The 100th Grey Cup

The CFL, 100 years strong and counting this weekend, a Canadian institution that has survived Wars, a Depression and one or two terrible owners over the years.

A collective that has seen franchises lost, franchises gained and franchises eventually returned from where they never should have left.

It has on occasion struggled and then again it has thrived as well, the 100 year old tradition that survives on, despite it seems at times the people that run it.

It has invaded the US and returned a little shell shocked from the incursion and on Sunday, it will bring a country together once again, as only the Grey Cup can.

Yes, somewhere in that audience it's true, a few might not know an Argonaut from a Stampeder, but as it always does, the Grey Cup will provide an audience which will boost television ratings and spike the sales of beer and snack foods (and  provide cause for more than a few home parties) from coast to coast to coast.

The Stampeders earned their way into Lord Earl Grey's party through a path of Saskatchewan and British Columbia, a near death experience in the semi finals, spurring the Stamps on to their handy dismissal of the Lions last week in the Western Final.

The second best team in the CFL of 2012, ascending to the top of the pile through hard work, knocking off the champs as true contenders must do.

The Argos, who came quite close in October to sliding right out of the playoffs, ramped it up when it was required most, knocking out the Eskimos in the semi final, the final punctuation point in the off season trade that brought their new leader to Toronto.

From that statement game they marched into Montreal, faced down the huge crowd of Olympic Stadium and after a horrendous start, found the will to work their way back into contention in the Eastern Final.

Their confidence growing with every pass from Ricky Ray, every call from the defensive coordinators that stymied Montreal at their own game.

The league's wildest dream of the Argos arriving at their own Grey Cup party secured after sixty minutes of football.

The Argos once again find a chance to become a more meaningful sports entity in their hometown, far too often relegated to after thought status, on this weekend the Argos will be the story in Toronto.

It may not translate into a huge jump in season tickets, that of course will take work and in Toronto that's as tough a job as there is, still they've made some serious progress in this final month of the season.

The storybook finish of course would be the Argos on the podium hoisting the Grey Cup, a city celebrating their newest heroes, a championship trophy for a city starved of such baubles.

Calgary we imagine will gladly will don the black hat for that , looking to bring Toronto back down to earth, anxious to remind the east that the best team in the league, should normally win the Grey Cup.

The Stamps were team 1B for most of the regular season, they grabbed the top seed with their victory over the Lions last week.

Yet, Grey Cup Sunday is also about surprises, where the improbable becomes the story.

It makes for a fascinating storyline for Grey Cup 100, the parties are almost finished, the concerts, the festivities and yes even the gallop of a wayward horse in a hotel lobby.

All that is left is for kickoff, tee it up and let's get number 100 underway!

For the record, we'll give the nod to the Stamps to play party poopers at the Rogers Centre and lay claim to the 100th Grey Cup.

Playoff record 

3 correct, 1 wrong

A sliver of good news for Argo fans, the Regular season record 37 correct, 39 wrong

Game Time  6 PM ET, 4 PM MT, 3 ET Rogers Centre TSN


Pre Game

CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview

National Post-- Argos' Ricky Ray, Stampeders' Kevin Glenn make for interesting Grey Cup matchup
Globe and Mail-- The Grey Cup is a game that binds Canadians
Toronto Star-- Fourth Earl Grey left his mark in Canada, and his trophies
Toronto Sun-- Argonauts have home base covered
Calgary Herald-- Stamps' Voice of Experience', Anwar Stewart, calms nerves on Grey Cup eve
Calgary Sun-- Stamps feel the love on final day of practice
Canada.com-- Argos' defence not surprised by surging Stamps

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Calgary Stampeders

The Semi Finals: Edmonton at Toronto (November 11)

After far too many years, there will be Canadian football in Toronto in November.

It's a semi final home date for Toronto that brings the Edmonton Eskimos to the Rogers Centre and while we imagine the Argonauts might have found a better pay day had their neighbours in Hamilton been able to make the playoffs, the visiting Eskimos will fill in nicely we're sure.

The Eskimos make the trek eastbound after having laid claim to the CFL crossover option, accumulating a better record than the East's Hamilton and Winnipeg n the 2012 regular season, and while they did stumble down the stretch, the bottom feeders of the East never quite seemed able to put together a winning streak to secure a playoff spot.

The match up between Esks and Argos does provide for some interesting sidebars.

The recent dismissal of Eskimo GM Eric Tillman has had conspiracy theorists working overtime this week. With rumours percolating through the league that Tillman is destined for Toronto, which if it happens would clearly give us a fellow on a grassy knoll...

There's Ricky Ray, the Argos quarterback and former marquee player for the Eskimos, traded by Tillman to Toronto, who is finally back to his usual high standard of play, a positive thing for the Double Blue, not so much for the Green and Gold.

Beyond all that drama however, it all comes down to the football, who scores the most points, who gives up the least.

It will be up to the Eskimo defence to shut down Ray, otherwise, the trip east will be the last of the travel arrangements required, except for the trips back to their winter homes.

Game Time 1 PM ET, 11 AM MT, 10 AM PT Rogers Centre TSN

Edmonton 26 at Toronto 42 (25,792)
Toronto Advances to Eastern Final November 18th in Montreal

Pre Game

CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Previews

National Post-- Argos struggle to grab a piece of the action
Toronto Star-- Argos need to find a way to stop the Eskimos' Fred Stamps
Toronto Sun-- There's no place like home for Boatmen
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos quarterback Joseph returning to the scene of his prime
Edmonton Sun-- Edmonton Eskimos put the ball in Kerry Joseph's hands for Sunday
Canada.com-- Ray insists he's not focused on former team

Team Backgrounders

Edmonton Eskimos
Toronto Argonauts

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Review

National Post-- Ricky Ray trade comes full circle in Argonauts' playoff victory over Eskimos
Toronto Star-- Coach and QB driving Argos
Toronto Sun-- Record quarter sends Argos to East final
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos not even close to being a contender
Edmonton Sun-- Toronto Argonauts romp to 42-26 win over Edmonton Eskimos...
Canada.com-- Ray gains redemption, leads Argos past Eskimos

CFL Game Day: Hamilton at Toronto (November 1)

The Cats are down to their final life, one that they have some control over as they head off to Toronto for their regular season finale.

The task is simple a win and then they no doubt will have a pizza party on Friday night to cheer on the Calgary Stampeders on Friday Night Football, a loss and well when does the next plane leave Hamilton?

The Cats who have been the most inconsistent team in the CFL all year shouldn't have been in this position, a few timely wins through the summer and into the fall would have removed the last week dramatics, but Hamilton let far too many games slip away, so they all need to bring their "A" game to the Rogers Centre tonight.

Toronto, which has secured a playoff date for the first time in a while now, will rest Ricky Ray, good news for the Tiger Cats, now if the Argos could rest their defence as well all might be good for the Hamiltonians.

Should they find success this weekend both in Toronto and with help from the Stamps then they'll be right back in Toronto next weekend for the Eastern semi final.

When the season started, a good number of CFL observers thought that Hamilton was going to be the team to beat this season, as it turns out they were the team that everyone could beat and yet they still have one more chance to make a less than solid regular season worthwhile.

The playoffs offer up the chance to run the table, three wins and the Grey Cup is yours, of course you have to get to the dance, the music starts for Hamilton at 7 tonight.

Game Time 7 PM ET, 4 PT Rogers Centre TSN

Hamilton 40 at Toronto 43 (27,283)

Pre Game

CFL-ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview

National Post-- Urgency fuels fire under Tiger Cats
Toronto Sun-- Ray gets the week off
Toronto Star-- Argos to rest Ray for final game of CFL regular season
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats have certainly earned this torturous ending to their season
Canada.com-- Ticats face another must-win situation in regular-season finale against Argos

Team Backgrounders

Hamilton Tiger Cats
Toronto Argonauts

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

National Post-- Roller coaster of a season comes to an agonizing end for the Tiger-Cats
Toronto Sun-- Argos eat Ticats raw; Chad Owens sets CFL record
Toronto Star-- Argonauts answer bell against Tiger-Cats
Hamilton Spectator-- Season over: Ticats lose 43-40 to Argos
Canada.com-- Win well, win ugly, just win, says Tate

CFL Game Day: Toronto at Saskatchewan (Week Eighteen) October 27, 2012

By the time the Argos take to Mosaic Field on Saturday afternoon the Eastern Division playoff seedings may have already have sorted themselves out a bit.

The result of the Hamilton/Winnipeg game which will have just completed when the Argos and Riders prepare to kick off, will offer up some kind of guide as to which of their eastern division rivals may still be alive in the playoff race.

The score from Ivor Wynne though shouldn't pre-occupy the Argos too much however, the key for their playoff ambitions is simple, win, win today and win next week when they wrap up the season and all questions of an Argo playoff appearance will be answered.

The problem is, winning is something the Argos have had a problem with in the last three weeks.

Toronto, host city for this years Grey Cup, have stumbled their way through October, a losing streak that arrived at the worst possible time, a skid that almost saw them slide right out of the playoff picture, only the ineptitude of the Tiger Cats to capitalize on their chances has kept the Argos still in the hunt for a second place finish and a semi final home date.

A win in Regina today would provide the safe margin of space between second and third and ensure that the ticket takers at Rogers have work in two weeks.

A loss would enshrine October as one of the worst months in recent Argo history, one which will have featured an amazing collapse that sent the Argos tumbling from contending for first place to scrambling for their playoff lives.

Saskatchewan has already clinched a playoff spot, the only question that remains for the Riders is whether their legion of fans will travel to Calgary for a Western semi final or if they travel east for the crossover berth in the Eastern semi.

At the moment, they appear destined for Calgary, a two point lead over the Eskimos in the standings the difference between heading east or west for Team Green and White.

With their final home game of the season on tap for today, they can book the buses for the trip west with a win over the Argos. A trip to Calgary might provide for a larger travelling contingent than east bound destinations might, a possibility that could make the Western semi final almost a home game.

By the time the sun begins to set on Saskatchewan we'll have a little better idea as to whether week 19 will be of any importance to anyone other than the statisticians.

Game Time  2 PM ST, 4 ET, 1 PT Mosaic Field TSN

Toronto 31 at Saskatchewan 26 (29,747)

Pre Game

CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview

National Post-- Argos unfazed by cold Saskatchewan weather
Toronto Sun-- Argos facing cold, hard facts
Toronto Star-- Argos' game plan for Regina weather includes running game
Regina Leader Post-- Roughriders embrace the cold
Canada.com-- Riders' playoff chances are anyone's guess

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Saskatchewan Roughriders

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

National Post-- Ricky Ray finally at ease in charge of Argos
Toronto Sun-- Argos in playoffs but that's all
Toronto Star-- Quick thinking puts Argonauts into CFL playoffs
Regina Leader Post-- Riders fail to finish again
Canada.com-- Missed opportunities haunt Riders' Tristan Jackson

CFL Game Day: Winnipeg at Toronto (Week Seventeen) October 19, 2012

Friday could be the Blue Bombers curtain call for the 2012 season, the math says that they still have a shot at making the CFL playoffs, the head, well the head says that's not a very likely scenario.

Winnipeg's season of horrors has provided for many a chapter through the 2012 campaign, there have been a few bright moments, some glimpses of progress, but for the most part 2012 has been a season to forget for River City.

About the only positive news to come out of Winnipeg this year is that a local hope, a guy named Rich Pope (who works for the Winnipeg Sun) will Kick for a Million dollars tonight, selected from a pool of over 14 million entries to the Wendy's promotion, to help his cause Pope apparently made 1,047 entries for Kick to Win.

As for the other guys from Winnipeg, the Bombers head into Toronto tonight, facing an Argo team that has squandered two home games now, the goal of taking first from Montreal fading fast, the goal of surviving until the playoffs now clearly job one.

Should the Argo free fall continue through October, there is every chance that the Tiger Cats could claim second in the east, a most unlikely scenario but a few weeks ago, even worse for the Double Blue, a losing skid at this time could slide them right out of the playoffs, what with a Western Crossover berth all but assured owing to the strength in the West.

The Argos hopes get a boost this weekend with the return of Ricky Ray to the helm of the Argonaut offence, since his departure to injury the Argos struggled, losing four of five games, highlighting problems that went a little deeper than just having backup Jarious Jackson moving into the starting position.

So, with that much on the line, one imagines it's not been too hard for Scott Milanovich to motivate the troops for the Friday Night Show, a chance to nail the coffin to the Bombers season at hand, the opportunity to very much improve their own playoff hopes very much part of the equation.

Game Time 7 PM ET, 4 PT Rogers Centre TSN

Winnipeg 44 at Toronto 32 (23,419)

Pre Game

CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Veteran quarterback Ricky Ray returns under centre for the Argos
National Post-- Argos' Ricky Ray itching to bolster struggling offence
Winnipeg Sun-- It comes down to pride now for bumbling Bombers
Winnipeg Free Press-- Tempers have cooled since thundering, high hit on Buck
Toronto Star-- Argos can clinch playoff berth with win and Ticats loss
Toronto Sun-- Argos look for spark from Ray

Team Backgrounders

Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Toronto Argonauts 

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

National Post-- Argos' errors allow Blue Bombers to stay alive in playoff race
Winnipeg Sun-- Blue Bombers triumph in Toronto
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers power past Argos 44-32, keep slim playoff hopes alive
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argos fall to Winnipeg Blue Bombers 44-32
Toronto Sun-- Panic time for Argonauts as they drop ball to Blue Bombers

CFL Game Day: Montreal at Toronto (October 14)

They are seemingly the two last hopes for the East in the quest of the Grey Cup for this 100th season,  with the Hamilton Tiger Cats fading, fading, fading away, it will be up to either the Toronto Argonauts or the Montreal Alouettes to seek to represent the East in the annual football showdown of lat November.

Though, if indications of the previous fifteen weeks are any indication, there's no guarantee that either of them will survive long enough to make it to the final game of the playoff round of the CFL season.

With Edmonton charging up the standings all of a sudden and the prospect of a crossover berth in the east definitely in Western eyes, the possibility that two Western teams will meet in Toronto for the Grey Cup seems suddenly very, very possible.

To avoid that scenario, Toronto and Montreal will need to get their efforts back on track, inconsistency has been a mark of the East this year, just when you think someone is set for a lengthy run of success something happens to raise concerns, offering little in the way of confidence that either are up for the challenge.

Montreal's defensive woes are becoming a much documented file, no worse an example than last weeks shocking loss to the Blue Bombers, a team not known for its winning ways this season.

Likewise in Toronto, the opportunity to take the next step always seems to be missed, last week the Argos had the chance to take hold of the East lead with a win over the Riders, instead they were but spectators in their own ball park, content to watch the Riders roll over them to their fourth consecutive win in the last four weeks. An opportunity lost and one that gave Montreal a mulligan on their own misfortune of the Thanksgiving Day opener.

The two teams meet today in Toronto, once again the Argos can show that they are eager to not only grab first place in the East, but to make a serious stand for playing in the Grey Cup that they are hosting.

Montreal will be seeking to reverse a number of bad traits of week fifteen, perhaps not the best of omens for the Argos, no one wants to play a team with something to prove to their coach and to themselves.

Someone has to win after sixty minutes or so don't they?  We'll find out later today.

Montreal at Toronto,  1 PM ET, 10 AM ET, Rogers Centre, TSN

Montreal 24 at Toronto 12  25,348

Pre Game

CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Jackson gets crucial start for Argonauts in showdown against Alouettes
National Post-- Argos reward Jason Barnes for his persistence
Montreal Gazette-- Als can secure home playoff game with win
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argos remain in hunt for first place despite poor offensive numbers of late
Toronto Sun-- Argos reaching for the top

Team Backgrounders

Montreal Alouettes
Toronto Argonauts

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

Globe and Mail-- Alouettes snap out of first half funk to defeat Argos
National Post-- Alouettes best in East, but face tough road to Grey Cup
Montreal Gazette-- Als dig deep
Toronto Star-- Argonauts fumble chance to climb CFL East standings in 24-12 los to Montreal Alouettes
Toronto Sun-- Argos come up short, again

CFL Game Day: Saskatchewan at Toronto (October 8)

Depending on where you live across the Dominion on this Thanksgiving Monday, you will either be refusing your final slice of pumpkin pie or about to dig into the full course Turkey dinner as the Riders and Argos bring a wrap to week fifteen of the CFL Schedule.

The night cap to the double header on Thanksgiving offers up two teams with playoff ambitions, the Argos still thinking first place in their dogfight with the Als in the east, the Riders rejuvenated in the last few weeks seeking to track down Calgary while holding off Edmonton in the once again tightened up Western race.

Toronto heads into the Thanksgiving wrap up with Jarious Jackson making his second consecutive start in Double Blue, replacing the still injured Ricky Ray, a change at QB that didn't seem to miss a beat last week as Jackson showed that with his lengthy CFL resume to call on, the Argos QB situation isn't quite as dire as in other CFL cities where the starter has gone down to injury.

The Riders, who have been wildly inconsistent over the last few months have settled down a bit over the course of the last few weeks, last weeks victory over the league leading Lions a key step towards securing a playoff position.

Towards that goal Darian Durant will be looking to guide the Riders to a complete game, for whatever reason, the Riders seem to only be a three quarter team, the final quarter a race against the clock at times to hold off the opposition from launching a comeback and stealing what at one point seemed to be a secure Rider victory.

The West has proven to be a rather competitive race thus far, the Lions while still on top can't quite put away the Stamps (though this weekend perhaps may have been the turning of that tide) while the Stamps now have to keep an eye on the Riders as they creep towards that second place spot. Below them, the Eskimos once again have found a little life after  a horrendous September, perhaps a  spurt that is a bit too late, but still enough to hang in for a shot at third in the West or at least a possibility of grabbing a cross over to the East should the Ti Cats continue their strange season of inconsistency.

When the Turkey dinner is finished today, the final deserts taken care of and the beverages consumed, give a quick glance to the CFL standings after week fifteen, it will give you a good idea as to which team has had the bounty of a Thanksgiving weekend and which teams are scrambling for some leftovers.

Game Time 4:30 ET, 2:30 ST, 1:30 PT Rogers Centre TSN

Saskatchewan 36 at Toronto 10 (25,176)


Pre Game

CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Veteran Jarious Jackson draws second straight start for Toronto Argonauts
National Post-- Argonauts' Brandon Isaac not sorry for defensive style
Toronto Sun-- A lot Riding on this game
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts' Jeff Keeping feasts for football
Regina Leader Post-- Riders' Darian Durant continues to develop as a QB

Post Game

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

Globe and Mail-- Rouhgriders serve up Thanksgiving reality check for Argos
National Post-- Jarious Jackson gets the hook as Argos routed by Roughriders
Toronto Sun-- Boatmen defence fails to show up
Toronto Star-- Roughriders thump undisciplined Argonauts 36-10 at Rogers Centre
Regina Leader Post-- Riders sink Argos 36-10

CFL Game Day: Toronto at Winnipeg (September 29)

Winnipeg will be hoping to keep their good times rollin', if one win last week in a season of woe (3-9) can be called good times, as the Toronto Argonauts arrive in town for a CFL East division match up that could bring life to the Bombers thoughts of playoff football, something perhaps nowhere near their radar but a month ago.

With the return of Buck Pierce last week, the Bombers looked very much like that swaggerin' bunch we heard a bit too much of last year, Pierce and his team mates pulled together as complete a game as one could hope for from a Winnipeg viewpoint, dismissing the Hamilton Tiger Cats quite impressively, stirring those playoff embers long thought gone cold.

And as providence might provide, this week's competitor, the Argonauts arrive in town very much a battered and bruised squad, the most worrisome thing from a Toronto point of view the fact that Ricky Ray will be on the sidelines if he travels at all, in street clothes most likely,  unable to take to the field owing to injury.

Ray went down in last weeks game against Montreal, a knee injury leaving him out of the Argo lineup for the foreseeable future, at the worst possible time, as Toronto battles Montreal for first place in the CFL East.

Jarious Jackson, acquired from the BC Lions in the off season, will make a rare appearance as a CFL starter, Jackson who was used mostly on second and short situations in BC, a role that seems to be his marquee value in Toronto as well, finally gets the chance to lead an offence from start to finish, the opportunity now here to show if he's ready to step into the spotlight of a Ricky Ray.

The bad news for Winnipeg however is that Jackson has a pretty good record when thrown into the fire, over the course of his CFL career, Jackson has a winning percentage, going 14 and 8 in his 22 CFL starts.

No wild eyed rookie is this guy, he understands the game and will be anxious to show his team mates that all is still well on the good ship Argo.

If the Winnipeg defence is truly engaged in this one, it could be long afternoon for Jackson, who will have to make scrambling a priority as he seeks out down field receivers. The Bombers D side showed some life against Hamilton, making life pretty miserable for Henry Burris, no doubt they would like to provide the same treatment to the Argos back up now tasked with keeping the Argos first place ambitions alive.

Game Time 6 PM CT, 7 ET, 4 PT  CanadInn Stadium TSN

Toronto 29 at Winnipeg 10 (27,169)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Bombers find Ray of hope as they prepare to host Argos
National Post-- Argos uncertain when injured quarterback Ricky Ray will return
Toronto Sun-- Boatmen have big respect for Bombers QB
Toronto Star-- Blue Bombers showing some swagger again for Argo game
Winnipeg Free Press-- This guy Burke could be a keeper
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers facing no ordinary backup

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Post Game

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

Globe and Mail-- Blue Bombers' playoff hopes fade after loss to Argos
National Post-- Argos' backup quarterback Jarious Jackson holds his own in win ...
Toronto Sun-- Argos drop Blue Bombers - without Ricky Ray
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argos knock off Winnipeg Blue Bombers 29-10
Winnipeg Free Press-- Back to Situation Normal...
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers return to Bumblers

CFL Game Day: Toronto at Montreal (September 23)

An eastern showdown opens up the final two games of week 13, the Montreal Alouettes looking to hold off the Toronto Argonauts and secure first place and a bit of breathing room should they prevail at Molson Stadium.

For much of the last month the Als and Argos have been trading spots atop the East Division, one jumping forward, one falling back, providing for a particularly interesting race for the East title.

The Argonauts have shown signs that they are finally pulling together all the various parts that were put in place over training camp, a defense that is the stingiest of the East holds the opposition point totals game in and game out, leaving the Argos in the running deep into the fourth quarter for most of the season.

Ricky Ray has generated some impressive stats over the course of the summer, finally settling into rhythm and making better use of his receiving corps and the running game.

Special teams have been a particular highlight for the Double Blue, punt and kick returns an edge of your seat experience that can change the game in the blink of an eye.

The one major problem for the Argos is a tendency to take far too many penalties, a situation that tends to shoot the team in the foot at a most inopportune time, something we imagine the coaching staff is eager to turn around before the Thanksgiving to season end stretch gets under way.

Montreal has been red hot over the last month, a rush up the standings after an early season of struggle, Anthony Calvillo once again appears to be in top form, late game spurts down the field becoming the specialty of the Als, where no deficit seems to much to overcome, when they have to.

Montreal's last month has been a reminder to the CFL that despite an aging roster and the realization that the Calvillo era may be drawing to a close, there is still a lot of life left in the rouge, blanc et bleu.

Beyond the Calvillo magic, the Als have benefited from a defence that seems to have overcome its early season struggles, the last few weeks providing a semblance of the consistency that the coaching staff was looking for during the darker days of the early season.

Sunday's match up obviously has major playoff implications, an Alouette win puts them in the drivers seat for the final stretch of the season, should the Argos prevail, then an already fascinating playoff race gets just a little bit more interesting.

Game Time 1 PM ET, 10 AM PT Molson Stadium TSN

Toronto 10 at Montreal 31 (23,209)

Pre Game

CFL.ca-- Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Alouettes running back Whitaker out for season
National Post-- Pass blocking key to Argos' success
Toronto Star-- Chad Owens could make bid for CFL MVP
Toronto Sun-- Argos treating Sunday like a "playoff game"
Montreal Gazette-- Emry delivering standout season - and solid hits

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Montreal Alouettes

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

Globe and Mail-- Alouettes cash in on Argonauts' woes
National Post-- Alouettes coast to victory over Argos
Toronto Star-- Argonauts quarterback Ricky Ray injured in 31-10 loss to Montreal Alouettes
Toronto Sun-- Argos take a step back
Montreal Gazette-- Pressure eases on Als' special-teams unit

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

CFL Game Day: Hamilton at Toronto (September 8)

Will the Hamilton Tiger Cats exact a little payback for their loss to Toronto at Ivor Wynne last weekend? Can Henry Burris get untracked and begin to take charge of a TiCat offence that has sputtered at inopportune times? And will Hamilton's defensive unit finally find the correct mix to reverse what has been a rather unusual state of affairs in Hamilton a team that gives up points in rather alarming fashion.

Those are some of the talking points the Cats bring up the highway with them on Saturday for the back end of the Labour Day classic wars...

Saturday's game also provides the CFL with a dandy visual experience, with both Chad Owens and Chris Williams lighting up the scoreboards and wreaking havoc on the record books another chapter of which could be written in Toronto this weekend.

For the Argos, it's a chance to build some separation between themselves and the folks from SouthWestern Ontario, follow up on the good vibe of the Hamilton victory last week where the Double Blue ruined the Labour Day plans of the Hamilton faithful, sending off Ivor Wynne's final Labour Day Classic with a win in the Double Blue side of the ledger.

More importantly, the Argos can continue to build on some momentum that has slowly started to move their way, with an eye on the Grey Cup game hosting duties of late November, the Argos are now making some noise that they may have plans to be playing in that game as well.

Before that though, with is still down the road a bit, there's a lot of football to be played, the latest step comes up in Toronto Saturday afternoon.

Game Time 1 PM ET, 10 AM ET Rogers Centre (TSN)

Hamilton 31 at Toronto 45 (23,061)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Argos' Ahmad Carroll finally finds a home in Toronto
National Post-- One on One: Argos' Chad Owens vs. Ticats' Chris Williams
Toronto Sun-- Argos making life without Boyd look easy
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argos might tinker with lineup but won't look to NFL castoffs for help
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats rushing to get the defensive line in order

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Hamilton Tiger Cats

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Review

Globe and Mail-- Argos go airborne for win over Ticats
National Post-- Chad Kackert runs over Ticats in Argos' win
Toronto Sun-- Argos, Ticats heading in opposite directions
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts beat Hamilton Tiger-Cats 45-31
Hamilton Spectator-- At the moment, Ticats are a total mess

CFL Game Day: Toronto at Hamilton (September 3)

Today brings us the last Labour Day Classic at Ivor Wynne, well the old, version of, steeped in history and just a dash of venom for the Argonauts, the ancient yard of Canadian football is destined for the wrecker's ball at the end of the season, a new polished and modern structure to take its place in 2014.

We imagine the Argos won't miss the old one, it has no shortage of ghosts past from the Labour Day wars, a trip down the QEW that brings its own version of football hell.

The game inexplicably was shelved last season, a rare mis step for the CFL which likes to stoke these regional rivalries as part of its legendary lore, back in time for the final dance, today's game brings the Argos in to play a Hamilton team that may be snarling more than usual.

A losing skid to rattle the confidence of Hamiltonian's has been the theme of August, the Cats just not clicking as many though they would, surrendering losses in a variety of ways, some close, some not quite.

Toronto too has had a few hiccups along the way this season, Ricky Ray's arrival in Argoland an interesting learning curve, one which might have been better assisted by surrounding him with some receivers that can hold onto a football and a front line that offers him more than a millisecond to throw the ball.

The Argos defensively have been holding their own, something that will come in handy as they make the trip into Ivor Wynne for this one last Classic before they start playing the new Springsteen standard for stadium renovations.

Considering the atmosphere and the past month lead in, it could be a very entertaining and physical Labour Day Classic for Ivor's last show, just the way the hometown folk would like it.

Game Time 1 PM ET, 10 AM PT, Ivor Wynne Stadium, TSN

Toronto 33 at Hamilton 30 (31,032)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- CFL Labour Day Classic: Insults, beer, spit, trash talking...
National Post-- Argos have no fear against Ticats' Chris Williams
Toronto Sun-- It's go time for Argos, Ticats
Toronto Star-- Last dance at Ivor Wynne chance for Argos QB Ricky Ray to shine
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats need big win

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Hamilton Tiger Cats

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Review

Globe and Mail-- Timely redemption for Argos in Labour Day Classic victory...
National Post-- Labour Day loss especially tough for Hamilton fans
Toronto Sun-- Ticats find another yet another way to lose
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argos beat Hamilton Tiger Cats 33-30 in Labour Day Classic...
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats lay rare Labour Day egg

CFL Game Day: Toronto at Calgary (August 18)

One of the main topics of the day in Toronto these days has been the mysterious expulsion of Cory Boyd from the Argos camp, Boyd, who departed last week is now firmly in place in Edmonton and hasn't said much about how his departure came about, nor have the Argos volunteered much either.

But that perhaps is yesterdays news, the real story for Argo fans may be can Ricky Ray bounce back from what was his worst performance since arriving in Toronto in the off season.  Ray who had it seemed been settling into a groove over the first six weeks of the season, had a stinker of a game last week against the Lions, interceptions, fumbles and far too much time on his back under a pile of Lions marked his day for the Double Blue.

It will be to seek a bit of redemption that he and the Argos head off to Calgary for their week eight contest against the Stampeders.  In order for Ray to find some success against the Stamps, it will require some help from a front line that left him out to dry for much of last week.

Another key for the Argos is simple, make sure that the Stamps Larry Taylor doesn't get the football, the Calgary kick returner is proving to be a highlight reel machine, should they require any further evidence the Argos need look no further than to the last time they met the Stamps, the memories will flood back.

The Stamps who are keeping pace with the Esks in the West can gain some ground on Edmonton this weekend, the Esks having lost to the Als leave the path open to a first place share for the Stamps should they come out on top of the Argos.

Kevin Glenn will be looking to recreate the success he had last week against his old squad in Hamilton, Glenn clearly won the duel between himself and Henry Burris, leading the Stamps offence with efficiency, making the best of his offence in particular Jon Cornish and Nik Lewis. Cornish's week was such that he grabbed two Gibson's awards this week past, a chance to snare some more could be his with a similar performance at McMahon Stadium.

Game Time 5 PM MT (7 ET, 4 ET) McMahon Stadium TSN

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Backup running back Kackert setps off sideline, into Argos' feature role
National Post-- Argonauts secondary developing cohesion
Toronto Sun-- All about winning for Argos coach
Toronto Star-- Argonauts coach Scott Milanovich will soon find out if Chad Kackert can...
Calgary Herald-- Stamps search for elusive back to back wins
Calgary Sun-- Stamps, Argos talkin' trash

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Calgary Stampeders

CFL Game Day: British Columbia at Toronto (August 6, 2012)

The long weekend comes to an end with the final of the week's two CFL matches showcasing the Lions and Argos, a chance to see if the Lions have indeed returned to their championship form after last weeks convincing victory over the Stamps.

For the home crowd, the wrap to week six will provide the Argos with another opportunity to put some distance between first place in the East and the pack, Toronto has been gaining confidence as each week moves forward in the CFL season, Ricky Ray in particular proving to be a difference maker in Double Blue as he finds his form with the Argos.

The visit by the Lions a very helpful measuring stick for head coach Scott Milanovich to see if his Argos improvement thus far is on track to battle the CFL's most rounded squad.

The Lions defensive play has been fairly strong all season so far, the offence taking a bit longer to shake off the rust of the off season, though the indications from last weekend in Calgary is that Travis Lulay may finally have sorted out the moving parts for the Lions offensive play.

With a bye week beckoning, both the Argos and Lions will be looking to head into their week off on a winning note.

Game Time 5 PM ET, 2 PT, Rogers Centre, TSN

British Columbia 18 at Toronto 9 (22,841)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Former Argos Shell and Parker both looking forward to homecoming
National Post-- Lions' Andrew Harris strives for sustained excellence
Toronto Sun-- Argos' Watkins a quick learner
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts match up well with Grey Cup champion B. C. Lions
Vancouver Province-- Jarious Jackson, late of the Lions, has a new take on former foe Ricky Ray..
Vancouver Sun-- Argos' comeback story inspires Lions Stanley Franks

Team Backgrounders

British Columbia Lions
Toronto Argonauts

Post Game

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

Globe and Mail-- Backup QB Reilly guides Lions past Argos
National Post-- Inconsistent Argos devoured by Lions
Toronto Sun-- Lions get past Argos
Toronto Star--Toronto Argonauts fall to B. C. Lions 18-9 at Rogers Centre
Vancouver Province-- Lions roar past Argos in 18-9 win
Vancouver Sun-- Lions down Argos as Ernest Jackson steps up

CFL Game Day: Toronto at Montreal (July 27,2012)

For Ricky Ray it won't be quite the same animosity that the Hamilton/Argos game brought to the field,  as that's a whole different world of nasty, still when Toronto meets Montreal there's always a little bit of extra interest in the event.

The football version of storied rivalry of the cities takes place tonight when the Argos take on the Als at Molson Stadium. A rivalry that Argo head coach Scott Milanovich now sees from the Double Blue side of the field, returning to the city where he found success in the Als most productive of eras, Milanovich will bring his squad into Montreal to play a struggling Als squad that is showing signs of slowing down while his Argos are revving up.

Two teams perhaps heading in different directions this year, the Argos on the rise with Ricky Ray taking the helm of the offence, providing for an aerial display that hasn't been seen in Toronto for a long time.

In Montreal, with Anthony Calvillo struggling with injuries in the early season there is the sense of a team in decline, the halcyon days of the last ten years starting to fade as the cold reality that it may be time to rebuild the perennial top dogs of the CFL east.

Calvillo when healthy is as dangerous a quarterback as there is in the CFL, his longevity at the position means that he's seen every situation and generally finds the right play at the right time to make the most of it all.

However, he has clearly been hobbled in the first four weeks, leading some to wonder if perhaps it's not time to have him sit out a few games to get fully healthy for the post Labour Day stretch. It's a decision that coach Marc Trestman hasn't seemingly found cause to make yet, but if the injury situation for the Als on field leader gets worse, then the Als will truly be in dire straits.

For Toronto, the genesis of a revival has been seen over the last few weeks, Ricky Ray has grown more comfortable with the collection of receivers he has to work with and he has used the running game to gain field position at key times.

While there have been a few setbacks along the way, the Argos are most likely quite happy with the progression rate of their offence as it tries to find its way in a new environment.

The only real concern of the Argos in the early going is the rather worrisome performance of the special teams which have at times allowed the opposition to gain massive yardage as well as timely game changing points.

That seems to be a work in progress for the Argos, so for now, it will be up to the defence to stop the opposing teams from scoring, while the offence will have to put up as many points as it takes to win.

How that all works out gets another shake on Friday night.

Game Time 7:30 ET, 4:30 PT Molson Stadium TSN


Toronto 23 at Montreal 20 (22,773)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Argonauts set course for East lead
National Post-- Three things: Argonauts vs. Alouettes
Toronto Sun-- Argos' Ray, Als' Calvillo following similar scripts
Toronto Star-- Montreal QB Anthony Calvillo braces for painful night against Toronto ...
Montreal Gazette-- Alouettes' Brandon Whitaker chafes for carries

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Montreal Alouettes

Post Game


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

Globe and Mail-- Argonauts hang on to edge Alouettes
National Post-- Argos' defence holds off Alouettes for tight victory
Toronto Sun-- Better late than never for Ray
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts edge Montreal Alouettes 23-20, take over first place..
Montreal Gazette-- After 23-20 loss to Argos, Alouettes desperately need a win

CFL Game Day: Winnipeg at Toronto (July 18 2012)

Winnipeg's season of woe continues on into week number four as the Blue Bombers, yet to record a win will travel to Toronto to take on the Toronto Argonauts, the Bombers most likely to be without the services of Buck Pierce who was injured last week, his back up Alex Brink also was knocked out of that game, but it seems that he's destined to be the starter tonight.

Winnipeg's troubles are starting to resonate across the city, with much discussion on the post game call in shows and other sports venues in the city as to what changes need to take place to salvage the season, this after but three weeks.

To give you an idea as to how the locals are feeling these days, radio station CJOB recently held an on air contest where the winner could pick up tickets to see Journey or seats to the Bombers home opener, it would seem that the fires still burn for Journey, maybe not so much for the Blue this season.

Such is the fate of a team that suffers losses out of the gate.

Then again, they do still have a sizable fan base fully engaged (slightly enraged at the moment) with the team, the Argos are still trying to rebuild their fan base and they will take another step towards that goal with their home date tonight.

Ricky Ray who has been passed the torch of Argo quarterbacks, is beginning to come into his own in Double Blue, his statistics have been rather impressive his receiving corps becoming more familiar and comfortable with his leadership skills on the field.

In fact, the Argos have been rather successful both on offence and defence, despite their record, it's been the special teams where they've been getting killed at untimely moments. For a review check out the Gibson's Player of the Week awards for week three and watch the Ti Cats Chris Williams run, run and run some more, obliterating the Argos special teams schemes with each gallop.

Should the Argos wish to make some noise in the run up to the 100th Grey Cup in their stadium, they will want to solve their Special Teams problems quickly, it's one thing to ask Ricky Ray to lead comebacks, it's another thing to hand over the points to the opposition without much of a contest.

Game Time 7:30 PM (4:30 PT) Rogers Centre (TSN)


Winnipeg 22 at Toronto 25 (22,485)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Argos wary of struggling Blue Bombers
National Post-- Frustrated Bombers quarterback Buck Pierce lands back on injury list
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Five key questions
Toronto Sun-- Argos game vs. Bombers is 'huge'
Winnipeg Free Press- New top banana auditions tonight
Winnipeg Sun-- Poor O line play pulling bombers down

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Winnipeg Blue Bombers


Post Game

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

Globe and Mail-- Ray's three TD passes rally Argos past injury plagued Blue Bomber
National Post-- Argos' late rally seals win over Blue Bombers
Toronto Star-- Argos beat Blue Bombers 25-22 in come from behind nail-biter
Toronto Sun-- Argos barely get by Bombers
Winnipeg Free Press-- Everything goes wrong as Bombers fall to Argos
Winnipeg Sun-- LaPolice says Brink starts at QB next week for Bombers

Rebuilding the Argo brand for a new generation

Last week the Argos opened up their home season with a look to the past a review of the now legendary team of 71, the team that boasted some of the iconic names of Argonaut football in the early seventies, Theismann,  Raimey, Stillwagon, Thornton, Cahill even McQuay, et al.

In 1971, the Argos led by Leo "the Lip" Cahill, were the team that all other CFL teams wanted to beat, a squad that could back up their swagger with results on the field.

A still memorable Grey Cup loss to the Stampeders forever etched into Argonaut lore, yet, that team of the seventies is still remember fondly by those that care to think back to the days when the Argos were the big deal in the summer in Toronto.
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Such is the lore of that era of Argonaut football, that TSN has featured them in their documentary series on the CFL leading up to the 100th edition of the Grey Cup this November in Toronto.

As has been documented over the years, even with some high profile players in the years that followed, the Fluties', the Rocket and many, many others, the game and the team never quite resonated as it did when the Argos played at woeful Exhibition Stadium, where the cold, the rain and at times the fog would add to the atmosphere while the Double Blue brought the fans to their feet time and time again.

It's that connection that the current regime with the Argonauts hope to rekindle, a challenging task no doubt in a very different era, the sports fans of Southern Ontario have many, many options to chase, some of them perhaps a distraction others an obsession.

Somehow the Argos and the CFL need to become part of that variety, where taking the family to the ball game once again becomes an in thing to do.

Celebrating the 71 squad as they did last week will no doubt help, they were giants of their time in the city, some of them still resonate there today.

But in the end, it's what the current crop of Argonauts do on the field that will turn the tide, Toronto made a good start by attracting one of the marquee names of the current CFL in Ricky Ray to the Double Blue.

And while there have been a few stumbles along the way thus far in the year, you can see that Ray and his offence are starting to come together on the same page, Ray's numbers have been impressive thus far, even if the results don't quite show up in the standings.

It may take some time for Ricky Ray to join the pantheon of Theismann and Flutie and those before and after, but the challenge to make the Argonauts a discussion point on Monday morning could be his most important task since he arrived in the league.

The trip down memory lane provided for much in the way of reviews, some of which can be found below..

Toronto Star-- Argonauts' 1971 Grey Cup loss still stings for quarterback Joe Theismann
Toronto Star-- 1971 Argos to be honoured at home opener Saturday
Toronto Sun-- Those 'maverick' 1971 Argos
Toronto Sun-- Argos of '71 a blast from the past
CBC-- Former QB Joe Theismann has fond memories of 1971 Argos
National Post-- 1971 Argonauts full of cherished memories
Calgary Herald-- Theismann the fall guy for 1971 Argos?