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

[StarDust Bum]

CFL
Dunkel

Week 3

Thursday, July 6

BC Lions @ Montreal

Game 351-352
July 6, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
BC Lions
116.757
Montreal
111.789
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
BC Lions
by 5
41
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
BC Lions
by 3
49 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
BC Lions
(-3); Under


Friday, July 7

Calgary @ Winnipeg

Game 353-354
July 7, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Calgary
118.142
Winnipeg
116.144
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 2
67
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 4
59
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(+4); Over


Saturday, July 8

Hamilton @ Saskatchewan

Game 357-358
July 8, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
105.271
Saskatchewan
110.836
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Saskatchewan
by 5 1/2
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Saskatchewan
by 1 1/2
51 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Saskatchewan
(-1 1/2); Over

Toronto @ Ottawa

Game 355-356
July 8, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
112.026
Ottawa
113.169
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 1
47
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
by 4 1/2
56
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+4 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, JULY 6

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

BC at MTL 07:30 PM

BC -3.5

U 50.5

[StarDust Bum]

RECAP
JEREMIAH JOHNSON’S BIG GAME LEADS LIONS OVER ALS

CFL.CA STAFF

MONTREAL — The BC Lions came out on top against the Montreal Alouettes with a 23-16 victory in Week 3 action on Thursday night.

The Lions struck first on their opening drive when Jeremiah Johnson caught a short dump-off pass from Jonathon Jennings and fought his way to the corner of the end zone with a stiff arm. Johnson would finish the game with 102 total yards and two touchdowns to lead the Lions’ offence.

The Als’ offence got off to a slow start with Montreal failing to capitalize on solid field position provided by returner Stefan Logan in the first quarter. Logan would exit the game in the first half with an undisclosed injury.

BC’s Bryan Burnham led his team in receiving yards in the first half, making several key grabs in the middle of the field to sustain drives.

The Als began to move the ball in the second quarter after Durant started gaining yards with his legs. Durant threw a first down pass to B.J. Cunningham before taking a late hit from Mic’hael Brooks that knocked his helmet off. The Lions were penalized for roughing the passer and Montreal would capitalize when kicker Boris Bede notched a field goal later on the drive to narrow the score to 6-3.

Montreal’s biggest play of the first half came when Durant found Ernest Jackson for 42 yards down the right side of the field. Durant found Nik Lewis on the ensuing play to gain another first down on the drive and the Als tied the game up after Bede made a 51-yard field goal.

Montreal appeared to secure a turnover in the third quarter when an errant Jennings pass deflected off an Alouette defender and ended up in the hands of defensive back Tyree Hollins. The interception was overturned after a successful BC challenge revealed defensive pass interference on the play.

Jennings began to move the ball efficiently after the challenge, spreading the ball around while also gaining yards with his legs on the drive. Jeremiah Johnson continued to make plays in the receiving game for the Lions, shaking Montreal defenders to gain yards every time he had the ball in his hands.

Jennings had Arceneaux open in the end zone but his pass hit the field goal post. As a result, the Lions would have to settle for a field goal to regain the lead at 9-6.

Montreal’s Bede knocked through his third field goal of the game to tie the game at nine early in the fourth quarter.

Jeremiah Johnson regained the lead for the Lions on a fourth quarter drive that saw him reel in a 27-yard catch down the sideline. A Montreal pass interference call in the end zone led to a short rushing score for Johnson two plays later to put BC up 16-9.

Durant had back to back big plays to Underwood and Cunningham to put the Als in scoring position on the following drive. The Als caught a break when an illegal contact penalty wiped a 108-yard interception for a touchdown off the board. Tyrell Sutton would score a two-yard rushing touchdown on the drive to tie the game back up at 16-16.

Jennnings and the BC offence began to regain momentum on the following drive when the quarterback connected deep with Shaq Johnson for 36 yards. The Lions made their way down the field through the air, capping off the drive with a Travis Lulay rushing touchdown to put them up 23-16.

On the next drive Durant threw an interception to Anthony Gaitor after he scrambled to his left and attempted to find Tiquan Underwood, ending Montreal’s hopes for another comeback.

The Als will take on the Stampeders next Friday on the 14th and the Lions will face the Ticats next Saturday on the 15th.

[StarDust Bum]

PREVIEW
BATTLE OF THE UNBEATENS AS BOMBERS HOST STAMPS

CFL.CA STAFF

WINNIPEG — Two of the league’s three undefeated teams will put their undefeated records on the line Friday night in Winnipeg, where the hometown Blue Bombers will entertain the Calgary Stampeders.

Mike O’Shea’s Bombers (1-0) kicked off their 2017 campaign with a thrilling 43-40 overtime win in Saskatchewan last week, and are anxious to get the home portion of their schedule under way against Dave Dickenson’s Stamps (1-0-1) at Investors Group Field.

The Stampeders have only lost two regular season games since the start of 2016 but the Bombers won’t be intimated when they take the field on Friday.

“I think it makes guys rise to the challenge,” O’Shea said of facing the perennial-contender Stampeders. “I enjoy watching them play, I enjoy when (Calgary power back Jerome) Messam get the ball and lowers the shoulder, or catches the ball out of the backfield and squares up on somebody. It’s good football.”

Despite taking three of a possible four points off the Ottawa REDBLACKS in a season-opening home-and-home set, Dave Dickenson and the Calgary Stampeders feel there is significantly more in their collective tank as they prepare to visit Winnipeg in Week 3 action.

“Sometimes it pulls the sheet over your eyes if you win, but we’re not playing well enough,” Dickenson told Stampeders.com. “I don’t want to wait for a loss to address things — I think this week the guys have taken what we’ve said to heart, they’re executing, and hopefully it shows in Winnipeg.”

The merry-go-round on the defensive line will continue this week for the Stampeders, who signed former REDBLACK Aston Whiteside earlier this week in the face of mounting injuries.

“I’d love to have a little more time to let (the) guy get his feet wet,” said Dickenson, whose 6-game injured list includes both starter Cordarro Law and his replacement, Ja’Gared Davis. “(Charleston) Hughes is one of those guys that could play without practice.”

Calgary defensive-line coach Corey Mace believes his charges are embracing the opportunity.

“We’re banged up at D-end, but like we always say, we got guys in the building for that reason,” said Mace. “The standard doesn’t change — if you started on the PR, you act like you’re the No. 1 when you’re on the field.”

The Stamps are a perfect 5-0 at IGF since Winnipeg opened its new stadium in 2013, and quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell has been deadly on Manitoban turf.

“The past few years we’ve just had their number, but it doesn’t mean that games haven’t been competitive,” said Mitchell, who’s completed 74.8 per cent of his passes en route to the perfect record. “There’s been plenty of games where we won by a field goal and if we miss that kick, they’re winning the game. So, it’s not that they haven’t been competitive or they haven’t been right there with us, we’ve just been pulling it out in the end.”

The gunslinger out of Eastern Washington has once again set the standard amongst CFL quarterbacks in 2017; Mitchell is tied for first in touchdown passes (5) and is the only starting QB, along with Edmonton’s Mike Reilly, who has yet to throw an interception.

Dickenson and co. will have to work around seven changes to the lineup that beat Ottawa in Week 2; receiver Marken Michel, offensive guard Shane Bergman and 2016 CFL sack-leader Charleston Hughes all move to the injured list, while star receiver DaVaris Daniels returns to action for the Stamps.

Mike O’Shea and the Bombers understand the unique threat posed by Mitchell, Messam and co. on the Calgary side of the equation.

“They’re talented across the board,” said O’Shea. “It’s tough to get pressure on (Mitchell), he gets rid of the ball very quickly, makes good decisions (and) knows where he wants to go with the ball before the snap.”

Echoing the words of Ottawa head coach Rick Campbell in previous weeks, O’Shea emphasized the importance of mixing up defensive looks against Calgary’s deadly offence.

“You want your front four to get pressure on their own, without having to add guys,” said O’Shea. “But on a weekly basis, you have to change things up and some teams have success with a three-man rush — it’s different every week.”

Bombers defensive end Jamaal Westerman made no bones about what he wants to see and hear from the Winnipeg faithful in Friday’s home opener.

“We love it when a quarterback has to call a timeout because he can’t communicate with his running back or offensive linemen,” said the Brampton, Ont. native, who led the Bombers in sacks in both 2015 and 2016. “You want (the opposition) to be saying, ‘Oh man, I hate playing in Winnipeg. Their fans are so loud and always on our backs’. Our fans have shown they can do that here.”

Despite the win in Regina last week, Bombers defensive coordinator Richie Hall wasn’t entirely thrilled with his unit’s overall performance.

“As players, as a defence and as a team we want to develop consistency,” said Hall. “You don’t want to have those peaks and valleys — you don’t want to flatline, that means you’re in trouble, (and) that’s how we played defensively at times.”

Winnipeg will have to find a way to tighten up, especially in the second half — Calgary’s scored 46 second-half points in its first two games.

“It’s a shame that, when (our play) dropped, it was in the fourth quarter,” Hall reflected. “You want to be up (at your best) in the fourth quarter (and) ready to close out football games.”

By The Numbers:

0 – Losses in Winnipeg for the Bo Levi Mitchell-era Stampeders

4:1 – Touchdown-to-interception ratio for Bombers QB Matt Nichols last week.

14 – Combined interceptions for Winnipeg defensive backs Maurice Leggett and TJ Heath (seven apiece) last season — first and second in the league respectively.

85.9 – QUAR Rating for Mitchell — second only to Edmonton’s Mike Reilly (92.9).

The Skinny:

What a matchup.

The Bombers will be looking to tighten up defensively while maintaining their offensive form, while Calgary wants to solidify its claim to once again being best in the West.

With a solitary game under its belt, Winnipeg is still seen by many as an unknown commodity, while on the flip side, Calgary is a very well-known commodity trying to battle through injuries and maintain its unbeaten record.

Factor in the home-opener crowd at the Bombers’ beautiful Investors Group Field, which Bo Levi Mitchell admits is “probably the loudest stadium” in the CFL, and you’ve got the makings of a classic on Friday Night Football.

Kickoff is slated for 8:30 p.m. ET and can be followed live via CFL.ca Game Tracker or seen on TSN and ESPN2.

[StarDust Bum]

WEST DIVISION

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

1 Edmonton 2 2 0 0 4 53 46 1-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0

2 BC 3 2 1 0 4 78 61 0-1-0 2-0-0 0-1-0

3 Calgary 2 1 0 1 3 74 70 1-0-0 0-0-1 0-0-0

4 Winnipeg 1 1 0 0 2 43 40 0-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0

5 Saskatchewan 2 0 2 0 0 56 60 0-1-0 0-1-0 0-1-0


EAST DIVISION

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

1 Toronto 2 1 1 0 2 47 43 1-1-0 0-0-0 1-0-0

2 Montreal 3 1 2 0 2 52 62 1-1-0 0-1-0 0-0-0

3 Ottawa 2 0 1 1 1 70 74 0-0-1 0-1-0 0-0-0

4 Hamilton 1 0 1 0 0 15 32 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-1-0

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, July 7

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CALGARY (1 - 0 - 1) at WINNIPEG (1 - 0) - 7/7/2017, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 3-3 against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-0 straight up against WINNIPEG 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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Calgary (1-0-1) @ Winnipeg (1-0)— Calgary is 15-1 in its last 16 games with Blue Bombers; they won last six series games (3-3 vs spread), sweeping Winnipeg by 14-15-2 points LY. Over is 2-0-1 in last three series games. Stampeders are 7-1 in last eight visits to Manitoba. Stamps just played couple of tight games with Ottawa to open season; they gave up 425 passing yards LW, but won 43-39. Winnipeg had Week 1 bye, then survived their opener 43-40 in OT in Regina LW.

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Friday, July 7

8:30 PM
CALGARY vs. WINNIPEG
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing Winnipeg
Winnipeg is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 6 games when playing at home against Calgary

------------------------------

Friday, July 7

Calgary @ Winnipeg

Game 353-354
July 7, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Calgary
118.142
Winnipeg
116.144
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 2
67
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 4
59
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(+4); Over

[StarDust Bum]

CFL Record: Best Bets & Opinions

Date W-L-T % Units

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%.......................-0.20
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

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

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.......................- 0.20
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

[StarDust Bum]

CFL

Friday, July 7

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Friday's CFL betting preview and odds: Stampeders at Blue Bombers
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Matt Nichols threw for 331 yards and four touchdowns in his first game since extending his contract in the offseason and Weston Dressler caught six passes for 124 yards and two scores en route to earning one of the CFL Top Performer of the Week honours.

Calgary Stampeders at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (+3.5, 58.5)

The Calgary Stampeders look to stay unbeaten when they hit the road to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday. The Stampeders tied the Ottawa Redblacks 31-31 in a rematch of the 2016 Grey Cup in Week 1 before pulling out a 43-39 victory in the second game of a home-and-home set with the Redblacks, and hope to continue their mastery of the Blue Bombers by notching their seventh consecutive win in the series.

Calgary has won eight straight games in Winnipeg, including a 33-18 victory at Investors Group Field last season, while putting up 32 or more points in five of its last six visits. The Blue Bombers, who had a Week 1 bye, opened up the season with a thrilling 43-40 overtime victory against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Canada Day. Justin Medlock kicked a 28-yard field goal in the second overtime to spoil the party in Regina, and Winnipeg turns its attention to ending a lengthy run of futility against the Stampeders. The Blue Bombers haven't beaten Calgary at home since a 42-20 victory July 10, 2009 and hope to prove they're legitimate West Division title contenders and exorcise some past demons in the process.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, TSN, RDS

LINE HISTORY: The Stampeders opened as 3.5-point road chalk and that number was briefly bet down to three before returning to the opening number. The total hit the betting board at 56 and has been bumped up all the way to 59.

ABOUT THE STAMPEDERS (1-0-1 SU, 0-2 ATS, 2-0 O/U): Wide receiver DaVaris Daniels, who was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie in 2016, is expected to be back in the lineup after missing last week's game against Ottawa with a shoulder injury. Micah Johnson and Charleston Hughes, who have combined for four sacks in two games this season, sat out practice earlier in the week but Calgary coach Dave Dickenson expects both defensive ends to play Friday. Veteran kicker Rene Paredes continues to struggle as he missed three extra points last week after sending a potential game-winning 37-yard field goal wide of the mark in the opener.

ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 O/U): Matt Nichols threw for 331 yards and four touchdowns in his first game since extending his contract in the offseason and Weston Dressler caught six passes for 124 yards and two scores en route to earning one of the CFL Top Performer of the Week honours. Medlock made 5-of-5 field goals, including two in overtime, after setting a CFL record for most field goals in a season with 60 in 2016. Defensive back/kick returner Kevin Fogg was forced to leave the game in the first half with a lower-body injury and his status for Friday is unknown while offensive tackle Jermarcus Hardrick suffered a knock in the third quarter, but is expected to suit up against the Stampeders.

TRENDS:

* Stampeders are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.

* Blue Bombers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.

* Over is 4-0 in Stampeders last 4 games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0.

* Over is 7-1 in Blue Bombers last 8 games overall.

* Over is 2-0-2 in the last 4 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The road chalk Stampeders are getting 59 percent of the action from users and the Over is picking up 59 percent of the totals wagers.

EXTRA POINTS:

* The Stampeders have won 15 of their last 16 meetings with the Blue Bombers.

* Calgary QB Bo Levi Mitchell is tied for the league lead in touchdown passes with five through two games.

* Winnipeg recorded two interceptions in Week 1 after leading the CFL with 30 in 2016.

[StarDust Bum]

FRIDAY, JULY 7

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CGY at WPG 08:30 PM

CGY -3.5

O 58.0

[StarDust Bum]

RECAP
STAMPS ROLL PAST BOMBERS 29-10, STAY UNDEFEATED

CFL.CA STAFF

WINNIPEG — Win the turnover battle, win the football game.

The Calgary Stampeders fulfilled that age-old pigskin prophecy on Friday Night Football, as they pulled away in the second half for a 29-10 victory over the hometown Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Investors Group Field.

Bo Levi Mitchell completed 22 of 34 passes for 334 yards in the win for Calgary (2-0-1), while Matt Nichols and his 27-for-40, 267-yard performance saw Winnipeg (1-1) finish on the losing end of the battle of Eastern Washington alumni.

Both pivots ended the night with one touchdown and a pair of interceptions to their name — most notably a critical fourth-quarter pick-six thrown by Nichols.

The Bombers appeared poised to strike first midway through the first quarter, when Matt Nichols led his offence on an 8-play drive down to the Calgary 12-yard line. The ninth play of the drive, however, turned into a clean end-zone interception for Stampeders safety Josh Bell.

The visitors then committed a turnover of their own — a Bo Levi Mitchell toss intercepted by Winnipeg linebacker Mo Leggett at midfield — on the ensuing drive, but it was called back on an illegal-contact penalty against Leggett.

Five plays later, kicker Rene Paredes spotted Calgary a 3-0 lead with a 17-yard field goal.

Paredes had an opportunity to double the Stampeder lead on the first play of the second quarter, but his 44-yard attempt drifted wide right. Bomber return man Ryan Lankford dashed 56 yards on the return, only to fumble the football. Calgary holder Andrew Buckley then fell on it, to regain possession for the Stamps and cap a wild play.

Two plays later, the visitors were knocking on the door at the Winnipeg 2, but the Bomber defence had other ideas: defensive coordinator Richie Hall’s unit stopped all three Calgary attempts, only to have a Roc Carmichael offside penalty give the Stamps three fresh tries. On the following 3rd-and-goal, sixth time proved to be the charm for the Stamps, as receiver Kamar Jorden wheeled into the end zone on an end around. The two-point convert was intercepted by TJ Heath, and Calgary led 9-0.

Heath would again have Mitchell’s number midway through the second quarter, when he picked off an errant pass and set up the Winnipeg offence on the Stamps 44.

Four plays later, Nichols found receiver Julian Feoli-Gudino for a 21-yard touchdown. Bombers kicker Justin Medlock nailed the convert, and the hosts had cut the Calgary lead to 9-7.

A 24-yard chip shot for Medlock late in the first half then sent Winnipeg to the locker room up 10-9.

Paredes responded with a 20-yard chip of his own five minutes into the second half to restore the two-point Stamps lead.

Momentum swung firmly back to Calgary a few series later, when Stamps linebacker Maleki Harris read Nichols and reacted for a 27-yard pick-six. The subsequent Paredes convert pushed the visitors’ lead to nine.

With the Stamps defence stifling Nichols and the Bombers, Calgary essentially sealed the victory on the first play of the fourth quarter, when Mitchell found Kamar Jorden on a 22-yard touchdown connection. Paredes was money on the convert to push Calgary’s lead to 26-10.

The fourth quarter passed relatively quietly as Winnipeg couldn’t kickstart anything against the Stampeder defence, and Paredes hit a 30-yarder on the final play of the evening to round out the scoring.

With the win, Bo Levi Mitchell improves to 6-0 at Investors Group Field against the Bombers, while Matt Nichols remains winless against the Stampeders.

Calgary linebacker Alex Singleton recorded a game-high nine tackles, while rookie Wynton McManis took Nichols to the turf twice for his first career sacks. Standout performers for the Winnipeg defence included TJ Heath, who paced the Bombers with six tackles and two interceptions, and Tristan Okpalaugo, who recorded four tackles and a sack.

Week 4 will see the still-undefeated Stamps head further east to Montreal for a date with the Alouettes (1-2) on Friday Night Football (Jul. 14, 7:00 p.m. ET), while the Bombers will be back in action at Investors Group Field against the Toronto Argonauts (1-1) on Thursday Night Football (Jul. 13, 8:30 p.m. ET).

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday’s six-pack

— Minnesota Twins are 45-41; last year, on August 7, they were 45-66.

— Contending Twins signed free agent Bartolo Colon, who shunned the Mets.

— Phillies have lost 22 games by one run this season; they could be good soon.

— Milwaukee 9, New York— Jesus Aguilar had seven RBI for the Brewers.

— Clippers beat the Lakers in OT in the Las Vegas Summer League; Lonzo Ball was 2-15 in his first professional game.

— Terry Francona underwent a cardiac ablation Thursday, will not manage the All-Star Game. The procedure corrects an irregular heartbeat by burning a targeted piece of heart tissue.

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Saturday’s List of 13: Random Lists of 3……..

When this site started in 2001, I did a few of these lists, then got away from it. Anyway, here are random lists of 3 that I put together…….

— Favorite baseball movies: a) Moneyball, b) For Love of the Game c) Major League

— Favorite pro sports teams: NFL- Rams, MLB- A’s, NHL- Bruins

— Favorite football movies: 1) Any Given Sunday 2) Friday Night Lights 3) Brian’s Song (the original)

— Favorite restaurants in Las Vegas: a) Battista’s (on Flamingo) b) Fellini’s (in Stratosphere) c) Planet Dailies (in Planet Hollywood)

— Favorite non-sports movies: 1) Begin Again 2) Rounders 3) The Bodyguard

— Underrated things/places:
a) Watching hockey in person. Way better than on TV.
b) People watching on the Las Vegas Strip: free entertainment
c) Philadelphia— The whole city. Ton of history. Lot to do; people are lot nicer than the national media makes us think.

— Favorite actresses: 1) Gina Gershon 2) Sela Ward 3) Diane Lane

— Favorite actors: 1) Al Pacino 2) Kevin Costner 3) Jack Warden

— Favorite basketball movies: 1) Blue Chips 2) Fast Break 3) One on One

— Favorite network TV series: a) CSI b) Magnum PI c) Odd Couple

— Favorite mini-series on cable recently: 1) Billions (Showtime), 2) Suits (USA Network) 3) Roadies (Showtime)

— Favorite musicians: 1) Bob Seger 2) Billy Joel 3) Christina Perri

— Favorite sports: a) college basketball b) major league baseball 3) NFL

— Three dinner guests I would choose: 1) Bill Murray 2) Bob Uecker 3) My dad

[StarDust Bum]

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Saturday, July 8

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TORONTO (1 - 1) at OTTAWA (0 - 1 - 1) - 7/8/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 4-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 3-3 straight up against TORONTO 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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HAMILTON (0 - 1) at SASKATCHEWAN (0 - 2) - 7/8/2017, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 3-1 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 3-1 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN 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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Toronto (1-1) @ Ottawa (0-1-1)— Argonauts are 5-3 vs Ottawa; 3-0 when game goes over total, 2-3 when it does not. Argos split four games here- all three series games stayed under the total. Toronto split pair of home games to open season; they threw for 506 yards in opener, only 327 LW. RedBlacks went 0-1-1 in pair of games with Calgary to open season; both games were tied at half. Ottawa threw for 725 yards in the two games. Favorites are 1-7 in the CFL this year.

Hamilton (0-1) @ Saskatchewan (0-2)— TiCats won four of last five games with Saskatchewan; they crushed Riders 53-7 at home LY, then got upset 20-18 in rematch in Regina. Under is 7-2 in last nine series games. Hamilton had last week off; they lost opener 32-15 in Toronto, allowing 506 passing yards to Ricky Ray- they were outgunned 545-258. Roughriders lost first two games by total of four points; they forced OT LW, but lost 43-40 at home to Winnipeg.

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Saturday, July 8

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. OTTAWA
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Toronto's last 14 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 5 games at home
Ottawa is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Toronto

10:00 PM
HAMILTON vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Hamilton is 5-18 SU in its last 23 games when playing Saskatchewan
Hamilton is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 5 games when playing Hamilton
Saskatchewan is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games when playing Hamilton

***********************

Saturday, July 8

Hamilton @ Saskatchewan

Game 357-358
July 8, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
105.271
Saskatchewan
110.836
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Saskatchewan
by 5 1/2
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Saskatchewan
by 1 1/2
51 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Saskatchewan
(-1 1/2); Over

Toronto @ Ottawa

Game 355-356
July 8, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
112.026
Ottawa
113.169
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 1
47
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
by 4 1/2
56
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+4 1/2); Under

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[StarDust Bum]

CFL

Saturday, July 8

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Saturday's CFL doubleheader betting preview and odds
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Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Trevor Harris received one of the CFL Top Performer of the Week honours after throwing for 425 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2.

Toronto Argonauts at Ottawa Redblacks (-4, 55.5)

The Ottawa Redblacks look for their first win of the season when they host the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday. The Redblacks have stumbled out of the starting blocks as they played out a 31-31 tie with the Calgary Stampeders before dropping a 43-39 decision in the Week 2 rematch, and the defending Grey Cup champions hope to find their groove in their first East Division clash of the campaign.

"If you let losses stick with you they're going to leak into the next week," Ottawa quarterback Trevor Harris told reporters. "We have an Eastern game and we have to come out fighting and ready to roll." The Argonauts came crashing down to earth after a promising Week 1 victory as they fell 28-15 to the BC Lions. Toronto was held to one touchdown after piling up 524 yards of total offence in its season-opening 32-15 victory against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but were held to 143 net yards against the Lions, and hope to put the loss in the rearview mirror as the Argonauts prepare for their first road trip of the season. "They are the defending champs and in reality this is going to be a statement game for us," Toronto defensive back Rico Murray told reporters. "It will tell us where we're heading as a team and what direction."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TSN, RDS

LINE HISTORY: The Redblacks opened as 5.5-point home chalk against the Argos and that spread has been bet steadily down to four. The total hit the betting board at 55 and was bet up to a full point to 56, before fading down to 55.5. Check out the complete line history here.

ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS, 0-2 O/U): Ricky Ray completed 30-of-45 passes for 327 yards and a touchdown against BC to move within two passing TDs of becoming the sixth quarterback in CFL history to throw for 300 in his career. Armanti Edwards, who led Appalachian State to its historic upset of Michigan in 2007, continued his hot start to the season as he caught 10 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown against the Lions. Veteran running back Brandon Whitaker is expected to return to the lineup after missing a game as he took reps with the first-team offence during the week.

ABOUT THE REDBLACKS (0-1-1 SU, 2-0 ATS, 2-0 O/U): Diontae Spencer was named one of the CFL Top Performers of the Week after racking up 351 yards of total offence and two touchdowns, including an electrifying 96-yard punt return score in the loss to Calgary. Trevor Harris also received one of the CFL Top Performer of the Week honours after throwing for 425 yards and two touchdowns. Running back William Powell missed last week's game through injury, but is expected to return after practicing during the week and A.J. Jefferson, who spent the previous two years with the Argonauts, could recover in time after sitting out last week with an ankle problem.

TRENDS:

* Argonauts are 2-12 ATS in their last 14 games overall.

* Argonauts are 0-7 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.

* RedBlacks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.

* Over is 6-0 in RedBlacks last 6 home games.

* Over is 5-0 in RedBlacks last 5 games overall.

CONSENSUS: The road dog Argos are getting 52 percent of the action from users and the Under is picking up 51 percent of the totals wagers.

EXTRA POINTS:

* Harris has thrown for 725 yards and five touchdowns through two games.

* Toronto DE Victor Butler leads the CFL with four sacks.

* The Argonauts have won five of the last seven meetings.



Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Saskatchewan Roughriders (-2.5, 51.5)

The Saskatchewan Roughriders host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a battle of winless teams Saturday. The Roughriders have dropped their first two games of the season by a combined four points, including a heartbreaking 43-40 double-overtime loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the first CFL game at the new Mosaic Stadium on Canada Day, and hope to turn their fortunes around by beating Hamilton for only the second time in six meetings.

"We have to play better," Saskatchewan coach Chris Jones told reporters. "We have to find a way to do things the correct way 100 percent of the time and not just some of the time." The Tiger-Cats had a week off to lick their wounds following a disappointing 32-15 setback to the Toronto Argonauts. Many experts considered Hamilton to be the main challenger to the Ottawa Redblacks in the battle for the East Division title but the Tiger-Cats looked anything but contenders as they were held to 232 yards of net offence and surrendered five sacks against the Argonauts. Hamilton has dropped six of its last seven regular-season games dating back to last year, but fared well recently against the Roughriders, winning four of the last five meetings, including a 53-7 thrashing Aug. 20, 2016.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, TSN, ESPN2

LINE HISTORY: The Roughriders opened as two-point home chalk against the Tiger-Cats and that line was quickly bet up to 2.5, then faded as low as -1 before rebounding back to 2.5 as of Friday night. The total hit the betting board at 53.5 and was bet down to 51, it has since bounced up slightly to 51.5.

ABOUT THE TIGER-CATS (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 0-1 O/U): Terrence Toliver, who caught 65 passes for 1,036 yards and nine touchdowns in 2016, was put on the six-game injured list after suffering a knee injury in the first quarter against Toronto. Hamilton's secondary was torched for 506 passing yards in its opener and will once again be without two defensive backs in all-star Abdul Kanneh and Emanuel Davis, who was placed on the six-game injured list. "We had some guys that had a lot of mental errors and it starts there," Hamilton coach Kent Austin told reporters. "We're looking forward to seeing some improvement going into the second game and we're going to tinker early and find out the most competitive team."

ABOUT THE ROUGHRIDERS (0-2 SU, 1-1 ATS, 1-1 O/U): Kevin Glenn threw for 377 yards and four touchdowns including a scoring toss to Nic Demski, who finished with seven receptions for 82 yards against Winnipeg. Defensive end Jonathan Newsome, who appeared in all 18 games for Saskatchewan last season, was released Tuesday while linebacker Henoc Muamba could be in line to make his season debut after being taken off the six-game injured list. Tyler Crapigna missed a potential game-winning field goal for the second week in a row, prompting Jones to hold an open kicking competition between Crapigna and Quinn Van Gylswyk at practice this week.

TRENDS:

* Tiger-Cats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog of 0.5-3.0.

* Roughriders are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.

* Under is 7-1 in Tiger-Cats last 8 games as an underdog of 0.5-3.0.

* Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

* Tiger-Cats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The home chalk Roughriders are getting 62 percent of the money line action from users and the Over is picking up 54 percent of the totals wagers.

EXTRA POINTS:

* Saskatchewan is tied for the league lead with four turnovers.

* Hamilton DB Will Hill blocked two kicks in his CFL debut in Week 1.

* The Roughriders are 5-15 under Jones

[StarDust Bum]

SATURDAY, JULY 8

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

TOR at OTT 07:00 PM

OTT -4.0

O 55.5

HAM at SSK 10:00 PM

SSK -2.5

U 51.5

[StarDust Bum]

GAME RECAP
RIDERS OFFENCE OVERPOWERS TICATS TO SECURE VICTORY
CFL.CA STAFF

REGINA – The Saskatchewan Roughriders offence led the way while the defence held the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in check to secure the team’s first win at the new Mosaic Stadium.

Kevin Glenn threw for 380 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for a pair as well, pacing the team under centre in the 37-20 victory. For Hamilton, Zach Collaros threw a touchdown pass and 189 passing yards.

Saskatchewan started with its foot on the gas and never let up on either side of the ball.

After trading opening possessions, the Riders pinned the Ticats deep in their own zone. Pressing on the goal line, the Riders forced the Ticats to give a safety on third down to open up the scoring.

An out of bounds kickoff put the Riders near midfield to start their next offensive drive. First down grabs by Duron Carter and Namaan Roosevelt led to a Bakari Grant reception that put Saskatchewan in the red zone. Looking for the major, Glenn was instead intercepted on the goal line by Justin Rogers, who went untouched for 110 yards downfield for the pick-six and gave Hamilton the 7-2 lead.

A 23-yard run by Cameron Marshall and a 12-yard catch by Roosevelt put the Riders into scoring territory. Rob Bagg moved the chains and Glenn took over from there, punching in his own touchdown to put Saskatchewan back on top.

Roosevelt continued to keep the Riders offence moving in the second quarter. A 33-yard gain put Saskatchewan in field goal range and Tyler Crapigna did the rest, booting a 45-yard attempt to increase the lead to 12-7.

Back to back first downs from the Ticats offence led to Collaros finding an open Mike Jones as Hamilton threatened to get to the end zone. Looking deep on his next two throws, Collaros came up empty as Sergio Castillo kicked a field goal and to add three points on the board for Hamilton.

Saskatchewan went to Marshall and let him run free, using the running back to inch closer to the end zone. His efforts would be worth it as on his 300th career reception, an outstretched Grant pulled in the touchdown as the Riders lead grew to 19-10.

Collaros and the Ticats offence continued to be frustrated by the Riders defence, unable to respond with any more points for the rest of the first half.

The Riders carried over their momentum once the teams returned from the halftime break. A pair of costly Ticats penalties gave the Riders another chance to score and they took advantage with Carter notching his first touchdown of the season and boosting the Green and White lead to 26-10.

Saskatchewan added a single on the ensuing kickoff.

It appeared that the Ticats were stringing together a responding touchdown drive but had to settle for another field goal. Hamilton’s next offensive possession proved to be more successful, capped off by a Junior Collins touchdown as the Tabbies cut the deficit to 27-20 with 2:24 left in the third quarter.

Not wanting to let the comeback get any closer, Glenn and the Riders went back to work in the final frame. Roosevelt remained a favourite target, bringing the Riders past midfield and into scoring territory. Crapigna added a field goal as the Riders went back up by two scores.

Looking to seal the victory, Roosevelt again came up big for the Riders, grabbing a 34-yard reception close to the goal line. Glenn then rushed for his second touchdown of the game, giving the Riders breathing room with less than five minutes remaining.

Next week, the Ticats host the BC Lions while the Riders are on the bye week.

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RECAP
SECOND HALF OFFENSIVE SURGE LIFTS ARGOS OVER REDBLACKS
CFL.CA STAFF

OTTAWA — The Toronto Argonauts battled back after a nearly scoreless first half to better the Ottawa REDBLACKS 26-25 in an all-Ontario matchup at TD Place.

S.J. Green could not be contained, racking up an astounding 210 yards and one touchdown on 10 catches.

Greg Ellingson was equally impressive for the REDBLACKS with 170 yards and one touchdown on 10 receptions.

Victor Butler terrorized Trevor Harris all night, recording three quarterback sacks.

It was a tale of two halves for the Argonauts, who managed just a single through the first two quarters before an offensive explosion in the second half that saw them score three majors.

The REDBLACKS capitalized on the Argonauts penalty troubles early in the game to get on the board first. Ottawa decided to gamble on their second drive of the night, needing only one yard on third down. The risk paid off after the Argonauts were handed an offside penalty and Ottawa was rewarded with a new set of downs.

The Argos ran into penalty trouble yet again on the same Redblacks drive after Rick Campbell successfully challenged pass interference on Toronto in the red zone. Trevor Harris connected with Mossis Madu Jr. on the next play for a six-yard touchdown to open the scoring.

Ottawa was unsuccessful on their first two-point convert attempt, but another offside call against Toronto gave the REDBLACKS another chance. Ottawa made no mistake on their second attempt, giving them an 8-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

The penalty woes continued for Toronto as the quarter carried on. It appeared that the Argos recovered a fumble off of a punt after the REDBLACKS bobbled the return, but an unnecessary roughness call against the Double Blue negated the turnover.

Brett Maher added to the REDBLACKS lead before the end of the quarter, splitting the uprights from 36 yards out to put Ottawa up 11-0 after 15 minutes of play.

The Argonauts racked up seven penalties in the first quarter alone.

Defence on both sides shone in the second quarter as both teams were contained to only a single.

Maher’s perfect start to 2017 came to an end after his second field goal attempt of the night sailed wide from 48 yards out. The ball went through the end zone to give Ottawa a single.

The Argos spoiled the REDBLACKS shutout near the end of the quarter after Lirim Hajrullahu uncharacteristically missed a field goal attempt from 35 yards out, forcing the Argos to settle for a single as their first points of the game.

Momentum shifted in Toronto’s direction at the start of the third quarter. Harris was not expecting a snap deep in REDBLACKS territory and the ball went straight through his hands. It bounced into the end zone and was recovered by Rico Murray for the Argos first major of the game. A successful two-point covert cut the REDBLACKS lead to just five points with under 10 minutes to go in the quarter.

The Argos kept on rolling from there.

Ray threw a long, high ball to S.J. Green, who brought down the catch and then darted past two REDBLACKS defenders and charged into the end zone for a 55-yard touchdown to give the Argos their first lead of the game. A missed two-point covert kept the Argos lead at 13-12.

The Argos added to their lead after Hajrullahu notched a 26-yard field goal at the start of the fourth quarter.

The REDBLACKS regained control after Harris led a steady charge down the field, finding Dionte Spencer for a big 25-yard gain. A pass interference call moved the REDBLACKS up just a yard away from the end zone, and Ryan Lindley made the short plunge in for the major on a quarterback sneak to restore a three point lead.

The Argos defence came up big a few plays later when Jermaine Gabriel intercepted an Ottawa pass and ran it back into the red zone. Ray connected with DeVier Posey on the next play for the veterans’ 300th career touchdown pass to pull the Argos ahead 23-19.

Hajrullahu’s second field goal of the night extended the lead by three.

But the REDBLACKS did not go down without a fight.

Harris connected with Ellingson despite the receiver being surrounded by Toronto defenders, for a long 29-yard touchdown with just over three minutes to go. The snap was bobbled on the extra point attempt that would have tied the game, keeping the score 26-25 in favour of the Argos. The mistake proved to be a costly one for the REDBLACKS as the clock ran out before they could make up the missed point.

Maher had the game on his foot with zeros on the clock, but his long 59-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right to secure the win for the Argos.

The Boatmen will have little time rest before their meeting with the Blue Bomber in Winnipeg on Thursday night. The REDBLACKS will look for their first win of the season against the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday night in game two of a CFL double header.