The Bum's 2017 Canadian Football League Picks/Trends/News thru Grey Cup !!

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, August 4

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WINNIPEG (3 - 2) at OTTAWA (1 - 4 - 1) - 8/4/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 2-2 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 3-1 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HAMILTON (0 - 5) at EDMONTON (5 - 0) - 8/4/2017, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HAMILTON is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) in road games when playing on a Friday since 1996.
EDMONTON is 37-61 ATS (-30.1 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 4-2 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 4-2 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Friday, August 4

7:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. OTTAWA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 5 games on the road
Winnipeg is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Ottawa's last 13 games when playing Winnipeg
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Winnipeg

9:30 PM
HAMILTON vs. EDMONTON
Hamilton is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Hamilton is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Edmonton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Hamilton
Edmonton is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games at home

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Friday, August 4

Hamilton @ Edmonton

Game 355-356
August 4, 2017 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
101.248
Edmonton
119.628
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 18 1/2
60
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
by 14
55 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Edmonton
(-14); Over

Winnipeg @ Ottawa

Game 353-354
August 4, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
112.018
Ottawa
115.112
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 3
54
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
Pick
58 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Ottawa
Under

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CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 7

Winnipeg (3-2) @ Ottawa (1-4-1)— Blue Bombers were down 40-28 with 1:00 to play LW and then stunned Montreal, 41-40. RedBlacks’ four losses are by total of 11 points; throw in the tie and they’re 11 points from being 6-0. Ottawa won four of last five games with Winnipeg; three of last four series games stayed under. Blue Bombers’ last two games were decided by total of four points; they’re 1-1 on road, winning in OT at Regina, losing 45-42 at BC. Over is 4-1 in Winnipeg games; last four Ottawa games stayed under.

Hamilton (0-5) @ Edmonton (5-0)— TiCats got eviscerated 60-1 last week; they’re 0-4-1 vs spread, losing road games this year, by 17-17-59 points- their lone cover was a 31-28 home loss to the Eskimos two weeks ago. Edmonton outgunned them 417-265. TiCats’ last four games went over. Edmonton is 5-0, with four wins by four or less points; Eskimos are 1-2 as a home favorite, winning home games by 4-2-11 points. Under is 3-2 in Edmonton games this season. Road team won last six series games; Hamilton won last two visits here, 37-31/49-20.

[StarDust Bum]

CFL Record: Best Bets & Opinions ( Record based on 5 units )

Date W-L-T % Units

08/03/2017....................1-1-0...............50.00%.....................-0.50
07/28/2017....................2-0-0.............100.00%..................+10.00
07/27/2017....................1-1-0...............50.00%.....................-0.50
07/24/2017....................N O PLAY.............................................
07/22/2017....................2-0-0.............100.00%...................+10.00
07/21/2017....................2-0-0.............100.00%...................+10.00
07/20/2017....................2-0-0.............100.00%...................+10.00
07/19/2017....................1-1-0...............50.00%.....................- 0.50
07/15/2017....................2-0-0.............100.00%...................+10.00
07/14/2017....................2-2-0..............50.00%.......................-1.00
07/13/2017....................1-1-0..............50.00%.......................-0.50
07/08/2017....................1-3-0..............25.00%.....................-11.50
07/07/2017....................1-1-0..............50.00%.......................-0.50
07/06/2017....................2-0-0............100.00%....................+10.00
07/01/2017....................1-1-0..............50.00%.......................-0.50
06/30/2017....................2-2-0..............50.00%.......................-1.00
06/29/2017................... 0-2-0............... 0.00%.................... -11.00
06/25/2017................... 1-1-0............. 50.00%...................... -0.50
06/24/2017................... 1-1-0 .............50.00% ......................-0.50
06/23/2017................... 2-0-0............ 100.00%................... +10.00
06/22/2017................... 0-2-0............... 0.00%..................... -11.00

Totals:.........................27 - 19.............58.69%...................... + 30.50

Total............................ATS.............. .........O/U.....................Total

08/03/2017....................0 - 1.....................1 - 0...................... -0.50
07/28/2017....................1 - 0.....................1 - 0...................+ 10.00
07/27/2017....................0 - 1.....................1 - 0.......................-0.50
07/24/2017....................N O PLAY.............................................. ..
07/22/2017....................1 - 0.....................1 - 0.....................+ 2.00
07/21/2017....................1 - 0.....................1 - 0 ....................+ 2.00
07/20/2017....................1 - 0.....................1 - 0.....................+ 2.00
07/19/2017....................0 - 1.....................1 - 0......................- 0.50
07/15/2017....................1 - 0.....................1 - 0....................+ 10.00
07/14/2017....................2 - 0.....................0 - 2........................-1.00
07/13/2017....................1 - 0.....................0 - 1 ......................- 0.50
07/08/2017....................1 - 1-----------------0 - 2......................-11.50
07/07/2017....................1 - 0.....................0 - 1....................... -0.50
07/06/2017....................1 - 0.....................1 - 0.....................+10.00
07/01/2017....................0 - 1.....................1 - 0.......................- 0.50
06/30/2017....................1 - 1.....................1 - 1.......................- 1.00
06/29/2017................... 0- 1..................... 0 - 1..................... -11.00
06/25/2017....................0 - 1.....................1 - 0........................-0.50
06/24/2017................... 1 - 0 ............. ......0 - 1........................-0.50
06/23/2017....................1 - 0.....................1 - 0....................+ 10.00
06/22/2017....................0 - 1.....................0 - 1 ....................- 11.00

Totals...........................14 - 9.....................13 - 10....................+ 6.50

[StarDust Bum]

CFL


Friday, August 4

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Friday’s CFL doubleheader betting preview and odds
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Matt Nichols threw for 358 yards and two touchdowns while Andrew Harris continued his stellar play as he accounted for 134 yards and two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winning 1-yard run against Montreal.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Ottawa Redblacks (-2.5, 57.5)

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers look to ride the momentum gained from one of the most miraculous comebacks in recent memory when they face the Ottawa Redblacks on the road Friday. The Blue Bombers scored two touchdowns in the final 44 seconds of the fourth quarter, including the game-winning score as time expired, to stun the Montreal Alouettes and hope to keep pace in an ultra-competitive West Division by notching back-to-back victories for the first time in 2017.

"It's a group that refuses to give up and I can't be more proud of our guys," Winnipeg quarterback Matt Nichols told reporters. "When it comes down to playoff seeding that might be one of the games to look back on that made all the difference." Ottawa is coming off a bye week and hopes to have made the proper adjustments to combat a disappointing start to the season. The defending Grey Cup champions have dropped four games by a combined 10 points, including a 27-24 setback to the Toronto Argonauts in Week 5, and look to turn their fortunes around by taking advantage of a Winnipeg defence, which ranks second-last in points allowed (35.8), yards allowed (418.6) and passing yards allowed (358.2) per game. "It was good to step away for a few days and hit the reset button," Ottawa coach Rick Campbell told reporters. "Everything is still in front of us and there's a whole lot of football left to be played."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN, RDS

LINE HISTORY: The Redblacks opened as 2.5-point home chalk and that number was bet up as high as 3 and has since faded down to 2. The total hit the betting board at 58 and has yet to move off the opening number.

ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS, 4-1 O/U): Nichols threw for 358 yards and two touchdowns while Andrew Harris continued his stellar play as he accounted for 134 yards and two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winning 1-yard run against Montreal. Wide receiver Weston Dressler, who leads the team in receiving yards (342) missed practice this week with a lower-body injury suffered against the Alouettes and is doubtful for Friday's clash. Defensive back Maurice Leggett, who is one of the leaders of the secondary, is expected to return to the lineup after missing the last two games with a lower-body injury.

ABOUT THE REDBLACKS (1-4-1 SU, 5-1 ATS, 2-4 O/U): Offensive lineman Jake Silas could be in line to make his first start of 2017 after suffering a shoulder injury late last season and linebacker Ron Omara is inching closer to a return after practicing for the first time Monday. Trevor Harris hopes to bounce back from a pedestrian outing by his lofty standards as he was limited to 184 passing yards in the loss to Toronto to finish with fewer than 200 yards for the first time this season. Ottawa signed dynamic punt returner/wide receiver Quincy McDuffie, who led the league in kickoff return average (27.7) with Winnipeg in 2016, to a two-year deal after he was released by the Dallas Cowboys.

TRENDS:

* Blue Bombers are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 road games.

* RedBlacks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.

* Over is 9-0 in Blue Bombers last 9 road games.

* Over is 14-3 in Blue Bombers last 17 games overall.

* Over is 4-0 in RedBlacks last 4 games following a bye week.

CONSENSUS: The road dog Blue Bombers are getting 53 percent of the money line action from users and the Under is getting 52 percent of the totals wagers.

EXTRA POINTS:

* Ottawa has won four of the last five meetings with Winnipeg.

* Blue Bombers WR Clarence Denmark has caught 10 touchdown passes in his last 15 games.

* Harris leads the CFL in touchdown passes with 12.



Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Edmonton Eskimos (-14,55)

The Edmonton Eskimos look to stay unbeaten when they host the winless Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday. The Eskimos had won their first four games by an average margin of three points before rising to the occasion with a 37-26 victory against the BC Lions in Week 6 to remain in first place in the West Division, and hope to improve to 6-0 for the first time since 1961.

The Eskimos have won their last eight regular-season games against East Division opponents, including a 31-28 victory over the Tiger-Cats on July 20, and try to extend their home winning streak to six games overall. Hamilton is left to pick up the pieces following one of the most lopsided losses in CFL history. The Tiger-Cats surrendered eight touchdowns in the 60-1 setback to the Calgary Stampeders, which was the third-largest margin of defeat in league history, to fall to 0-5 for the first time since 2007, and hope to stop the bleeding by notching their first victory against the Eskimos after three straight losses in the series. "This is a pretty low point but I have a strong belief in our ability to overcome these things," Hamilton coach Kent Austin told reporters. "We were not a good football team but we'll be better this week."

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, TSN, ESPN2

LINE HISTORY: The undefeated Eskimos opened as massive 14-point home favorites against the winless Tiger-Cats and that line appears fine with bettors and has yet to move. The total opened at 55 and has been bet up a half-point to an even 55.5.

ABOUT THE TIGER-CATS (0-5 SU, 0-4-1 ATS, 4-1 O/U): All-star linebacker Simoni Lawrence, who led the team with 90 tackles last season, is expected to return Friday after missing the Calgary game with a lower-body injury. Defensive back Abdul Kanneh, who was one of Hamilton's marquee free-agent acquisitions in the winter, played his first game of the season in Week 6, but suffered an undisclosed injury and is back on the sidelines. Austin is sticking with Zach Collaros at quarterback despite the former Cincinnati Bearcats star's struggles this season as he sits last in completion percentage (62.4), passing yards (228.6) and touchdown passes (three) among active starters.

ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (5-0 SU, 2-2-1 ATS, 3-2 O/U): Mike Reilly completed 24-of-33 passes for 412 yards and accounted for four total touchdowns in the win against BC to move past the legendary Warren Moon (1,369) in third place on Edmonton's all-time completions list. Vidal Hazelton hauled in eight passes for 159 yards and a score, including an 108-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter, which was the longest TD catch in franchise history, surpassing Jason Tucker's 105-yarder in 2005. Sean Whyte, who has made 13-of-14 field goal attempts this season, suffered a leg injury against the Lions and will be replaced by rookie kicker Hugh O'Neill.

TRENDS:

* Eskimos are 0-2-2 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.

* Over is 4-0 in Tiger-Cats last 4 games overall.

* Tiger-Cats are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings in Edmonton.

* Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Edmonton.

CONSENSUS: The home chalk Eskimos are getting 56 percent of the action from users and the Over is picking up 58 percent of the totals wagers.

EXTRA POINTS:

* Edmonton has won 10 of its last 11 regular-season games.

* Hamilton is averaging a CFL-worst 18 points per contest.

* Eskimos WR Brandon Zylstra has recorded 107 or more receiving yards in three consecutive games.

[StarDust Bum]

WEEK 7 GAME NOTES

Close Losses: In Ottawa’s four losses, the combined margin of loss is 10 points (2.5 points per game). They have had five games decided by four points or fewer. The record for most games decided by four points or fewer in a season is nine, achieved twice by Edmonton and once by Ottawa in 1993.

Run the Ball: Montreal’s 183 rushing yards in Thursday’s game against Winnipeg was the second-most for a team in a single game. They had three rushers with 40+ yards: Brandon Rutley (76), Stefan Logan (48) and Jean-Christophe Beaulieu (42). Calgary trumped this record on Saturday night after they rushed for 188 yards led by Jerome Messam’s 91 yards on the ground.

Streaks Ended: Calgary’s Marquay McDaniel’s streak of 78 consecutive games with a reception ended on Saturday night. His streak began on August 25, 2012 versus Saskatchewan. Winnipeg’s Justin Medlock’s streak of 50 straight made field goals from inside the 40 ended after missing a 37-yard attempt in the fourth quarter. Mike Reilly’s streak of 220 consecutive pass attempts dating back to 2016 ended with two interceptions against the BC Lions in Week 6.

Canadian Touchdowns: Andrew Buckley’s 10-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Parker was the first in his young career. It marked the first touchdown pass by a Canadian university product since Larry Jusdanis (Acadia) did it for Hamilton in 1996. It was also the first-time in CFL history that one Calgary Dino had thrown a touchdown pass to another.

On Record Pace: Ray extended his streak of games with 300+ passing yards to six after passing for 386 yards versus Saskatchewan. His throwing totals are: 506, 323, 366, 330, 367 and 386. Ray is on pace for 6,846 passing yards. That would be an all-time record passing Doug Flutie’s mark of 6,619 set in 1991.

Returns: Roy Finch’s 97-yard punt return on Saturday was the second-longest in Calgary franchise history. It was the fourth punt-return touchdown in the CFL this season.

Rushing for 100+: Cameron Marshall rushed for 110 yards on 18 carries (6.1 yards per carry) against the Argonauts. It marked the fourth game this season a player has rushed for 100+ yards. Jerome Messam, Travon Van and John White are the other players to eclipse the 100+ yard mark.

Big Play Cunningham: Montreal’s BJ Cunningham is among the top 25 leaders in receiving yards and owns the largest average per catch with 18.3. He is the only player to average over 18 yards per reception.

Head-to-Head: This week’s Toronto vs Calgary game feature’s the top offences going head-to-head. Calgary averages 420.2 yards of net offence per game while Toronto averages 401.5.

[StarDust Bum]

PREVIEW
REDBLACKS HOST BOMBERS ON FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

OTTAWA — While the Ottawa REDBLACKS should feel refreshed and well-rested, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers may still have some lingering adrenaline in their system.

The cross-division clubs meet Friday in the nation’s capital (7 p.m. ET, TSN) with the REDBLACKS fresh off a much-needed Week 6 bye and the Bombers on the back of an historic comeback victory over Montreal that included an onside kick and a touchdown on the game’s final play.

Both squads have slipped back from the leaders in their respective division and will see Friday’s matchup as a chance to make up ground as the 2017 CFL campaign moves into its middle third.

While the the Winnipeg Blue Bombers locker room was ecstatic with the outcome of last week’s comeback against Montreal, the Bomber defence was left with an emptier happiness. Coordinator Richie Hall’s Bomber defence allowed 531 yards to the Alouettes and Hall challenged his defence to be better this Friday in Ottawa.

“When your defensive coordinator calls you out a bit, you have to respond,” said Winnipeg corner Chris Randle. “We have to be better, do things the way we’re supposed to do them as far as our standard, our technique.”

It won’t be an easy task for Randle and the Bomber secondary against an elite Ottawa offence led by Trevor Harris.

“Knowing their threats, who they have — Ellingson in the receiving corps, Madu and Powell running it — they’re capable guys,” highlighted Randle. “We know what they’re capable of doing so we’ve got to go out there and just (execute).”

Winnipeg’s defence will be boosted by the return of linebacker Moe Leggett; the Valdosta St. alum missed the Bombers’ last two games with injury but co-led Winnipeg and the league in interceptions (7) last season.

With leading receiver Weston Dressler shelved on the six-game list, the Bombers will have to spread the ball around more on offence Friday night.

“You have to go out and put it in your head, ‘I’m not sure who’s gonna make the play, but we’re gonna go as fast as possible and get the job done,'” explained Bombers quarterback coach Buck Pierce. “At this level, things are never easy, (but) whatever the situation is, we’re going to get the job done.”

Defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat aims to build on his breakout two-sack performance against the Als last week; the Texas product has registered seven tackles and an interception in addition to the two sacks over the course of his first three CFL games.

“I’m starting to feel a lot more comfortable; the first day of camp I was a little bit overwhelmed (and I) had to get used to everything,” explained Jeffcoat. “I’m starting to get back into a groove, get going, and I just have to start growing from here.”

Things are not all roses in the nation’s capital.

Despite owning the best point differential in the East Division (minus-5) entering Week 7, Ottawa sits at 1-4-1 and it’s beginning to feel like now or never for the defending Grey Cup Champions.

On the flip side, while Ottawa’s record isn’t ideal, the REDBLACKS remain very much in contention for the East Division, sitting just three points back of the first-place Argos following Toronto’s loss on Thursday night.

“We’ve got to figure out how to win the close games,” REDBLACKS offensive coordinator Jaime Elizondo told OttawaREDBLACKS.com. “We’ve got a group of guys with resiliency and toughness, now we have to find a a recipe to push through the fourth quarter.”

Echoing Head Coach Rick Campbell, the Ottawa OC referenced a handful of critical mistakes and their mental impact.

“You make one mistake, you start being cautious — you can’t play the game as a play-caller or a player that way,” reflected Elizondo. “We’ve been at our best when we’re a tempo team and going. We’ve got to get back to that formula.”

REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell — one of the league’s most successful coaches in terms of challenges in recent weeks — voiced his support for the CFL’s challenge reduction.

“I like it, I’m for less challenges,” said Campbell. “You’ve got one challenge, so the game doesn’t get won or lost, (and) you don’t have coaches and players on iPads on the sideline fishing for calls.”

As for Friday’s opponents, the Ottawa bench boss expects another entertaining contest.

“They’re an exciting team to watch, there are big plays both ways,” said Campbell. “You watch their last two games, BC and Montreal, (and) they’re pretty crazy games — it’s going to be evenly-matched.”

REDBLACKS defensive coordinator Mark Nelson knows Winnipeg quarterback Matt Nichols quite well from their time together in Alberta.

“I was in Edmonton when he was a young QB there, and over the years I’ve seen him grow into a starting quarterback,” said Nelson. “With their OC and scheme, he fits great — he controls the game, they kind of nickel and dime you, then take the big shot.”

By The Numbers

14 – Interceptions hauled in by Moe Leggett (seven) and T.J. Heath (seven) in 2016; the two have combined for five thus far in 2017.

22 – Combined pass touchdowns for Ottawa’s Trevor Harris (12) and Winnipeg’s Matt Nichols (10), first and third in the league respectively.

179 – Points allowed by the Bombers, second-most in the CFL only to Hamilton (201).

643 – League-high receiving yards for REDBLACKS receiver Greg Ellingson, who sits tied for second in touchdown receptions (three).

The Skinny

Welcome to the middle third of the season; the time for excuses is over and, especially for the REDBLACKS, it’s time to start performing.

Last year’s Grey Cup Champions are already three points back of first-place Toronto in the East and points aren’t awarded for being in close games deep into the fourth quarter.

For the Bombers, who trail three teams in the West by at least a game, the possibility of a crossover playoff spot appears to be a very possible one this season; if Winnipeg can continue to find ways to win close games, especially against teams from the East, there could very well be playoff football for the boys from Manitoba.

The ‘Battle of the Harrises’ could prove to be a deciding factor come Friday night: Andrew Harris’s dual-threat game for the Bombers vs. Trevor Harris’s gunslinging pass game.

Should be fun.

Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET and can be followed live via CFL.ca Game Tracker or seen on TSN and ESPN3.

[StarDust Bum]

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

WPG at OTT 07:00 PM

WPG +3.0

U 57.5

HAM at EDM 09:30 PM

EDM -9.5

O 55.5

[StarDust Bum]

GAME RECAP
SIX STRAIGHT: ESKS TAKE DOWN TABBIES TO REMAIN UNDEFEATED

EDMONTON — Make that six straight wins in the Edmonton Eskimos.

The Green and Gold remained perfect on the season by taking down the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 33-28 at Commonwealth Stadium in the second match of a Friday night double header.

The game came down to a final pass attempt by Zach Collaros with zeros left on the clock. A roughing the passer call gave the Ticats one last chance at capturing their first win of the season, setting the Tabbies up just outside of the red zone. The pass attempt was knocked down in the end zone, solidifying the win for the Esks.

Ticats head coach Kent Austin attempted to challenge the final play, but was unable to do so because he was out of timeouts.

Edmonton pivot Mike Reilly led the charge, throwing for 317 yards with two passing touchdowns and two rushing majors.

Reilly’s favourite target of the night was Bryant Mitchell, who led all receivers with 121 yards and one touchdown on eight catches.

Collaros threw for 282 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in his best game of the season to date.

The Eskimos didn’t waste anytime getting on the board, making the most of their first drive.

The CFL announced earlier this week that coaches will only be allowed to challenge one play per game effective immediately. However, that didn’t stop Eskimos head coach Jason Maas from challenging pass interference in the end zone just midway through the first quarter. The call appeared to pay off as the challenge was successful. Reilly made the short one-yard plunge into the end zone to give the Esks an early lead. The convert sailed wide, keeping the score at 6-0.

The Ticats responded on the ensuing drive when Collaros connected with Damarr Aultman. The newcomer bought down the ball in tight coverage and found his way into the end zone for a 44-yard major in his first CFL game. Collaros then found Luke Tasker in the end zone for the successful two-point convert to pull ahead 8-6.

Reilly found a wide open Mitchell, who managed to get behind the Ticats secondary, for a 33-yard touchdown to retake the lead.

Hamilton attempted to cut into the deficit with a 47-yard field goal attempt on their first drive of the second quarter. Sergio Castillo’s kick sailed wide left, ending his streak of nine-straight successful attempts.

Castillo made no mistake on his next kick, splitting the uprights from 27 yards out to cut the Esks’ lead to 13-11.

Edmonton continued to prove why they have not dropped a game yet this season as Reilly led a steady charge down the field beginning at Edmonton’s 35-yard line. The drive was caped off by his second rushing touchdown of the night. The Eskimos pivot juked into the end zone for the five-yard major to pull Edmonton ahead 20-11.

The Esks finished off the quarter with a 25-yard field goal to carry a 12-point lead into halftime.

Hugh O’Neil notched another field goal on the opening drive of the second half, this time from 35 yards out, to extend Edmonton’s lead to 26-11.

The Black and Gold strung together long gains on back-to-back plays to put themselves in the red zone when they got the ball back. Collaros found Jalen Saunders, who had to tightrope on the sidelines to stay in bounds, for a 36-yard catch. On the next play, Collaros found a streaming Brian Tyms for a 20-yard gain. Brandon Banks put the finishing touches on the drive by snagging the ball in the end zone to cut the deficit to 26-18 midway through the third quarter.

The Ticats continued to stick around and close in the Esks lead as the game progressed. The tabbies defence game up with a big play when defensive end John Chick locked in on Reilly and stripped the ball from the pivot. The Esks regained possession, but the ball bounced and pinned Edmonton deep in their own zone, giving the Ticats favourable field position when the Esks were forced to punt on the next play. The forced fumble led to a long 47-yard Ticats field goal to pull the Black and Gold within five points.

It was all Esks at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Chris Edwards returned a Hamilton punt 51 yards to put the Esks deep in Ticats territory. Two plays later, Reilly found Vidal Hazelton for his second passing major of the game to pull the Esks ahead 33-21.

The Ticats came close to narrowing the gap when Collaros and company decided to gamble on third and goal on the Esks’ three-yard line. The risk went unrewarded as Kenny Ladler picked off the pass in the end zone to hold the Ticats scoreless.

The Black and Gold remained persistent until the end, forcing a turnover deep in Eskimos territory with less than three minutes left in the game when Simoni Lawrence recovered a fumble forced by Larry Dean. Collaros spotted an open Saunders in the end zone to make it a one score game with just over two minutes to go.

The Ticats late heroics fell just short as they remained winless on the season.

The Esks may have won, but it came at a price as sophomore receiver Brandon Zylstra left in the first half with an injury and did not return.

The Eskimos travel to Ottawa to take on the reigning Grey Cup champions next week while the Ticats return home to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

[StarDust Bum]

GAME RECAP
MEDLOCK HITS BUZZER BEATER, BOMBERS RALLY TO STUN REDBLACKS

OTTAWA – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers rallied late to stun the Ottawa REDBLACKS with a buzzer-beating field goal as Justin Medlock’s kick secured the 33-30 victory for the visitors.

For the second week in a row, the Bombers found magic in the final minutes of the game to come out on top.

Down by seven points with just over five minutes remaining, Ryan Lankford used his speed to get the Bombers into solid field position on the kickoff as they chipped away on yardage. Andrew Harris found a rushing lane for another first down before Avery Ellis halted Nichols with a sack just before the three-minute warning. Winnipeg added a field goal to trail 30-26 with 2:43 remaining. A single on the kickoff cut the deficit to three points.

Keeping the REDBLACKS from adding to their lead, Matt Nichols and the Bombers got another chance with under two minutes remaining. Brett Maher’s punt sailed out of bounds as the Winnipeg offence entered at midfield. Darvin Adams hauled in a 13-yard pass to enter field goal range and Medlock converted to tie the contest with less than a minute left.

Again, the Bombers defence did not allow the REDBLACKS to make much progress and forced another punt for one final drive. Short yardage plays moved the ball into field goal range and Medlock came through in the clutch, nailing his sixth kick of the game, this one at the buzzer, to get the win.

The loss drops the REDBLACKS to 1-5-1 while the Bombers improve to 4-2 on the season.

Nichols threw for 319 yards and a major on the night while Trevor Harris countered with 263 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

It was a back and forth game from the first whistle as both clubs kept it close throughout.

The REDBLACKS offence started out in full force from the opening kickoff. A scrambling Harris kept the drive alive and used his full arsenal of wideouts to slice his way downfield. Seven different receivers caught passes on the team’s first possession, punctuated by a Josh Stangby touchdown. William Powell punched in the two-point convert as Ottawa jumped out to an early 8-0 lead.

Winnipeg took just one play to respond. Huddling on the sideline before setting up on offence, Nichols immediately found Lankford deep downfield and the speedy receiver did the rest, running for a 78-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 8-6. Harris was denied on the two-point convert attempt but the Bombers added a single on the ensuing kickoff.

Not looking to let the Bombers gain any more momentum, the REDBLACKS offence went back to work. Harris continued to find success through the air, marching the team into scoring territory. Maher booted a 37-yard field goal to increase the REDBLACKS lead to 11-7.

Making his season debut, Timothy Flanders rushed for a first down on his first attempt of the year. Just as Winnipeg was crossing midfield they were locked down by a REDBLACKS defence denying the big play and Medlock notched a 52-yard field goal to close out the opening frame.

Pinned deep in their own zone midway through the second quarter, the REDBLACKS started to work on the ground game but Powell fumbled the ball and it was recovered by Chris Randle, who took it 25 yards back to the house to give Winnipeg it’s first lead of the game, 17-11.

A strong kick return and a pass interference call moved the Bombers past midfield as they tried to add to their lead. Medlock missed a 45-yard field goal attempt wide left and it was returned 50 yards by Quincy McDuffie against his former team. That led to a single for the REDBLACKS to cut the deficit to 17-12.

The opening of the third quarter started with as much fireworks as the beginning of the game. Powell powered through for a 52-yard run in the opening minute of the second half for another Ottawa touchdown. Brad Sinopoli added a two-point convert as the REDBLACKS regained the lead, 20-17.

Back-to-back rushes by Brendan Gillanders kept the chains moving for Ottawa who added another three points on a Maher field goal to go up 23-17.

The Bombers responded on the next drive, continuing the back and forth flow of the game. A Khalil Bass sack on Nichols ended the threat of a touchdown so Medlock kicked another field goal, this one from 36 yards away as Winnipeg still trailed 23-20 at the start of the fourth quarter.

The Winnipeg defence then went to work, holding the line on Harris and the REDBLACKS offence on consecutive downs to force a turnover at midfield. Two penalties held the Bombers from crossing the goal line, settling for another field goal to tie the game 23-23.

Undeterred by the score, Harris went back to the passing attack to get more points on the board. A 20-yard grab by Sinopoli pushed the REDBLACKS near the red zone before Greg Ellingson scored a leaping touchdown with 5:39 remaining to put Ottawa ahead 30-23 as the rain started to fall at TD Place. That was the start of a frantic final few minutes in the contest.

Next week, the REDBLACKS defend home turf against the Edmonton Eskimos while the Bombers visit Tim Hortons Field and take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday, Aug. 5

Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-3 SU, 3-2 ATS) vs. British Columbia Lions (4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS)
Point-spread: Lions -4 ½
Total: 57

Game Overview

While the Roughriders have gone 2-1 SU at home this season with a scoring average of 38.3 PPG after putting up 38 points against Toronto last week, they are still looking for their first SU win on the road after posting a combined 26 points in losses to Montreal and Calgary. You still have to be impressed with the early play of Kevin Glenn as the team’s starting quarterback after throwing for 1,598 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first five games including four scores in last week’s win.

BC has looked like world beaters against every team it has faced this season that is not named Edmonton. This will the first of a home-and-home series against Saskatchewan that changes venues for the next meeting on Aug. 13. Travis Lulay came back to earth in his last start against the Eskimos after crossing the 400-yard mark in passing yards in each of his first two games replacing Jonathon Jennings at quarterback. He has also tossed six interceptions to go with his seven touchdown throws.

Betting Trends

-- BC brings a five-game winning streak against Saskatchewan both SU and ATS into Saturday night’s tilt. The total has gone OVER in four of the last six meetings in this West Division rivalry.

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Saturday, August 5

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SASKATCHEWAN (2 - 3) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (4 - 2) - 8/5/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) off a loss against a division rival over the last 3 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 79-55 ATS (+18.5 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 129-94 ATS (+25.6 Units) as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 5-0 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 6-0 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Saturday, August 5

7:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
Saskatchewan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
Saskatchewan is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of British Columbia's last 13 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan
The total has gone OVER in 6 of British Columbia's last 9 games

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Saturday, August 5

Saskatchewan @ BC Lions

Game 357-358
August 5, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Saskatchewan
111.957
BC Lions
115.048
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
BC Lions
by 3
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
BC Lions
by 6
56 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Saskatchewan
(+6); Under

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Saskatchewan (2-3) @ BC Lions (4-2)— Lions had their 4-game win streak snapped at Edmonton last week; they split pair of 3-point decisions in their two home games. BC is 3-0 if they allow 26 or less points; they gave up 30-37 in their two losses. Lions’ last three games all went over the total. Roughriders scored 37-38 points in their two wins, 16-40-10 points in their losses- they scored 16-10 points in their two road games. Three of their last four games went over. BC beat Saskatchewan three times last year, winning by 13-18-23 points.

[StarDust Bum]

WEST DIVISION

RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV

1 Edmonton 6 6 0 0 12 177 149 4-0-0 2-0-0 2-0-0
2 Calgary 7 5 1 1 11 254 145 3-0-0 2-1-1 2-0-0
3 BC 6 4 2 0 8 190 166 1-1-0 3-1-0 1-2-0
4 Winnipeg 6 4 2 0 8 202 209 2-1-0 2-1-0 1-2-0
5 Saskatchewan 5 2 3 0 4 141 134 2-1-0 0-2-0 0-2-0

EAST DIVISION

RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV

1 Toronto 7 3 4 0 6 176 204 2-2-0 1-2-0 3-0-0
2 Montreal 6 2 4 0 4 141 150 2-1-0 0-3-0 0-1-0
3 Ottawa 7 1 5 1 3 194 202 1-2-1 0-3-0 1-2-0
4 Hamilton 6 0 6 0 0 118 234 0-2-0 0-4-0 0-1-0

y - Clinched Division
x - Clinched Playoff Berth
c - Clinched Crossover

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday’s six-pack

— Ohio State transfer Jaquan Lyle signs up with New Mexico.

— Doc Rivers lost his front office role with the Clippers Friday; he has $20M, two years left on his contract, and will just coach from now on.

— Nationals 4, Cubs 2— Daniel Murphy homered twice for Washington.

— Jaime Garcia started on the mound for his third big league team in 15 days last night.

— San Jose State finally got around to hiring a new hoop coach; Colorado assistant Jean Prioleau will get the job on Monday

— Steelers’ coach Mike Tomlin had his contract extended thru 2020; Pittsburgh has had three head coaches……..since 1969!!!!

Saturday’s List of 13: Random thoughts on a summer night…..

13) So I’m having dinner at a Ruby Tuesday’s last night; there are 5-6 people sitting to my left. Next thing I know, the two guys in the group are in the parking lot, trading punches. Cops were called, I think both of them got arrested and that was that. Just another Friday night in Canton.

12) Spent several hours at the Football Hall of Fame Friday; if you like the NFL, this is an excellent place to visit. So much history to re-visit, the room with the Hall of Fame busts is very impressive, but bring your walking shoes to get there.

11) Parking at the Hall of Fame isn’t great; the area is probably too small to host a venue that is so popular, and with all the construction going on, its a pretty good hike from where you park to the actual Hall of Fame.

When all the construction is done in 2020, there will be a Hall of Fame Village, with shops and places to eat. Look forward to seeing that.

10) Pretty cool to see the Lombardi Trophy, which has its own display area upstairs in the Hall of Fame. They also have all the Super Bowl rings displayed in a case; they’re pretty big now.

10) I was in here once before, in 2001, when Jackie Slater/Jack Youngblood were inducted; it is so much different now, so many more sponsors’ exhibits- the memorabilia tent is like a small building now. Back then, it was just a regular-sized tent.

It is normally $25 to get into the Hall of Fame; it is $30 this weekend. Cheapest ticket for the induction ceremony Saturday night is $40. Worth it, but listening to people this week talking about how much autographs/memorabilia cost now— this is definitely big business.

9) Rams played Miami in the Hall of Fame Game in 2001; the induction ceremony wasn’t in the stadium, it was outside the Hall of Fame, with portable bleachers. Now the ceremony is in the actual stadium. Hope it doesn’t rain…..or my butt is going to get very wet. LOL

8) It is ironic that the head of the Hall of Fame now is a guy named David Baker; when Kurt Warner played for the Iowa Barnstormers in the Arena League, Baker was commissioner of the AFL— he ruined the league by moving teams in Iowa/Albany (where I live) to NFL cities, with hopes of making the AFL a AAA-league for the NFL.

The Arena League was awesome; we regularly drew crowds of 11-12,000 people in downtown Albany, where Touchdown Eddie Brown (Antonio Brown’s father) was the best player.

Baker’s son Sam was a tackle at USC and later for the Atlanta Falcons.

7) In either 1996 or 1997, the Firebirds lost a home game 77-76 to Iowa; highly entertaining game. Little did I know that night that in 1999, the Barnstormers’ QB that night would lead the Rams to their first Super Bowl title. If it was a movie, it wouldn’t be very believable.

6) What an honor to be selected as a presenter for the Hall of Fame; imagine it can be a touchy thing, especially for someone who may have changed teams, like Warner— he chose his wife, as did Jerry Jones. I wonder if Mike Martz will be here tomorrow; he and Dick Vermeil deserve so much credit for Warner’s initial success in the NFL.

5) Jerry Jones’ Hall of Fame party here in Canton tonite is at a country club that he rented……for $5M. For one night.

4) Dolphins are talking to Jay Cutler; looks like Ryan Tannehill is out a minimum of six weeks, with a strong possibility that he misses the whole season.

3) Fantasy football is also a big business; ton of sites sites are advertising for leagues to sign up. Our baseball league is run by CBSSports.com, which does a great job.

2) Former baseball commissioner Fay Vincent was talking Friday about how legalized gambling is going to help pro sports; this is the same guy who put Pete Rose in baseball prison for his involvement in gambling. Life can be very ironic sometimes.

1) Can you imagine what is like, at the Gold Jacket Dinner for Hall of Famers, walking thru that gauntlet of Hall of Famers? The icons of the sport, all there to see you get inducted into the Hall of Fame. What a feeling that must be.

[StarDust Bum]

CFL LAST 9 GAMES:

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

08/05/2017 0-0-0 0.00% +0
08/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -100
08/03/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -50
07/29/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +950
07/28/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +1000
07/27/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -50
07/22/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +1000
07/21/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +1000
07/20/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +1000
07/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -50

TOTALS............16 - 6........72.72%.....+ 47.00


07:00 PM

Saskatchewan + 7.0

BC Lions - Over 55.5

[StarDust Bum]

RECAP
LULAY’S BIG GAME LEADS LIONS PAST RIDERS

VANCOUVER — Travis Lulay and the BC Lions’ offence were firing on all cylinders in their 30-15 victory against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday night.

The BC quarterback finished the game with 338 passing yards and a touchdown, while also adding 32 yards on the ground in the Lions’ seventh straight win over the Riders.

Wide receiver Chris Williams had a strong debut with his new club, combining with Bryan Burnham for 206 yards receiving, while the versatile Jeremiah Johnson accounted for 112 total yards in the win.

BC struck first on an opening drive that saw Chris Williams register his first catch as a Lion. Running back Jeremiah Johnson followed with a 15-yard outside run that put kicker Ty Long in range to knock through a 32-yard field goal, putting BC up 3-0.

Williams struck again for the Lions later in the first quarter, using his blazing speed to catch a 49-yard deep ball from Lulay down the right side of the field. The explosive play set the Lions up in Riders’ territory, leading to 47-yard field goal by Long to extend the BC lead to 6-0.

Lulay continued to look impressive on the Lions’ next drive. The Lions’ quarterback hit wide receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux for 26 yards before finding Bryan Burnham with a 35-yard strike.

Lulay capped off the productive drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Burnham, along with a 3-yard rushing conversion to put BC up 14-0. Lulay finished with 230 passing yards in the first half alone.

The Riders attempted to get things going on offence in the second quarter, but Lions defensive back Anthony Thompson made a brilliant play to intercept a Kevin Glenn pass intended for receiver Duron Carter.

The Lulay-Williams connection continued make an exciting debut early on, as the quarterback hooked up with his speedy weapon for 75 yards in the first half. Their dynamic chemistry led to Ty Long adding another point to BC’s lead, sending a 64-yard punt through the end zone.

Jeremiah Johnson showed his versatility with a big receiving play on the next drive, reeling in a 38-yard catch that set the Lions up in scoring position once again. Lulay continued to shred the Riders’ secondary with big throws all over the field.

The quarterback appeared to be hurt for a moment near the end of the half, after taking a hit from Riders defensive end Willie Jefferson. Fortunately, Lulay eventually returned to his feet and gave the crowd a thumbs up. The drive led to another field goal by Long, putting BC up 18-0 at the half.

Roughriders quarterback Kevin Glenn reached a major career milestone after the half, when he surpassed Ron Lancaster for 6th place on the CFL’s all-time passing yards list. Glenn achieved the milestone after connecting with running back Cameron Marshall for a 26-yard pass in the third quarter.

The Lions added another point to their lead after a missed field goal from Ty Long resulted in a single point.
The momentum continued to remain on BC’s side as the second half progressed, with Bryan Burnham making perhaps the biggest play of the entire night. The Lions receiver somehow managed to secure a 50-yard catch in heavy traffic, practically stealing the ball away from the Saskatchewan defender.

The remarkable play led to another Ty Long field goal, increasing the Lions’ lead to 22-0 entering the final quarter.

The Riders’ offence was stifled again on their next drive, as Lions defensive back Steven Clarke forced a turnover by stripping the ball from wide receiver Bakari Grant. The fumble was recovered for BC by defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy.

Saskatchewan seemed to get a break when linebacker Henoc Muamba forced a fumble on a Jeremiah Johnson run, but the Riders’ offence proceeded to give the ball right back when Glenn was picked off by defensive back Chandler Fenner.

BC capitalized on the turnover by marching all the way down the field on a drive that ended with a 2-yard rushing score by running back Shaquille Murray-Lawrence. Ty Long later added a convert and another single to put BC up 30-0.

Johnson and Murray-Lawrence combined for 126 yards on the ground, helping the Lions reach their highest rushing total so far this season.

The Riders ended BC’s shutout bid near the end of the game when quarterback Brandon Bridge threw a deep 46-yard touchdown to Duron Carter.

Bridge later added another touchdown toss on a 45-yard strike to wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt, bringing the score to 30-15. Bridge finished the game 6 for 6 with 114 yards and two touchdowns.

It was too little too late, however, as time ran out and the Lions claimed their fifth victory of the season.

The Riders will face the Lions again next week, with the matchup moving to Riderville for a Sunday evening game on August 13th.

[StarDust Bum]

WEEK 8

Thursday, August 10, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
7:30 PM Edmonton Eskimos Ottawa Redblacks

Friday, August 11, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
7:30 PM Toronto Argonauts Montreal Alouettes

Saturday, August 12, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
7:30 PM Winnipeg Blue Bombers Hamilton Tiger Cats

Sunday, August 13, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
8:00 PM British Columbia Lions Saskatchewan Roughriders

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WEST DIVISION

RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV

1 Edmonton 6 6 0 0 12 177 149 4-0-0 2-0-0 2-0-0

2 Calgary 7 5 1 1 11 254 145 3-0-0 2-1-1 2-0-0

3 BC 7 5 2 0 10 220 181 2-1-0 3-1-0 2-2-0

4 Winnipeg 6 4 2 0 8 202 209 2-1-0 2-1-0 1-2-0

5 Saskatchewan 6 2 4 0 4 156 164 2-1-0 0-3-0 0-3-0


EAST DIVISION

RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV

1 Toronto 7 3 4 0 6 176 204 2-2-0 1-2-0 3-0-0

2 Montreal 6 2 4 0 4 141 150 2-1-0 0-3-0 0-1-0

3 Ottawa 7 1 5 1 3 194 202 1-2-1 0-3-0 1-2-0

4 Hamilton 6 0 6 0 0 118 234 0-2-0 0-4-0 0-1-0

[StarDust Bum]

cfl last 9 games:

Date w-l-t % units record

08/05/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -100
08/03/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -50
07/29/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +950
07/28/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +1000
07/27/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -50
07/22/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +1000
07/21/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +1000
07/20/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +1000
07/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -50

totals............16 - 8........66.66%.....+ 36.00