CFL THIS WEEK
SASKATCHEWAN at HAMILTON, FRIDAY 5:30 PM
Hamilton (8-5) suddenly is in dire need of a home win. After winning 10 straight at Tim Hortons Field, the Ticats have dropped three-of-four games there, including last weekend’s 23-20 decision to Calgary. Saskatchewan (2-12) has lost three-of-four contests since beating Winnipeg 37-19 for its first victory of the year. Riders running back Jerome Messam has 818 rushing yards – one behind B.C.’s Andrew Harris, the league leader – and is averaging 6.3 yards per carry.
Pick – Hamilton
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EDMONTON at CALGARY, SATURDAY 5:00 PM
Mike Reilly and the Edmonton Eskimos will try to do something no other CFL team has this season: Beat the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium.
The Eskimos (10-4) visit the Stampeders (11-3) in a battle between the league’s top two teams. The winner claims the season series and tie-breaker in the event the two squads end the regular campaign with identical point totals.
The defending Grey Cup-champion Stampeders have the league’s best home record at 7-0 and are 6-1 within the West Division.
Edmonton is the CFL’s hottest team with four straight wins and boasts a defence that’s allowing just 18.6 points and 67.1 yards rushing per game, both league lows.
Grey Cup MVP Bo Levi Mitchell leads a Calgary offence that’s averaging over 26 points per game and features two potent weapons in receiver Eric Rogers and running back Jon Cornish.
Pick – Calgary
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WINNIPEG at BC, SATURDAY 8:00 PM
Winnipeg (4-10) deserved better last week against Edmonton as starter Matt Nichols was 22-of-39 passing for 320 yards and a TD against his former club. But Hajrullahu simply must be better. B.C. (5-8) holds the West Division’s third and final playoff position for now. Incumbent Travis Lulay recently came off the six-game injured list but rookie Jon Jennings had four TD strikes in last weekend’s 46-20 win over Saskatchewan. It’s hard to overlook the Bombers’ 3-6 division record.
Pick – B.C
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TORONTO at MONTREAL, MONDAY 11 AM
A must-win for Montreal (5-8), which is six points out of the third and final East Division playoff spot and tied with B.C. for the West crossover. The Als haven’t played since their 39-17 road loss to Ottawa on Oct. 1 as Henry Burris had a league-record 45 completions. Toronto (8-5) comes off consecutive wins over the Redblacks, including a 38-35 decision Tuesday night thanks to Chad Owens’ late one-handed TD grab. It was one of five scoring strikes for Harris, who also threw for 397 yards.
Pick – Toronto.
Last week: 4-1
Overall: 37-24
(Canadian Press/Dan Ralph)
Nic Demski has to grow up as a pro and forget that he is receiving media attention . Terry Bradshaw had a word for the Demskis "one of them college players" until he learns to act like a pro his efforts will be upstaged by lack of maturity ! " Nic isn't alone in this league as too many are allowed to perform but not play pro .!
Oskee Wee Wee,
Oskee Waa Waa,
Holy MAKINAW!
Roughriders lose… again.
Oskee highly suggests that Craig Reynolds tag along on the team trip. He might learn a thing or two on how a highly efficient well oiled professional sports machine Is run by The Sk. Football God Mr. Kent Austin.
Sincerely,
Mr. Oskee Wee Wee.
Shame on Shaw for not showing the Roughriders game on basic cable in Saskatchewan. I won' t be watching the Jets I'll be listening to Rod And switching to Sasktel as soon as possible. What was the CFL thinking when they went with these clowns!!!
We haven't had a bigger breakaway return threat in Demski since Corey Holmes. Boys and girls can you say "holy Willis Jacox!"?
Interesting that out of the top 25 QB prospects in 2014 in the USA, Brett Smith was 14 and Keith Price ranked 23rd. Both now Riders. Only other CFL QB on the prospect list was Jeff Matthews at 21st now with Hamilton. Jon Jennings was not on any list.
Riders have some talent. Memo to Coach Dice…let them play and lets see if they have it.Does anyone not want to see what Price brings to the table???
Oskee Wee Wee mascot is dead.
Gophers never die.
Long live the gopher!!