Argos get black jack against Esks
Toronto Star-- Owens' record lone bright spot for abysmal Argonauts
Globe and Mail-- Eskimos hang on to beat Argos
National Post-- Owens makes history, Argos fall short
Edmonton Sun-- Esks' Messam almost messed up
Edmonton Journal-- Argos come to within a TD of unfathomable comeback...
Thursday, October 20, 2011
CFL Regular Season Week 17
The CFL heads into the final three weeks of the 2011 season with a showdown in River City as the headline attraction.
The Alouettes head off to Winnipeg for a Saturday showdown that should the Als grab the win could add some clarity to the race for the CFL East title, on the other hand should the Bombers claim victory make the final two weeks of the season will provide for even more drama.
The weekend kicks off with the Argos hoping to make it two in a row against Alberta as they host the Eskimos at Rogers Centre, Toronto provided a setback to the Stampeders quest for first in the west last week, Friday offers the chance to do the same for the Eskimos.
The Stamps can rebound from last weeks disappointment as the floundering Riders arrive at McMahon Stadium to play out the rest of their season, Calgary set to shake things up a bit has tagged Drew Tate for the start on Friday.
The weekend wraps up in Hamilton on Saturday, when the Lions seek to make it eight wins in a row as they take on the Tiger Cats, Hamilton has been mostly cold rather than hot over the last few weeks, with first place starting to fade from their view, there may still be time to claim the semi final hosting spot with a run over the last few weeks for second place, a feat that of course will require a bit of help from their eastern brethren.
The weekend schedule can be found below.
Friday, October 21-- Edmonton 31 at Toronto 24 (A-- 19,176)
Friday, October 21-- Saskatchewan 13 at Calgary 25 (A-- 29,698)
Saturday, October 22-- Montreal 25 at Winnipeg 26 (A--30,360)
Saturday, October 22-- British Columbia 10 at Hamilton 42 (A--25,536)
Twelve Men Prognostications: Predicted Winners
Edmonton
Calgary
Winnipeg
British Columbia
Weekly Record -- 3 - 4
Overall Record-- 36 - 64
The Alouettes head off to Winnipeg for a Saturday showdown that should the Als grab the win could add some clarity to the race for the CFL East title, on the other hand should the Bombers claim victory make the final two weeks of the season will provide for even more drama.
The weekend kicks off with the Argos hoping to make it two in a row against Alberta as they host the Eskimos at Rogers Centre, Toronto provided a setback to the Stampeders quest for first in the west last week, Friday offers the chance to do the same for the Eskimos.
The Stamps can rebound from last weeks disappointment as the floundering Riders arrive at McMahon Stadium to play out the rest of their season, Calgary set to shake things up a bit has tagged Drew Tate for the start on Friday.
The weekend wraps up in Hamilton on Saturday, when the Lions seek to make it eight wins in a row as they take on the Tiger Cats, Hamilton has been mostly cold rather than hot over the last few weeks, with first place starting to fade from their view, there may still be time to claim the semi final hosting spot with a run over the last few weeks for second place, a feat that of course will require a bit of help from their eastern brethren.
The weekend schedule can be found below.
Friday, October 21-- Edmonton 31 at Toronto 24 (A-- 19,176)
Friday, October 21-- Saskatchewan 13 at Calgary 25 (A-- 29,698)
Saturday, October 22-- Montreal 25 at Winnipeg 26 (A--30,360)
Saturday, October 22-- British Columbia 10 at Hamilton 42 (A--25,536)
Twelve Men Prognostications: Predicted Winners
Edmonton
Calgary
Winnipeg
British Columbia
Weekly Record -- 3 - 4
Overall Record-- 36 - 64
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