CALGARY AT EDMONTON - Friday, September 5 (ON TSN)
Let me say right off, I think Edmonton is going to win this rematch. Now, it has nothing to do with the third quarter brawl. Rather, it has more to do with the fact Edmonton's points were scored on long, well executed, sustained drives. Calgary had two returns for a touchdown - one by Wane McGarity on a missed field goal and the other by James Hundon on a kickoff. That's not likely to happen again. I see Marcus Crandell and the Calgary offense improving. Great players do make great plays but great players also execute the system they're involved in. Calgary, with Crandell, took a step closer to execution excellence last week. Key for Edmonton will be better pass protection for Ricky Ray. Edmonton's offensive line has a lot of pride, they will respond.
Prediction: Edmonton 41, Calgary 32
HAMILTON AT OTTAWA - Saturday, September 6
The difference between Hamilton and Ottawa is age and improvement. Ottawa is a young football team which makes the future bright when you consider how much better they are now as compared to this time a year ago. The controversy surrounding the release of Darrin Davis has given Josh Ranek a chance and he's made the most of his opportunity. The improvement of Kerry Joseph will continue because of his work ethic and Ottawa will continue to improve defensively, not by making big changes, but by making one or two by inserting people familiar with CFL football, especially on defense. There is a part of me that is really cheering for Hamilton in this one. I don't want to see anybody go 0-18. Unfortunately, I just don't think it will happen this weekend.
Prediction: Ottawa 28, Hamilton 25
B.C. AT SASKATCHEWAN - Saturday, September 6
Too bad this game is not being televised as this one could turn out to be a high scoring, exciting game. The Lions haven't played since a 47-25 win over Hamilton on August 22. They will be rested and ready to chase Winnipeg for first place. Saskatchewan is in a different situation. A loss to Winnipeg last week on the heels of a loss to Edmonton, a win over Ottawa preceeded by a loss to the Renegades - you just don't know which way the team is going. Problems with run defense and quarterback commitment make this game very important. Saskatchewan not only needs to win but improve. If Nealon Greene is healthy, I think you go with him. Henry Burris needs a training camp to get the timing and details polished. The underrated part of B.C. - they're defense - will make an impact in this game.
Prediction: B.C. 38, Saskatchewan 17
TORONTO AT WINNIPEG - Sunday, September 7 (ON TSN)
Even though Toronto won last week in Hamilton, they did not play well. They were controlled on the line of scrimmage and if not for Hamilton's consistent ability to make mistakes, the Tiger Cats could have won. Winnipeg, at 9-3, were impressive against Saskatchewan. The execution was as good as any point in the season and when you look at their losses - a three game stretch in July - it's easy to evaluate; dominated by Montreal, an almost win over the same Alouettes and a flat game against Toronto. Dave Ritchie will keep the pressure on and Winnipeg's offensive line should control Toronto's defensive front seven.
Prediction: Winnipeg 40, Toronto 27
Let me say right off, I think Edmonton is going to win this rematch. Now, it has nothing to do with the third quarter brawl. Rather, it has more to do with the fact Edmonton's points were scored on long, well executed, sustained drives. Calgary had two returns for a touchdown - one by Wane McGarity on a missed field goal and the other by James Hundon on a kickoff. That's not likely to happen again. I see Marcus Crandell and the Calgary offense improving. Great players do make great plays but great players also execute the system they're involved in. Calgary, with Crandell, took a step closer to execution excellence last week. Key for Edmonton will be better pass protection for Ricky Ray. Edmonton's offensive line has a lot of pride, they will respond.
Prediction: Edmonton 41, Calgary 32
HAMILTON AT OTTAWA - Saturday, September 6
The difference between Hamilton and Ottawa is age and improvement. Ottawa is a young football team which makes the future bright when you consider how much better they are now as compared to this time a year ago. The controversy surrounding the release of Darrin Davis has given Josh Ranek a chance and he's made the most of his opportunity. The improvement of Kerry Joseph will continue because of his work ethic and Ottawa will continue to improve defensively, not by making big changes, but by making one or two by inserting people familiar with CFL football, especially on defense. There is a part of me that is really cheering for Hamilton in this one. I don't want to see anybody go 0-18. Unfortunately, I just don't think it will happen this weekend.
Prediction: Ottawa 28, Hamilton 25
B.C. AT SASKATCHEWAN - Saturday, September 6
Too bad this game is not being televised as this one could turn out to be a high scoring, exciting game. The Lions haven't played since a 47-25 win over Hamilton on August 22. They will be rested and ready to chase Winnipeg for first place. Saskatchewan is in a different situation. A loss to Winnipeg last week on the heels of a loss to Edmonton, a win over Ottawa preceeded by a loss to the Renegades - you just don't know which way the team is going. Problems with run defense and quarterback commitment make this game very important. Saskatchewan not only needs to win but improve. If Nealon Greene is healthy, I think you go with him. Henry Burris needs a training camp to get the timing and details polished. The underrated part of B.C. - they're defense - will make an impact in this game.
Prediction: B.C. 38, Saskatchewan 17
TORONTO AT WINNIPEG - Sunday, September 7 (ON TSN)
Even though Toronto won last week in Hamilton, they did not play well. They were controlled on the line of scrimmage and if not for Hamilton's consistent ability to make mistakes, the Tiger Cats could have won. Winnipeg, at 9-3, were impressive against Saskatchewan. The execution was as good as any point in the season and when you look at their losses - a three game stretch in July - it's easy to evaluate; dominated by Montreal, an almost win over the same Alouettes and a flat game against Toronto. Dave Ritchie will keep the pressure on and Winnipeg's offensive line should control Toronto's defensive front seven.
Prediction: Winnipeg 40, Toronto 27
and shoot for the over 33
