Cnotes 2018 Canadian Football League Picks - News - Trends !

[Cnotes53]

PREVIEW

REDBLACKS, STAMPS KICK OFF WEEK 5 ON THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

OTTAWA ? It seems like every time they meet up, the Calgary Stampeders and Ottawa REDBLACKS put on a show.

Whether it was the 104th Grey Cup in Toronto two years ago, or a pair of regular-season ties ? one in each of 2016 and 2017 ? there is something in Calgary that brings out the best in Ottawa.

That is, except for their meeting two weeks ago; the REDBLACKS offence sputtered at McMahon Stadium, and the Stamps did just enough to ensure a 24-14 victory.

CFL.ca has unprecedented coverage of Thursday Night Football presented by the Brick, including a 30-minute live show CFL Game Time at 6:30 p.m. ET, as the REDBLACKS host the Stamps at TD Place.

The two teams ? currently leading their respective divisions at 3-0 (Calgary) and 2-1 (Ottawa) ? will meet again this Thursday in the nation?s capital on Thursday Night Football.

?We know they?re gonna have some wrinkles for us,? REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell told OttawaREDBLACKS.com. ?We?ll have the same for them. (This week)?s pretty fresh for us, because we played another game. We shifted to Montreal, and now we?re back to Calgary. They haven?t played.?

It?s full steam ahead for the REDBLACKS following their 28-18 win in Montreal last week.

All systems were go for Ottawa last Friday; Trevor Harris threw for 349 yards and a trio of touchdowns, while league-leading running back William Powell sprinted to 138 yards.

This week, play calls will have to be adjusted to compensate for the fact they?re facing the same Calgary team from two weeks ago.

?The different thing about the CFL is it?s a smaller league, so you?re going to play everybody twice, or three times. Everybody gets to know each other,? explained Campbell. ?So sometimes, you have to change a couple calls up or just have some wrinkles in the game plan. That?s part of the strategy.?

The REDBLACKS defence will receive an added boost to its second level this week, as veteran linebacker Kyries Hebert returns from suspension; the 37-year-old received a one-game ban following a high hit on Calgary?s DaVaris Daniels the last time these two teams met.

On the offensive line, Jason Lauzon-Seguin will continue to work his way back into the rotation following an injury; the third-year lineman out of Laval will back up Evan Johnson at right tackle against Calgary.

?It was fast, but it was a good (chance) to test out the body, see if everything was strong,? said Lauzon-Seguin. ?It felt good to be back on the team and be with the boys on the road.?

As for the challenge posed by Calgary?s talented front seven, the 2016 Frank M. Gibson Trophy ? East Division?s Most Oustanding Rookie ? winner understands what the Stamps bring.

?They move a lot on D (with) the second level defenders ? (Alex) Singleton is a very good tackler and player, and they bring a lot of safety blitz, stuff like that,? said Lauzon-Seguin. ?We have to look at that and make adjustments (based) on what they show us.?

The REDBLACKS will have to take the opportunities given to them by Calgary?s strong-tackling defence.

?It was a struggle last game for us. It always is, they just know what they?re doing,? explained Ottawa receiver Brad Sinopoli. ?They show a lot of different looks, they try not to give anything up deep. They try to just let you throw shallow stuff, and rally and make the tackle, and they?re really good at making the tackle.?

Of course, nothing ever comes easy against Dave Dickenson?s Stampeders.

At 3-0 on the season and 31-6-2 in the regular season since 2016, Calgary is quite simply the best team, year-over-year, in the Canadian Football League.

The Stamps are also aware, however, that Ottawa tends to give them a stiff challenge.

?We expect the same thing we got last time. It?s going to be a dog fight,? receiver DaVaris Daniels told Stampeders.com. ?It?s not going to be high-scoring or anything. I?m sure they don?t want to lose to us twice, so we?ve got a challenge on our hands and we?ll be ready for it.?

Calgary will want to establish the run early against the REDBLACKS; breakout running back Don Jackson is third in the league in rush yards (294), while the team as a whole is averaging over 140 rush yards per-game.

?It?s the identity of Calgary Stampeder football,? said O-lineman Derek Dennis. ?It?s always been a very run-first team and we pride ourselves on being a balanced offence. I think right now, for our offensive unit, at least, for the offensive line, the biggest thing that?s helping us be successful is the attitude that we have as a group.?

Slotback Kamar Jorden has been one of the Stamps? premier receiving threats through three games; the Bowling Green product has caught a team-high 14 passes for 192 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

He also believes the bye will help his ball club.

?We?ve had a couple days to get back into the rhythm and a couple days for us to get ready for them,? explained Jorden. ? I think that?s an advantage for us, but at the end of the day, we still have to handle business when we get on the field.

?I feel like I?ll take my guys versus their guys anytime.?

The Stamps will have some holes to fill this week, with receiver Eric Rogers and return specialist Terry Williams both moving to the one-game injured list. However, Calgary will also get a boost from the return of Cordarro Law at D-end and Justin Renfrow on the offensive line.

The absence of Williams will hand rookie Romar Morris, a spark plug out of UNC, his CFL debut behind Don Jackson on the depth chart at RB. The 25-year-old Tar Heel alum is a quick runner capable of returning kicks, and previously spent time with the New York Jets.

Crunchin? Numbers:

1-6-2 ? Rick Campbell and the REDBLACKS? regular-season record (.222) against Calgary since joining the league in 2014; on the flip side, Dave Dickenson is 3-0-2 against Ottawa as a head coach.

59 ? Career wins for Bo Levi Mitchell, who could become the fastest player in league history to the 60-win mark with a victory Thursday in Ottawa ? his 71st start. The current record holder is Ken Ploen, who picked up his 60th win in start no. 78 on Sept. 28, 1963.

300-plus ? Ottawa quarterback Trevor Harris has thrown for 300-plus yards 21 times in 45 career starts. That 46.7 per cent mark is the second-highest in league history, behind only Doug Flutie (58.7).

So, to recap: The Stampeders and REDBLACKS sit atop their respective divisions, have elite talent on both sides of the ball and typically play one-score ball games.

Ottawa will be eager to try and solve the Calgary defence which shut it down two weeks ago, while Bo Levi and the Stamps offence will be similarly hungry to try and hang a 40-spot on the REDBLACKS.

Ottawa. Calgary.

Live on Thursday Night Football from TD Place.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on TSN, RDS and ESPN+

 

[Cnotes53]

THURSDAY, JULY 12
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CGY at OTT 07:30 PM

OTT +3.0

U 54.0

 

[Cnotes53]

GAME RECAP

STAMPS DEFENCE SHINES IN 27-3 WIN OVER REDBLACKS

OTTAWA ? The Calgary Stampeders stormed into the nation?s capital and ran out of town with a well-earned 27-3 win over the hometown Ottawa REDBLACKS on Week 5?s edition of Thursday Night Football.

Bo Levi Mitchell left the contest in the second quarter, but not before helping stake the Stamps to a 17-0 lead with a 16-for-21, 161-yard performance that included a touchdown. Running back Don Jackson ground his way to a tough 102 rush yards, and the Calgary defence held Ottawa to an eye-popping 27 yards and one solitary first down in the first half.

The second half passed without incident ? the REDBLACKS incapable of moving the chains, backup Nick Arbuckle managing the game for Calgary ? and the Stamps left Ottawa with their perfect record intact.

Calgary opened the scoring midway through the first quarter, as a 38-yard Mitchell completion to Kamar Jorden set up a one-yard touchdown plunge for rookie Romar Morris ? his first career touchdown coming in his CFL debut. Mitchell then found DaVaris Daniels on the two-point convert to give Calgary an 8-0 lead.

Coordinator DeVone Claybrooks?s defence then shut the door on the REDBLACKS, limiting its hosts to just 13 net yards in the first quarter.

Momentum swung further in the Stamps? direction on Ottawa?s second possession of the second quarter; a Trevor Harris pass intended for Diontae Spencer was deflected by Brandon Smith, then tipped by Alex Singleton into the waiting arms of Tre Roberson.

Five plays later, Mitchell found Juwan Brescacin for a 10-yard touchdown; Morris?s plunging two-point convert attempt came up short and the lead stood at 14-0.

Harris?s tough day continued on the very next possession, as he was sacked heavily by Micah Johnson on first down before tossing a fluttering interception to Emmanuel Davis on second.

That pick resulted in a 17-yard chip shot of a field goal from Rene Paredes, and Calgary took a 17-0 lead.

Mitchell suffered an injury later in the second quarter, when he took a dangerous low tackle from Ottawa?s Danny Mason ? the perpetrator received a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty, while Mitchell was hustled to the locker room and shut down for the night.

The REDBLACKS defence then forced a Calgary punt, only to have return man Diontae Spencer fumble it. The Stamps recovered on Ottawa?s 23-yard line, and two plays later a 25-yard boot from Paredes sent Calgary to the locker room with a 20-0 lead.

Ottawa?s offence showed some life on the opening drive of the second half, with Harris and co. driving down into the red zone only to stall on three tries from inside the 10-yard line; an 11-yard Lewis Ward field goal got the REDBLACKS on the board, but drew prolonged boos from the peanut gallery at TD Place.

The rest of the third quarter passed without incident, and a 12-yard touchdown connection from Arbuckle to Lemar Durant early in the fourth quarter sealed the win for the visitors; Paredes?s convert kick extended the lead to 27-3.

A fumble by Harris?s replacement under centre for Ottawa ? Dominique Davis ? set the Stamps up with great field position, but Paredes clanked his 15-yard effort off the upright resulting in a dead ball.

The win moved Calgary to 4-0 on the season, taking them four points clear atop the West Division; Dave Dickenson?s team will return home to face the Montreal Alouettes (1-3) next Saturday (9 p.m. ET).

Claybrooks?s defence was straight-up dominant, limiting Ottawa to 169 total yards.

Ottawa?s record dropped to 2-2, and the team will have to find answers offensively ahead of a visit from the BC Lions on Friday Night Football (7:30 p.m. ET) next week.

 

[Cnotes53]

Friday, July 13, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home
9:00 PM Toronto Argonauts Edmonton Eskimos

Saturday, July 14, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home
10:00 PM Winnipeg Blue Bombers British Columbia Lions

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June's Canadian Football Record; ( All Picks )

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

Totals.......... 12-10-0........54.54%.....+5.00


CFL Best Bets:

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

DATE.........................ATS.................. .....UNITS.....................O/U...................UNITS...........TOTAL

Totals.......................7 - 4.....................+13.00.................... 5 - 6..................-7.00............+5.00


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July's Canadian Football Record; ( All Picks )

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

07/12/2018 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/07/2018 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
07/06/2018 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/05/2018 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50

Totals...............5-5...........50.00%....-2.50


CFL Best Bets:

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

DATE.........................ATS.................. .....UNITS.....................O/U...................UNITS...........TOTAL

07/12/2018..............0 - 1........................-5.50.....................1 - 0...................+5.00............-0.50
07/07/2018..............2 - 0.......................+10.00...................0 - 2...................-11.00............-1.00
07/06/2018..............0 - 1........................-5.50.....................1 - 0...................+5.00.............-0.50
07/05/2018..............0 - 1........................-5.50.....................1 - 0...................+5.00.............-0.50

Totals......................2 - 3........................-6.50.....................3 - 2....................+4.00..............-2.50

 

[Cnotes53]

Friday?s 6-pack

? Seattle ace James Paxton (back) left Thursday?s game in the first inning.

? Boston 6, Toronto 4? Red Sox won their 10th game in a row.

? G Isaiah Thomas signed a veteran?s minimum deal with the Denver Nuggets.

? Wayne Ellington agreed to a one-year, $6.2M deal to return to the Miami Heat.

? Phil Hellmuth won a record 15th World Series of Poker gold bracelet, taking the $5,000 No-Limit Hold? em event.

? There was an argument on Twitter today about whether coleslaw is tasty or not; it was more fun than people arguing about politics.

Quote of the Day
?I think the game has progressively gotten a little softer. Man, it had some teeth not that long ago.?
Mike Matheny

Friday?s quiz
Who managed the Phillies when they won the 2008 World Series?

Thursday?s quiz
Brent Barry is the only person in NBA history to lead the league in 2-point FG% one year and 3-point %age in another year.

Wednesday?s quiz
Carlton Fisk (43) is the oldest player to get a hit in an All-Star Game.

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Friday?s List of 13: Happy Friday the 13th, everyone!!!

13) Oakland A?s are 19-5 in their last 24 games, going 5-2 on this Cleveland/Houston road trip that just ended- they?re a contender for the Wild Card right now. A?s next six games are a pair of three-game series with their cross-bay rivals, the Giants. Interesting times.

12) Former NBA star Charles Oakley was arrested Sunday by the Nevada Gaming Control Board Enforcement Agents at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

TMZ reported that he is suspected of pulling back a $100 chip after he realized he was going to lose his wager; that is a Class B felony. Not good.

11) Milwaukee?s Jesus Aguilar, Seattle?s Juan Segura won the Final Vote and will be in Washington for next week?s All-Star Game.

Milwaukee is the smallest market in the major leagues; good for their fans for voting one of their guys into the Mid-Summer Classic.

10) Will Yoenis Cespedes return to the Mets as a first baseman? There are reports on the Interweb that Cespedes has suggested the position change to Mets brass.

Cespedes hasn?t played since May 13, by the way. People have come back from broken legs faster than this guy, and I?m not a Met fan nor is he on my fantasy team.

9) Mets have had nine games this season that were 0-0 after five innings; five of the nine were Jacob deGrom starts.

8) There are rumors the Manny Machado trade may be delayed util after the All-Star Game because Orioles? brass doesn?t want Machado playing in the All-Star Game in Washington next week wearing another team?s uniform, which would also leave the Orioles without an All-Star.

7) Baseball oddity: Babe Ruth started his career as a pitcher for the Red Sox; the night he got his first win as a pitcher, he was actually pinch-hit for in the 7th inning.

Wonder how many times he was pinch-hit for in his entire career?

6) Arizona OF Daniel Descalso pitched in the 4th inning Wednesday night in Denver, the earliest any position player has pitched in a game since the Brewers? Sal Bando on August 29, 1979 (also the 4th inning).

Descalso allowed a HR to Rockies pitcher German Marquez. It?s just the 2nd time in the last 50 years that a pitcher homered off a position player.

The other: June 23, 1986 ? Giants? Mike LaCoss homered off San Diego?s Dane Iorg.

5) Alex Bregman is only American Leaguer in Home Run Derby Monday night; unusual. MLB cannot be very happy that Trout, Judge, Stanton, Goldschmidt are not participating.

4) There?s a sportsbook opening Saturday at Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey, next to Giants Stadium. Maybe the jackass politicians in New York can figure out a way to have legalized wagering in our state- why was New Jersey so far ahead of them????

3) Baseball doings:
? Red Sox 3B Rafael Devers goes on DL with left shoulder inflammation.
? Angels? P Garrett Richards (elbow) hopes to return in 2020.
? Twins put 1B Logan Morrison (hip) on the DL

2) FOX is apparently in negotiations with Jeff Fisher to hire the former Titans/Rams coach as an NFL commentator. You never know how good guys will be behind the mike, but I?ll be curious to hear what he has to say.

1) Even a former White House stenographer named Beck Dorey-Stein has written a book about her time working in the White House. The current political climate has been good for bookstores, if not for the rest of us.

 

[Cnotes53]

Friday, July 13

Toronto Argonauts (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS) at Edmonton Eskimos (2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -7
Point-spread: 54

Game Overview

Toronto comes into the back end of this home-and-home series with James Franklin as its starting quarterback. He made his first start of the season last week for the injured Ricky Ray and threw for 217 yards and a score while adding another touchdown on a run. Franklin ended the game with 31 yards on the ground on six rushing attempts. The Argonauts also got a strong effort from James Wilder Jr. running the ball with 120 yards and a score on 21 carries. Declan Cross caught the game winner in the fourth quarter to give Toronto the come-from-behind win.

Defense has been an issue for Edmonton in its 2-2 start. The Eskimos gave up 38 points in an early season loss to Hamilton and they could not hold onto the lead last Saturday in this home-and-home series opener. Mike Reilly was able to move the ball against Toronto almost at will with 370 yards passing, but it still only added up to 17 points on the board. He completed 70.0 percent of his 40 attempts with one touchdown throw and one interception. Edmonton was held to 56 yards rushing with CJ Gable gaining just 39 yards on 14 carries.

Betting Trends

-- The Eskimos have won four of the last six meetings SU and they have gone 6-1 SU in their last seven home games against Toronto. The total has gone OVER in the last five meetings in Edmonton.

 

[Cnotes53]

Friday, July 13

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TORONTO (1 - 2) at EDMONTON (2 - 2) - 7/13/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing on a Friday over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.

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

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Friday, July 13

Toronto Argonauts
Toronto is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Toronto is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Edmonton
Toronto is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against Edmonton

Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
Edmonton is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 6 games
Edmonton is 7-14 ATS in its last 21 games at home
Edmonton is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Edmonton's last 9 games at home
Edmonton is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 6 games when playing Toronto
Edmonton is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
Edmonton is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto


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Friday, July 13

Toronto @ Edmonton

Game 363-364
July 13, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
106.255
Edmonton
117.119
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 11
51
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
by 9
53 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Edmonton
(-9); Under


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Toronto (1-2) @ Edmonton (2-2) (-9, 53.5)? Home side won eight of last nine series games; Eskimos (-3) lost 20-17 in Toronto last week, with Argos scoring GW TD with 3:12 left. Eskimos gained 426 yards but scored only 17 points. Argonauts lost their last four visits to Edmonton (1-3 vs spread). Toronto had scored total of 26 points in losing its first two games before winning LW; Argos lost 27-19 in Regina in their one road game so far. Under is 3-0 in Toronto games, 3-1 in Edmonton games. Eskimos scored 33-41 points in their wins, 21-17 in their losses- they split their first two home games, losing to Hamilton, beating BC.


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[Cnotes53]

PREVIEW

ESKIMOS SEEK REVENGE AGAINST ARGOS ON FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

EDMONTON ? Back-to-backs are always a challenge, for players and coaches alike.

The familiarity between the Edmonton Eskimos and Toronto Argonauts runs deep entering their Week 5 Friday Night Football meeting; beyond last week?s 20-17 Argos victory, Toronto quarterback James Franklin spent the last three seasons in green and gold as Mike Reilly?s understudy.

Franklin scored the first point in what could be a running head-to-head battle last week.

From a coaching standpoint, Toronto head coach Marc Trestman believes it?s imperative to separate the two games in a back-to-back.

?They?re going to see some things in us and that?s going to change them, and we?re going to see some things in them and it?s going to change us,? Trestman told Argonauts.ca. ?So it?s a whole different mindset of just forgetting the past and moving on and trying to become a better football team and that?s as simplistic as I can make it. I don?t want to complicate it by going into all the variations of going back-to-back because it?s above my pay grade.?

One thing is for sure: The Argonauts will have to be in top form to withstand 60 minutes of Mike Reilly and the Eskimo offence for a second consecutive week.

Last week?s win was needed in a big way in Argo-land.

Adrift at 0-2 and with veteran quarterback Ricky Ray sidelined long-term, Marc Trestman?s team needed something positive: It came in the form of a 20-17 win at BMO Field that boosted Toronto back into relevance in the East Division and, perhaps more importantly, showcased James Franklin?s ability to manage a game under centre.

?We just want to play as a team we can be proud of,? said Trestman. ?We think the scoreboard will take care of itself. We did some good things in the first and fourth quarter that we could really hang our hat on, and in the middle part of the game there were things we needed to watch to get better.

?We need to regain that intensity, regain that hunger that we needed to have (last week),? continued Trestman. ?That backbone, because we?re going to go in there and face a team that?ll be more than ready.?

The Argonaut defence proved to be the difference last Saturday, stifling Edmonton?s vaunted offence where it mattered most on the field, and coordinator Mike Archer?s group will have to be at its best again come Friday.

?We?re ready. It?s a tough team, (and) they put in some adjustments as well,? said linebacker Marcus Ball. ?We know it?s not going to be the same team we faced at BMO. They?re gonna be amped up, ready to get the sour taste out of their mouths.

?We made a few adjustments, we got better in places we needed to. Now it?s time to get out here and ready to roll.?

Roster-wise, the Argos will make a few changes to the roster that beat Edmonton last Saturday. Middle linebacker Terrance Plummer hits the one-game injured list this week, forcing Justin Tuggle ? a starter last week at D-end ? into his spot. UCF product Troy Davis will slide into Tuggle?s spot, while newly-acquired Eric Striker dresses for the first time following his trade from Saskatchewan.

CFL rookie Jonathon Dowling will get some reps at linebacker; the 26 year-old previously spent NFL time with the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders.

Naturally, the Edmonton Eskimos are steamed about last week and ready to try and bounce back.

Jason Maas?s Esks viewed last week?s game as one they let slip away ? and are eager to set the record straight.

?We had an opportunity to finish that game out, despite a slow start, and didn?t,? Maas told Esks.com. ?Discipline and focus, not doing our jobs, are at the forefront.?

The team held a players-only meeting to address discipline in the locker room.

?When they show up at 9 o?clock, it?s go time ?til 1:30, (and) I don?t think they were all-in on that,? continued Maas. ?For little things ? wearing the correct shorts to a meeting, little things it takes discipline to do ? (and) some of them believed that was carrying over to the game.

It?s music to a coach?s ears when the players get together and discuss things they all see.?

Maas insists Toronto?s roster shuffling on defence did not impact his team?s preparation.

?Any time you?re going against a defence, you?re going against schemes not necessarily people,? explained Maas. ?They?re paid, they?re professional, and we?re (facing) the Toronto Argonauts as a whole and not an individual.?

Star Edmonton quarterback Mike Reilly believes the difference was in the details ? mostly little ? last Saturday in Toronto.

?They are mental mistakes,? said Reilly. ?Some are physical, but more often than not it?s mental. It?s about practising the little details in everything you do?it?s something you have to correct right away. Those things show up throughout the season when you lack attention to detail as players.

As a veteran club, it shouldn?t happen very often, but it will happen if you don?t stay on top of it.?

Of course, the Esks are painfully aware what could happen if they make similar mental errors on home turf ? and fall behind the eight-ball with another slow start ? on Friday.

?It feels good that we get another opportunity to play good football, but we?re obviously aware if we don?t play good football, we won?t get the win,? continued Reilly. ?No surprises from us or them, (and) I said it last week: whoever executes better will come away with the win.?

Edmonton?s roster will have two depth changes this week, with rookies Nick Usher and Tanner Green entering the lineup at D-end and fullback, respectively; D-lineman Rakim Cox returns to the practice roster while defensive back Godfrey Onyeka hits the one-game injured list.

Crunchin? Numbers:

2-6? Mike Reilly?s .250 winning percentage against the Argos is a stark contrast to his .573 career winning percentage (47-35).

8 ? Quarterbacks who have started in place of Ricky Ray since he joined Toronto in 2012, including James Franklin?s debut last week. The others? Jarious Jackson, Zach Collaros, Trevor Harris, Logan Kilgore, Dan LeFevour, Drew Willy and Jeff Mathews, for a combined record of 20-20.

9 ? Penalties flagged against the Edmonton offensive line in four games, compared to one in three games against Toronto.

With Calgary two games up in the West Division, the Eskimos will feel the pressure to keep pace in a race which already has some separation.

The Argos, meanwhile, could move into a tie for first place in the East with a win ? less than two weeks removed from being anchored to the bottom of the division.

Mike Reilly and co. will look to shake their offensive cobwebs from last week, while James Franklin and the Argos will hope to engineer what would likely still be termed another upset.

It?s the Eskimos and Argos.

Live on Friday Night Football from Commonwealth Stadium.

Kickoff is at 9:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on TSN and ESPN2.

 

[Cnotes53]

FRIDAY, JULY 13

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

TOR at EDM 09:00 PM

TOR +9.5

O 53.5

 

[Cnotes53]

GAME RECAP

REILLY?S REVENGE: ESKS HANG ON FOR ONE-POINT WIN OVER ARGOS

EDMONTON ? Mike Reilly proved he is still the master, besting his former protege James Franklin as the Edmonton Eskimos emerged victorious from the second half of a home-and-home against the Toronto Argonauts Friday night.

D?haquille Williams recorded 123 receiving yards and a touchdown while Reilly threw for 258 yards and two scores, and the Eskimos avenged their Week 4 loss against the Argos with a victory at home.

Reilly got the Eskimos off to a quick start on the first play from scrimmage, throwing a laser to slotback D?haquille Williams for a big gain. Reilly didn?t waste time before looking deep downfield again two plays later, but a tipped ball was snatched up by Argos DB TJ Heath in the end zone, and Toronto took over possession.

Former Eskimo James Franklin picked up where he left off in last week?s victory, leading the Argonauts into field goal range on their first drive, and K Ronnie Pfeffer made no mistake drilling the 42-yarder to put the Argos up 3-0.

Receiver Armanti Edwards got himself involved in the Argos passing attack late in the first quarter, getting up to grab a pass down the middle before bouncing off a tackle and adding some extra yards on a big gain. Though the Argos only managed three points in the first quarter, Franklin posted an impressive 125 yards passing while completing all but one of his eight attempts.

Attempting to ride the hot hand, Head Coach Marc Trestman decided to go for it on third-and-six deep in Eskimos territory, looking to score the game?s first major. But Franklin?s pass was tipped, and this time it was the Eskimos who grabbed the turnover in the shadow of their own goalposts, holding the Argos pointless on a promising drive.

The Eskimos, held in check for much of the half by a tenacious Argos defence, finally broke through in the final minutes. Back-up running back Jordan Robinson made a quick catch in the flats and followed his block perfectly before showing off his speed, streaking down the sideline for a 30-yard touchdown. Sean Whyte?s conversion was good and the Eskimos took a 7-3 lead.

After a two-and-out by the Argonauts, the Eskimos were poised to strike again, as Reilly threw a picture-perfect pass to Williams that looked destined for a touchdown. But Argos DB Ronnie Yell had a different idea, flying in with a perfectly timed hit, separating man from ball and holding the Eskimos to a single on the ensuing punt.

The two teams headed into halftime with just five points separating them, although the Eskimos were riding momentum into the break after scoring the game?s first touchdown late in the half.

Reilly continued to roll into the second half, leading his team on a methodical 10-play drive on their first possession. Despite the pouring rain which intensified as the game wore on, Reilly had no problem finding his receivers with consistency, completing seven of eight attempts on the drive, including a 10-yard strike to Williams in the end zone for his second touchdown pass of the night.

Williams was penalized after the touchdown for objectionable conduct, and that seemed to light a fire under Franklin and the Argos. Franklin wasted no time finding SB S.J. Green for a 14-yard gain, tacking on an additional 15 yards after a roughing the passer penalty was called on the Eskimos. Just a few plays later Wilder Jr. was rumbling into the end zone, cutting into the Eskimos lead and giving Toronto their first major of the game.

Down by five, the Argonauts opted to go for two points, and Franklin found Green wide open to narrow the deficit to just three as the third quarter came to an end.

An O?Neill punt single extended Edmonton?s lead to four points early in the fourth quarter, but Toronto?s defence locked down Reilly as they attempted to complete the comeback.

Franklin continued his hot run of play on the ensuing drive, completing all six of his attempts as he marched the Argos into field goal range. Ronnie Pfeffer saw his field goal bank in off the left upright, and Toronto trailed by just one point in the late stages of the fourth quarter.

A scary moment occurred late in the fourth quarter as the Eskimos attempted to run out the clock, as RB CJ Gable went down with a head injury. He left the game and will be evaluated.

In the end, it was Reilly who made an emblematic final play; taking the ball down himself and scrambling for the first down, officially sealing the victory for the Eskimos.

Next week the Argonauts will look to get back to their winning ways when they head home to face off against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Eskimos will rest up following the hard-earned victory before heading to Montreal in Week 7 to face off against the Alouettes.

 

[Cnotes53]

Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here??.

13) In 2012, Kansas City Chiefs went 2-12; they were -24 in turnovers, so they fired coach Romeo Crennel and hired Andy Reid.

In five years since, Chiefs have been +18/-3/+14/+16/+15 in turnovers, and are 53-27.

12) Alex Smith was KC?s QB in all five of those years, but now he is in Washington and the new QB is Patrick Mahomes, who started in Week 17 LY, throwing for 284 yards in a 27-24 win in Denver. It was his first NFL start.

My question in this; can the Chiefs maintain a positive turnover ratio in double digits despite playing a first-time starting QB? They almost have to turn the ball over more this season, given the normal learning curve for a young QB.

11) From 2000-16, 77 NFL teams were +10 or better in turnovers; of those 77 teams, 58 had worse records the following season, 8 had better records, 11 stayed the same, which suggests that a hugely positive turnover ratio gave the team some luck that is tough to sustain.

35 of the 58 teams whose record regressed won 3+ fewer games the following season.

10) Last year, six NFL teams had a turnover ratio of +10 or better: Ravens +17, Chiefs +15, Chargers +12, Eagles +11, Lions/Jaguars +10.

9) From 2000-16, 92 NFL teams were -10 or worse in turnovers; of those 92 teams, 61 had better records the next year, 21 had worse records, 10 stayed the same.

41 of the 61 teams whose records improved won 3+ more gams the following season.

8) Last year, five NFL teams had a turnover ratio of -10 or worse: Browns -28, Broncos -17, Dolphins/Raiders -14, Texans -12.

7) Going back to the Ravens? +17 turnover ratio LY, it was the best turnover ratio in the NFL since the ?15 Panthers were +20, but Baltimore missed the playoffs!!!! How are you +17 in turnovers and not a playoff team? It may help explain why they drafted Lamar Jackson.

6) Sounds like kids will be able to go right from high school to the NBA starting in 2022, which means NBA teams should start scouting 9th graders this winter.

5) Jimmy Butler turned down the Timberwolves? offer of a 4-year, $110M extension, which suggests ?Why does Minnesota have a team if their best player won?t take $27.5M a year to play there?? How can the Wolves ever be any good?

4) Chase Utley announced that he?ll retire after this season; the entire Dodger team was at his announcement, a signal of how well-respected he is by teammates.

Utley has solid career numbers; is he a Hall of Famer? I think it is debatable- there were some former ballplayers on Twitter Friday saying he is a no-brainer yes. I?m not so sure? if Jeff Kent isn?t in, why should Utley be in?

3) Atlanta Hawks traded for G Jeremy Lin, who tore his patellar tendon on opening night last season, forcing him to miss the entire year. Lin averaged 14.5 ppg, 5.1 apg and 1.2 steals/game in 2016-17, his first year with Brooklyn.

Nets also acquired Kenneth Faried from Denver, who is owed $13.8M next season, Darrell Arthur, a top-12 protected 2019 first-round pick and a future 2nd-round pick in for Isaiah Whitehead.

The move saves Denver $21M and keeps them from paying the luxury tax. Whitehead will get waived by the Nuggets and become a free agent.

2) Phoenix Suns were 8-1 betting favorites to win the Las Vegas Summer League; they lost their first tournament game, 88-86 to the 76ers. So much for that.

I?m not uncertain that wagering on the summer league is a bad idea.

1) From hoopshype.com, an interesting story about and NBA player and agents:

?I have one really messed-up story involving my agent. When I was an unrestricted free agent, I was hoping to join this one team that really liked me and my agent seemed optimistic that we could figure out a deal. I really wanted to go there; it seemed great and it checked all the boxes that I wanted.

I wasn?t too involved in the talks, my agent just kept updating me every now and then on what was happening. Well, I ended up getting word from someone in the organization that my agent was trying use me to get more money for another one of his clients, who was already on that team. He was telling the team to re-sign his other client at a certain amount and saying they would also be able to sign me at a discount.

I was furious when I found out. I fired my agent and, for some time after that incident, I had a really hard time trusting agents who wanted to step in and represent me.?

Lot of agents are weasels.

 

[Cnotes53]

Saturday, July 14

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-2 SU, 3-1 ATS) at British Columbia Lions (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS)
Point-spread: OFF
Point-spread: OFF

Game Overview

Winnipeg gained the early edge in this home-and-home series with its play on both sides of the ball. Andrew Harris rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown on nine carries and Adam Bighill posted a pair of interceptions on defense including one that was returned 55-yards for a touchdown. Leading 28-10 at the half, the Blue Bombers cruised to the lopsided win. Matt Nichols saw his first action of the season coming off a knee injury and the rust was evident with a 55.2 completion percentage on 29 passing attempts for 162 yards and a score.

The Lions have gotten doubled up in their last two games by a combined score of 82-41. Both losses came on the road following a 22-10 victory at home against Montreal as 8 ?-point favorites in Week 1. Jonathan Jennings ended last Saturday?s game with 105 yards passing plus those two picks with zero touchdown throws. Cody Fajardo added a third interception while completing five of six attempts for 68 yards. Jeremiah Johnson had a decent day running the ball with 80 rushing yards on 13 attempts.

Betting Trends

-- Winnipeg has won six of the last nine meetings SU while covering ATS in eight of those games. It has a 6-1 edge ATS in its last seven road games against the Lions and the total has gone OVER in four of the last five meetings in BC.

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

Saturday, July 14

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

WINNIPEG (2 - 2) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (1 - 2) - 7/14/2018, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 6-1 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 4-3 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CFL

Week 5

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


Saturday, July 14

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Winnipeg is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games
Winnipeg is 13-2 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Winnipeg is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Winnipeg's last 18 games on the road
Winnipeg is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing British Columbia
Winnipeg is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing British Columbia
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Winnipeg's last 8 games when playing British Columbia
Winnipeg is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
Winnipeg is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Winnipeg's last 16 games when playing on the road against British Columbia

British Columbia Lions
British Columbia is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games
British Columbia is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of British Columbia's last 6 games
British Columbia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
British Columbia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of British Columbia's last 6 games at home
British Columbia is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Winnipeg
British Columbia is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 7 of British Columbia's last 8 games when playing Winnipeg
British Columbia is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
British Columbia is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 4 of British Columbia's last 5 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of British Columbia's last 16 games when playing at home against Winnipeg

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

Saturday, July 14

Winnipeg @ BC Lions

Game 365-266
July 14, 2018 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
110.760
BC Lions
109.472
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 1 1/2
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Winnipeg
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
N/A

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

Winnipeg (2-2) @ BC Lions (1-2)? Winnipeg covered eight of last nine series games. Blue Bombers waxed BC 41-19 last week, racing out to 28-10 halftime lead. Lions threw three INT?s, were -3 in turnovers, and were outgained 359-280. Home side won four of last five series games; Bombers lost their last two visits here, by total of four points. Over is 3-1 in Bomber games this year; they scored 56-41 points in their two wins, 30-17 in their losses. Winnipeg split its first two road games. Home side won Lions? first three games this year; they beat Montreal 22-10 in their home opener. Over is 2-1 in BC games this year.

 

[Cnotes53]

SATURDAY, JULY 14
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

WPG at BC 10:00 PM

WPG -4.5

O 55.0

 

[Cnotes53]

LIONS ROAR IN COMEBACK, DEFEAT BOMBERS 20-17

VANCOUVER ? After shaking off a little rust that accumulated in the past 309 days leading up to his return, Travis Lulay pieced together a memorable comeback to give the Lions their second win of the season, defeating the Blue Bombers 20-17.

It took just five plays for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to get themselves on the board. Andrew Harris dashed his way to pay-dirt on a 37-yard run play to give Winnipeg their early jump on the Lions.

The long-awaited return of Travis Lulay behind centre for the Lions came with some rust. The 10-year vet?s first drive of the night ended with an interception in the end zone 11 plays after starting the drive on their own 24-yard line.

The first quarter wrapped up with the only scoring being that of Harris? early touchdown, as both teams struggled to get much offence operating.

In the second quarter, Harris continued to pound on his former team, scoring his second touchdown of the night on a 4-yard plunge. The score increased the Bombers lead to 14-0.

The special team?s guru in Mike O?Shea reached into his bag of tricks immediately following the Harris touchdown. Lining up for the kick-off to follow, the Bombers elected to kick onside, catching the Lions on their heels and unable to get to the ball before the Blue and Gold.

Winnipeg would have to settle for a field goal, however, on the following offensive drive. Still managing to further increase their lead over the Lions to 17-0, nonetheless.

The next scoring opportunity the Lions would have come at the tail end of the second quarter. After Chris Rainey set up the offence with good field position following a 38-yard punt return, the Lions started their drive in Winnipeg?s end of the field.

With 1:40 remaining in the half, Lulay marched the Leos down to the 5-yard line only to have a potential touchdown pass slip through the hands of Bryan Burnham in the end zone after coming into contact with Kevin Fogg of the Blue Bombers.

Winnipeg would maintain their 17-point lead as their defence kept the Lions off the board come halftime, and having over a hundred yards rushing.

Not to go down without a fight, the Lions defence flexed their muscles in the third quarter.

After the Bombers marched their way downfield after halftime, the Leos dug their cleats in deep to make the goal-line stand after the Bombers elected to go for it on third down.

In the closing five minutes of the third quarter, the Lions pieced together an explosive drive on offence. Starting on their own 12-yard line, the Lions got a pair of big plays from Chris Rainey, who took the bulk of the reps at running back after Jeremiah Johnson left the game in the first half.

Cody Fajardo capped off the BC drive with a quarterback sneak from 1-yard out, narrowing the Winnipeg lead to ten.

The momentum fully shifted in way of the Lions as the third quarter came to an end after Lions? defensive back Winston Rose picked off Matt Nichols on an overthrow, giving the Black and Orange the ball heading into the fourth quarter.

Penalties took their toll on O?Shea?s Bombers on the Lions drive, committing two roughing the passer penalties, allowing Ty Long to narrow the lead to a touchdown after he notched a 46-yard field goal.

Winnipeg?s attempt to take back their initial momentum was halted by another Lions? defensive stand on a third-down play. Bombers Chris Streveler flanked right as Odell Willis cut his way through the Winnipeg line and wrapping up the opposing quarterback to force the turnover on downs.

Lulay roared the Lions down the field in the closing minutes of the game to eventually connect with Shaq Johnson on the game-tying touchdown, bringing the score to 17-17.

The following series, the Lions defence fed off of the momentum and energy inside BC Place, as they continued to apply the pressure on Matt Nichols, who would throw his third interception of the game.

Lulay and the Lions took over on offence with 1:11 remaining in the fourth quarter and quickly got things rolling, connecting with Bryan Burnham for 38 yards, setting up a game-winning 16-yard field goal by Ty Long.

The Lions get their second victory of the season and improve their record to 2-2, while the Bombers fall to a 2-3 record.

The Lions will take on the Ottawa REDBLACKS next week in the nation?s capital on Friday night. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, for the Blue Bombers, they?ll hope to get back on track in Toronto when they take on James Franklin and the Argonauts on Saturday of Week 6 of the CFL schedule. That game is scheduled to be an afternoon start of 4:00 p.m. ET at BMO Field.

 

[Cnotes53]

WEEK 6

Thursday, July 19, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home
7:30 PM Saskatchewan Roughriders Hamilton Tiger Cats

Friday, July 20, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home
7:30 PM British Columbia Lions Ottawa Redblacks

Saturday, July 21, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home
4:00 PM Winnipeg Blue Bombers Toronto Argonauts
9:00 PM Montreal Alouettes Calgary Stampeders


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


WEST DIVISION

RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Calgary 4 4 0 0 8 120 38 2-0-0 2-0-0 0-0-0
2 Edmonton 5 3 2 0 6 128 125 2-1-0 1-1-0 2-0-0
3 BC 4 2 2 0 4 83 109 2-0-0 0-2-0 1-2-0
4 Saskatchewan 4 2 2 0 4 79 95 2-1-0 0-1-0 0-0-0
5 Winnipeg 5 2 3 0 4 161 113 1-1-0 1-2-0 1-2-0

EAST DIVISION

RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Ottawa 4 2 2 0 4 85 86 1-1-0 1-1-0 1-0-0
2 Hamilton 4 2 2 0 4 96 84 1-0-0 1-2-0 0-0-0
3 Toronto 4 1 3 0 2 61 101 1-1-0 0-2-0 0-0-0
4 Montreal 4 1 3 0 2 61 123 0-2-0 1-1-0 0-1-0

 

[Cnotes53]

June's Canadian Football Record; ( All Picks )

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

Totals.......... 12-10-0........54.54%.....+5.00


CFL Best Bets:

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

DATE.........................ATS.................. .....UNITS.....................O/U...................UNITS...........TOTAL

Totals.......................7 - 4.....................+13.00.................... 5 - 6..................-7.00............+5.00


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

July's Canadian Football Record; ( All Picks )

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

07/14/2018 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
07/13/2018 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/12/2018 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/07/2018 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
07/06/2018 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/05/2018 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50

Totals...............6-8...........42.85%....-13.50


CFL Best Bets:

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

DATE.........................ATS.................. .....UNITS.....................O/U...................UNITS...........TOTAL

07/14/2018..............0 - 1........................-5.50.....................0 - 1...................-5.50.............-11.00
07/13/2018..............1 - 0.......................+5.00.....................0 - 1...................-5.50.............-0.50
07/12/2018..............0 - 1........................-5.50.....................1 - 0...................+5.00............-0.50
07/07/2018..............2 - 0.......................+10.00...................0 - 2...................-11.00............-1.00
07/06/2018..............0 - 1........................-5.50.....................1 - 0...................+5.00.............-0.50
07/05/2018..............0 - 1........................-5.50.....................1 - 0...................+5.00.............-0.50

Totals......................3 - 4........................-12.00.....................3 - 4..................-1.50..............-13.50

 

[Cnotes53]

Sunday?s 6-pack

Odds for Monday?s Home Run Derby:

Bryce Harper +300

Jesus Aguilar +350

Max Muncy +500

Freddie Freeman +600

Rhys Hoskins +600

Javier Baez +600

Kyle Schwarber +700

Alex Bregman +900

Quote of the Day
?You can see everything in this stadium except the game.?
Brewers? TV guy Bill Schroeder, talking about the press box in PNC Park in Pittsburgh

Sunday?s quiz
Where did the Texas Rangers call home before moving to the Lone Star State?

Saturday?s quiz
Houston Astrodome was the first indoor stadium in major league baseball.

Friday?s quiz
Charlie Manuel managed the Phillies when they won the 2008 World Series.

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

Sunday?s List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind??..

13) No Sunday Night Baseball this week on ESPN? They have a freakin? softball game on ESPN at 8:00 Sunday night. How about baseball/ESPN actually trying to promote the sport and put the Futures? Game on Sunday night? You know, the stars of the future?

12) Does baseball need more 8-foot high outfield fences? Spectacular catches like the one Billy Hamilton made in St Louis Friday night make for great highlights.

11) Matt Harvey is 4-1, 2.38 in his last six starts; can the Reds get anything for him at the trading deadline?

10) Mookie Betts is first player with two triples and two runs scored in first two innings of a game since September 23, 1995, when Lance Johnson did it for the White Sox against Minnesota.

9) Mets? manager Mickey Callaway talked with Dom Smith Saturday; there is concern that Smith has lost focus because he is worrying about getting demoted back to AAA. The Mets are a mess.

8) Players receive a total of $1,500 in meal money during the 12-day Las Vegas Summer League; each player has his own room in a 5-star hotel, and gets a free plane ticket to anywhere in the country when the tournament is finished.

7) Notre Dame alum Jack Cooley is playing in the Las Vegas Summer League for the 6th year in a row; he played in his 32nd summer league game Friday, tying the all-time record (Dionte Christmas).

Cooley has played in 23 NBA games, seven with San Antonio LY.

6) Zac Rosscup will be the 27th different pitcher used by the Dodgers this season, and it is only the All-Star break; their team record is 31, set in 2015, ?16.

5) Quote of the Day, part 2, from Celtics? Jaylen Brown:
?I think if you can serve in the military at 18, you should be able to play in the NBA. That would be my argument.?

Alrighty then.

4) NBA doings:
? Georges Niang signed a three-year, $5M contract with Utah Jazz that contains a first-year guarantee.
? Jabari Parker signs with the Chicago Bulls, a two-year, $40M deal. In his 4-year NBA career, Parker has missed 145 of 328 games due to injuries.

3) Former Wisconsin/Arkansas coach Bret Bielema is now a defensive assistant coach with the Patriots. New England lost DC Matt Patricia to the Lions last winter.

2) Oakland A?s gave their first-round draft pick Kyler Murray a $4.6M signing bonus; Murray will be Oklahoma?s QB this fall, before starting his baseball career.

Murray?s coach at Oklahoma is Lincoln Riley; he makes $4.8M a year.

1) FBI informed Maryland officials that the state?s voter registration, election management system operate on a software platform owned by a Russian-financed firm, AltPoint Capital Partners, whose largest investor is a Russian oligarch, Vladimir Potanin.

Nothing to worry about there.

 

[Cnotes53]

Thursday?s 6-pack

? SEC football Media Week ain?t the same without Les Miles.

? Superstitious much? There are no Gate 13?s in McCarran Airport in Las Vegas.

? Ole Miss basketball coach Mike White is only 41, but has lived in 14 different states

? Georgia football coach Kirby Smart was a Finance major in college.

? Purdue has a QB named Nick Sipe whose uncle is Brian Sipe, the terrific QB for the Browns who also played for the Jacksonville Bulls in the USFL.

? Last seven years, Ohio St/Northwestern are only two Big 14 football teams that have been plus in turnovers in all seven years.

Quote of the Day
?They don?t pay players to play defense.?
Jabari Parker, whose new coach must be thrilled

Thursday?s quiz
What year did the designated hitter come to the American League?

Wednesday?s quiz
George H. W. Bush was the last President who had only one term in office.

Tuesday?s quiz
In the movie Rounders, John Malkovich plays Russian gangster Teddy KGB.


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

Thursday?s List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud??.

13) San Antonio Spurs traded Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green to Toronto for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a protected 2019 1st-round pick.

Over the last five years, the Raptors went 263-147 in the regular season, only 21-30 in playoff games, so they fired their coach and traded their best player. We?ll see how that works out.

12) I?m thinking managing a major league team now has to be more difficult than it used to be; back when I was a kid, guys like Sparky Anderson, Earl Weaver, Dick Williams were big names who unquestionably ran their teams- that doesn?t exist anymore.

Front office/analytics types run the show on most teams now; managers with strong personalities don?t get hired as much or don?t keep their jobs? see Joe Girardi.

Managers, by the very nature of their jobs, dictate the tone of their teams, but they dictate less and less of their team?s tactics and roster management, but they still have to answer to the press, which can?t be a lot of fun.

11) On July 17, 1963, Braves-Giants played a game in San Francisco, Spahn vs Marichal, two Hall of Fame pitchers.

Game was scoreless into the 16th inning with both pitchers going whole way, when Willie Mays ended it with a solo-homer off Spahn. Marichal threw 227 pitches and Spahn threw 201.

If that happened today, both managers would?ve been fired after the game.

10) One of the coolest nights I?ve spent in Las Vegas was during this week back in 2015, late on a Wednesday night.

Diamondbacks game in Phoenix went 14 or 15 innings, ran very late; at same time, live coverage from the BBC or some channel in England had live first round coverage of the British Open on, so you could watch live action on TV?s next to each other, one on Wednesday night, the other Thursday morning. It was oddly fun.

9) All nine people who made the final table at the World Series of Poker made $1M+; the winner got $8.8M, runner-up got $5M? no wonder he was smiling in the pictures afterwards.

8) They had another poker tournament that ran Sunday-Tuesday, 27 people entered with a buy-in of $1M. Top 5 cashed, the other 22 had to explain to their wives why they blew $1M to play cards for a couple nights.

Guy who won took home $10M and he was losing for most of the heads-up period.

7) Golfer Hideki Matsuyama finished in the top-20 in each of the last seven majors and 11 of the last 14.

6) From gambling expert Bill Krackomberger, talking about the start of legalized sports betting in New Jersey:

???.of the $15.4 million wagered, the casinos/state won just under $3.5 million in 16 days. That is a hold percentage of over 22%. In relation, Nevada?s hold for 2017 was 5.1%.?

KL Wheat reported in from New Jersey Wednesday:

???.went to bet Ricky Fowler at 17-1 on board, went to bet 10 seconds later, it was 12-1.? That was at Monmouth? he got 16-1 on Fowler at Borgata.

5) Back in 1983, Donald Trump could?ve bought the Dallas Cowboys for $50M but passed; now they?re worth $4.8B. Thats billion, with a B.

4) Of the eight guys in Home Run Derby this year, only Harper/Freeman are making more than $660,000 this season. MLB needs more established stars to do Home Run Derby.

3) One really cool thing about the derby this year is that the two finalists both had unusual guys throwing to them. Had to be a ton of pressure on these guys to throw hittable pitches.

Bruce Harper had his dad throwing to him, which is great- Robinson Cano?s dad threw to him a few years ago, and Kyle Schwarber?s buddy threw to him- the graphic actually said under the guy?s name ?Kyle?s friend?

2) Apparently, Juwan Howard holds an NBA record he had 236 different teammates during his long playing career. Vince Carter could break that record this year if he plays; he?s had 228 different teammates in his career.

1) Imagine being A?s reliever Blake Treinen Tuesday night; run out of Washington last summer, exiled to Oakland because he was having a bad year (5.73 ERA in 37.2 IP).

Now he has 24 saves for an Oakland team that is a surprise contender in the AL Wild Card race, and he has been awesome. He comes back to Washington a year after they ran him out of town and he is a freakin? All-Star. That had to be tremendous.

 

[Cnotes53]

CFL Betting Recap - Week 5
July 16, 2018

League Betting Notes

-- Favorites went 2-1 SU in Week 5
-- Underdogs went 2-1 ATS in Week 5
-- Home teams posted a 2-1 SU record in Week 5
-- Road teams posted a 2-1 ATS record in Week 5
-- The 'Under' went 3-0 in Week 5

Analysis

Calgary (4-0) opened the week with an emphatic 27-3 victory at Ottawa (2-2), as their defense was on full display again. The Stampeders are mostly known for their offense by casual fans, and they have scored at least 24 points in each of their four outings. However, they have yielded just 9.5 points per game (PPG) through four games, by far the best defense in the CFL. They moved to 4-0 ATS and the 'under' is a perfect 4-0, too.

The RedBlacks are 0-2 SU/ATS in two meetings with the Stamps, and 2-0 SU/ATS against everyone else. The good news is they will now have to face Calgary for the remainder of the regular season. Ottawa is also on a 3-0 'under' run.

Speaking of 3-0, the 'under' cashed in all three meetings this week, and is 6-1 over the past two weekend in the CFL.

Edmonton (3-2) snuck by Toronto (1-3) in a defensive battle in Northern Alberta, 16-15. The line was set at 54, but the 'under' came in by a mile. After opening with the 'over' in each of their first three games, the 'under' is 2-0 in the past two outings for Edmonton, both against Toronto. The Esks are also a dismal 1-4 ATS through five outings. They're off in Week 6.

The Argos have covered back-to-back outings after opening 0-2 SU/ATS. That's not where bettors are making money on the Argos, however. Toronto has averaged just 15.3 PPG through four outings, and the 'under' has hit in all of their contests to date.

Winnipeg (2-3) has alternated losses and wins through each of their first five outings. It didn't look like the outcome would be a loss in their second end of a home-and-home with the BC Lions (2-2), as they led in Vancouver by a 17-0 score at halftime. It was a defensive battle through the end of the third quarter, with the Blue Bombers leading 17-7. Then, the Lions struck hard. With two minutes remaining, the Lions found the end zone to tie the game at 17-17. It appeared overtime might be happening, but the Lions struck for a Ty Long field goal with :11 remaining in regulation to turn the tables on the Bombers after an ugly 41-19 beatdown last weekend.

Team Betting Notes and A Look Ahead

-- A pair of .500 clubs meet in the Hammer when Saskatchewan (2-2) and Hamilton (2-2) square off. The Roughriders have posted a 5-2 ATS record in their past seven following a bye week. The Tiger-Cats are 6-0 ATS in their past six following a straight-up loss, and they're 7-2 ATS in the past nine overall. However, the Ti-Cats are also 4-10-2 ATS in the past 16 at home, while going 1-5 ATS in their past six after a bye.

-- Another battle of 2-2 clubs takes place when the Lions and RedBlacks battle each other in Canada's capital city. The Lions won and covered last week, but they're still just 3-8 ATS in the past 11 overall. They're also back on the road, and they're 1-7 ATS in their past eight away from home. The RedBlacks have rebounded nicely, going 5-0 ATS in their past five following a straight-up loss, and 8-2 ATS in the past 10 after a non-cover. While the 'over' is 5-2 in the past seven for BC, the 'under' is 15-5-1 in the past 21 for Ottawa, and 5-2-1 in the past eight at home. The 'under' is also 3-0-1 in the past four meetings in this series.

-- Two sub-.500 teams desperate for a win battle in Hogtown. The Blue Bombers had a rare non-cover last week on the road, as they're still 16-5 ATS in the past 21 on the road, and 17-8 ATS in the past 25 overall. They're also 10-1 ATS in the past 11 games following a non-cover. The Argos are 5-2 ATS in the past seven games overall, and that will be put to the test as they're 0-4 ATS in the past four meetings with the Bombers. The 'over' is also 4-0 in the past four meetings, and 5-1 in the past six in Toronto.

-- Montreal (1-3) is in search of a much-needed win, but it might not happen against the red-hot Stamps. Montreal has covered just five of their past 21 games overall, including 1-7 ATS in the past eight road outings. The Stamps have covered 20 of their past 28 at home. The 'under' is 5-0 in Montreal's past five, and 9-3 in their past 12 in the month of July. In addition, the under is 12-2 in the past 14 games on a Saturday. For Calgary, the under is 4-1 in their past five at home, and 19-7 in the past 26 games played on a Saturday.

-- The Alouettes have covered six of their past seven meetings with the Stamps, but they're just 2-6 ATS in the past eight trips to Calgary. The 'under' is also 6-2 in the past eight battles in this series.

 

[Cnotes53]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 6
July 16, 2018

With only three games on the CFL slate last week, the UNDER on the total line was the best bet with the books given that all three contests turned into low-scoring affairs.

Calgary remained perfect on the year both straight-up and against the spread with Thursday?s 27-3 victory against Ottawa as a three-point road favorite.

On Friday night, Edmonton squeaked past Toronto 16-15 as a 9 ?-point favorite at home and on Saturday the British Columbia Lions knocked off Winnipeg 20-17 as a 4 ?-point home underdog.


Thursday, July 19

Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Hamilton -11
Total: 51 ?

Game Overview

This will be the second meeting in an extended home-and-home series after Saskatchewan beat the Tiger-Cats 18-13 on July 5 as a six-point home underdog. The total stayed UNDER 51 points in that victory and it has stayed UNDER in three of the Roughriders? first four games. Brandon Bridge and David Watford were ineffective throwing the ball against Hamilton with a combined 148 yards passing. However, the Roughriders did rack-up 150 yards rushing on 23 carries.

Hamilton dropped to 2-2 (SU and ATS) with that loss after posting back-to-back victories against Edmonton on the road and Winnipeg at home in its previous two games. The total has stayed UNDER in three of the Tiger-Cats first four outings. Jeremiah Masoli was able to move the ball through the air against Saskatchewan in that first meeting with 333 total passing yards, but he could not get his team into the end zone. He is currently second in the CFL in passing with 1,378 yards through his first four games.

Betting Trends

-- Saskatchewan has won four of the last five meetings both SU and ATS with the total staying UNDER in four of the last five meetings in Hamilton.


Friday, July 20

British Columbia Lions (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) at Ottawa RedBlacks (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Ottawa -6 ?
Total: 53 ?

Game Overview

The Lions are coming off a split both SU and ATS in a recent home-and-home series against Winnipeg as part of their 2-2 record both ways on the year. The total stayed UNDER 55 points in Saturday?s upset against the Blue Bombers after going OVER the closing line in two of BC?s first three games. Travis Lulay got the call at quarterback in Week 5 and he responded with 326 yards passing with one touchdown throw against one interception. He completed at least one pass to eight different players.

Ottawa?s two losses this season have come against Calgary on the road and at home. It has also beaten Saskatchewan at home and Montreal on the road closing as a favorite. The total has stayed UNDER in each of its last three contests with a scoring average of 15.0 points per game. Trevor Harris looked awful in his two losses to the Stampeders, but he still has 915 yards passing and five touchdown throws in his first four games.

Betting Trends

-- Ottawa has a 4-2 edge both SU and ATS in its last six games against BC and the total has stayed UNDER in four of its last six home games against the Lions.


Saturday, July 21

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-3 SU, 3-2 ATS) at Toronto Argonauts (1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS)
Point-spread: PICK
Total: 50 ?

Game Overview

The Blue Bombers have scored at least 30 points in three of their first five games this season with the total easily going OVER in each of those contests. They opened the season with a tough 33-30 loss to Edmonton as seven-point home underdogs before waxing BC 41-19 at home in Week 4 as 6 ?-point favorites. Matt Nichols is back under center for Winnipeg and he threw for 214 yards with zero touchdowns and three interceptions in last week?s less than stellar performance.

Toronto lost the backend of its home-and-home series against Edmonton and it has now failed to score more than 20 points in each of its first four games. The total has stayed UNDER in all four contests. James Franklin got the start at quarterback against the Eskimos for an injured Ricky Ray. After throwing for 217 yards with one touchdown pass and one interception in Game 1 at home, he completed 26-of-36 passing attempts for 296 yards against Edmonton in last week?s loss on the road.

Betting Trends

-- The Argonauts have won 11 of the last 16 meetings against Winnipeg SU, but they have failed to cover in four of their last five matchups against the Blue Bombers. The total has gone OVER in four of those last five meetings.


Montreal Alouettes (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS) at Calgary Stampeders (4-0 SU, 4-0 ATS)
Point-Spread: Calgary OFF
Total: OFF

Game Overview

Montreal has already established itself as the worst team in the CFL this season on each side of the ball after winning just three games SU all last season. The Alouettes have complemented an offense that is averaging 15.3 PPG with a defense that is giving up 30.8 points a game. They are coming off a bye last week after losing to Ottawa at home 28-18 on July 6 as 7 ?-point home underdogs. The total has stayed UNDER in three of Montreal?s first four games.

At the opposite end of the spectrum in the CFL, Calgary is off to a perfect 4-0 start (SU and ATS) while winning each game by 10 points or more. The total has stayed UNDER in all four games behind a defense that has not allowed more than 14 points in any of those wins. The big concern for Saturday?s matchup as far as the actual betting spread is the playing status of quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell. He left last Thursday?s victory at Ottawa with an injured knee.

Betting Trends

-- Calgary has won its last five home games against Montreal SU, but it has failed to cover in six of the last seven meetings overall. The total has stayed UNDER in six of the last eight games between the two.