2013: Semi-Finals

[T-Bone]

http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/mtl.png vs. http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/ham.png
Eastern Semi-Final
Sunday, November 10, 2013 at 1:00pm EDT.
Alumni Stadium. Guelph, ON.

TV: TSN (http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/feature/?id=508) - RDS (http://www.rds.ca/football/lcf)
Video Webcast: Mobile TV (http://www.tsn.ca/mobiletv/) - ESPN3 (http://cfl.ca/page/us-broadcast-schedule)
Team Radio: MTL: CJAD 800 (http://www.cjad.com/Sports/Alouettes/)/98.5 CHMP (http://www.985sports.ca/football/) - HAM: CHML 900 (http://www.900chml.com/Sports/TicatsNation.aspx)/Y108 ROCKS (http://www.y108.ca/)
Audio Webcast: MTL: Here (http://www.cjad.com/player.aspx)/Here (http://www.985fm.ca/webradio/) - HAM: Here (http://player.900chml.com/)
Satellite Radio: SiriusXM (http://www.siriusxm.ca/sports-schedules/cfl/)

Depth Charts: MTL: Here (http://en.montrealalouettes.com/depthchart/charts/team/9) - HAM: Here (http://www.ticats.ca/page/2013-depth-charts-game-notes-stats)


http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/bc.png vs. http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/ssk.png
Western Semi-Final
Sunday, November 10, 2013 at 4:30pm EDT.
Mosaic Stadium. Regina, SK.

TV: TSN (http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/feature/?id=508) - RDS (http://www.rds.ca/football/lcf)
Video Webcast: Mobile TV (http://www.tsn.ca/mobiletv/) - ESPN3 (http://cfl.ca/page/us-broadcast-schedule)
Team Radio: BC: TEAM 1040 (http://www.teamradio.ca/#) - SSK: CKRM 620 (http://www.620ckrm.com/)
Audio Webcast: BC: Here (http://www.teamradio.ca/live/music-player/index.html) - SSK: Here (http://www.620ckrm.com/listenlive.php)
Satellite Radio: SiriusXM (http://www.siriusxm.ca/sports-schedules/cfl/)

Depth Charts: BC: Here (http://www.bclions.com/page/depthchart) - SSK: Here (http://www.riderville.com/depthchart/list/team/4)

[matchuk]

i wont be leaving my house sunday...im thinking hamilton and bc winning (i really hope hamilton, because the dome will be rocking for the final with the ticats fans who will make the trip)

[Argo57]

i wont be leaving my house sunday...im thinking hamilton and bc winning (i really hope hamilton, because the dome will be rocking for the final with the ticats fans who will make the trip)

I hope Hamilton loses to Montreal Sunday, I think the Ticats match up well against the Argonauts, Chris Jones and his D have struggled to contain Hamilton's offence this season, meanwhile Hamilton D seemed to get stronger as the season went on.

[ArgoRavi]

I hope Hamilton loses to Montreal Sunday, I think the Ticats match up well against the Argonauts, Chris Jones and his D have struggled to contain Hamilton's offence this season, meanwhile Hamilton D seemed to get stronger as the season went on.

I wouldn't mind seeing the Argos get another crack at the Ticats. I am confident that Milanovich and Jones would have the answer for Hamilton this time. However, Montreal/Hamilton is a real toss-up as is the western game.

[argolio]

I think the Ticats and Riders will win, but I expect both games to be close.

[LLB997]

I will pick pussycats and Lions this weekend. I echo the above comment on the Argos getting another crack at Ham and sending forskin pete home crying on the GoTrain.

[T-Bone]

(i really hope hamilton, because the dome will be rocking for the final with the ticats fans who will make the trip)
I agree. I think it would be the best thing for the Argos in terms of attention. I'm sure the Rogers Centre would be packed and the atmosphere would be electric.

[ArgoRavi]

I agree. I think it would be the best thing for the Argos in terms of attention. I'm sure the Rogers Centre would be packed and the atmosphere would be electric.

We haven't had an Argo/Ticat East Final since 1986 and that year was the third in four years that they met in the EF. I have to admit that as much as I would like to see the Ticats lose this Sunday, I also would love to see a Hamilton/Toronto EF and, as I said before, I would like to see the Argos get another crack at the Tabbies after losing those last two games to them.

[Ron]

Cats win makes the home crowd more exciting. But either way I have doubts the Argos could beat either team in the Final.

[Argo]

Sask over BC, in spite of an oddly-persistent doubt.

Hamilton over Montreal. Arghh... this is a tough one to call. If Montreal had even merely acceptable kicking, I'd take Montreal.

[mchesher03]

Hate to go against the grain but I see both road teams pulling it out this weekend.

BC gets off to a quick start and the fans start turning on Sask, the riders mount a comeback but too little too late.

Montreal I think beats the tabbies in a close one - Montreal's D holds up and they convert TD's (and don't rely on sean whyte's pathetic kicking). Bad Hank comes out and they can't establish the ground game as much as they like. Don't get me wrong - I'd rather see the ticats in the east final b/c I think the atmosphere would be awesome (in spite of the argos troubles with hamilton).

I guess we'll find out either way though....

[Deerkeeper]

My weekend is set. Leave tomorrow for London to take in the Barrie Colts - London Knights game Friday night to see if the Colts can avoid losing with 0.1 seconds left like they did in game seven of last seasons finals. Then Saturday off to Western for the Yates Cup. The team I want to win is the team that is capable of beating Laval should they meet in the Vanier Cup. Then Sunday to Guelph to watch the Alouettes beat the Tiger-Cats. As much as I would like to see an Argo - Cats final, l just think the Allouettes are poised for an upset.

[Argocister]

The WEstern Queens game will be fun to watch ..... Westerns offense and Queens defense .... both top of the OUA.
I'm thinking i will stay home with that one so that I can channel surf to the Laval/ Montreal game. This could be the year the Carabins do it with their strong defense.
I will be at the Ticat game too .... hopefully the weather will be good so that we can tailgate .... family is a fairweather tailgating kind.

As to an opponent for the final .... either is fine with me as I have faith in the coaches to come up with the proper game plan. ..... which they probably already have.

[OV Argo]

Yeah guys - great football weekend with CIS play-offs and East semis. Envious that you can get to attend some of these games.


Western big faves over Queens i guess, but the Gaels have a lot of vet players who could pull-off an upset; Carabins with the strong D possibly could upset the mighty Laval, but they had a chance a few weeks back and got blown away late in the game - = Laval are so solid and tough; I'd go with Western & Laval - and what a potential great match-up in the Vanier - not sure who I'd bet on there - Laval maybe not quite as dominant as in the past with not as many top notch, all-star starter types.

In the CFL: Als D is strong enough to beat the Austin/Burris simpleton offence, unless Smith really craps the bed at QB with mistakes galore; Riders over BC, but that could be close - big plays on D will rule there i think.

[jerrym]

I pick Hamilton over Montreal. Assuming the good Henry shows up, I think he is too much, especially considering all the weapons at his disposal, for the very talented, but still CFL inexperienced Smith.

[jerrym]

Ordinarily, I would pick Saskatchewan over BC, but I am going to play a hunch that BC's revitalized ground attack of Harris and Logan will give BC a narrow victory.

[argolio]

I'll take Western over Queen's big. They're not just having a great season, but a historic one. I don't see anyone beating them.

[Argocister]

For the weekend ..... Western over Queens
Calgary over Manitoba
Laval over Montreal
Mt A over SMU
Hamilton over Montreal
Sask. Over BC

[OV Argo]

For the weekend ..... Western over Queens
Calgary over Manitoba
Laval over Montreal
Mt A over SMU
Hamilton over Montreal
Sask. Over BC


Good call on Mount A - an upstart team that has really come-on; LOVE to see them upset Laval, but a tough one against such a powerhouse team - but Laval aren't quite the powerhouse of the past - Carabins could easily have beat them today. Western just rolled over Queens - who i thought would put up a much better fight; but Finch is the far superior QB (excellent passing arm + can run), and Western have a very tough D too (plus the Queens' O was useless looking).

[gilthethrill]

I was able to watch the 2nd half of the Dunsmore Cup in French, how did Sportsnet (which I don't subscribe to) get to televise the CIS playoffs over TSN? Since when did they care about Canadian football? I imagine I will be watching the Vanier Cup in French as well if they televise it.

[OV Argo]

I was able to watch the 2nd half of the Dunsmore Cup in French, how did Sportsnet (which I don't subscribe to) get to televise the CIS playoffs over TSN? Since when did they care about Canadian football? I imagine I will be watching the Vanier Cup in French as well if they televise it.


Sportsnet bought The Score - which used to carry OUA games and CIS play-offs; I don't get Sportsnet 360 on my Rogers package - had to go out to a local pub to watch today's Yates (but bonus - got them to put on both games on TVs side by side, so saw the far better Laval/Carabins game as well.

And IMO - sad that CIS football is not getting national TV coverage - we used to be able to see most or all CIS play-off games of all the conferences; now, we don't get to see either of the Can West or Atlantic Bowl games - not good enough coverage. And I believe it's Sportsnet 360 (not on basic TV) only that will be showing the semi between Western & Calgary and the French CBC (SRC) will be showing the other semi (?) The Vanier only shown by SRC for a true national broadcast of the Vanier this year ? - i hope not = that would be real lame.

[Argocister]

Yes .... Sportsnet/Rogers ..... Have a contract with CIS sports in general meaning that it will cover all sports ....volleyball, basketball , field hockey etc. It includes football in Ont and all the playoff bowl games. The local television rights .... shaw for the CW, SRC for the Q and Eastlink for the AUS still have jurisdiction over their regions for football. As for the Vanier, Laval is managing the game this year, so Sportsnet may be out of the picture. It is sad for CIS that there isn't a true national coverage for the football program . As it is Sportsnet 360, subscribers have to buy the extra package to view these sports. Not great for promoting university sports.:( ...... Good thing we can see the NCAA sports easier .....:sick:

[D-Gap-Willie]

Game conditions can be the determining factor for BC and Sask. They are predicting the first real 'CFL Tough' game of the year for the West Semi - temperature should be -10 or lower with a north wind exceeding 30 km/h . These conditions make it a real crap shoot, and almost too close to call, but with this weather, I have to lean towards the veteran presence on gang green.
For the final game at Alumni Stadium, again I go with the vets, this time on the defense of Montreal, in another close game. I can't see smilin' Hank and Clark Gable having their way against the Larks D.

[ArgoRavi]

Regarding the semi-final games in the CFL this weekend, I have agonized over my picks as I still have a chance to win the oldest CFL prediction pool on the web if I can go 5-0 in the playoffs. My gut is telling me Montreal and B.C. but I ultimately decided to go with Hamilton and the Lions. With the western game, the Riders have not played well over the second half of the season (3-6 record), especially on offence. The only real accomplishment of the second half of the season for Saskatchewan was beating the Lions convincingly on two occasions. However, B.C. was without Travis Lulay for both of those games and turned over the ball 8 times in the second of those games. I don't see the Lions playing that poorly again against the Riders. Hamilton did beat Montreal twice but mostly because the Als self-destructed in those games. I have some real reservations about picking the Ticats but would prefer to see a Hamilton/Toronto EF for the first time in 27 years and am going with my "heart" on that game instead of my head or gut. Henry Burris has to play much better than he has against the Als this year for the Ticats to win that game IMO.

[gilthethrill]

Sportsnet bought The Score - which used to carry OUA games and CIS play-offs; I don't get Sportsnet 360 on my Rogers package - had to go out to a local pub to watch today's Yates (but bonus - got them to put on both games on TVs side by side, so saw the far better Laval/Carabins game as well.

And IMO - sad that CIS football is not getting national TV coverage - we used to be able to see most or all CIS play-off games of all the conferences; now, we don't get to see either of the Can West or Atlantic Bowl games - not good enough coverage. And I believe it's Sportsnet 360 (not on basic TV) only that will be showing the semi between Western & Calgary and the French CBC (SRC) will be showing the other semi (?) The Vanier only shown by SRC for a true national broadcast of the Vanier this year ? - i hope not = that would be real lame. OV I commend you sir for attending your local public to catch the games. The coverage this year is really disappointing for me since I was unable to make it out to any games. CIS sports in general really does not get the coverage it deserves in this country.

[gilthethrill]

Game conditions can be the determining factor for BC and Sask. They are predicting the first real 'CFL Tough' game of the year for the West Semi - temperature should be -10 or lower with a north wind exceeding 30 km/h . These conditions make it a real crap shoot, and almost too close to call, but with this weather, I have to lean towards the veteran presence on gang green.
For the final game at Alumni Stadium, again I go with the vets, this time on the defense of Montreal, in another close game. I can't see smilin' Hank and Clark Gable having their way against the Larks D. The weather in Guelph could also be a factor...Clark Gable.....that will be on my mind every time he touches the ball today, good one!!

[QBall]

I want the Ti-Cats to win, not because I root for the Ti-Cats (they can all burn in hell), but I think a Argos vs Ti-Cat east final would be way more exciting than Argos vs Montreal. I imagine Hamiltonians will all migrate to the Robbers Center on the 17th and help fill it up. The dome would be rocking.

[QBall]

Crazy game in Guelph. Wind is causing havoc with kicks. Two missed FGs by Alouettes. Get a feeling that will come back t haunt them.

[jerrym]

Crazy game in Guelph. Wind is causing havoc with kicks. Two missed FGs by Alouettes. Get a feeling that will come back t haunt them.

With 5 missed field goals in a row, including 2 in this game, Sean Whyte's confidence has to be at an all-time low and his kicking or lack of it could end up being the story of the game.

[jerrym]

After that short punt by Montreal and the missed field goals, I've changed my mind. The wind may end up being the Most Valuable Player of the game.

[Tau Ceti]

Crazy game indeed. Half the possessions have started at midfield and there's only two points on the board.

[Wobbler]

Did the TSN feed drop at some point? ESPN3's re-broadcast died for a little while.

[ArgoRavi]

Crazy game in Guelph. Wind is causing havoc with kicks. Two missed FGs by Alouettes. Get a feeling that will come back t haunt them.

I was thinking the exact same thing but Hamilton has managed to squander their fair share of opportunities too. Why would Austin not call a timeout late in the second quarter? I have noticed that head coaches seem reluctant to use their first half timeout now since they changed the rule prior to the start of this season where you can push that timeout to the second half. I thought that Milanovich erred by not using his first half timeout in each of the last two games against Winnipeg as it prevented the Argos from scoring more points.

Also, does anyone get the feeling right now that Popp is outcoaching Austin? Austin has made a couple of curious calls on third and short. I liked his decision to go for the TD but the playcall was terrible IMO.

Anyway, for a 2-0 game, there has been no shortage of drama and excitement so far.

[ArgoRavi]

Did the TSN feed drop at some point? ESPN3's re-broadcast died for a little while.

No, there hasn't been any problem with the TSN feed so far.

[OV Argo]

Very tough kicking and passing into that gale wind; the Ticats have no clue about a run game when passing is so mitigated by the elements; the Als do, at times (should have Messam in some to pound the run game to go along with Sutton - 2 powerful backs who can grind it staight ahead); the Als have the way better D IMO; the Als should have a 10 point lead by now though. Kicking game (Ticats coulda easily scored a TD on that blocked punt). or a big play on D might easily win this game. 2-o hockey game score at the half in a play-off game? - all-time low type number?

[Wobbler]

Thanks, Ravi. I shouldn't necessarily blame ESPN - it could have been a Comcast or local issue. Anyway, it's fine now.

I love foul weather games. This has been fun to watch!

[ArgoRavi]

Very tough kicking and passing into that gale wind; the Ticats have no clue about a run game when passing is so mitigated by the elements; the Als do, at times (should have Messam in some to pound the run game to go along with Sutton - 2 powerful backs who can grind it staight ahead); the Als have the way better D IMO; the Als should have a 10 point lead by now though. Kicking game (Ticats coulda easily scored a TD on that blocked punt). or a big play on D might easily win this game. 2-o hockey game score at the half in a play-off game? - all-time low type number?

Your criticism of Kent Austin seems to be justified, OV. Austin simply cannot solve the Montreal defence. This is an odd thing to say in a 3 point game but unless the Als self-destruct in the fourth quarter as they have previously against the Ticats this year, it looks like they will be the Argos' opponent in the East Final for the eighth time in twelve years.

[jerrym]

Winston Venable has a big interception near the end of the third quarter. A true game of twists and turns.

[jerrym]

With the lead and the big wind in the fourth quarter, its Montreal's game to win as evidenced by Dale's 65 yard punt to start the quarter.

[OV Argo]

Your criticism of Kent Austin seems to be justified, OV. Austin simply cannot solve the Montreal defence. This is an odd thing to say in a 3 point game but unless the Als self-destruct in the fourth quarter as they have previously against the Ticats this year, it looks like they will be the Argos' opponent in the East Final for the eighth time in twelve years.

Austin and his simpleton offence might have had the advantage on a fast track, but the all-pass offence gets hampered by the wind, and the Ticats really don't have that strong a receiving corps anyways, plus Blank Burris can be counted on for some mistakes. Popp is kinda clueless at O too IMO, and the Als have been hurt by fumbles and dropped passes (Bowling a real goat IMO if they lose this game - fumbles the ball away and drops a sure big gainer pass right in his hands); Smith still raw at QB and zeroes in too much on his fave targets - Green & Carter = Als offence just not diverse enough - why no short passes to big-target sure hand receivers like DesLauriers (is he even playing?) or Lavoie; no use of a big power run game with Messam, and why is an athletic, mobile QB like Smith not rolling out with run options ?

[ArgoRavi]

Hamilton's offence looks like a beaten bunch. They have no confidence whatsoever that they can move the ball against this defence. Never has a three point game looked so lopsided.

[QBall]

Wow, I can't believe Hamilton finally got a TD. Wait until the last minute, literally. Let's see if the defense can hold.

[Tau Ceti]

Wow. Stunning drive. I didn't think the Ticats had anything left.

[ArgoZ]

LOL, if Whyte misses.

[ArgoRavi]

Wow. Stunning drive. I didn't think the Ticats had anything left.

They hadn't moved the ball more than about 30 yards on any one possession all day.

[bluto]

ok... i didn't really have a rooting-interest in this game before...

but now i want Montreal to win just to break the TiCat fans' hearts after the Als tied it with no time left

[ArgoRavi]

Evan McCollough got away with a mugging of Duron Carter in the endzone there. The Ticats are very lucky that Montreal didn't have a chance to win the game from the one-yard line.

[ArgoZ]

ok... i didn't really have a rooting-interest in this game before...

but now i want Montreal to win just to break the TiCat fans' hearts after the Als tied it with no time left

I agree, go for their hearts! Plus, we can't afford the Cats offensive to rebound under the controlled dome.

[jerrym]

The only rhythm Burris developed was when Austin left him in for their final drive in regulation time. Continually yanking a qb out has got to hurt his game. Austin should leave Burris in for all the overtime unless its on a one yard plunge for a first down.

[QBall]

Wow, overall a shitty game but that was one hell of a finish.

[ArgoZ]

Darn. Prepare for a much different air it out offence next week. Argos better be ready.

[bluto]

ugly game. but the Cats came through it largely unscathed. time to lick some pussies next Sunday.

[Tau Ceti]

The only rhythm Burris developed was when Austin left him in for their final drive in regulation time. Continually yanking a qb out has got to hurt his game. Austin should leave Burris in for all the overtime unless its on a one yard plunge for a first down.

The way LeFevour ended things made Austin look smart.

[ArgoRavi]

This is the opponent I wanted as I am not happy with those two losses last month to these guys. Go over to YouTube and watch clips of that '83 EF because I think that we will see a similar atmosphere at SkyDome next week.

[gilthethrill]

I hope the Argos D can come up with an answer for that 1 Trick Pony offensive package that Hamilton runs with LeFevour. You know what's coming everytime.

[QBall]

Unless the Ti-Cats can sort their shit out in a week the Argos are going to destroy Hamilton next week.

[jerrym]

Whyte's two missed FG at the beginning of the game turned out to be big.

[ArgoRavi]

The way LeFevour ended things made Austin look smart.

I guess that one could make the argument that the Ticats might not have needed the comeback in the first place if Austin had just let Burris play. I am not a fan of rotating QBs like this but, yeah, it worked out in the end for Hamilton. It is simply amazing how their offence could do almost nothing for 55 minutes and then suddenly put together a 97 yard drive at the end of the fourth quarter. As I said before, I don't think that the Ticats had moved the ball anymore than 30 yards or so on any possession in this game up to that point.

[ArgoZ]

ugly game. but the Cats came through it largely unscathed. time to lick some pussies next Sunday.

LOL, oh man. I hope the headlines read "Argos lick pussies in the Eastern Final."

[Will]

Montreal has had leads against Hamilton x 2, Toronto, Calgary and Saskatchewan in various game throughout the year and was unable to hold onto them. Difference of the season for them. I don't understand how a team can play so well for 55 minutes on defense and then blow it in the last five minutes. The goat in Montreal may be Whyte though as his missed FG's were once again the difference.

[ArgoZ]

Unless the Ti-Cats can sort their shit out in a week the Argos are going to destroy Hamilton next week.

The concerning part is that they most likely will. With no rain or wind, the Cats can air it out and make a few lucky plays, which they always seem to do against us lately.

[ArgoRavi]

Montreal has had leads against Hamilton x 2, Toronto, Calgary and Saskatchewan in various game throughout the year and was unable to hold onto them. Difference of the season for them. I don't understand how a team can play so well for 55 minutes on defense and then blow it in the last five minutes. The goat in Montreal may be Whyte though as his missed FG's were once again the difference.

There was also a sequence early in the third quarter where Arland Bruce and Bo Bowling fumbled on consecutive series in Montreal territory and then Bowling dropped a pass that would have given the Als a much-needed first down. The Ticats got a couple of Congi FGs out of that. That was a big part of this game too.

[paulwoods13]

Montreal definitely should have won this game, and almost definitely would have been an easier opponent for us than Hamilton. Good! Let's get properly tested, and let's have a week of enthusiasm for three-down football in southern Ontario.

[bluto]

the lolCats will be looking to air it out and capitalize on broken coverages again... hopefully we don't hand them any freebies. i doubt they can beat us (let alone hang with us) without a few of those.

[QBall]

-20 degrees in Regina. Ack!

[ArgoRavi]

Montreal definitely should have won this game, and almost definitely would have been an easier opponent for us than Hamilton. Good! Let's get properly tested, and let's have a week of enthusiasm for three-down football in southern Ontario.

Well said, Paul! To be the best, there is nothing wrong with having to beat the best (or the next best team in the East at least in this case). It is going to be a fun week ahead in southern Ontario.

[QBall]

Missed FG by Riders. Not a good day for kickers in general.

[bluto]

Thousands of the "World's Best Fans" are dressed up as empty benches this afternoon... :p

[OV Argo]

Kudos to the Ticats - one drive to win the game - but it was 90 some yards into the wind when it mattered most. BUT - blatant missed PI call that shoulda gave the Als the ball on the one with a chance to win it in regulation - very sad to see a blown call help decide a big game - but refs are human and miss some stuff (and I would be in favor or video review being allowed on goal area type plays in the last minute - do away with the silly some plays are not reviewable horseshit - easy to see on replay that it was obvcious PI - why are they allowed to get away with it at such a key part of the game?)

The Als shoulda won but Popp is clueless as a HC IMO - looks good on him for this season - hires/fires Hawkins then has the ego to think he can coach again when clearly he is lost there.

Looking forward to see what Ricky Ray can do against that Ticat D; the Argo D needs to hold up though.

[1argoholic]

Notice how quiet the big green incestfest gets when BC does something good. Not a sound. I want to hear crying at the end of this one.

Now Rod Black, You are an Asshole!!! I'm so sick of this Richard and his going on about Another ExNFLer. Holy Crap all game every game.

Should be a great crowd at Skydome and this is good for Southern Ontario football.We'll win.

[OV Argo]

Thousands of the "World's Best Fans" are dressed up as empty benches this afternoon... :p


Yeah - interesting - figured it would be SRO there - but maybe the weather or saving it for the GC are good enough excuses; still - 50K type attendance in a demographic a fraction of the size the Argos can draw on is very telling when the Argos can't get 20K - very sad; let's see what type of crowd they get for the East final - happy with close to 30K? = again, sad.

[OV Argo]

Montreal definitely should have won this game, and almost definitely would have been an easier opponent for us than Hamilton. Good! Let's get properly tested, and let's have a week of enthusiasm for three-down football in southern Ontario.

The Als D coulda limited Ray and the Argo offence - MAYBE; no excuses against a mediocre Ticat D and a simpleton Austin offence; Argos should win by 20 to 30 points IMO - not that I'd bet on a lopsided win, but a loss to that shitty Ticat team, at home, with Ricky Ray and a rested team would be an embarassment IMO.

[Midnight Blue]

LOL, oh man. I hope the headlines read "Argos lick pussies in the Eastern Final."


LOL, indeed. Now, if I, had said that ... let's just say, that Bob Probert didn't get many "roughing" penalties, and, say, Teemu Salami didn't get many fighting majors.


Ka' Pla !

[bluto]

Notice how quiet the big green incestfest gets when BC does something good. Not a sound. I want to hear crying at the end of this one.

Now Rod Black, You are an Asshole!!! I'm so sick of this Richard and his going on about Another ExNFLer. Holy Crap all game every game.

Should be a great crowd at Skydome and this is good for Southern Ontario football.We'll win.

unless you're playing the Rod Black drinking game... then it's awesome.

[Midnight Blue]

And yes, Congrats to the 'Cats !

Lick 'em raw !

[Wobbler]

LOL, indeed. Now, if I, had said that ... let's just say, that Bob Probert didn't get many "roughing" penalties, and, say, Teemu Salami didn't get many fighting majors.

When you do it, MB, you make it the title of a new thread and then post five back-to-back messages elaborating on your wit...

[QBall]

BC and Riders. Now THIS is a playoff game. Intense!

[Wobbler]

I know that there is a lot of resentment/jealousy out there regarding the Riders and their fanbase, but I hope they make it to the Grey Cup game. It would have been terrible if we hadn't made it last year, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

So... let's not finish this game too strongly, BC!

[Midnight Blue]

When you do it, MB, you make it the title of a new thread and then post five back-to-back messages elaborating on your wit...


Well, at least I keep my tongue firmly in my cheek.

Cheers !

[QBall]

Another crazy finish. Stamps and Rider west final. As it should be!

[Midnight Blue]

Another crazy finish. Stamps and Rider west final. As it should be!


I agree. I have nothing really against BC, except for the fact that many of them apparently don't like Toronto.

So screw them !

[ArgoRavi]

B.C. seemed to be in control of this game just like Montreal was in theirs and somehow the Riders come back and win. Actually, the "somehow" is Darian Durant, plain and simple. I don't get why this guy gets so much heat in Saskatchewan.

Anyway, the TSN Turning Point has to be when the Lions stopped Sheets on a third and short in Saskatchewan's end of the field late in the third quarter with the score 24-16 in B.C.'s favour. The offence couldn't do anything with that turnover, McCallum punted for a single point, and it was all downhill from there for the Lions.

BTW, what horrible clock management by the Lions in the final half minute of the game. I have been bemoaning this for the last couple of years but it burns me to see how the art of clock management has been lost in this league. Ron Lancaster must be rolling in his grave. Three plays in 28 seconds?!!! You have to be kidding me.

[QBall]

I heard Ricky Foley's name a lot this game for the Riders, and it was all positive. Makes me wonder if the Argos were too hasty in letting him go.

[ArgoRavi]

I heard Ricky Foley's name a lot this game for the Riders, and it was all positive. Makes me wonder if the Argos were too hasty in letting him go.

The Argos didn't let him go; Foley left Toronto willingly. He is probably getting paid more in Regina and he was not comfortable in the defensive system in Toronto. One name I didn't hear much for the Riders today was Alex Hall.

[Tau Ceti]

I know that there is a lot of resentment/jealousy out there regarding the Riders and their fanbase, but I hope they make it to the Grey Cup game. It would have been terrible if we hadn't made it last year, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

So... let's not finish this game too strongly, BC!

Agree. I think it would be great for Saskatchewanians to see their team in there and the fanbase has earned it. They were down in attendance today but that's partly because they've set the bar so high all season. Love to see an Argo / Rider final.

[Wobbler]

Love to see an Argo / Rider final.
That would be terrific.

[1argoholic]

Toronto and Calgary final. I don't want the Riders anywhere near the final. Hate all of their young hopped up on Pil (piss) fans. Too many tools!

[LLB997]

would LOVE a rematch. TO/Cal has a such a great GC history would love another to add to the lore.

[AngeloV]

B.C. seemed to be in control of this game just like Montreal was in theirs and somehow the Riders come back and win. Actually, the "somehow" is Darian Durant, plain and simple. I don't get why this guy gets so much heat in Saskatchewan.



Couldn't agree more, Ravi. I have always thought highly of him, and don't understand the criticism he gets not just in Saskatchewan, but on this forum as well.

[gilthethrill]

Where was the middle of the Lions D late in the game?

[ArgoRavi]

Where was the middle of the Lions D late in the game?

Solomon Elimimian was injured and I guess that they did not have suitable depth. Rich Stubler is getting a lot of heat from Lions fans today for not having an answer and even one of his players alluded to a scheme that was more about playing not to lose instead of playing to win although that "bend but don't break" style has been Stubler's calling card for years.

[VANRIDERFAN]

Solomon Elimimian was injured and I guess that they did not have suitable depth. Rich Stubler is getting a lot of heat from Lions fans today for not having an answer and even one of his players alluded to a scheme that was more about playing not to lose instead of playing to win although that "bend but don't break" style has been Stubler's calling card for years.
Bighill is not a drop-off, and the Lions were doing a very good job spying and shutting down Sheets. DD said in the post game that the Lions D were playing zone and leaving the middle open so all he had to do was to avoid the initial rush and there would be tons of room to run.
For the WF, does Calgary spy DD as well as Sheets? Does that open other things up for other people? Don't know, but what I do know is that the game will be another slobber-knocker right to the end of the game. Praying for a Rider win, but it will be tough!

[ArgoRavi]

Bighill is not a drop-off, and the Lions were doing a very good job spying and shutting down Sheets. DD said in the post game that the Lions D were playing zone and leaving the middle open so all he had to do was to avoid the initial rush and there would be tons of room to run.
For the WF, does Calgary spy DD as well as Sheets? Does that open other things up for other people? Don't know, but what I do know is that the game will be another slobber-knocker right to the end of the game. Praying for a Rider win, but it will be tough!

Haven't they been using BOTH Bighill and Elimimian? I think that Anton Mackenzie was the one filling in for Elimimian but he is simply not the same player. Regardless, Saskatchewan fans should be kissing Durant's feet today instead of calling for Drew Willy or Tito Sunseri to be the starter.

[argolio]

I'm definitely not with the pitchfork mob screaming about that missed P.I. on McCollough at the end of regulation. Sure, it looked like P.I. in slo-mo, but I didn't think so in real time, so I have no problem how the officials saw that play (words which may come back to haunt me). The Als also had plenty of time and opportunity to put that game away, especially since they had the wind in the 4th quarter.

These two games also showed that, all things being equal, in crunch time it's better to have great quarterbacking than anything else. The Ticats got it from Burris going into the wind late in regulation and from LeFevour in overtime. And Durant put his team on his back in the 4th quarter and won the game, totally negating the Lions having pounded out 200+ yards on the ground.

[OV Argo]

Solomon Elimimian was injured and I guess that they did not have suitable depth. Rich Stubler is getting a lot of heat from Lions fans today for not having an answer and even one of his players alluded to a scheme that was more about playing not to lose instead of playing to win although that "bend but don't break" style has been Stubler's calling card for years.


Elimimian - great player - was a loss that hurt their D some perhaps, but McKenzie is a vet solid replacement and they shut down Sheets pretty well anyways. It was shades of 07 to me when the Riders won in large part (IMO) due to a big strong running QB and that same QB draw play - and BC got beat by it repeatedly late in the game just as Kerry Joseph was beating Ds with that play over & over again for the Riders back in 07. Very poor defence - Duane Forde was moaning some like "so obvious" after it worked once again ; Stubler shoulda known better - just have Bighill totally spy Durant and smoke him with a big hit after he clears the D-Line. BC's vet D held so much promise - to me - to be a dominant CFL D the past couple of years with all the talent & experience, but they just couldn't get it done very often - let down a surprisingly smart & diverse offensive effort vs. the Riders (lots of run with a 2 back attack, and spread the ball around in the passing game).

I thought the Riders were going to go to the GC after the first half of this season - plenty of talent & experience in both O & D, but now I doubt they can beat the Stamps (if a QB draw by Durant is that team's big offensive weapon (along with Dressler who is outstanding) and Cortez abandons the run like he has at times) - the Stumps have the better offensive potential i think and are playing at home, with maybe the best kicking game the CFL has seen in a long time (Riders not too shabby in that department either though).

[ArgoRavi]

Elimimian - great player - was a loss that hurt their D some perhaps, but McKenzie is a vet solid replacement and they shut down Sheets pretty well anyways. It was shades of 07 to me when the Riders won in large part (IMO) due to a big strong running QB and that same QB draw play - and BC got beat by it repeatedly late in the game just as Kerry Joseph was beating Ds with that play over & over again for the Riders back in 07. Very poor defence - Duane Forde was moaning some like "so obvious" after it worked once again ; Stubler shoulda known better - just have Bighill totally spy Durant and smoke him with a big hit after he clears the D-Line. BC's vet D held so much promise - to me - to be a dominant CFL D the past couple of years with all the talent & experience, but they just couldn't get it done very often - let down a surprisingly smart & diverse offensive effort vs. the Riders (lots of run with a 2 back attack, and spread the ball around in the passing game).

I thought the Riders were going to go to the GC after the first half of this season - plenty of talent & experience in both O & D, but now I doubt they can beat the Stamps (if a QB draw by Durant is that team's big offensive weapon (along with Dressler who is outstanding) and Cortez abandons the run like he has at times) - the Stumps have the better offensive potential i think and are playing at home, with maybe the best kicking game the CFL has seen in a long time (Riders not too shabby in that department either though).

Wasn't Bighill spying Sheets though? That might have been a contributing factor to Durant having all of those openings. The Lions' defence is starting to look a little long in the tooth. I think that we will see more changes than is usually the case in B.C. this off-season. I agree with you, OV, that Calgary should end the Riders' season but Saskatchewan tends to play with a lot of confidence against the Stamps.

[VANRIDERFAN]

Wasn't Bighill spying Sheets though? That might have been a contributing factor to Durant having all of those openings. The Lions' defence is starting to look a little long in the tooth. I think that we will see more changes than is usually the case in B.C. this off-season. I agree with you, OV, that Calgary should end the Riders' season but Saskatchewan tends to play with a lot of confidence against the Stamps.

The numbers say the Stamps should win, but you never know what kind magic will happen at Christmas Stadium!

[ArgoZ]

ugly game. but the Cats came through it largely unscathed. time to lick some pussies next Sunday.

Rob Ford shares your enthusiasm for beating Hamilton. :D