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

[StarDust Bum]

RECAP
TICATS USE LAST MINUTE MAGIC TO CLAW PAST LIONS

VANCOUVER – Sergio Castillo’s field goal with 10 seconds remaining was the deciding factor for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to beat the BC Lions 24-23 on Friday night.

Jeremiah Masoli marched the Ticats into field goal range with under two minutes left in the game, capping off a 226 yard, two touchdown performance. The debuting Alex Green rushed for 140 yards on 13 attempts.

Jonathon Jennings countered with 345 passing yards and a rushing touchdown but it was not enough for the Lions, who lost their second game in a row.

The night turned into a battle of the kickers and the game remained tight throughout.

Shamawd Chambers’ first catch as a member of the Ticats pushed the visitors past midfield. A pitch to Green kept the ball moving before Masoli found Brandon Banks at the edge of the end zone as Hamilton struck first to hold the early 7-0 lead.

A short kick attempt by the Ticats was unsuccessful, giving the Lions a good starting point to respond. Jennings found Marco Iannuzzi and Bryan Burnham for first downs before rushing the ball in himself as BC answered with a touchdown of its own. The two-point convert was caught by Burnham in the corner as the Lions jumped ahead.

Masoli could not string together enough offence with a few short passes to get anything going. Castillo’s 47-yard field goal attempt bounced off the upright and was no good, giving the ball back to the Lions.

A 28-yard run by Jennings was erased by a fumble by Jeremiah Johnson as the Ticats recovered at midfield. Chambers caught another 15-yard pass but the offence couldn’t do much more. Castillo missed his second field goal of the game but secured the rouge to tie the game 8-8.

Looking to regain the lead, Manny Arceneaux’s 43-yard reception put the Lions into scoring territory. The Ticats defence held strong and shut the Lions out of the red zone before Ty Long booted a field goal to give BC a 11-8 lead.

Working with under a minute remaining in the first half, the Ticats chipped away downfield to work into field goal range. Green’s rush was marked down with one second left and Castillo notched a 53-yard kick to tie the game as both teams headed into the locker room.

Opening the third quarter on offence, the Lions opted to focus on the rushing attack and as they worked their way downfield. Johnson’s continued pressure resulted in another field goal and another Lions lead.

It didn’t take long for the Ticats to respond. A 30-yard catch by Luke Tasker and a 20-yard rush by Green put Hamilton inside the red zone. Masoli connected with an open Tasker in the back of the end zone as the Ticats grabbed their first lead of the game, 18-14.

Facing their first deficit of the game, the Lions went back to the running game to get the chains moving. Chris Williams caught a 10-yard grab and Shaq Johnson’s 48-yard reception put the Lions just outside the goal line. BC was forced to settle for a field goal on third-and-goal and still trailed 18-17.

Hamilton used a series of short passes to work its way downfield early in the fourth quarter. Working with his receiving corps, Masoli connected with Tasker and Chambers to enter the red zone. Castillo kicked another field goal to go up by four and still lead 21-17.

The speedy Williams gained 19 yards and Johnson added a fresh set of downs on the ground but could not make it much further. The Lions cut the deficit to a single point with another field goal from Long with 6:56 left in the game.

A cutting Burnham secured a 24-yard gain over the middle before Johnson found a hole on the ground and rushed for another 19 yards. Jennings’ failed to get a first down on a rush which brought out Long for another field goal. His attempt went right between the uprights as the Lions went back on top, 23-21 with less than two minutes remaining.

Facing a third-and-six situation, Masoli connected with Tasker over the middle to move the Ticats into field goal range with under a minute left in the game. Castillo’s 49-yard field goal put the Ticats up 24-23 was enough to secure Hamilton’s first win in BC since 2011.

Next week, the Ticats head home and host the rival Toronto Argonauts while the BC Lions are on the bye week.

[StarDust Bum]

CFL Record Since July 19th

Date w-l-t % units record

09/22/2017 1-3-0 25.00% -16.00
09/17/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
09/16/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
09/15/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
09/09/2017 2-4-0 33.33% -12.00
09/08/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
09/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
09/03/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/31/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/26/2017 3-0-1 100.00% +15.00
08/25/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/24/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/18/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00
08/17/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/13/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/12/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/11/2017 1-1-0 0.00% -0.50
08/10/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/05/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
08/03/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/29/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
07/28/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/27/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
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

totals..........46 - 27 - 1.......55.42%.....+ 77.50


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

MTL at TOR 07:00 PM

TOR -7.0

O 47.0

[StarDust Bum]

RECAP
RUNNING WILD: WILDER JR.’S BIG NIGHT SOARS ARGOS TO TOP OF EAST

The Toronto Argonauts reclaimed the CFL East division lead on Saturday with a 33-19 victory over the Montreal Alouettes at BMO Field. Running back James Wilder Jr. put together another dominant performance as the Argos’ lead back, finishing the game with 218 totals yards, including 141 yards on the ground and 77 yards receiving. Wilder has accumulated an incredible 475 total yards in the past two games alone.

Quarterback Ricky Ray continued his winning ways against the Alouettes, improving his personal record against Montreal to 6-3 as a member of the Argos. Ray finished the game with 182 passing yards and a touchdown strike to receiver S.J. Green.

The Argonauts’ defence also played a major role in the win, adding four sacks and three interceptions, including a 75-yard interception return touchdown from defensive back Alden Darby.

Montreal’s defence gave their team a chance to win by holding the Argos to four field goals in the first half, but it was simply not enough to contain Toronto’s high-powered rushing attack.

The Argonauts’ offence came out looking effective from the start, making their way down the field with a combination of rushing and passing plays on their opening drive. Wilder picked up from where he left off last week, putting together runs of seven and 11 yards on the drive. The Argos covered 31 yards in seven plays on the opening drive, capping it off with a successful 43-yard field goal from kicker Lirim Hajrullahu to give Toronto the early 3-0 lead.

After quickly getting the ball back on defence, the Argos continued to find ways to sustain drives. Ray and the Argos’ offence put together an efficient 57-yard drive, with receiver Armanti Edwards making multiple tough catches over the middle, and Wilder churning out big runs. Wilder got things going on the drive by slicing through the Als’ defensive front with a 15-yard run, and Edwards set up another Hajrullahu field goal with an incredible 14-yard one-handed grab.

Montreal’s offence moved the chains for the first time on their next drive with a quick pass from quarterback Darian Durant to fullback Nate O’Hallaran. The Als’ gained another first down on a run from Tyrell Sutton, but the drive stalled and Toronto’s defence was able to force another punt.

Wilder continued to be a featured part of the Argos’ offence after the opening drive, and he showed why he is so dangerous in the open field when he took a screen pass for 45 yards up the left side of the field. The Argos added another field goal as a result of Wilder’s big play, giving them a 9-0 lead with under 10 minutes remaining in the opening half.

Momentum remained on the Argos’ side when Martese Jackson returned a punt for 32 yards on Toronto’s next drive. The explosive return set up a 39-yard field goal from Hjrullahu that put the Argos up 12-0.

Montreal’s biggest play of the first half came when Durant made a 28-yard completion to receiver Tiquan Underwood, setting the Als up in scoring position. Durant made the big throw while he was under heavy pressure from Argonauts linebacker Bear Woods.

However, Toronto grabbed momentum once again when defensive back Alden Darby beautifully intercepted a Durant pass and took it 75 yards for the defensive score, putting Toronto on top 19-0 near the end of the half. The play was the first interception for Darby this season.

The Als started to move the ball before halftime, with Durant beginning to find a rhythm with his receivers. But the Argonauts’ defence stepped up once again, and defensive back Mitchell White picked off a pass intended for receiver Ernest Jackson. White returned the interception 52 yards, setting Toronto’s offence up with excellent field position. The play was White’s first interception as an Argonaut in his very first game with the team.

Ray did the rest from there, quickly finding receiver S.J. Green for a 22-yard completion and a 16-yard touchdown strike that helped put Toronto up 26-0 at the half. The touchdown pass was Ray’s 18th of the season.

Montreal managed to get on the board on their opening drive after the half. The 18-yard field goal from kicker Boris Bede was set up by a 28-yard punt return from Stefan Logan and a 22-yard run from running back Tyrell Sutton.

The Alouettes caught a major break on special teams when Argonauts returner Martese Jackson fumbled a punt return near his own goal line. Montreal quickly recovered the fumble, setting up Durant and the Als’ offence at the Toronto eight-yard line. Sutton then took the hand off for the eight-yard rushing score, his third rushing touchdown of the season.

Durant completed a pass to receiver Seydou Junior Haidara for the two-point convert on the next play, bringing the score to 26-11.

Just when it appeared that Montreal had secured some momentum, Wilder took matters into his own hands once again. The dynamic runner broke off an incredible 85-yard touchdown run up the left side of the field, giving the Argos the 33-11 lead. The touchdown run was Wilder’s longest of the season.

The Als added another point to their total on the ensuing drive, notching a single after a Bede punt was returned out of bounds by Toronto’s Armanti Edwards.

The Alouettes appeared to be driving towards their first touchdown of the game when Toronto’s defence made yet another play. Defensive back Mitchell White reeled in a Durant pass in the end zone for his second interception of the game.

Montreal managed to add a one-yard rushing touchdown from Samuel Giguère after an impressive 69-yard drive in the final minutes, but it was simply not enough.

Week 15 action will see the Montreal Alouettes travel to Calgary to face the Stampeders next Friday, while the Toronto Argonauts will go up against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a road game on Saturday.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday, Sept. 24

Calgary Stampeders (10-1-1 SU, 7-4-1 ATS) vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-5 SU, 7-4 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -6.5
Total: 54.5

Game Overview

The Stampeders are once again the class of the CFL behind their current SU eight-game winning streak. They have been pretty good to bettors along for the ride at 6-1-1 ATS and the total has stayed UNDER in four of their last five games behind a stifling defense that has not allowed more than 24 points in each of its last eight games. Bo Levi Mitchell is fourth in the league in passing yards (3,491) and Jerome Messam remains at the top of the list when it comes to rushing yards with 770.

If there is one team that might be able to challenge Calgary right now, it could be the Roughriders. They have won five of their last seven games both SU and ATS after falling to Calgary 27-10 on the road as 10-point underdogs on July 22. Brandon Bridge filled in for an injured Kevin Glenn last week and he looked pretty sharp completing 21 of his 31 passing attempts for 231 yards and three touchdown throws. Glenn could be back this week, but Bridge proved that he can run this offense.

Betting Trends

-- Calgary has won the last seven meetings SU while going 6-1 ATS. The total stayed UNDER 55 points in the first meeting this season and it has stayed UNDER in the last three games in this heated West Division clash.


CFL Record Since July 19th


Date w-l-t % units record

09/23/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
09/22/2017 1-3-0 25.00% -16.00
09/17/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
09/16/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
09/15/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
09/09/2017 2-4-0 33.33% -12.00
09/08/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
09/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
09/03/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/31/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/26/2017 3-0-1 100.00% +15.00
08/25/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/24/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/18/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00
08/17/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/13/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/12/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/11/2017 1-1-0 0.00% -0.50
08/10/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/05/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
08/03/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/29/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
07/28/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/27/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
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


totals..........48 - 27 - 1.......64.00%.....+ 87.50


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CGY at SSK 04:00 PM

SSK +6.5

O 54.5

[StarDust Bum]

NEWS
STAMPS DEFENCE SHINES IN 15-9 WIN OVER RIDERS

REGINA — Defence was the order of the day in Regina on Sunday as the visiting Calgary Stampeders edged the Saskatchewan Roughriders 15-9.

The Stamps clinched a playoff spot with the win — their ninth in a row — despite not finding the end zone on Sunday. Kicker Rene Paredes went 5-for-5 on field-goal duty to produce all 15 of the visitors’ points.

D-end Ja’Gared Davis had a monster day on the defensive line for the Stamps, registering three sacks including one which forced a win-securing fumble late in the fourth quarter.

Veteran Charleston Hughes also had a pair of sacks in the heated affair, while running back Jerome Messam racked up 127 yards in the win for the CFL’s first-place team.

The Stamps set the tone early on defence with a crunching, dual-effort sack from Micah Johnson and Ja’Gared Davis on Riders quarterback Kevin Glenn.

Calgary kicker Rene Paredes then gave the visitors a first-quarter lead with a 38-yard field goal.

The Riders appeared to gain momentum later in the quarter, when Ed Gainey fell on a Samuel Eguavoen-forced fumble; Saskatchewan’s offence then sputtered and turned the ball over on downs just inside the Calgary half.

Tempers flared early in the second quarter after an exchange of words between Calgary’s Micah Johnson and Saskatchewan’s Derek Dennis; the two former teammates verbally jousted and the Calgary defence was flagged twice in three plays.

The Riders lost star receiver Naaman Roosevelt early in the second quarter on a devastating hit by Calgary’s Tunde Adeleke; Roosevelt was eventually helped off under his own power, with Adeleke drawing a flag on the play.

Later on the drive, Glenn was picked off on a deep ball by Jamar Wall; in keeping with the theme of the first half, Calgary was unable to move the chains and forced to punt.

Neither offence was able to generate much of anything in the first half, and the Stamps took a 6-2 lead into the break.

Calgary’s defence picked up where it left off on the opening possession of the second half, as Davis broke through the Riders O-line and annihilated Glenn for a stadium-quieting sack.

Two more Paredes field goals in the third quarter from 17 and 39 yards out respectively stretched the visitors’ lead to 12-2.

Saskatchewan’s offence appeared to finally hit its stride late in the third quarter, when Glenn connected with Kienan Lafrance for a 34-yard reception that took the Riders well into Calgary territory for the first time. However, the big play was brought back on a Caleb Holley offside penalty.

Through three quarters, Saskatchewan had just 120 net yards.

Paredes extended the Stamps lead to 15-2 midway through the fourth quarter via a 30-yard field goal.

With Kevin Glenn sidelined due to a hand injury, Canadian Brandon Bridge moved under centre for the Riders and promptly marched them down the field. Bridge found Bakari Grant, Holley and Rob Bagg — the latter for a spectacular one-handed grab — before tossing a picture-perfect touchdown pass to Devon Bailey. Following a Tyler Crapigna convert, Saskatchewan trailed 15-9.

Bridge and co. got the ball back with three minutes remaining. After a key third-down completion to Duron Carter and a pass-interference penalty against the Stamps led the Riders to the Calgary 36-yard line, Bridge was rocked for a sack on a pivotal third down by Davis — solidifying the win for the Stamps.

Saskatchewan linebacker Henoc Muamba recorded a game-high nine tackles, while defensive back Crezdon Butler made a career-high seven tackles in the loss for the Riders.

Both teams now face a short week with Friday Night Football matchups looming.

Saskatchewan (6-6) will look to bounce back in the nation’s capital, where they will face the Ottawa REDBLACKS (5-8-1) in the first game of the doubleheader at 7 p.m. ET.

With their winning streak now at nine games, the first-place Stamps (11-1-1) will return home for the second game of Week 15’s Friday-night doubleheader against the Montreal Alouettes (3-10). Kick-off at McMahon Stadium is slated for 9:30 p.m. ET.

[StarDust Bum]

WEEK 15

Friday, September 29, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
7:00 PM Saskatchewan Roughriders Ottawa Redblacks
9:30 PM Montreal Alouettes Calgary Stampeders

Saturday, September 30, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home
6:30 PM Toronto Argonauts Hamilton Tiger Cats
9:30 PM Winnipeg Blue Bombers Edmonton Eskimos

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

WEST DIVISION

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

1 Calgary 13 11 1 1 23 404 231 6-0-0 5-1-1 7-0-0

2 Winnipeg 12 9 3 0 18 409 353 5-1-0 4-2-0 3-3-0

3 Edmonton 12 7 5 0 14 327 354 4-2-0 3-3-0 2-4-0

4 Saskatchewan 12 6 6 0 12 353 309 4-2-0 2-4-0 3-5-0

5 BC 13 6 7 0 12 346 343 3-3-0 3-4-0 2-5-0


EAST DIVISION

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

1 Toronto 13 6 7 0 12 319 323 5-2-0 1-5-0 5-2-0

2 Ottawa 14 5 8 1 11 374 341 2-4-1 3-4-0 4-3-0

3 Hamilton 12 3 9 0 6 241 404 1-5-0 2-4-0 2-2-0

4 Montreal 13 3 10 0 6 251 366 3-4-0 0-6-0 1-5-0

[StarDust Bum]

CFL Record Since July 19th


Date w-l-t % units record

09/24/2017 1-1-0 50.00% - 0.50
09/23/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
09/22/2017 1-3-0 25.00% -16.00
09/17/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
09/16/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
09/15/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
09/09/2017 2-4-0 33.33% -12.00
09/08/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
09/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
09/03/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/31/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/26/2017 3-0-1 100.00% +15.00
08/25/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/24/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/19/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/18/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00
08/17/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/13/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/12/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/11/2017 1-1-0 0.00% -0.50
08/10/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/05/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/04/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
08/03/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
07/29/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
07/28/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
07/27/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
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


totals..........49 - 28 - 1.......63.63%.....+ 87.00

[StarDust Bum]

CFL Betting Recap - Week 14
September 26, 2017

League Betting Notes

-- Favorites went 3-1 SU in Week 14
-- Favorites/ went 2-1-1 ATS in Week 14
-- Home/road teams posted a 2-2 SU record in Week 14
-- Home teams posted a 2-1-1 ATS record in Week 14
-- The 'Under' went 3-1 in Week 14

Analysis

Calgary (11-1-1) continues to steam along as the class of the CFL, and no one is even coming close. The Stampeders have won nine consecutive games, posting a 7-1-1 ATS mark during the win streak, and their defense has been a giant part of things. The Stamps are allowing just 13.4 PPG over the past nine outings, and the 'under' has cashed in three in a row, and five of the past six, as a result

Four teams in the West Division are at .500 or better, with only the BC Lions (6-7) under .500. The Lions have fallen on hard times due to a complete power outage on offense, scoring 21.0 PPG over their past six game. And even that number is propped up by a 41-point output on Sept. 8 in Montreal. If you take that game out of the equation, they're averaging just 17.0 PPG. The 'under' is an impressive 5-1-1 over their past seven outings, and 8-4-1 in 13 games overall.

The scoring is down all over the CFL, as the 'under' is 6-2 over the past two weeks, and the last time the 'over' edged out the 'under' was back in Week 10 when the over finished 2-1-1.

Team Betting Notes

-- Hamilton (3-9) started out winless in their first eight games, and that included an ugly 60-1 setback on July 29 at Calgary. However, the Tiger Cats have picked up the pace with three wins over their past four outings. They're not only playing for pride, but suddenly they find themselves in the playoff picture. Hamilton has managed a 3-1 ATS mark over the past four, and total bettors are cashing in, too. The 'under' is a perfect 4-0 over their past four, and 5-0-1 over their past six.

-- Toronto (6-7) topped Montreal (3-10) by a 33-19 score, winning and covering for the second straight game. It's a modest streak, but it marks the first time the Argonauts have won and covered in consecutive outings this season. After a 4-0 'under' run, the 'over' is 2-0 in the past two for the Argos, as they're averaging 33.5 PPG during the span.

-- The Alouettes are 0-6 SU/ATS over their past six outings dating back to Aug. 11 when they topped the Argos by a 21-9 count. Montreal's offense is the problem, asthey're averaging just 13.0 PPG over the past four outings. They have also allowed 29 or more points in six straight, and 23 or more points in 11 of the past 12 outings.

-- The hot streak continues for Winnipeg (9-3), who are quietly lurking in the West. After a 2-2 start the Blue Bombers are 8-1 SU over the past nine outings, and they have an impressive 6-1 ATS mark over the past seven.

-- Saskatchewan (6-6) had a huge measuring stick game against Calgary, and they came up just short in a 15-9 setback on Sunday. The defense has turned things around over the past two games, allowing just 17.0 PPG in a pair of 'under' results.

-- Ottawa (5-8-1) has won just once over the past three outings after a three-game win streak. While the RedBlacks are a little unpredictable against the number lately, total bettors love them. The 'under' is 4-0 over the past four, and 5-0-2 over the past seven outings. The under is also 9-1-2 over the past 12 games.

[StarDust Bum]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 15
September 26, 2017

Last weekend’s betting action in the CFL started with Winnipeg’s 29-9 victory against Ottawa as an 8 ½-point home favorite. In the backend of Friday night’s doubleheader of games, Hamilton stunned British Columbia 24-23 as a heavy 12 ½-point underdog on the road.

In a big East Division clash on Saturday, Toronto upended Montreal 33-19 as a seven-point home favorite to move into first place in the standings. Week 14 came to a close with Calgary grinding out a 15-9 victory on the road against Saskatchewan as a 5 ½-point favorite to extend its straight-up winning streak to nine games.

Friday, Sept. 29

Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-6 SU, 7-5 ATS) vs. Ottawa RedBlacks (5-8-1 SU, 9-5 ATS)
Point-spread: Saskatchewan -3
Total: 50

Game Overview

The Roughriders remain in the thick of the playoff hunt despite Sunday’s loss, but they are going to have to find a way to get their offense back in gear down the stretch run of the regular season. Kevin Glenn was back in the lineup at quarterback against Calgary after missing some time due to injury, but he ended the game completing just 12 of his 19 passes for 127 yards. He left the game in the second half with an injured hand. Saskatchewan’s ground game did not help the cause with 28 yards on 12 carries.

Ottawa fell out of first place in the East with its second loss in three games both SU and against the spread. The total has stayed UNDER or ended as a PUSH in its last seven games. Last Friday’s loss was the first time that the RedBlacks failed to post at least 20 points in a game this season. Ryan Lindley got the start at quarterback for an injured Trevor Harris and he completed just 44.4 percent of his 36 passing attempts for 151 yards.

Betting Trends

-- Saskatchewan has won four of the last six meetings SU with the series tied at 3-3 ATS. The total has gone OVER in the last three games in this inter-division tilt.

Montreal Alouettes (3-10 SU, 4-9 ATS) vs. Calgary Stampeders (11-1-1 SU, 8-4-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -17.5
Total: 49

Game Overview

Montreal will have a tall task on its hands this Friday night to try and stop its current six-game skid both SU and ATS. The Alouettes have posted just one SU victory in their last nine games while going a costly 2-7 ATS. In last week’s loss to Toronto, their defense held Ricky Ray to 182 yards passing, but it gave up 141 yards to James Wilder running the ball. Montreal quarterback Darian Durant was picked off three times in that game.

Calgary proved it can win ugly if it has to after averaging 32.9 points in the first eight wins of its current streak. Bo Levi Mitchell went an efficient 24-for-32 against Saskatchewan on Sunday for 222 passing yards and Jerome Messam extended his league-leading rushing total to 897 yards with 127 yards on 23 carries for an average of 5.5 yards a run. The Stampeders also lead the league in points allowed; giving up an average of 17.8 points a game.

Betting Trends

-- Montreal actually won the first meeting this season on July 14 in a 30-23 victory as a four-point home underdog. The Alouettes are 4-2 SU in the last six meetings with a perfect 6-0 record ATS. The total has stayed UNDER in seven of the last nine games in this inter-division matchup.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Toronto Argonauts (6-7 SU, 5-8 ATS) vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-9 SU, 5-7 ATS)
Point-spread: Toronto -3
Total: 51.5

Game Overview

Toronto has a chance to move to .500 on the year this week after winning three of its last five games both SU and ATS. One of those losses came against Hamilton on the road in early September in a tight 24-22 setback as a three-point favorite. The Argonauts showed some solid balance on offense last week throwing and running the ball. Heading into Week 15, Ray is ranked second in passing yards (3,749) and Wilder is sixth in total rushing yards (503).

The Tigers-Cats have won three of their last four games SU and ATS after losing their first eight games of the year. The total has stayed UNDER or ended as a PUSH in their last six outings. While Hamilton has struggled to consistently put points on the board this season as the lowest scoring team in the CFL, credit the recent play of quarterback Jeremiah Masoli for helping to turn things around the past few weeks.

Betting Trends

-- The home team in this East Division rivalry has won the last four meetings both SU and ATS with the total staying UNDER or ending as a PUSH in the last three games. Hamilton has a 7-2 edge in the last nine meetings (SU and ATS).

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9-3 SU, 9-3 ATS) vs. Edmonton Eskimos (7-5 SU, 4-8 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -2
Total: 60

Game Overview

The Blue Bombers have done a good job at trying to keep pace with Calgary in the West during an impressive 7-1 SU run over their last eight games. They are 6-1 ATS in their last seven outings and the total has gone OVER in nine of their 12 games this season behind an offense that is averaging 34.1 points per game. Defensively, Winnipeg has allowed an average of 29.4 PPG.

Edmonton could not have asked for a better week for a bye following a SU five-game losing streak while going 1-4 ATS. The slide started on Aug. 17 after posting a perfect 7-0 SU start with a 33-26 loss to Winnipeg on the road in a game that closed as a PICK. Quarterback Mike Reilly still leads the CFL in passing yards (3,949) and he has tossed 20 touchdown throws, but the loss of wide receiver Weston Dressler has not helped the cause. He is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game.

Betting Trends

-- Edmonton still has an SU 8-2 edge in the last 10 meetings while going 7-3 ATS. The total went OVER 57 ½ points in the first meeting this season and it has gone OVER in three of the last five games in this West Division matchup.

[StarDust Bum]

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 15

Friday, September 29

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SASKATCHEWAN (6 - 6) at OTTAWA (5 - 8 - 1) - 9/29/2017, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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MONTREAL (3 - 10) at CALGARY (11 - 1 - 1) - 9/29/2017, 9:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 5-0 against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 3-2 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Saturday, September 30

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TORONTO (6 - 7) at HAMILTON (3 - 9) - 9/30/2017, 6:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 7-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 7-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WINNIPEG (9 - 3) at EDMONTON (7 - 5) - 9/30/2017, 9:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 3-2 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 4-2 straight up against WINNIPEG 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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CFL

Week 15

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Trend Report
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Friday, September 29

7:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. OTTAWA
Saskatchewan is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Saskatchewan is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games on the road
Ottawa is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games ,at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games at home

9:30 PM
MONTREAL vs. CALGARY
Montreal is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Calgary's last 7 games when playing Montreal
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


Saturday, September 30

6:30 PM
TORONTO vs. HAMILTON
Toronto is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Hamilton
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Hamilton's last 23 games at home
Hamilton is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Toronto

9:30 PM
WINNIPEG vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Winnipeg's last 13 games on the road
Winnipeg is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games
Edmonton is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games at home


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CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 15

Saskatchewan (6-6) @ Ottawa (5-8-1)— Both teams lost last week; both were held to 9 points. Saskatchewan won four of last six games, is 2-4 on road, 2-3 as a road underdog. Under is 4-2 in their road games. Ottawa also won four of last six games; they’re 2-4-1 at home, 2-4 as a home favorite. Under is 9-1-2 in their last 12 games. Roughriders beat Ottawa twice LY, by total of 3 points; they’re 4-2 overall vs RedBlacks, with 2 of 4 wins in OT. Over is 5-1 in series games. These teams play again in Regina in two weeks.

Montreal (3-10) @ Calgary (11-1-1)— Montreal lost its last six games (0-6 vs spread); under is 8-5 in their games this year. Als are 2-4 as road underdogs this year. Calgary won its last nine games (8-1 vs spread); five of their last six games stayed under. Stampeders are 5-1 as a home favorite this year. Alouettes won four of last six games vs Calgary, covering all six games; they upset Stampeders 30-23 (+5.5) back in Week 4. Home team won last eight series games; six of last seven series games stayed under total. Montreal lost last four visits here (2-2 vs spread).

Toronto (6-7) @ Hamilton (3-9)— Ti-Cats won six of last eight series games; teams split pair this year, with home side winning both games. Argonauts lost last six visits here, by 1-16-30-3-13-2 points. Toronto is 2-0 since its bye, scoring 34-33 points; they’re 1-5 on road this season, 0-1 as a home underdog. Four of their six road games stayed under. Hamilton is 3-1 since its bye, with wins by 1-4-2 points under new coach June Jones. Ti-Cats are 1-5 at home, 1-4-1 as a home dog. Underdog is 5-0-1 in Hamilton’s last six games.

Winnipeg (9-3) @ Edmonton (7-5)— Blue Bombers won seven of their last eight games; they’re 4-2 on road, 2-1 as a road underdog. Over is 8-2 in their last ten games. Edmonton lost its last five games (1-4 vs spread); they’re 4-2 at home but lost last two— they’re 1-4 as home favorites. Over is 7-2 in their last nine games. Eskimos are 8-2 in last ten series games; they lost 33-26 in first meeting this season at Winnipeg. Bombers lost their last nine visits here; last non-loss here was a 39-39 tie back in 2007

[StarDust Bum]

CFL
Dunkel

Week 15

Friday, September 29

Saskatchewan @ Ottawa

Game 617-618
September 29, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Saskatchewan
115.180
Ottawa
114.688
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Saskatchewan
by 1
55
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Saskatchewan
by 3
50
Dunkel Pick:
Ottawa
(+3); Over

Montreal @ Calgary

Game 619-620
September 29, 2017 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Montreal
105.152
Calgary
120.240
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 15
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 17 1/2
49
Dunkel Pick:
Montreal
(+17 1/2); Over


Saturday, September 30

Toronto @ Hamilton

Game 621-622
September 30, 2017 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
114.999
Hamilton
107.061
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 8
48
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 3
51
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-3); Under

Winnipeg @ Edmonton

Game 623-624
September 30, 2017 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
113.162
Edmonton
118.052
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 5
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
by 2 1/2
60
Dunkel Pick:
Edmonton
(-2 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

PREVIEW
RIDERS HEAD EAST FOR CAPITAL CLASH WITH REDBLACKS

OTTAWA — To say there is a lot at stake in Friday’s meeting in the nation’s capital between the Ottawa REDBLACKS and Saskatchewan Roughriders would be a massive understatement.

Entering their Week 15 matchup — their first of 2017 — both the Riders (6-6) and REDBLACKS (5-8-1) are in the thick of serious playoff battles. Were the season to end today, in fact, Saskatchewan would actually be the crossover team and fly to Ottawa to play the Eastern Semi-Final against the REDBLACKS.

Plenty is still to-be-determined, of course: Chris Jones’s Riders still have six games left and sit just two points behind third-place Edmonton, while Rick Campbell’s REDBLACKS are still within shouting distance of first and third place.

The two squads will meet at TD Place in the first game of Week 15’s Friday Night Football doubleheader at 7 p.m. ET.

The major news out of Regina this week was the signing of international running back Trent Richardson, and though the former Indianapolis Colt and Cleveland Brown will not play in Ottawa this weekend, much of the media attention focused on his signing.

“If you’ve got a gas stove and that pilot goes out, you’ve got to get down on your knees and light that pilot back up,” Richardson told Riderville.com’s Ian Hamilton. “That’s what I had to do. I had to rewrite my book and I just had to start over.”

Riders head coach Chris Jones lauded his new signing’s ability.

“He’s a guy that’s a good football player,” said Jones. “He’s a pretty good athlete, (and) from the videos we got of him in Alabama, he’s in tremendous shape.”

The Saskatchewan boss also insisted that Richardson won’t be rushed into game action, stating that the 27-year-old won’t see the field “until he knows his blocking.”

Veteran quarterback Kevin Glenn will return under centre for the Riders on Friday after being lifted in the fourth quarter of their Week 14 loss to Calgary.

“I think we’re on the right track,” said the 38-year-old veteran, who was an underwhelming 12-for-19 for 121 yards and an interception in the defeat. “We’re on the right track to where we know that we still have control of where we want to go.”

He has a point: The Riders are currently in a playoff spot, something that appeared unlikely following a 1-3 start to the season.

“If we take care of our business the last third of the season, then we’ll be all right,” continued Glenn. “We’ll put ourselves in that position that we wanted to at the beginning of the year.”

With a two-game road trip with stops in Ottawa and Toronto ahead of them, the Riders will look to foster some second-half team bonding according to national receiver Rob Bagg.

“I feel like it’s a great opportunity to bond with the guys,” said Bagg, a Queen’s alum. “You’re around them more — when you’re on the road in the hotel, there’s not much else to do other than go out for food and just chill.”

The news around REDBLACKS camp all week centred around the man under centre.

Following Ryan Lindley’s subpar 16-for-36 debut, much was made of Trevor Harris and Drew Tate‘s presence on the practice field.

Ultimately, however, Lindley will get the ball again.

The REDBLACKS and their coaching staff understand just how critical the team’s final four games will be.

“Every game from here on out is huge,” Head Coach Rick Campbell told OttawaREDBLACKS.com. “Saskatchewan, BC, Saskatchewan — we’re all competing for playoff spots, so we’re going to field whatever our best possible team is each week.”

Lindley admitted that, in just his second week as QB-1, there are still kinks to be ironed out.

“There’s still guys whose body language on routes and stuff that I’m still figuring out, but we’ll get it together,” said the former Arizona Cardinal. “Like everything, you see the film (from Winnipeg loss) and it’s not as bad as you thought it was.”

In preparation for his second CFL start, the bearded giant waxed poetic about football.

“I’m excited to get back out there on Friday and let ‘er rip — football’s a fluid game, you can’t put it on paper and say ‘run it like this, throw it like this,'” said Lindley. “There’s always 12 other guys that are trying to stop you from doing what you have to do.”

For backup Drew Tate, returning to reasonable functionality this week after a crunching hit in Montreal two weeks ago, there are also issues to deal with.

“This isn’t basketball or baseball, where you can kind of jump in,” explained Tate. “Timing is a big factor in football, especially in the pro game where routes and the playbook are changing every week, (and) that’s what I’m kind of fighting with right now.”

By The Numbers

0 — Of the three quarterbacks to start for either team in their two 2016 meetings will be in the lineup (SSK: Darian Durant, Mitchell Gale | OTT: Trevor Harris)

6 — Wins in as many games for Chris Jones against the REDBLACKS.

11 — Weeks between byes for the REDBLACKS, whose last one was in Week 6 and next one isn’t until Week 18. Talk about a tough stretch.

36 — Offensive touchdowns for Saskatchewan this season, the most in the CFL and a remarkable turnaround from their league-worst 27 in all of 2016.

The Skinny

Saskatchewan is in a dead-heat for the final playoff berths in the West, while Ottawa is looking to bounce back from an abysmal performance in the Week 14 rain in Winnipeg.

Kevin Glenn needs a strong outing to hold off Brandon Bridge as the team’s starting quarterback.

Can Ryan Lindley bounce back from a forgettable first CFL start? Will William Powell rush for his third-straight 100-yard game?

Now that is a finger-lickin’ good matchup.

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

[StarDust Bum]

PREVIEW
ALS LOOK TO BREAK THE TREND IN VISIT TO MCMAHON

CALGARY — With a playoff spot already clinched, the first-place Calgary Stampeders will now turn their attention to the task of leaving Winnipeg — currently five points behind them, with a game in-hand — in the dust.

That goal continues in the nightcap of Week 15’s Friday Night Football doubleheader, which will pit Dave Dickenson’s Stamps against the Montreal Alouettes.

On paper, the matchup favours the Stampeders, who haven’t dropped points since Week 4 while Montreal hasn’t won a game since Week 8. The Stamps are the league’s top defence (17.7 points allowed per-game); the Alouettes are the league’s worst offence (19.3 points per game).

Compounding the Alouettes’ woes as they head to the toughest stadium in the CFL is the absence of the leading receiver Nik Lewis, who will miss out on his return to Calgary due to injury.

News broke late in the week that star Stamps running back Jerome Messam will also miss Friday’s contest with an injury.

The Montreal Alouettes are struggling.

Kavis Reed’s Als have lost six in a row and eight of their last nine, plummeting to the bottom of the East Division in the process. Darian Durant has been unable to right the ship — Drew Willy will get his turn this week — and Montreal has simply been played off the field in recent weeks.

Montreal is the fourth stop in seven CFL seasons for the 30-year-old Willy, who is relishing the chance to face one of the league’s best defences in a hostile environment.

“It’s a great opportunity, and I’m going to enjoy being out there on the football field tomorrow,” Willy told MontrealAlouettes.com. “Learning a new offence was a little difficult at first, but being a vet in the league, you pick up different things quickly.”

The Buffalo alum joined the Als following limited action in 2016 with the Toronto Argonauts.

“Lots of things are run the same (and) just called different (with) different teams — when you get the protections and calls down, it gets easier,” explained Willy. “Coach (Anthony) Calvillo’s been a huge help, (doing) before-the-meeting kind of work with me.”

Despite his team’s mid-season woes, Als GM/head coach Kavis Reed insists that his team has the tools to have success on Friday night in Cowtown.

“The thing I tell our players is that, albeit the records don’t reflect it, that there’s parity in this league,” explained Reed. “When you go out and execute over the course of the game, even against a team like Calgary, you’re going to have a chance.”

The Montreal head honcho highlighted discipline as one of his team’s issues.

“For us, it’s been a matter of self-destructing (and) not executing well,” said Reed. “When this football team plays its disciplined A-game, we can compete with anyone.”

Friday’s visitors will be boosted by the return of fullback J.C. Beaulieu; the 27 year-old out of Sherbrooke hasn’t dressed since Week 8.

“I feel good, physically I’m in good shape and mentally I just have to find the speed of the game (again),” said Beaulieu. “We have to establish a good ground game (and) have quality passes — if everybody takes care of their assignments, we should have a good game.”

Montreal centre Luc Brodeur-Jourdain is expected to dress for his 150th CFL game on Friday.

The main headline out of Stampeders camp this week is the news that Dave Dickenson’s squad will be without powerhouse running back Jerome Messam against Montreal.

“He’s had a few weeks where we weren’t sure if he was going to play,” Dickenson told Stampeders.com on the status of Messam. “(With a) five-day week and the workload he had last week, he just wasn’t able to respond.”

Terry Williams, a 25-year-old unknown out of Kutztown University, will start in Messam’s place and hope to emulate Calgary’s regular ball-carriers.

“I try to do whatever the defence gives me,” explained Williams. “If I have to get those two or three yards inside, I’ll try to run it like Jerome Messam — when I bounce it outside, I try to be a little bit of Roy Finch.”

Williams’s first start comes after a significant adjustment period to the pro game in which Calgary’s staff sought to better his blocking.

“In college, they always gave me the ball (and) never really asked me to block much,” explained Williams. “Here it’s more team-oriented, so now I just have to do my assignment, block for receivers (and) do what I have to do.”

Receiver DaVaris Daniels also remains shelved on the injured list, so expect Reggie Begelton to continue to see the ball in his absence: The rookie out of Lamar University has had at least four catches and 50-plus yards in each of his last two outings.

D-end Ja’Gared Davis will look to build on his monstrous three-sack, one-forced-fumble performance against Saskatchewan last week; the 27-year-old Texan has already matched his sack total from 2016 (7) in just seven contests this season. The powerful line presence also told media that he will be spending his bye week in Texas, helping out with hurricane relief efforts.

By The Numbers

0 — Wins in six tries away from home this season for the Alouettes.

2 — Of Dave Dickenson’s three career losses as a coach (record: 26-3-2) have come against Montreal.

81.0 — QUAR rating for Bo Levi Mitchell, 3rd-best in the CFL yet somehow un-Bo-like.

231 — League-low points allowed by the Stamps. Next closest: Saskatchewan (309, 78-pt difference).

The Skinny

It is so do-or-die time for the Montreal Alouettes.

It is also not the time to let up, if you’re the Calgary Stampeders: Bo Levi Mitchell and co. have something to prove after a subpar day against Saskatchewan last week, and Winnipeg could be breathing down their necks if they slip up.

On paper: This one shouldn’t even be close.

In reality: This is the CFL, the place where unanticipated things happen — especially as the temperatures drop and the leaves start to change, as the Stamps know all too well from last season.

Kickoff is slated for 9:30 p.m. ET and can be followed live via CFL.ca Game Tracker and seen on TSN and ESPN2.

[StarDust Bum]

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

SSK at OTT 07:00 PM

SSK -3.0

O 51.0


MTL at CGY 09:30 PM

CGY -17.0

O 49.5

[StarDust Bum]

RECAP
GLENN RECORDS 100TH WIN IN COMEBACK VICTORY AGAINST REDBLACKS

OTTAWA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders completed a remarkable fourth quarter comeback to hand the Ottawa REDBLACKS a 18-17 defeat at TD Place Stadium on Friday. Ottawa controlled momentum for most of the game and shut out the Riders in the first half, but quarterback Kevin Glenn turned things around and found success in the fourth quarter to claim his 100th career win.

Running back William Powell led the way for Ottawa with 187 yards on the ground, setting a REDBLACKS franchise record for most rushing yards in a single game.

REDBLACKS Quarterback Ryan Lindley showed improved poise in his second career start, but the Riders’ defence came on strong in the end and defensive back Jovon Johnson sealed the game with an interception in the final minute.

Both defensive units came out strong in the first quarter. Roughriders quarterback Kevin Glenn attempted to find receiver Duron Carter in the end zone on the team’s opening drive, but REDBLACKS defensive back Jonathan Rose made a beautiful play on the ball and reeled in his first interception of the season.

With quarterback Ryan Lindley making just his second start, the REDBLACKS leaned on the legs of running back William Powell for most of the game. The quick and powerful runner got the ball moving for Ottawa on their second drive, putting together back-to-back first down runs of 32 and 16 yards. Powell also caught a key pass on the drive that set up a short Lindley first down run.

The REDBLACKS got on the scoreboard first as a result, with kicker Brett Maher knocking through a 22-yard field goal to give Ottawa the early 3-0 lead. Powell amassed 111 rushing yards in the first half alone.

Roughriders receiver Bakari Grant appeared to fumble on Saskatchewan’s next drive, with Ottawa recovering. But the play was not ruled a fumble, and REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell unsuccessfully challenged the ruling that Grant’s forward progress had been stopped.

Lindley began to find a rhythm in the second quarter, and his first big completion of the game came when he connected with receiver Brad Sinopoli for 26 yards. The REDBLACKS quarterback then found receiver Diontae Spencer for a 13-yard first down, and Sinopoli again for a crucial second down conversion.

Lindley capped off the successful second quarter drive with an 18-yard touchdown pass to receiver Greg Ellingson near the back left corner of the end zone. Lindley showed impressive touch on the scoring strike, placing the ball directly over defensive back Ed Gainey to give Ellingson his eighth touchdown catch of the season. Powell added the two-point convert on the ground to give Ottawa the 11-0 lead.

After quickly getting the ball back on defence, the REDBLACKS’ offence picked up right where they left off. Powell continued to make brilliant cut backs while consistently gaining big chunks of yardage to keep Ottawa’s offence moving down the field. The Riders’ defence stood strong, however, and were able to prevent Lindley from leading another touchdown drive before the half.

The REDBLACKS’ offence continued to look impressive on their first drive of the third quarter, with Lindley and Powell leading a balanced attack that gave the Riders’ defence issues. Powell seemed to find open field every time he carried the ball, dragging tacklers for extra yards and moving the chains.

Lindley finished the nine-play, 65-yard drive with a short rushing touchdown after Powell took the ball all the way to the goal line, giving Ottawa a 17-0 lead.

The Riders found a major spark near the end of the third quarter when Christion Jones returned a punt up the middle for an incredible 97-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 17-7.

Saskatchewan built on the momentum from the return touchdown when defensive back Jovon Johnson recovered a fumble from REDBLACKS receiver Juron Criner on the next series. The Riders’ offence made the most of the turnover, with Glenn hooking up with Duron Carter for big gains of 21 and 43 yards.

Glenn threw the ball up high in order to give Carter a chance at the jump ball, and Carter beat his man and reeled both passes in using his elite size and athleticism. Running back Kienan LaFrance capped off the pivotal drive with a six-yard rushing touchdown, bringing the score to 17-14 with under 10 minutes remaining.

Glenn and the Riders continued to find success moving the ball after that, and Saskatchewan tied the game on a 16-yard Tyler Crapigna field goal. The veteran quarterback led a comeback drive in the final minutes, and the Riders took their first lead of the game when they recorded a single after a 55-yard Josh Bartel punt.

The Riders’ defence forced multiple two-and-outs in the game’s final minutes, and Jovon Johnson made another critical play when he picked off a Lindley pass with seconds remaining to secure the victory for Saskatchewan.

Week 16 will see the Saskatchewan Roughriders travel to Toronto to face the Argonauts on Saturday, while the Ottawa REDBLACKS square off against the BC Lions.