Game Thread: Hamilton at BC Saturday August 26th

[jerrym]

After losing last week to the Riders, I think BC will be out to prove they are in the elite division of the CFL. It could be a long night for Hamilton.

[Argo57]

After losing last week to the Riders, I think BC will be out to prove they are in the elite division of the CFL. It could be a long night for Hamilton.

Hope so.

[Mocha]

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS VS. BRITISH COLUMBIA LIONS

It’s been a disaster season for the Tiger-Cats. They opened the season with the highest win total odds at 10.5, and many predicted them to beat that. However, they currently sit at 3-6 on the season and are down to their third-string rookie quarterback. The Lions are comfortably sitting at second in the West, although they are coming off a tough loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. They’ll look to bounce back, especially with a pass rush that struggled last week. Star EDGE Mathieu Betts (82.5 pass-rush grade) needs to get more than the two total pressures he got last week if the Lions want to win this game comfortably. At least QB Vernon Adams Jr. has picked up where he left off before his injury (90.7 overall grade in his two games since returning).

MATCHUP TO WATCH: RB JAMES BUTLER, HAMILTON VS. LB EMMANUEL RUGAMBA, BRITISH COLUMBIA

With an 89.1 rushing grade, Butler ranks third in the CFL currently among running backs. His 34 missed tackles forced ranks second, and he averages a league-high 4.0 yards after contact per carry. He also leads all RBs in receiving yards (308), first downs gained (13) and missed tackles forced (15). Simply put, he’s one of the best all-around running backs in the league. Across from him will be Rugamba, whose 90.7 run defense grade currently ranks first in the entire CFL. He has eight solo stops and has not missed a tackle. Hamilton needs a big game out of Butler to have any chance of winning this game, and Rugamba is a guy who can ruin all of that.

PLAYER TO WATCH: QB VERNON ADAMS JR., BRITISH COLUMBIA

As mentioned above, Adams Jr. picked up right where he left off upon returning from injury. Adams is your classic no-risk-it-no-biscuit quarterback. His 23 big-time throws lead the CFL but so do his 15 turnover-worthy plays. Nobody throws it deep more than Adams Jr., as he leads the league in both average depth of target (13.5 yards) and deep attempts (75 attempts, second-most has 49). Adams Jr.’s 84.2 passing grade sits third among quarterbacks, and he’s proved this season that he’s taken that step into the top echelon of CFL quarterbacks. He can single-handedly take over a game and win it for the Lions. He’s a must-watch every week.

[Mocha]

Ticats really going with a run-heavy game plan. They're looking pretty good so far.

[OV Argo]

WOW ! I'm shocked by some Ticats coaching smarts: Scotty M using heavy ground game and mixing in some safe passes for his young QB; and the Ticats D seems ready for the Lions high powered passing offence.

We shall see what 2nd half adjustments bring.

[Mocha]

WOW ! I'm shocked by some Ticats coaching smarts: Scotty M using heavy ground game and mixing in some safe passes for his young QB; and the Ticats D seems ready for the Lions high powered passing offence.

We shall see what 2nd half adjustments bring.

They've maintained a solid strategy. Powell has looked really solid if not spectacular.

[Mocha]

And that seals the deal for the Ticats.

Time to watch the end of Windsor vs Mac.

[OV Argo]

Very nice upset win by the Ticats - impressive. They continue to play tough & smart like that and the LD game vs. Argos will be a tough one.

[jerrym]

The Lions never looked like they wanted the game as they were listless in all facets of the game. Their DL looks open to being attacked on the ground repeatedly because it is fast but undersized.

[Mocha]

The Lions never looked like they wanted the game as they were listless in all facets of the game. Their DL looks open to being attack on the ground repeatedly because it is fast but undersized.

I really thought they should've tried to get their own ground game going more. Mizzel has been very good at times. And VAJ runs well. Sure, there's a risk of running the QB, but I think his number should be called 3-5 times a game, not just on broken plays.

[Will]

I wasn't expecting this

[AngeloV]

I was at a concert and recorded this game. Watched the first half when I got home, but tapped out at 3am. Milanovich with a great game plan from what I saw using Butler a lot, and he ran like a man possessed.