Cnotes CFL 2019 News / Notes / Picks / Exhibition Football Schedule

[StarDust Bum]

WEEK 9

Thursday, August 8, 2019
Time (ET) Away Home
8:30 PM Calgary Stampeders Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Friday, August 9, 2019
Time (ET) Away Home
7:00 PM Saskatchewan Roughriders Montreal Alouettes
10:00 PM Ottawa Redblacks Edmonton Eskimos

Saturday, August 10, 2019
Time (ET) Away Home
7:00 PM British Columbia Lions Hamilton Tiger Cats


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CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE BEST BETS AND OPINIONS

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD


08/03/2019 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/02/2019 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/01/2019 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50


Totals...............6-2-0 71.42% +19.00



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BEST BETS:


DATE........................ATS........... ..UNITS..............O/U..............UNITS.............TOTAL


08/03/2019..............1 - 0.............+5.00...............0 - 1.............-5.50...............-0.50
08/02/2019..............1 - 0.............+5.00...............1 - 0.............+5.00.............+10.00
08/01/2019..............2 - 0 ............+10.00.............1 - 1..............-0.50..............+9.50


Totals.................... .4 - 0............+20.00..............2 - 2..............-1.00..............+19.00

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday’s 6-pack

— Portland State PG Deante Strickland, 22, died in a shooting Friday afternoon.

— A couple got married in the RF pavilion at Dodger Stadium Saturday afternoon.

— Draymond Green signed a 4-year, $100M extension with Golden State.

— New York 1B Edwin Encarnacion broke his wrist, is on the IL. Colorado Rockies put OF David Dahl (ankle) on the IL.

— Aaron Sanchez threw six no-hit innings in his first start for Houston.

— 2B Eric Sogard homered in his first two AB’s for Tampa Bay. then later in the game they pinch-hit for him; WTF?

Quote of the Day
“My own personal feeling is Gregg was too strong a candidate for the seat. I don’t think [Browns GM John] Dorsey wanted to go head-to-head with Williams like he had to do with Andy Reid in Kansas City, so he kind of filtered Gregg out of the picture.”
Former Cleveland Browns’ OL coach Bob Wylie

Sunday’s quiz
Who was manager of the Red Sox before Alex Cora?

Saturday’s quiz
Wade Phillips was the Dallas Cowboys’ coach before Jason Garrett.

Friday’s quiz
Bill Murray, Scarlett Johanssen starred in a 2003 movie Lost in Translation; the movie takes place in Tokyo.


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Sunday’s List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday

13) White Sox 4, Phillies 3 (15)— This unique game Friday night saw Phillies P Vince Velasquez make a great catch as a left fielder, also throw out a runner at home and damn near throw out a second runner at the plate, all while OF Roman Quinn was pitching for the Phillies.

484 pitches in all, 36 thrown by an outfielder; Phillies starter Zach Eflin also threw 28 pitches in relief in a game that took 5:28 to play. White Sox used nine pitchers in a game with no DH and somehow none of them were starters or outfielders.

12) To make the playoffs in baseball, especially if you’re not a real wealthy team, you need to get contributions from 30-35 players over the course of a 6-month season.

I’m thinking back to the 2012 Oakland A’s, who were 37-42 on July 1st, but went on a run from that point on (57-26) and finished 94-68, winning the AL West. A fun year.

— Brandon Hicks played in only 22 games that year, but hit two walk-off homers.
— Brandon Moss played in only 84 games, but hit 21 homers.
— AJ Griffin made only 15 starts, but was 7-1 with a 1.13 WHIP in those games.
— Evan Scribner pitched only 35 innings, but had two wins and a save.

With no trading allowed after July 31, teams’ organizational depth will get a serious test, since the only improvement to the roster will come from within the organization.

11) My opinion on having no trading is August is that it is bad for the sport; baseball needs to stay in the news to compete with the NFL for attention. Speculation can be annoying, but when people are talking about baseball, it is good for the sport as a whole.

If you must have only one trade deadline during the season, I’d prefer August 31 to July 31.

10) They’re going to call a lot of holding penalties in NFL exhibition games, to emphasize whatever rules changes they put in; once the regular games start (and the starters play) the penalty flags will get put away the way they always do.

But it is something to remember if you’re betting on these (meaningless) preseason games.

9) San Diego Padres’ lefty P Eric Lauer is 1-0, 2.65 in three starts against the Dodgers this season; he is 5-8, 4.77 in 17 starts vs everyone else. Makes no sense.

8) Will Smith hit a grand slam to beat the Padres Thursday night; when he hit the ball, the relief pitcher on the mound jumped up in the air, happy that Smith had hit an inning-ending fly ball, but he forgot the ball is juiced— it landed over the centerfield fence.

7) Baseball stuff:
— Twins put P Michael Pineda, OF Byron Buxton on the IL.
— Cardinals put OF Tyler O’Neill (wrist) on the IL.

6) Actors in Blue Chips who are still active in basketball, 25 years after the movie came out:
— Penny Hardaway, coach at Memphis
— Rick Pitino, coached pro ball in Greece last year
— Jim Boeheim still coaches Syracuse.
— Allan Houston works for the Knicks.
— Matt Painter, coach at Purdue
— Bobby Hurley, coach at Arizona State

5) 23-year-old Nathan Patterson signed a minor-league contract with the A’s after hit 96 on the radar gun twice and also hit 95 at a speed pitch challenge at a Colorado Rockies’ game- he had also done it at a minor league game in Nashville.

Reminds me of the movie The Rookie, the true story of a 35-year old Biology teacher who throws 98 at a tryout and gets signed by Tampa Bay.- lefty Jim Morris pitched for a little while in the majors for the then-Devil Rays.

4) New York 4, Boston 2— This Friday night game was only 2nd MLB game in last 25 years in which there were 6+ runs scored in the first inning, then no runs scored the rest of the game. It also happened on April 29, 2017 (Indians over Mariners, 4-3).

3) John Smoltz is pushing for the Wild Card thing to be best-of-3, instead of a one-game deal. His point is that teams aren’t going all-out at the trading deadline because they don’t want to mortgage their future, just to get into a one-game playoff.

2) Falcons’ backup QB Kurt Benkert played well in the Hall of Fame Game, but he suffered what was described as a major toe injury, so Atlanta is bringing in Matt Simms to play behind Matt Schaub and Matt Ryan. Three QB’s, three Matts.

1) NBA scheduled their opening night on same night as Game 1 of the World Series? Could have Dodgers playing the World Series at home, while Lakers-Clippers would be opening their season four miles away.

[StarDust Bum]

Betting Recap - Week 7
Joe Williams

League Betting Notes

This Week

-- Favorites went 3-1 SU in Week 7
-- Favorites/underdogs went 2-2 ATS in Week 7
-- Home/road teams posted a 2-2 SU record in Week 7
-- Home teams posted a 3-1 ATS record in Week 7
-- The 'Under' went 3-1 in Week 7

Year To Date

-- Favorites are 19-8 SU overall
-- Underdogs are 14-13 ATS overall
-- Home teams are 17-10 SU overall
-- Home teams are 15-12 ATS overall
-- The 'Under' is 15-11 overall

Analysis

BC Lions (1-6) was paddled at home by Saskatchewan (3-3) in the second end of a home-and-home, losing 45-18 in Vancouver on Saturday night. The Roughriders are 2-0 SU/ATS in two games against the Lions, and 1-3 SU/2-2 ATS against everyone else. The over is 2-0 against BC, while the under is also 3-1 in the Riders four games against everyone else.

Calgary (4-2) eeked out a 17-16 road victory against Ottawa (2-4), which was no surprise considering these teams usually are involved in very close battles. Calgary avenged a Week 1 setback at home against Ottawa. The Stamps are winners of four of the past five, but they're just 1-5 ATS so far this season. Total bettors are also enjoying the Stamps at the window, as the under has hit in four in a row.

For the RedBlacks, their cover snapped an 0-4 ATS skid. After the over went 2-0 in the first two games, the under has now connected in three of their past four. Ottawa averaged 38.0 PPG in their first two games on offense, but they're mustering a meager 12.5 PPG across their four-game skid.

Edmonton (4-2) added to the woes of Toronto (0-6), as the Eskimos froze out the Argonauts by a 26-0 score. The Eskimos have alternated covers and non-covers in each of their first six outings. The under has been very consistent, which you'd expect with the CFL's No. 1 defense, going 4-0 in the past four outings.

As far as the Argos are concerned, they hit a new low with their goose egg in Week 7. They have scored 17 or fewer points in five of their first six games, and they easily are last in the CFL in offense. The Argos entered 2-1 ATS in the past three, but slipped to 2-4 ATS overall on the season.

Last, but certainly not least, Hamilton (5-1) defended 'The Hammer' in a CFL showcase game against Winnipeg (5-1), handing the Bombers their first L of the season, 23-15. The Ti-Cats were well rested, coming off the bye, yet they entered as two-point 'dogs at home. The Tabbies did what they do best, using QB Jeremiah Masoli and the passing attack to thwart yet another opponent. The Ti-Cats are now 5-1 ATS while the 'under' has hit in four of six outings.

For the Bombers, they also failed to cover for the first time this season, falling to 5-1 SU/ATS. The under has connected in two in a row, and four of the past five overall.

Montreal (3-2) returns in Week 8 after their bye, looking to improve upon their 4-1 ATS mark.

Team Betting Notes

-- The Blue Bombers look to shake off their first loss and take out their aggressions on the poor winless Argos. Expect the Bombers to be double-digit favorites on the road. They're 12-3 ATS in the past 15 following an ATS loss, and 22-9 ATS in the past 31 road contests. On the flip side, the Argos are 2-8 ATS in the past 10 overall, and 0-5 ATS in the past five against winning teams. Winnipeg has covered seven consecutive meetings, too, and the over is 7-0 in each of those outings, while going 6-1 in the past seven battles in Toronto.

-- The Ti-Cats look to cool off the Roughriders, who are 2-0 SU/ATS in the past two, albeit against the lowly Lions. The Tabbies have covered five of the past six overall, but they're 1-5-1 ATS in the past seven appearances on a Thursday. The Riders are 4-1 ATS in the past five, but they're 1-6 ATS in the past seven played in Week 8. Hamilton has an awful 4-17-1 ATS mark in the past 22 trips to Regina, while going 11-28-1 ATS in the past 40 meetings in this series. The under is 8-3 in the past 11 meetings, and 4-1 ATS in the past five in Saskatchewan.

-- The RedBlacks are just 1-4 ATS in the past five overall, although they're 26-11 ATS in the past 37 on the road. The Argos are 13-3 ATS in the past 16 games overall, 5-0 ATS in the past five at home and 8-1 ATS in the past nine against teams from the East. However, in this series, Ottawa has covered 10 of the past 14, while the RedBlacks are 6-0 ATS in the past six trips to Montreal. The under has connected in seven straight in Montreal, and seven of the past eight meetings overall.

-- The Esks and Stamps square off in the Battle of Alberta. Edmonton enters 9-4 ATS in the past 13 against teams with a winning overall mark, but they're just 1-5 ATS in the past six on the road. Calgary has cashed in just one of their six games this season, and they're 5-12 ATS in the past 17 against the West. The under has been the rule for both teams, going 4-0 in Edmonton's past four overall, while going 7-1-1 in the past nine road outings. The under has hit in four straight for Calgary, while going 5-0 in their past five against winning teams. The Eskimos have covered in five straight meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 8
David Schwab

Week 7 Betting Recap

The Calgary Stampeders started last week’s CFL schedule of games with a tight 17-16 road win against Ottawa closing as six-point favorites. In the second of two Thursday night tilts, Edmonton kept Toronto winless on the year with a 26-0 shutout as an 11-point home favorite.

Friday night’s inter-division clash between Winnipeg and Hamilton ended with the Tiger-Cats pulling off a 23-15 upset as slight two-point home underdogs. Saskatchewan closed out Week 7 on Saturday night with a 45-18 rout against British Columbia in a game that closed as a PICK to sweep that West Division home-and-home series.

Thursday, Aug. 1

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-1 SU, 5-1 ATS) at Toronto Argonauts (0-6 SU, 2-4 ATS)
Point-spread: Winnipeg -14
Total: 48 ½

Game Overview

The Blue Bombers lost for the first time this season both straight-up and against the spread. It was also the first time this offense failed to score at least 28 points. Winnipeg is averaging 30.7 points per game while holding opposing teams to just 17.2 points. Matt Nichols threw for 261 yards and one touchdown while completing a pass to eight different players in Friday’s loss to Hamilton. However, he was also picked off three times. The Blue Bombers were held to 63 yards rushing on 12 carries.

Toronto is still looking for its first SU victory of the season behind an offense that is scoring an average of just 12.5 PPG. The Argonauts’ defense has allowed a combined total of 214 points in those six losses. Mcleod Bethel-Thompson gave way to Dakota Prukop at quarterback in the team’s latest loss. Prukop put the ball up 13 times against Edmonton and he completed eight passes for 68 yards. The two players combined to throw three interceptions. Running back Branden Burks averaged 4.7 yards a carry on nine rushing attempts.

Betting Trends

-- Winnipeg has won six of the last seven meetings SU in this inter-division matchup and it has covered ATS in the last five games. The total has gone OVER in six of the last seven meetings in Toronto.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (5-1 SU, 5-1 ATS) at Saskatchewan Roughriders (3-3 SU, 4-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Saskatchewan -3
Total: 50 ½

Game Overview

The Tiger-Cats will be without quarterback Jeremiah Masoli for Thursday night. He left last week’s game against Winnipeg late in the first quarter with a season-ending knee injury. Dane Evans took his place and completed 13-of-25 passing attempts for 94 yards. Five different players ran the ball in that game for 82 yards and two scores on 17 rushing attempts. The Tiger-Cats have scored an average of 35 PPG which is the highest total in the CFL. Their defense has only allowed an average of 19.2 PPG.

The Roughriders’ two-game sweep over BC both SU and ATS has them just two games off the pace in the West Division standings. They are 4-1 ATS in their last five games with the total going OVER in three of those contests. Cody Fajardo played one of his better games of the season with 169 yards passing and another 46 yards running the ball. He completed an efficient 21-of-26 passing attempts while averaging 6.6 yards a carry on the ground. William Powell led the rushing attack in Saturday’s lopsided win with 146 total running yards and three scores on 21 carries.

Betting Trends

-- Saskatchewan has won 17 of its last 19 home games against Hamilton SU and it has covered ATS in six of the last seven meetings at Mosaic Stadium. The total has stayed UNDER in eight of the last 11 meetings overall.


Friday, Aug. 2

Ottawa RedBlacks (2-4 SU, 2-4 ATS) at Montreal Alouettes (3-2 SU, 4-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Montreal -7
Total: 53

Game Overview

Ottawa’s current four-game losing streak SU includes a 36-19 loss to Montreal on July 13 as a nine-point home favorite. The total went OVER 51 ½ points in that game, but it has stayed UNDER in the other three losses. Jonathon Jennings made his second-straight start at quarterback for an injured Dominique Davis. He did complete 83.3 percent of his 18 passing attempts in the loss to Calgary, but he only gained 125 yards through the air with one touchdown pass and two interceptions.

The Alouettes went into last week’s bye with a SU three-game winning streak while closing as underdogs in all three contests. They were 13 ½-point underdogs against Hamilton at home on July 4 and 5 ½-point home underdogs against Edmonton in Week 6. Vernon Adams Jr. has taken the majority of the snaps at quarterback and he has thrown for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns against two interceptions.

Betting Trends

-- Ottawa has won its last five road games against Montreal both SU and ATS. It has a 10-3 SU edge in the last 13 meetings overall and the total has stayed UNDER in the last five meetings at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium.


Saturday, Aug. 3

Edmonton Eskimos (4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS) at Calgary Stampeders (4-2 SU, 1-5 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -1
Total: 48

Game Overview

The total stayed UNDER 52 points in Thursday’s shutout against Toronto and it has stayed UNDER in the Eskimos’ last four games. They are 1-2 SU and ATS on the road this season with the total staying UNDER in all three contests. Trevor Harris completed 27-of-39 passing attempts for 298 yards his last time out. He is currently ranked first in the CFL in total passing yards (1,931) and he has tossed eight touchdowns against two interceptions. Shaquille Cooper had a big night running the ball against Toronto with 128 yards and a score on 22 rushing attempts.

Calgary has quietly moved itself to just one game off the pace in the West Division standings with back-to-back wins against Toronto at home and Ottawa on the road. It has failed to cover the closing spread in its last three games and the total has stayed UNDER the closing line in its last four contests. Nick Arbuckle has played well at quarterback in place of an injured Bo Levi Mitchell. He has thrown for 1,284 yards and five touchdowns while completing 73.9 percent of his 138 passing attempts.

Betting Trends

-- Calgary has gone 18-5 SU in its last 23 games against Edmonton, but the Eskimos have covered ATS in the last five meetings. The total has gone OVER in six of the last nine matchups in this heated West Division rivalry.

[StarDust Bum]

CFL
Dunkel

Week 8

Thursday, August 1

Winnipeg @ Toronto

Game 689-690
August 1, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
122.311
Toronto
96.665
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 25 1/2
43
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Winnipeg
by 14
48 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(-14); Under

Hamilton @ Saskatchewan

Game 691-692
August 1, 2019 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
119.938
Saskatchewan
106.463
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hamilton
by 13 1/2
50
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Saskatchewan
by 3
50 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Hamilton
(+3); Under


Friday, August 2

Ottawa @ Montreal

Game 693-694
August 2, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Ottawa
110.030
Montreal
111.549
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Montreal
by 1 1/2
46
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Montreal
by 7 1/2
53
Dunkel Pick:
Ottawa
(+7 1/2); Under


Saturday, August 3

Edmonton @ Calgary

Game 695-696
August 3, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Edmonton
122.453
Calgary
108.450
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 14
35
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
by 1
47
Dunkel Pick:
Edmonton
(-1); Under




CFL
Long Sheet

Week 8

Thursday, August 1

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WINNIPEG (5 - 1) at TORONTO (0 - 6) - 8/1/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 9-23 ATS (-16.3 Units) as an underdog of 10 or more points since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 5-0 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 4-1 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HAMILTON (5 - 1) at SASKATCHEWAN (3 - 3) - 8/1/2019, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 128-95 ATS (+23.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-1 against the spread versus HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-1 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Friday, August 2

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OTTAWA (2 - 4) at MONTREAL (3 - 2) - 8/2/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 51-81 ATS (-38.1 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 4-3 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 5-2 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Saturday, August 3

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EDMONTON (4 - 2) at CALGARY (4 - 2) - 8/3/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 49-29 ATS (+17.1 Units) in August games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 5-1 against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 4-2 straight up against EDMONTON 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 8

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Trend Report
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Thursday, August 1

Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Winnipeg is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Winnipeg is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games
Winnipeg is 17-8 ATS in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games on the road
Winnipeg is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Winnipeg is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 5 games when playing Toronto
Winnipeg is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Winnipeg's last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto Argonauts
Toronto is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games at home
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Winnipeg
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Winnipeg
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing at home against Winnipeg

Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Hamilton is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Hamilton is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Hamilton's last 6 games
Hamilton is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Hamilton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Hamilton's last 5 games on the road
Hamilton is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Saskatchewan
Hamilton is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Hamilton's last 11 games when playing Saskatchewan
Hamilton is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
Hamilton is 2-17 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Hamilton's last 5 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Saskatchewan is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
Saskatchewan is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Saskatchewan is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 6 games at home
Saskatchewan is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Hamilton
Saskatchewan is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Hamilton
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Saskatchewan's last 11 games when playing Hamilton
Saskatchewan is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Hamilton
Saskatchewan is 17-2 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Hamilton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 5 games when playing at home against Hamilton


Friday, August 2

Ottawa RedBlacks
Ottawa is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Ottawa is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Ottawa is 16-7 ATS in its last 23 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games on the road
Ottawa is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Montreal
Ottawa is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Ottawa's last 8 games when playing Montreal
Ottawa is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Ottawa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Montreal Alouettes
Montreal is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games
Montreal is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Montreal is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 7 games
Montreal is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Montreal is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games at home
Montreal is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Ottawa
Montreal is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Montreal's last 8 games when playing Ottawa
Montreal is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Montreal is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa


Saturday, August 3

Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games
Edmonton is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Edmonton is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Edmonton's last 8 games on the road
Edmonton is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Calgary
Edmonton is 5-18 SU in its last 23 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Edmonton's last 9 games when playing Calgary
Edmonton is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary Stampeders
Calgary is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Calgary is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games
Calgary is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Calgary is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Calgary is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Calgary is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Calgary's last 9 games when playing Edmonton
Calgary is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Edmonton

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CGY at WPG 08:30 PM

WPG -7.0

O 50.0

[StarDust Bum]

GAME RECAP
GRANT’S PAIR OF RETURN TDS POWER BOMBERS OVER STAMPS
CFL.CA STAFF

WINNIPEG — A pair of punt return touchdowns from Janarion Grant lifted the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to a 26-24 win over the Calgary Stampeders on Thursday night.

In his first game in the CFL, Grant managed to amass over 300 return yards, with an 83-yard score highlighting his impressive night.

Quarterback Matt Nichols continued his efficient play, completing 18 of 22 passes for 177 yards.

Stamps pivot Nick Arbuckle went 22-for-35 for 260 yards while adding one touchdown through the air and a pair of scores on the ground.

Winnipeg’s defence managed to get two interceptions and two sacks on the night. Marcus Sayles led the way, finishing with eight tackles, a sack, and a pick.

Despite Stamps star quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell returning to practice ahead of the game, head coach Dave Dickenson opted to stick with the hot hand, naming Nick Arbuckle the starter for Thursday night’s clash. But he’d have a tough start to the game, opening without a completion on his first four attempts.

The Bombers’ offence would open the game with a 37-yard drive, highlighted by a 17-yard pickup on the ground by Harris. Nichols would scramble on second down and slide short of the first, leaving Justin Medlock with a 27-yarder. The veteran would give Winnipeg the early 3-0 lead.

Not to be outdone, the Bombers’ special teams unit would get in on the fun. Following a two-and-out by the Stamps, Grant corralled the punt at his own 35, cut back towards the left sideline, and find a seam, taking the ball 76 yards to the house. Medlock’s point after would make it a 14-point lead for the hosts. Grant’s touchdown marked the 15th return score of the season across the league.

Arbuckle would answer that big play with one of his own, finding Reggie Begelton over the middle for a 42-yard catch-and-run. The pivot would follow that up with a 25-yard toss to Richard Sindani before calling his own number on a 12-yard scamper to cut the deficit to three — following the convert — at the tail end of the first frame.

Calgary would take their first lead of the game to open the second quarter. Arbuckle took a shot to the back left corner of the end zone, with Eric Rogers getting a one-on-one matchup with Sayles. The Winnipeg defensive back would commit a defensive pass interference penalty, giving the Stamps the ball on the one-yard line. From there, Arbuckle would punch in his second rushing score of the night on a sneak play.

Nichols would lead a 59-yard drive downfield on the next possession. He’d find Drew Wolitarsky on a fade to the back of the end zone – and the receiver came down with a foot in bounds – however, it was ruled that he didn’t have full possession of the ball. They’d have to settle for a field goal, which Medlock would easily knock through the uprights for a

The Grant show would continue in the second quarter, as the return man would find another gap in the Stamps’ coverage team and take the ball 83 yards to give the Bombers a 20-14 lead with his second punt return touchdown of the night.

The teams would swap turnovers to end the half. Grant would be stripped by Fraser Sopik while attempting to get his third return score of the half. Robertson Daniel would jump on the loose ball at opposition’s 34, giving Calgary the chance to cut into the lead before halftime. The Winnipeg defence would bail out Grant, however, as Sayles redeemed himself by picking off Arbuckle in the back-left corner of the end zone with six seconds remaining on the clock.

Winnipeg would hold its six-point advantage heading into the locker rooms.

The Bombers would come out in the second half and continue to widen their lead. A 29-yard reception over the middle by Kenny Lawler would highlight the opening drive. Medlock would drill his third field goal of the contest from 55-yards out to make it a two-score game. That would be the lone score of the third quarter, as the teams would finally start to settle into the game.

Rene Paredes would nab his first field goal of the game at the start of the fourth quarter. He’d convert on a 47-yarder after a nine-play, 48-yard drive stalled. That made it a six-point game with 12 minutes to play in the game.

Calgary would get an opportunity to take the lead after Winnipeg failed to answer with a score of their own, but Terry Williams would be run into by one of his blockers, allowing Nick Hallett to knock the ball loose and fall on it to set the Bombers up inside the red zone. They’d get close to a score, but after forcing Nichols out of the pocket, the Calgary defence kept the signal-caller out of end zone on the scramble. Medlock’s fourth field goal of the game would be a chip shot and would give his team a 26-17 advantage.

That stop would be huge. Arbuckle would complete a pair of passes to Terry Williams totalling 26 yards. Sitting on the 11-yard line, Arbuckle would connect with Roggers, who would come up with a fantastic second effort, diving across the plain for the touchdown. That made it a 26-24 game with just over two minutes to go.

Arbuckle would get a chance to drive the field and win the game with more than enough time on the clock, but a pass to Richie Sindani would go through the receiver’s hands and into the clutches of an awaiting Winston Rose.

The Bombers would grind the clock out and escape with a hard-earned win.

With the victory, the Bombers move into sole possession of first place in the West. They’ll head into their showdown with the BC Lions on Aug. 15 looking to start a brand new winning streak. The Stamps will be back in action on Aug. 17, when they’ll welcome the Montreal Alouettes.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, August 9, 2019
Time (ET) Away Home
7:00 PM Saskatchewan Roughriders Montreal Alouettes
10:00 PM Ottawa Redblacks Edmonton Eskimos

Saturday, August 10, 2019
Time (ET) Away Home
7:00 PM British Columbia Lions Hamilton Tiger Cats


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CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE BEST BETS AND OPINIONS

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

08/08/2019 1-0-1 0.00% +5.00
08/03/2019 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/02/2019 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/01/2019 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50


Totals...............7-2-1 77.77% +24.00



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


BEST BETS:


DATE........................ATS........... ..UNITS..............O/U..............UNITS.............TOTAL

08/08/2019..............1 - 0.............+5.00..............0 -0 -1...........+0.00.............+5.00
08/03/2019..............1 - 0.............+5.00...............0 - 1.............-5.50...............-0.50
08/02/2019..............1 - 0.............+5.00...............1 - 0.............+5.00.............+10.00
08/01/2019..............2 - 0 ............+10.00.............1 - 1..............-0.50..............+9.50


Totals.................... .5 - 0............+25.00............2 - 2 - 1...........-1.00..............+24.00

[StarDust Bum]

Friday’s 6-pack

College football spreads for Labor Day weekend:

— UCLA @ Cincinnati (-3)

— Utah (-5.5) @ BYU

— Colorado State vs Colorado (-11)

— Purdue (-9) @ Nevada

— Ole Miss @ Memphis (-6.5)

— South Carolina (-7) @ North Carolina

Quote of the Day
“There are times where my bedside manner hasn’t been the best. People will tell you that millennials want honesty. Sometimes I’ve been a little too abrupt and to the point. And I think it’s because I’ve never been a pussyfooter. I’ve never dallied around. … Maybe there has to be a softer, kinder Dave Gettleman. Yeah, I’m 68, but I’m not an old man falling down. I’d like to think that I can learn, that I’m agile and can still learn.”
New Jersey Giants’ GM Dave Gettleman

Friday’s quiz
Arizona Cardinals’ coach Kliff Kingsbury played in one NFL game, back in 2005; who did he play for?

Thursday’s quiz
The Liberty Bowl is played in Memphis every year.

Wednesday’s quiz
Bill Belichick went 37-45 in five years as coach of the Cleveland Browns, before they moved to Baltimore after the 1995 season and became the Ravens. He hadn’t met Tom Brady yet.

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

Friday’s List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here……

13) So you want to be a major league GM? It ain’t easy.

This year, Baltimore is a terrible team, but they were 11-6 when Andrew Cashner started for them; he was 9-3, 3.73 with a 1.19 WHIP. Pretty good.

So on July 13, the Red Sox acquired Cashner for two minor leaguers, hoping he would be the #5 starter that would help propel them into the playoffs.

Not so fast. In five starts for Boston, Cashner is 1-4, 7.53, with a 1.74 WHIP.

Oy.

12) Been a weird baseball season; who had Eduardo Escobar leading the major leagues in RBI (93) on August 8th?

11) Remember the movie Field of Dreams, where Kevin Costner’s character built a baseball diamond on a cornfield in Iowa?

Next summer, Bronx-White Sox will play a real game in a temporary 8,000-seat ballpark that MLB will build on that Dyersville, Iowa farm. ESPN will televise the game.

10) Alex Tanney is fighting to be the Giants’ 3rd-string QB; he is 31 years old, has been in/out of nine different NFL organizations. Tanney has played in one NFL game, completing 10-14 passes for 99 yards in a 30-24 loss at Indianapolis at the end of the 2015 season.

If the Giants cut him, chances are someone else will sign him- competent QB’s are hard to find. Sounds like he is laying the foundation to be an NFL coach. Bet he could write a hell of a book.

9) Bills 24, Colts 16— RB Senorise Perry is the first Buffalo Bill to wear #32 since OJ Simpson left the Bills after the 1977 season.

8) Ravens backup kicker Kaare Vedvik made FG’s from 55, 45 yards in the first half Thursday, which is bad news for kickers around the NFL who are struggling in training camp.

7) Baseball stuff:
— Cubs added C Jonathan Lucroy to their roster.
— Red Sox put P David Price (wrist) on the IL.
— Braves put 3B Austin Riley (knee) on the IL. He got hurt in the weight room.

6) Cleveland Browns traded RB Duke Johnson to Houston for a conditional 4th-round pick.

5) IPFW (Fort Wayne) announced Tuesday that it is leaving the Summit League for the Horizon League, beginning in the 2020-2021 basketball season.

4) Arizona sophomore G Brandon Williams will miss the entire upcoming basketball season after undergoing knee surgery.

3) Went to Saratoga racetrack the other day; saw a guy wearing one of the Jets’ new jerseys- very bright green. Look a lot like the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders’ jerseys.

2) Rookie QB’s Kyler Murray, Daniel Jones both looked sharp in their first NFL action; not so much for Washington’s Dwayne Haskins, who threw two INT’s in his first preseason action.

1) Air Force Captain Roy Knight Jr was shot down over Laos in 1967 during the Vietnam War; he didn’t survive. It took until this past June to find his remains.

Thursday, travelers at Dallas airport stopped in silence to show respect as the war hero’s remains were brought back to this country.

When Captain Knight left from the Dallas airport to go overseas in 1967, his 5-year-old son came to the airport and waved goodbye. It was the last time he would ever see his father alive.

The Southwest Airlines pilot who brought Captain Knight back to Dallas Thursday was his son.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, Aug. 9

Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-3 SU, 5-2 ATS) at Montreal Alouettes (3-3 SU, 4-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Saskatchewan -2
Total: 53

Game Overview

The Roughriders are just one game off the pace in the West with a three-game winning streak both SU and ATS. They are 5-2 ATS over their last seven games and the total has stayed UNDER in three of their last five contests. It stayed UNDER 49 points in Thursday’s win against Hamilton.

Cody Fajardo has established himself as the starting quarterback for Saskatchewan. He threw for 313 yards his last time out while completing an impressive 80.6 percent of his 31 passes. He also led the team in rushing for 56 yards and a score on 9 carries.

Montreal’s three-game winning streak (SU and ATS) came to an end with Friday’s loss to Ottawa. This was the first time the Alouettes closed as favorites this season. The total went OVER 52 points in that loss and it has gone OVER in four of six games this year.

Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. left Friday’s game in the third quarter with a neck and head injury. Antonio Pipkin took his place and completed 8-of-17 passes for 57 yards. Adams’ status for this Friday remains up in the air.

Betting Trends

-- Montreal has covered in five of its last seven home games against Saskatchewan and the total has stayed UNDER in five of the last six meetings overall. The total has stayed UNDER in 17 of the last 21 meetings in Montreal.

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

Ottawa RedBlacks (3-4 SU, 3-4 ATS) at Edmonton Eskimos (4-3 SU, 3-4 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -9
Total: 49

Game Overview

The RedBlacks got Dominique Davis back at quarterback and they were able to snap a SU four-game losing streak. He put the ball up 34 times and completed 20 passes for 164 yards and a score. The rust was evident with a 58.8 percent completion rate and two interceptions, but his play was good enough to help secure the win. Seven different players caught at least one pass in the winning effort.

Ottawa had scored a combined 50 points in those four previous losses.

Edmonton slipped to 3-3 ATS this season when closing as a favorite. The total stayed UNDER 47 points in Saturday’s loss and it has stayed UNDER in its last five contests. The Eskimos were held scoreless in the first half against Calgary and they managed just 28 yards rushing on nine rushing attempts.

Trevor Harris ended the game with 373 yards passing and two touchdown throws. He is first in the CFL in passing yards this season with 2,304 in seven games. He has tossed 10 touchdowns against just two interceptions.

Betting Trends

-- Edmonton has won 15 of the last 20 meetings SU and the total has stayed UNDER in five of the last six games between the two. The Eskimos have won nine of their last 10 home games against Ottawa SU.


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


Friday, August 9

Saskatchewan @ Montreal

Game 683-684
August 9, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Saskatchewan
98.756
Montreal
113.185
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Montreal
by 14 1/2
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Saskatchewan
by 2 1/2
50 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Montreal
(+2 1/2); Over


Ottawa @ Edmonton

Game 685-686
August 9, 2019 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Ottawa
107.230
Edmonton
117.721
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 10 1/2
38
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
by 8
48
Dunkel Pick:
Edmonton
(-8); Under


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


Friday, August 9

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

SASKATCHEWAN (4 - 3) at MONTREAL (3 - 3) - 8/9/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 2-2 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 2-2 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

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

OTTAWA (3 - 4) at EDMONTON (4 - 3) - 8/9/2019, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 3 seasons.

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


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


Friday, August 9

Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Saskatchewan is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Saskatchewan is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Saskatchewan's last 8 games on the road
Saskatchewan is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Montreal
Saskatchewan is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Saskatchewan's last 6 games when playing Montreal
Saskatchewan is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Saskatchewan is 4-16 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Saskatchewan's last 21 games when playing on the road against Montreal

Montreal Alouettes
Montreal is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games
Montreal is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Montreal's last 8 games
Montreal is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Montreal is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games at home
Montreal is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Saskatchewan
Montreal is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing Saskatchewan
Montreal is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan
Montreal is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Montreal's last 21 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan


Ottawa RedBlacks
Ottawa is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Ottawa is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Ottawa is 17-7 ATS in its last 24 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games on the road
Ottawa is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing Edmonton
Ottawa is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Ottawa is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton

Edmonton Eskimos
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 5 games
Edmonton is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Edmonton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Edmonton is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 6 games when playing Ottawa
Edmonton is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Edmonton is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games when playing at home against Ottawa


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

[StarDust Bum]

PREVIEW
RIDERS LOOK TO STAY HOT IN VISIT TO MONTREAL
CFL.CA STAFF

MONTREAL — Two teams that appear to be on the upswing over the last month will clash under the Montreal lights on Friday Night Football.

The Montreal Alouettes (3-3) and Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-3) will do battle at Percival Molson Stadium Friday night. The Riders enter Friday night’s matchup on a three game winning streak, and both teams are 3-1 over their last four contests. It will be their first meeting of the season.

“I see a team that makes you drive the field,” Riders quarterback Cody Fajardo said. “They’re going to drop off and do a lot of zones. They’re going to take away a lot of our deep balls, similar to what Calgary did to us.”

“It’s going to be a grind-it-out game,” Riders head coach Craig Dickenson added. “Montreal’s a good football team. I know they’ve probably got a chip on their shoulder from their last game where they probably felt like or at least feel they could’ve beaten Ottawa.”

While the Riders are coming off a 24-19 victory over Hamilton, the Alouettes will look to rebound after a 30-27 overtime defeat at the hands of the Ottawa REDBLACKS. But the Alouettes also lost quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. and running back William Stanback thanks to injury. As of now, both players are on the one-game injured list.

Instead, the Alouettes will have to rely on quarterback Antonio Pipkin and running back Jeremiah Johnson in their places.

“Jeremiah has been playing good football in the last couple of games,” Alouettes head coach Khari Jones said. “He’s a smart guy back there as far as picking up blitzers, I don’t think there’s anyone better.

Johnson joined the Alouettes in the off-season after spending time with the Toronto Argonauts, Ottawa REDBLACKS and BC Lions, and the 32-year old says he’s ready to play.

“I feel like I’m going to try and go out there and serve a five course meal,” Johnson said. “Finger food, entree, dinner, and we’re going to finish it off with a nice dessert.”

Meanwhile, Pipkin will make his first start at quarterback since the opening game of the season against Edmonton. The Texas native was injured partway through the contest, with Adams Jr. replacing him in relief. This week, the roles have reversed as Pipkin plays the role of backup turned starter.

“I just kind of take these as they come to be honest,” Pipkin said. “We just have that next-man up mindset and just be ready to when your number is called upon and be ready to produce.”

The Riders also called in some reinforcements this week, acquiring receiver Kenny Stafford in a trade with Edmonton for returner Christion Jones. The former Alouette receiver is on the Riders’ depth chart, though the team may end up choosing between him and receiver Shaq Evans, who’s reportedly a game time decision after injuring his ankle in practice.

Stafford has 30 catches, two touchdowns, and 366 yards in seven games with Edmonton this season.

“(Stafford’s) got experience in the system,” Dickenson said. “He knows multiple positions and he can get us through some games.

“He’s a smart guy, he’s a good football player. I feel like he can come in and contribute right away for us as either a starter or that first backup.”

The Riders will also dress linebacker Sam Hurl, and defensive linemen Lavar Edwards and Jeremy Faulk Friday as defensive linemen Micah Johnson, Zack Evans, and AC Leonard were each placed on the injured list.

The Alouettes, meanwhile, will have Quebec-born linebackers Jean-Gabriel Poulin and Fred Plesius at MIKE, backing up Henoc Muamba. Tackle Chris Schleuger will also be in the lineup as he takes over at right tackle with the absence of Tyler Johnstone. As a result, Sean Jamieson will be moved to right guard.

Montreal released two players earlier in the week including Canadian linebacker Brandon Calver and defensive lineman Brandin Bryant.

BY THE NUMBERS:

6 — Since 2013, both teams have won six times against each other across 12 matchups

16 — In those 12 games, 16 different quarterbacks have suited up between both teams. With both Cody Fajardo and Antonio Pipkin starting for Saskatchewan and Montreal respectively, the number will grow to 18.

108.6 — Riders’ quarterback Cody Fajardo leads all passers in pass efficiency with that rating.

16 — The Alouettes have allowed only 16 first quarter points all season and have never trailed after the first quarter of play.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. ET and can be seen on TSN, RDS and ESPN+ and followed live via CFL.ca Game Tracker.

[StarDust Bum]

PREVIEW
FAMILIAR FOES SQUARE OFF AS ESKS HOST REDBLACKS
CFL.CA STAFF

EDMONTON – Trevor Harris will line up against some familiar faces when the Edmonton Eskimos welcome the Ottawa REDBLACKS to The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium for the second half of a Friday Night Football doubleheader.

Harris spent three seasons in the nation’s capital, serving as the starter for two of them. He helped the REDBLACKS to back-to-back regular season first place finishes in the East Division, as well as an appearance in the 106th Grey Cup.

Harris was one of a handful of players who left the REDBLACKS in the off-season, with a number of fan favourites also moving west. In addition to Harris, Greg Ellingson and SirVincent Rogers joined the Eskimos via free agency (although Rogers was injured during training camp and has yet to see game action).

The Harris-Ellingson connection appears to be as strong as ever, with Ellingson on pace for his fifth straight 1,000-yard season.

“Coach [Jason Maas] always says it’s a faceless, nameless opponent, so you try to treat it the same way, even though you do have history with the guys,” Ellingson told Esks.com of Friday’s game. “But when you’re in the moment, everybody’s a competitor no matter which team you’re on, so you’re just trying to win.”

“It’s just like any other game,” Brad Sinopoli told OttawaREDBLACKS.com. “It will be nice to see some old friends and teammates, but outside of that you can’t worry about who you’re playing. Besides, a lot of those guys are on offence, so I don’t even need to go against them.”

Ellingson may see even more of the ball in the coming weeks, because the Eskimos dealt veteran receiver Kenny Stafford to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The REDBLACKS put an end to a franchise-worst four game losing streak with their overtime victory over the Montreal Alouettes last week.

Ottawa’s “bend but don’t break” defence was on full display against Montreal. The REDBLACKS gave up 301 yards and the Als dominated the time of possession, but the defence kept things close and allowed Dominique Davis to claw the offence back into the game.

The emergence of running back John Crockett has led to an improvement of the Ottawa ground game in recent weeks. A 27-year-old who briefly spent time with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, Crockett has enjoyed a promising start to his CFL career, rushing for over 300 yards during his first four games.

Crockett will be tested by a stiff Eskimos front seven that has given up the second-fewest rushing yards in 2019, but if the REDBLACKS can establish the ground game, that will take some pressure off of the interception-prone Davis.

Special teams will worth watching on Friday, as two of the league’s best kickers and two of its most exciting returners are set to square off.

Lewis Ward and Sean Whyte are having tremendous starts to their 2019 seasons. Ward hasn’t missed a field goal attempt – in fact, he hasn’t missed a three-pointer in the regular season since his first very game last year.

Meanwhile, Whyte leads the CFL in field goals (22 in seven games) and is on pace to flirt with Justin Medlock’s CFL single-season record of 60.

In the return game, DeVonte Dedmon had a jaw-dropping performance against the Montreal Alouettes in Week 8. He brought two returns to the house, while his 382 return yards outgained the entire REDBLACKS offence.

“Every time I step out there, I give it my all,” said Dedmon. “I got sent home during training camp. That really woke me up and I don’t want that to happen again. The quarterbacks have been trying to get me involved and trying to teach me little things so I can understand the offence better.”

The Eskies will get a look at their shiny new acquisition in Christion Jones. Arriving in Edmonton via the Stafford trade, Jones appeared in only three games with the Riders this year. The former Alabama Crimson Tide standout has averaged 24 yards-per-kickoff return and has brought three punts back for touchdowns over his three-year CFL career.

“I’m just glad that I came to a team like Edmonton,” Jones said. “They have so much drive, and they want to be good and so much attention to detail, so much focus here. And a great group of guys. The vibe in the locker room is great. No hesitation on introducing themselves or introducing me into the offence or kicking game.”

Despite being close, REDBLACKS receiver RJ Harris will not return to the lineup this week as the offence is missing some key receivers. Caleb Holley will also miss Friday’s game and will be replaced by American Rafael Araujo-Lopes. On defence, the return of safety Antoine Pruneau is certainly welcomed after spending time on the six-game injured list.

The Eskimos are getting reinforcements on both sides of the football. Defensive backs Don Unamba and Anthony Orange are back in the starting lineup, while Greg Ellingson and DaVaris Daniels are slated to start on offence.

Kick return specialist Martese Jackson is on the six-game injured list and will be replaced by trade acquisition Christion Jones, while Shaq Cooper has also been added to the Eskimos’ roster this week after being out in Week 8. Receiver Kevin Elliott is off the roster after making an impact in his debut last week.

BY THE NUMBERS

2 – Game-winning drives orchestrated by Dominique Davis this season, more than any other CFL quarterback.

3 – Punts inside the 10-yard line for Edmonton’s Hugh O’Neill in the last two games.

16 – The number of players – including DeVonte Dedmon – who have returned two kicks for TDs in the same game in CFL history.

5 – Deep throws completed by Trevor Harris in Week 8 – that’s as many as the rest of the league combined.

Kickoff is at 10:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on TSN and ESPN2 and followed live via CFL.ca Game Tracker.

[StarDust Bum]

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

SSK at MTL 07:00 PM
SSK -3.0
U 49.5

OTT at EDM 10:00 PM
OTT +9.0
O 48.0

[StarDust Bum]

GAME RECAP
DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS LEAD RIDERS PAST ALS IN WEATHER-SHORTENED GAME
CFL.CA STAFF

MONTREAL — A pair of defensive touchdowns led the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a 17-10 road win against the Montreal Alouettes on Friday night in a weather-shortened game. The Riders improved their record to 5-3 and are now just one game behind the division-leading Winnipeg Blue Bombers after winning four straight.

The game was called early during the third quarter in accordance with the league’s weather protocol after lightning in the area delayed the game for over an hour.

The year of the return continued on Montreal’s opening drive of the game when Shakeir Ryan returned a punt 101 yards for a touchdown. The Riders quickly responded with a defensive touchdown on a scoop and score play from defensive end Earl Okine.

Both teams traded field goals in the second quarter to tie the game at 10 apiece, but Charleston Hughes reclaimed the lead for Saskatchewan by adding a defensive touchdown of his own on another fumble recovery.

Cody Fajardo completed 15 of 21 passes for 166 yards in the win, also leading his team with 48 rushing yards on six carries.

Antonio Pipkin got the start at quarterback for Montreal with starter Vernon Adams Jr. injured, but backup quarterback Matthew Shiltz replaced Pipkin in the second quarter.

The Als’ defence forced a quick two-and-out to start the game, and Ryan used his game-breaking speed on the ensuing punt to put Montreal on the board. Ryan used vision and quick acceleration to get up the middle of the field in a hurry, leaving the Riders in his wake as he galloped into the end zone. Boris Bede’s extra point attempt went wide to the right, leaving the Als with an early six-point lead.

Saskatchewan responded just minutes later with a huge play on defence. Linebacker Derrick Moncrief came off the edge and caught Pipkin off guard with a hit that knocked the ball loose, and Okine scooped it up and took it 55 yards for the defensive touchdown. Gabriel Ferraro kicked the convert to put the Riders up 7-6.

Montreal evened things up just before the end of the first quarter when a 37-yard field goal attempt from Bede traveled wide to the right and out of bounds, resulting in a single point for the Als.

Saskatchewan reclaimed the lead in the second quarter on a 28-yard field goal from Ferraro. Shiltz came in to replace Pipkin under centre for Montreal, and he helped lead the Als to a successful 43-yard field goal from Bede that tied the game at 10 apiece.

An exciting 45-yard punt return from Greg Reid gave the Als’ offence promising field position, but Saskatchewan’s ferocious defensive front struck once again to impact the game with a takeaway.

Linebacker Cameron Judge came off the edge with a quick pass rush and dislodged the ball from Shiltz, and Hughes picked it up and took it to the end zone for a 45-yard touchdown. Ferraro missed the extra point kick, leaving the Riders with a 16-10 lead heading into half-time.

The Riders added a point to their lead in the third quarter after a 62-yard punt from Jon Ryan led to the Als conceding a single, giving Saskatchewan the 17-10 win after a lengthy weather delay.

The Montreal Alouettes will travel to face the Calgary Stampeders on the road next Saturday in Week 10 action, while the Saskatchewan Roughriders will get a week off before hosting the Ottawa REDBLACKS on Saturday, August 24.

[StarDust Bum]

GAME RECAP
GABLE LIFTS ESKS OVER REDBLACKS
CFL.CA STAFF

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos came out on top in a defensive battle against the Ottawa REDBLACKS on Friday night, improving their record to 5-3 with a 16-12 home win.

Edmonton’s top defence notched a pair of interceptions against Dominique Davis, but Ottawa’s defence made a big impact by forcing a fumble and three turnovers on downs.

Running back C.J. Gable gave the Esks an early lead by scoring a touchdown on his longest rush of the season. But a field goal from Lewis Ward brought the REDBLACKS closer, and Davis helped Ottawa grab the lead with a 67-yard touchdown pass to Dominique Rhymes just before the second quarter.

Both teams traded field goals in the second quarter, and a defensive battle continued until Gable’s second rushing touchdown of the game gave Edmonton a four-point lead in the fourth quarter. The REDBLACKS drove down the field with under a minute left in the game on a promising comeback attempt, but the Esks’ defence held strong to seal the victory.

Gable finished the game with 102 rushing yards on 16 carries, while John Crockett gained 85 rushing yards on just nine carries in the first half and finished the game with 89 rushing yards for Ottawa.

Trevor Harris completed 82 per cent of his passes for 316 yards in the win.

The Esks’ defence notched a takeaway on the opening drive of the game when defensive back Arjen Colquhoun intercepted Davis. Edmonton capitalized on offence with an impressive drive that saw Harris complete a 20-yard strike to receiver DaVaris Daniels before Gable reached the end zone on a 28-yard run, his longest rush of the season.

A solid 41-yard kickoff return from DeVonte Dedmon set the REDBLACKS up to respond, and a 35-yard rush from Crockett put the team in position to score a touchdown. But Edmonton’s defence held strong to force the 10-yard field goal from Ward, cutting the Esks’ lead down to four points.

The REDBLACKS’ offence aired it out to grab the lead just before the second quarter with a 67-yard touchdown bomb from Davis to Rhymes down the left side of the field. The ensuing two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving Ottawa with a 9-7 lead.

Ottawa’s defence stepped up with a takeaway later in the second quarter when linebacker Jerod Fernandez stripped the ball from Harris as the quarterback attempted to gain yards on the ground. Linebacker Avery Williams recovered the ball for the REDBLACKS.

Ward extended Ottawa’s first half lead with a 16-yard field goal, giving the team a five-point lead while extending his CFL record to 69 consecutive successful field goals. The Esks got a momentum boost just before the half when safety Jordan Hoover picked off Davis, leading to a 44-yard field goal from kicker Sean Whyte that made it a 12-10 game heading into half-time.

The Eskimos marched down the field near the end of the third quarter, with Harris stepping up in the pocket to find receiver Ricky Collins Jr. down the field for a 35-yard completion. Daniels then brought the ball down to the one-yard line with an 11-yard catch, but Ottawa’s defensive front stood tall once again to force another turnover on downs by denying Harris on the quarterback sneak.

Edmonton began to get things rolling on offence in the fourth quarter with a 7-play, 67-yard drive that was capped off with a two-yard rushing touchdown from Gable. Harris completed a 25-yard strike to receiver Greg Ellingson to set up the rushing score. Gable’s attempt to break the goal line on the following two-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving Edmonton with a 16-12 lead.

Ottawa managed to get the ball back with under two minutes to play, but the fourth quarter comeback came up just short.

Week 10 will see the Edmonton Eskimos face the Toronto Argonauts in a road game next Friday, while the Ottawa REDBLACKS will host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats next Saturday.