CFL SIM: ARGONAUTS BLAST REDBLACKS 55-19

OTTAWA – It was not the start new virtual RedBlacks head coach Paul LaPolice and quarterback Nick Arbuckle were looking for.

In a computer-simulated game on Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football Friday night, Matt Nichols threw for 484 yards and three touchdowns in his Toronto Argonauts debut as the Boatmen romped over the RedBlacks 55-19 at TD Place.

Levi Noel had a monster game for Toronto, collecting 176 yards on just four receptions. Natey Adjei was a workhorse for the Double Blue with 14 receptions for 80 yards despite suffering a mild injury in the first quarter (he returned). Free agent signing Marcus Thigpen carried the ball 13 times for 68 yards for Toronto and was -5 receiving.

The Argos (1-0) were in control throughout, leading 10-3 after the first quarter and 21-16 at halftime. They took a 33-19 lead into the fourth quarter in Ryan Dinwiddie’s virtual debut as Argos head coach.

Simulated Arbuckle, acquired from Calgary in a trade-and-sign deal in the off-season, sputtered at times for Ottawa (0-1) throwing three interceptions as part of a 433-yard night.

Both teams return to action in a Week 2 doubleheader on Saturday, June 20. The Argos host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-0) at BMO Field while the RedBlacks visit Edmonton (1-0).

Week 1 of the CFL SIM schedule concludes Saturday at Tim Hortons Field as the Tiger-Cats host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a Grey Cup rematch, and a contest voted Canada’s Game of The Week by The Rod Pedersen Show viewers.

CFL fans can watch the game at www.twitch.tv/nhacker49.