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

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

WPG at SSK 03:00 PM

SSK -5.5

O 47.5

[StarDust Bum]

GAME RECAP
LAUTHER, RIDERS WALK OFF BOMBERS IN LABOUR DAY CLASSIC
CFL.CA STAFF

REGINA — Brett Lauther kicked a 26-yard game-winning field goal with no time on the clock, leading the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a 19-17 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to start off Mark’s Labour Day Weekend.

Opposing quarterback Chris Streveler put the Bombers ahead with three minutes left on a third-down quarterback sneak, but the Riders stormed back after Cody Fajardo completed five straight passes, eventually setting up the game-winning kick to cap off a 10-play, 87-yard drive.

Fajardo finished with 300 yards and a touchdown on 25-of-39 passing, but also threw two interceptions. William Powell rushed for 59 yards on eight carries, including two first downs to set up the game-winning kick. Shaq Evans had 81 yards receiving and a touchdown for the Riders, but Naaman Roosevelt led the way with eight catches for 93 yards.

For the Bombers, Streveler completed 16 of 24 passes for 161 yards, a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown, but was also intercepted twice, while Johnny Augustine rushed for 98 yards on 12 carries in place of the suspended Andrew Harris. Kenny Lawler also scored for Winnipeg, finishing with 67 yards on four catches.

The victory marks the sixth in a row for the Riders and 14th of the last 15 against the Bombers on Labour Day Weekend, while the two clubs will do it all again in Week 13 in the annual Banjo Bowl in Winnipeg, where the Riders can move into a tie for first in the West with Winnipeg.

It was a rocky start for Streveler in his first Labour Day Classic as a starter, as his second passing attempt of the game was intercepted by Riders SAM linebacker Derrick Moncrief. But the Bomber defence answered when former Rider Willie Jefferson sacked Fajardo, forcing a quick punt on the two-and-out.

On a punt single and a safety conceded by punter Justin Medlock, the Riders had a 3-0 lead until late in the first quarter. That’s when Fajardo got the offence moving, starting with a 17-yard completion to Evans followed by a 23-yard pickup by Kyran Moore. Facing second-and-goal from the 10, the first-year Rider would spot Evans in the end zone for six, capping off an eight-play, 69-yard drive to give Saskatchewan a 10-0 lead.

The first 15 minutes couldn’t have gone much better for the Green and White, which held the CFL’s top-scoring first quarter team to minus-10 yards through the opening quarter.

The Bombers wouldn’t be silenced much longer, however. With star running back serving his two-game suspension, it was a rare opportunity for Augustine. The undrafted running back out of Guelph juked out the Riders’ defence and sprinted 55 yards, moving the offence to the Saskatchewan nine.

A play later, Streveler found an open Lawler in the end zone for the touchdown, finishing a quick three-play scoring drive and pulling the Bombers to within three.

Fajardo and the Riders continued to move the ball on offence, but a promising drive was snuffed out at the Winnipeg three, leading to an 11-yard field goal by Brett Lauther. Another one from Lauther, his second, would extend the Riders’ lead, while Medlock’s late response made it a 16-10 edge going to the half.

Hemmed in at their own six-yard-line early in the third, the Bombers climbed out of a hole following a 32-yard pass interference penalty against Moncrief. A facemask penalty against Nick Marshall put the Bombers on the doorstep, but Loucheiz Purifoy read Streveler’s next pass like a book, intercepting the throw intended to Nic Demski to immediately end the threat.

The Winnipeg defence continued to stand tall, however, because a couple of plays later, Fajardo’s deep pass was intercepted by Winston Rose, turning the ball back over to the Bombers. The interception was a league-leading seventh for Rose as neither team could get on the scoreboard in the third.

Backed up at their own 13 and facing a second-and-12, Streveler made one of his biggest throws of the game in the face of pressure, connecting with Lawler for a 37-yard pickup. But the Bombers’ drive ran out of gas once again, as the second half shutout continued well into the fourth quarter.

Trailing by six with 10 minutes to go, the Bombers aimed to finally turn their field position edge into a touchdown when they took possession at around midfield. Slowly but surely it would happen, but it was no easy task for the Bomber offence.

After a long drive down to the Rider one-yard-line, Streveler’s plunge on third down was successful, giving the Bombers their first lead of the game — a 17-16 edge with just over three minutes remaining.

A holding penalty pinned the Riders deep in their own end in would what be the game’s decisive drive. Fajardo, though, making his first career start on Labour Day Weekend, was unfazed. The Riders’ pivot made five straight completions and Powell ran for a first down, setting them up inside the Winnipeg 30 and in field goal range.

Another first down run by Powell set up the eventual game-winning points, as Lauther’s third field goal put the Riders ahead for good.

Despite the slow start, the Bombers wound up 325 total yards and 21 first downs. Their total included 65 rushing yards from Streveler, who drops to 1-1 since taking place of the injured Matt Nichols. Darvin Adams was held to just one catch for 14 yards in his return from the six-game injured list.

Defensively the Bombers had five sacks, while the Riders combated with three of their own — including two from Charleston Hughes, who now leads the CFL with 12 on the season.

[StarDust Bum]

Monday, September 2, 2019
Time (ET) Away Home
1:00 PM Toronto Argonauts Hamilton Tiger Cats
4:30 PM Edmonton Eskimos Calgary Stampeders


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CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE BEST BETS AND OPINIONS

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

09/01/2019 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/25/2019 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/24/2019 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
08/17/2019 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
08/16/2019 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
08/15/2019 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
08/10/2019 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
08/09/2019 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
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..............19-12-1 661.29% +29.00



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BEST BETS:


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


09/01/2019..............0 - 1.............-5.50..............0 - 1.............-5.50................-11.00
08/25/2019..............1 - 0.............+5.00.............0 - 1.............-5.50................-0.50
08/24/2019..............0 - 2.............-11.00.............2 - 0............+10.00..............-1.00
08/17/2019..............1 - 1.............-0.50...............2 - 0............+10.00.............+9.50
08/16/2019..............0 - 1.............-5.50...............1 - 0............+5.00................-0.50
08/15/2019..............1 - 0.............+5.00..............1 - 0.............+5.00..............+10.00
08/10/2019..............0 - 1.............-5.50...............0 - 1..............-5.50...............-11.00
08/09/2019..............2 - 0............+10.00.............1 - 1.............-0.50...............+9.50
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....................10 - 6............+17.00.............9 - 7 - 1..........+12.00..............+29.00

[StarDust Bum]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 13
David Schwab

A late start to Week 12 of the CFL regular season opened on Sunday with Saskatchewan grinding out a 19-17 victory in a home-and-home series opener against West Division rival Winnipeg closing as a 5 ½-point home favorite.

In a double-header of action on Labor Day, Hamilton came away with a 38-27 victory against Toronto in a game that ended as a PUSH with the Tiger-Cats closing as 11-point home favorites. Calgary got the best of Edmonton 25-9 as a 3 ½-point home favorite in the first of two back-to-back games against its West Division rivals.

Friday, Sept. 6

British Columbia Lions (1-9 SU, 3-7 ATS) at Montreal Alouettes (5-4 SU, 5-4 ATS)
Point-spread: Montreal -7
Total: 51 ½

Game Overview

The Lions are already riding out the string with just one straight-up win. They are 2-4 against the spread on the road this season and 3-4 ATS when closing as underdogs. The total has gone OVER in three of their last five road games. Heading into last week’s bye, BC has lost its last six games SU with a 2-5 record ATS over its past seven outings. In a Week 11 loss to Hamilton, the offense managed just 10 points despite Mike Reilly throwing for 286 yards and a score.

Montreal is surprisingly in the hunt for this year’s playoffs out of the East Division. The Alouettes went into last week’s bye with back-to-back road wins against Calgary and Toronto. They are still just 1-3 ATS over their previous four games with the total staying UNDER in three of their last five outings. Vernon Adams Jr. continues to play well at quarterback with 1,889 passing yards and nine touchdown throws in eight games. He threw for 335 yards and two scores his last time out.

Betting Trends

-- BC does have a 4-1 edge both SU and ATS in its last five road games against the Alouettes. The total has stayed UNDER in four of the last six meetings in Montreal and it has stayed UNDER in eight of the last 12 matchups overall.

Saturday, Sept. 7

Toronto Argonauts (1-9 SU, 4-5-1 ATS) at Ottawa RedBlacks (3-7 SU, 4-6 ATS)
Point-spread: Ottawa -5
Total: 51 ½

Game Overview

Toronto is another team that is already making plans for next season. It has posted a 1-3-1 record ATS in five previous road games this season and the total has gone OVER in three of its last four games after going OVER 52 points in Monday’s loss to Hamilton. The Argonauts took a 13-point lead into halftime, but another second-half collapse led to their ninth SU loss in 10 games. Mcleod Bethel-Thompson continues to put up big numbers throwing the ball with 337 yards passing and two scores in that latest losing effort.

The RedBlacks come off a bye in desperate need of a win to stay in the postseason race. A SU 2-0 start is a distance memory with just one more win in their last eight games. This will be the first meeting against Toronto this season. The total went OVER 49 points in a recent 40-18 road loss to Saskatchewan after staying UNDER in four of their previous five games. Three different quarterbacks saw action in that game led by Jonathan Jennings with 208 yards passing the ball. Ottawa gave up 24 points on five turnovers.

Betting Trends

-- Toronto has an 8-3 SU edge in the last 11 meetings of this East Division tilt, but Ottawa is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 home games against the Argonauts. The total has stayed UNDER in eight of the last nine meetings in Ottawa.

Saskatchewan (7-3 SU, 7-3 ATS) at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-3 SU, 8-3 ATS)
Point-spread: Winnipeg -1 ½
Total: 48

Game Overview

The Roughriders can take the lead in the West standings with a series sweep on Saturday. Sunday’s win was their six in a row SU and it was the first time they failed to cover the closing spread in that same span of games. The total stayed UNDER 47 ½ points and it has stayed UNDER in three of their last four games. Saskatchewan is 3-1 ATS in four previous road games this season. The difference in Sunday’s game was a 26-yard field with time running out. Cody Fajardo completed 25-of-39 passes for 300 yards and a score.

Winnipeg remains short-handed on offense with quarterback Mike Nichols out with injury and running back Andrew Harris finishing up a two-game league suspension. In their place in Sunday’s game, Chris Streveler went 16-for-24 passing the ball for 161 yards. He threw one touchdown pass against a pair of interceptions. Johnny Augustine gained 98 rushing yards on 12 carries. The Blue Bombers are 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS at home this season.

Betting Trends

-- Winnipeg has a slight 6-4 SU edge over the past 10 meetings in this West Division clash with an even 5-5 mark ATS. The total has stayed UNDER in the last three matchups after going OVER in the previous five meetings.

Calgary Stampeders (6-4 SU, 4-6 ATS) at Edmonton Eskimos (6-5 SU, 4-7 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -1
Total: 48

Game Overview

Calgary had lost its previous two games to Winnipeg on the road and to Montreal at home ahead of Monday’s win. It is 3-1 ATS over its last four games with the total staying UNDER the closing line in six of its last eight contests. Bo Levi Mitchell was back under center for the Stampeders on Monday and he looked sharp in his return with 263 yards passing and one touchdown throw while completing 67.9 percent of his 28 passing attempts. KaDeem Carey had a big day running the ball with 143 yards rushing on 16 carries.

This becomes a crucial game for Edmonton in the West Division title race. It lost to Winnipeg at home 34-28 in Week 11 as a 5 ½-point favorite. It also has a previous 24-18 loss to Calgary as one-point road favorites on Aug. 3. This is part of a SU 2-4 record in division play. Trevor Harris was able to complete 77.1 percent of his 35 passing attempts for 216 yards, but he could not get the Eskimos into the end zone through the air. The offense only added another 55 yards on the ground.

Betting Trends

-- Calgary has won eight of the last 10 meetings SU, but this series is tied at 5-5 ATS during the same span. The total has now stayed UNDER in five of the last seven meetings overall and it has also stayed UNDER in two of the last three meetings in Edmonton.

[StarDust Bum]

CFL Week 13 preview, odds, picks & predictions: Mitchell gives Stampeders odds a boost

By: Rohit Ponnaiya

Bo Levi Mitchell returned to Calgary's lineup in Week 12 to defeat Edmonton 25-9 and the Stampders are -point faves to defeat the Eskimos again in Week 13.

It's Week 1 of the NFL season but don't let your football watching - and betting - end there, it's also Week 13 of the CFL season and With last year's Most Outstanding Player back in action for the defending Grey Cup champions things are heating up.

We break down the odds (provided by 10bet.com) and bring you in-depth analysis and predictions for all the football games on this weekend's CFL schedule.

Season Betting Trends

Favorites: 34-12 SU, 21-24-1 ATS
Home teams: 28-18 SU, 24-21-1 ATS
Over/Under: 21-24

Week 13 Picks: 2-1
Season to date: 18-22-2

BC LIONS AT MONTREAL ALOUETTES

ODDS: Montreal -6.5, O/U: 51.5
TIME: Friday, September 6, 7:30 p.m. ET

BC was expected to be one of the best teams in the league this year after adding star quarterback Mike Reilly, but they've been one of the worst. Their defense has been awful and their offensive line woes has made life miserable for Reilly while failing to open up holes in the run game.

Montreal was expected to be awful but have been solid - at least when compared to the other teams in the East. Vernon Adams Jr gives them a dual-threat at QB and William Stanback is one of the league's best backs when healthy. Stanback returned from a foot injury against Toronto in Week 11 but didn't seem 100 percent, the bye week should have helped him get closer to full speed.

The Lions are 1-5 on the road this season with that lone win coming by a last-second single point in Toronto. Take the home side to cover.

PICK: Montreal -6.5


TORONTO ARGONAUTS AT OTTAWA REDBLACKS

ODDS: Ottawa -5, O/U: 51.5
TIME: Saturday, September 7, 1:00 p.m. ET

Ottawa has lost seven of their last eight contests, including three in a row. Over that span their offense has put up just 14.6 points per game. Toronto's offense isn't going to be mistaken for the Greatest Show on Turf but they have eclipsed 20 points in each of their last four games, a feat that the Redblacks have accomplished in just one of their previous eight contests.

A big reason for the Argos improvement on offense has been QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson who has thrown for 1334 yards and nine touchdowns with no interceptions over his last four contests. The RedBlacks situation at QB is an absolute mess as they flip a coin between Jonathan Jennings and Dominique Davis. Regardless of who wins that quarterback battle expect Redblacks fans to lose. Fade Ottawa and grab Toronto and the points.

PICK: Toronto +5


SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS AT WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

ODDS: Winnipeg -1.5, O/U: 48
TIME: Saturday, September 7, 4:00 p.m. ET

The Riders have won six consecutive games in row and have held opponents to just 16.4 ppg over their last five contests. The Bombers defense allows the second-fewest points in the league (19.8 ppg) and they're even better at home where they give up just 16.6 ppg.

These teams played each other last week and we nailed our Under bet with both sides packing strong defenses and struggling offenses. With Winnipeg still missing their starting QB in Matt Nichols and their best offensive weapon in running back Andrew Harris it could be another game with lots of punting. Take the Under.

PICK: Under 48


CALGARY STAMPEDERS AT EDMONTON ESKIMOS

ODDS: Edmonton -3, O/U: 47
TIME: Saturday, September 7, 7:00 p.m. ET

He's back!!! Last year's Most Outstanding Player Bo Levi Mitchell stepped back into action for the Stamps last week and was his usual efficient self tossing for 263 yards on 28 attempts. Calgary has now beaten the Eskimos twice this season, and will look to make it three for three. This time however they'll have to do it on the road.

Edmonton has been piling up yards but struggling to punch it into the end zone going 0-5 in the red zone over their last two games. They rank first in the league in yards per game with 429.5, but are just sixth in scoring with 24.8 points per game. Take Calgary and the points.

PICK: Calgary +3

[StarDust Bum]

CFL
Dunkel

Week 13

Friday, September 6

BC Lions @ Montreal

Game 681-682
September 6, 2019 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
BC Lions
111.347
Montreal
113.185
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Montreal
by 2
53
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Montreal
by 7
51 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
BC Lions
(+7); Over


Saturday, September 7

Toronto @ Ottawa

Game 683-684
September 7, 2019 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
103.442
Ottawa
105.696
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 2
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
by 5
51 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+5); Over

Saskatchewan @ Winnipeg

Game 685-686
September 7, 2019 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Saskatchewan
99.756
Winnipeg
123.334
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 23 1/2
43
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Winnipeg
by 1 1/2
48
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(-1 1/2); Under

Calgary @ Edmonton

Game 687-688
September 7, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Calgary
110.193
Edmonton
122.698
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 12 1/2
45
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
by 2 1/2
47
Dunkel Pick:
Edmonton
(-2 1/2); Under




CFL
Long Sheet

Week 13

Friday, September 6

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BRITISH COLUMBIA (1 - 9) at MONTREAL (5 - 4) - 9/6/2019, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 61-37 ATS (+20.3 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
MONTREAL is 44-65 ATS (-27.5 Units) when playing on a Friday since 1996.
MONTREAL is 51-82 ATS (-39.2 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1996.

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

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Saturday, September 7

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TORONTO (1 - 9) at OTTAWA (3 - 7) - 9/7/2019, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) versus division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.

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

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SASKATCHEWAN (7 - 3) at WINNIPEG (8 - 3) - 9/7/2019, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) off a division game this season.
WINNIPEG is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
WINNIPEG is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 143-104 ATS (+28.6 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 5-3 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 4-4 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CALGARY (6 - 4) at EDMONTON (6 - 5) - 9/7/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 137-105 ATS (+21.5 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1996.
EDMONTON is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 5-3 against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-2 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CFL

Week 13

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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Friday, September 6

Montreal Alouettes
Montreal is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games
Montreal is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Montreal is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Montreal is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games at home
Montreal is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games at home
Montreal is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing British Columbia
Montreal is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Montreal's last 12 games when playing British Columbia
Montreal is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against British Columbia
Montreal is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing at home against British Columbia
British Columbia Lions
British Columbia is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games
British Columbia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
British Columbia is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
British Columbia is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of British Columbia's last 7 games on the road
British Columbia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Montreal
British Columbia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of British Columbia's last 12 games when playing Montreal
British Columbia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
British Columbia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of British Columbia's last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal


Saturday, September 7

Ottawa RedBlacks
Ottawa is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Ottawa is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games
Ottawa is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Ottawa is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Ottawa is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 7 games when playing Toronto
Ottawa is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Toronto
Ottawa is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Ottawa's last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto
Toronto Argonauts
Toronto is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 games
Toronto is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games
Toronto is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing Ottawa
Toronto is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Toronto is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto's last 9 games when playing on the road against Ottawa

Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Winnipeg is 14-5 ATS in its last 19 games
Winnipeg is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games
Winnipeg is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Winnipeg is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Winnipeg's last 8 games at home
Winnipeg is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Saskatchewan
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Winnipeg's last 15 games when playing Saskatchewan
Winnipeg is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Saskatchewan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Saskatchewan is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Saskatchewan is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Saskatchewan's last 9 games on the road
Saskatchewan is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Saskatchewan's last 15 games when playing Winnipeg
Saskatchewan is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg

Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Edmonton's last 9 games
Edmonton is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games at home
Edmonton is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Calgary
Edmonton is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 7 games when playing Calgary
Edmonton is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Calgary
Edmonton is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Calgary
Edmonton is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Calgary
Calgary Stampeders
Calgary is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Calgary's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Calgary's last 7 games on the road
Calgary is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Edmonton
Calgary is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games when playing Edmonton
Calgary is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Calgary is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Calgary is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton

[StarDust Bum]

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

BC at MTL 07:30 PM

BC +6.5

O 50.5

[StarDust Bum]

GAME RECAP
VERNON ADAMS JR. LEADS ALS PAST LIONS FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WIN
CFL.CA STAFF

MONTREAL — Vernon Adams Jr. threw a touchdown and ran for two more as the Montreal Alouettes claimed a 21-16 home victory against the BC Lions on Friday night. The Als now hold a 6-4 record after winning three straight.

A pair of rushing touchdowns from Adams gave the Als an early two-score lead, but the Lions responded before half-time with a 40-yard touchdown pass from Mike Reilly to Bryan Burnham. A 19-yard field goal from Sergio Castillo brought the Lions closer in the third quarter after BC’s defence slowed the Als down, and Castillo made it a one-point game early in the fourth quarter with a 26-yard field goal.

Adams led a touchdown drive in the fourth quarter to put Montreal up by eight points, but the Lions added another field goal late in the quarter to make it a five-point game. The Lions got the ball back on offence with under thirty seconds to go after BC’s defence stopped Montreal on third-and-one, but the Als were able to hold on for the win after a clutch sack from John Bowman.

Adams threw for 232 yards while completing 18 of 25 passes and now leads the league with ten rushing touchdowns on the season. William Stanback gained 133 total yards on 15 carries and two catches.

Reilly completed 20 of 29 passes for 230 yards, and Burnham had another standout performance for BC by catching all eight of his targets for 129 yards.

Brandon Rutley gained a first down on the first play of the game with a solid 12-yard run that gave BC a good start, but Bowman stiffed the Lions’ opening drive by taking Reilly down for his third sack of the season.

Stanback broke free for a 36-yard catch-and-run on Montreal’s first drive before following it up with an 11-yard gain on the ground, but the Alouettes walked away without a point after a holding penalty on a missed field goal attempt negated a single and forced a punt.

The Als opened up the scoring in the second quarter on a one-yard quarterback sneak touchdown from Adams. Stanback set up the score up by carrying the ball down to the goal line on an eight-yard run after DeVier Posey moved the ball into scoring range with a 24-yard catch. Bede kicked the convert to give the Als a 7-0 lead.

Montreal’s defence forced another punt on the following drive, and a 21-yard run from Stanback helped set up a deep pass to Eugene Lewis in the end zone. But Lions defensive back Branden Dozier made early contact on Lewis and drew a pass interference penalty, placing the ball at the one-yard line and setting up Adams’ second rushing score of the game. Bede added the extra point to put Montreal up 14-0 with just over five minutes to play in the half.

Reilly and the Lions looked to respond before half-time, and that mission was accomplished when Reilly connected with Burnham for a 40-yard touchdown. The Lions’ top receiver gained 22 yards after the catch and broke multiple tackles on his way to the end zone for the score. Castillo kicked the extra point to cut Montreal’s lead in half.

The Als made another push on offence before the end of the half, but Adams was picked off by Garry Peters in the end zone while trying to complete a deep pass in the final seconds.

The Lions cut into the Als’ lead again after a long drive in the third quarter led to a 19-yard field goal from Castillo. Rutley carried the ball four times for 29 tough yards on the drive to help set up the kick.

BC’s defence stepped up in the third quarter and prevented the Als from adding to their lead, and the team took advantage by adding a 26-yard field goal that made it a one-point game with just under thirteen minutes to go in the game.

The Als responded on their next possession, as Adams orchestrated a touchdown drive that saw the quarterback gain four first downs through the air before finishing the drive off with a four-yard touchdown pass to Quan Bray. Bede added the extra point to put Montreal up 21-13.

Castillo kicked a 47-yard field goal to make it a five-point game with just under three minutes remaining, and the Lions got the ball back on offence in the game’s final thirty seconds. But the Als were able to hold on for the win after Bowman added his fourth sack of the season.

Week 14 will see the BC Lions host the Ottawa REDBLACKS next Friday, while the Montreal Alouettes will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders on the road next Saturday.

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday, September 7, 2019
Time (ET) Away Home
1:00 PM Toronto Argonauts Ottawa Redblacks
4:00 PM Saskatchewan Roughriders Winnipeg Blue Bombers
7:00 PM Calgary Stampeders Edmonton Eskimos


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CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE BEST BETS AND OPINIONS

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

09/06/2019.......1-1-0.....50.00%......-0.50
09/01/2019...... 0-2-0...... 0.00%..... -11.00
08/25/2019...... 1-1-0 .....50.00%..... -0.50
08/24/2019 ......2-2-0 .....50.00%..... -1.00
08/17/2019...... 3-1-0..... 75.00%..... +9.50
08/16/2019...... 1-1-0 .....50.00%..... -0.50
08/15/2019...... 2-0-0 .....100.00%.... +10.00
08/10/2019...... 0-2-0........ 0.00%.... -11.00
08/09/2019...... 3-1-0 .......75.00%.... +9.50
08/08/2019...... 1-0-1.......100.00%.... +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..............20-13-1..... 60.60%.... +28.500



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


BEST BETS:


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

09/06/2019..............1 - 0 ............+5.00............0 - 1..............-5.50................-0.50
09/01/2019..............0 - 1.............-5.50..............0 - 1.............-5.50................-11.00
08/25/2019..............1 - 0.............+5.00.............0 - 1.............-5.50................-0.50
08/24/2019..............0 - 2.............-11.00.............2 - 0............+10.00..............-1.00
08/17/2019..............1 - 1.............-0.50...............2 - 0............+10.00.............+9.50
08/16/2019..............0 - 1.............-5.50...............1 - 0............+5.00................-0.50
08/15/2019..............1 - 0.............+5.00..............1 - 0.............+5.00..............+10.00
08/10/2019..............0 - 1.............-5.50...............0 - 1..............-5.50...............-11.00
08/09/2019..............2 - 0............+10.00.............1 - 1.............-0.50...............+9.50
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....................11 - 6............+22.00.............9 - 8 - 1..........+6.50..............+28.50

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday’s 6-pack

NHL over/under point totals for 2019-20:

Anaheim Ducks 81.5

Arizona Coyotes 89.5

Boston Bruins 100.5

Buffalo Sabres 83.5

Calgary Flames 96.5

Carolina Hurricanes 95.5

Movie Quote of the Day
“……Who cares? I’ll tell you. Me. I’m not your best friend. I’m your only friend. I don’t make anything? I’m making you money. And lest we forget, that’s the only reason any of you became stockholders in the first place. You want to make money! You don’t care if they manufacture wire and cable, fried chicken, or grow tangerines!

You want to make money! I’m the only friend you’ve got. I’m making you money. Take the money. Invest it somewhere else. Maybe, maybe you’ll get lucky and it’ll be used productively. And if it is, you’ll create new jobs and provide a service for the economy and, God forbid, even make a few bucks for yourselves.

And if anybody asks, tell ’em ya gave at the plant. And by the way, it pleases me that I am called “Larry the Liquidator.” You know why, fellow stockholders? Because at my funeral, you’ll leave with a smile on your face and a few bucks in your pocket. Now that’s a funeral worth having!”
Danny DeVito, in Other People’s Money

Saturday’s quiz
What city hosts the Camellia Bowl every December?

Friday’s quiz
Mitchell Trubisky played his college football at North Carolina.

Thursday’s quiz
Adrian Peterson is the only active NFL player who has been the NFL MVP but isn’t a QB.

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Saturday’s List of 13: Random stuff with the weekend here…….

13) Good Lord I’m tired of hearing about Antonio Brown; Oakland Raiders gave up 3rd and 5th round draft picks for Brown, who turned into a huge pain in the neck. The latest drama between Brown and GM Mike Mayock happened after HBO’s Hard Knocks turned their cameras off for the summer. Too bad.

Brown has $30.125M of guaranteed money in his contract, so he “apologized” Friday because otherwise they were going to cut him, and he was going to lose the $30M. Go figure.

12) Line on Monday’s Denver-Oakland game moved from pick ‘em to Broncos -2 as soon as news of Brown’s Thursday hijinks became public. Total also dropped a point; we’ll see if the spread moves back to where it was, now that Brown is back in Monday’s lineup.

11) Week 1 of the NFL season should be called National Overreaction Week.

Everyone that wins is going to the Super Bowl; the losers are all going to get fired or replaced by their backup.

Green Bay’s 10-3 win in Chicago Thursday was a dull, defensive struggle, and now the teams not playing their starters in preseason are getting the blame. All of which raises the question, is it worth it to risk a starter getting hurt in a meaningless game to be sharper in Week 1?

10) Jacob deGrom has a 2.18 ERA in his last 60 starts; Mets are 24-36 in those games.

9) Seven American League games Friday night; only one of 14 starting pitchers got a decision; lot of close ballgames, plus a few teams were using openers.

8) Phillies’ catcher JT Realmuto has started 118 games behind plate this year, 14 more than anyone else in the major leagues.

7) Baseball stuff:
— Astros’ P Aaron Sanchez (shoulder) is done for the year.
— Cubs put P Craig Kimbrel (elbow) on IL.

6) When the A’s/Tigers resumed a suspended game from May 19 Friday, Oakland was missing three of the nine players in their lineup when the game was stopped back then. Detroit was missing four of nine.

A’s closer Liam Hendriks wasn’t the closer back in May; he was in the game when it was stopped in the 7th inning back then, so he was on the mound when the game resumed Friday.

5) NHL’s San Jose Sharks hired former LA Dodgers’ general manager Ned Colletti as a scout; he once covered the Philadelphia Flyers as a beat writer, but has never worked in a hockey front office, so this is a very unusual move.

4) Glad to see Vlade Divac getting inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame this week; he was one of my favorite players to watch, a big guy who was a terrific passer. Divac was a big part of the 2002 Sacramento Kings, who lost the Western Conference final to the Lakers in seven games, one of the toughest losses I can remember in the NBA playoffs.

3) Thursday night’s Green Bay-Chicago game averaged a 12.8 rating and 22.0M viewers, up 13% and 16% vs last year’s Falcons/Eagles Week 1 Thursday game. It was the highest-rated and most-watched Week 1 Thursday game since 2016.

2) Wake Forest 41, Rice 21— If Wake Forest gets to a bowl game this year, it’ll be the 4th year in a row for the Deacons; Wake Forest has never played in four consecutive bowls.

1) Altering an official government weather forecast is actually illegal. Who knew?

[StarDust Bum]

PREVIEW
ARGOS, REDBLACKS KICK OFF SATURDAY TRIPLE HEADER
CFL.CA STAFF

OTTAWA – Two teams looking to keep pace in the East Division are set to square off in the nation’s capital, with the Ottawa REDBLACKS welcoming the Toronto Argonauts to TD Place Saturday afternoon.

Both the REDBLACKS and Argos are in desperate need of a win, with Toronto losers of three straight and Ottawa winless since Week 8. The teams are chasing the Montreal Alouettes for second place in the East.

The Als sit four points ahead of the REDBLACKS and eight points ahead of Toronto, although both clubs still have head-to-head meetings with Montreal on their schedule.

“[The Argos] are a capable football team, they play a lot of close games,” REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell told OttawaREDBLACKS.com. “They’re somewhat like us in that they’ve played some close games they haven’t been on the right side of. It’s not a cliché that anybody can beat anybody – they’re proof of it over the last couple of weeks.”

The REDBLACKS are looking to turn their fortunes around by handing the reins to the offence to Jonathon Jennings. A seasoned quarterback who is slated to make his 45th career start on Saturday, Jennings showed positive flashes in the team’s Week 11 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Jennings completed 61.5 per cent of his passes and threw for 208 yards. His numbers were largely boosted by a 75-yard catch-and-run to Dominique Rhymes.

“One of the things about this professional game is you’re going to have pressure as a quarterback to win,” Jennings said. “The biggest thing is I’ve been here and done it. I’ve been in this league for four years and a starter in each season. I’ve understood what that pressure feels like and I get what comes with being a starter.”

Ottawa is also hoping to start performing in front of the home crowd. The REDBLACKS are one of only two teams in the league with a worse record at home than on the road. Moreover, Jennings has thrown a mere 24 passes in Ottawa this season, the majority of which came in a loss to the Calgary Stampeders.

Meanwhile, the Argos are searching for their first road victory of the year and any sort of momentum, really.

McLeod Bethel-Thompson has been putting up more than respectable numbers in recent games. In three of Toronto’s last four games, Bethel-Thompson has put up more than 300 passing yards, including a 464-yard performance against Montreal in Touchdown Atlantic. The pivot hasn’t tossed an interception during the four-game stretch.

Having Derel Walker in top form has certainly helped Bethel-Thompson pad his stats. Walker’s career in Toronto started off slowly (seven receptions through his first three games), but he looked to have turned the corner in the Labour Day Classic. The 28-year-old wideout caught nine passes – including a 96-yard catch-and-run – and scored two touchdowns, earning Shaw Top Performer of the Week honours.

The Toronto defence also showed signs of coming into their own on Labour Day. They held the Ticats to 11 first-half points, forced six turnovers and sacked Dane Evans seven times.

“I thought they started the game pretty hot,” Argos head coach Corey Chamblin told Argonauts.ca of his defence’s performance last week. “[Hamilton] adjusted to the man coverage and we didn’t play as tight a man coverage in the second half. Overall, regardless of the numbers, I thought we were aggressive.

Justin Herdman-Reed led the way on Labour Day, notching eight total tackles, two sacks and forcing a fumble. Trumaine Washington and Qudarius Ford each earned interceptions.

Ottawa scores the second-fewest points on average in the league this season, so if the Argos can turn in another commanding defensive outing, they’ll be well on their way to earning their second win of the season.

“It’s a short week, so it’s more of a mental week – getting ourselves mentally prepared,” Herdman-Reed said. “I see a lot of guys who are locked in and focused on their jobs. Big plays are starting to happen, balls are falling in our favour. We’re going to continue to carry that forward into this week against Ottawa.”

REDBLACK starting tailback John Crockett finds himself back on the injured list. Crockett established himself as the team’s go-to back, but sat out Week 10 after being banged up against the Edmonton Eskimos. He returned for Week 11, getting hurt early in the second quarter.

Mossis Madu will get the start at running back for Ottawa. The fifth-year player is looking to replicate the form that saw him earn 140 total yards in a season-opening win over Calgary.

BY THE NUMBERS

178 – Consecutive pass attempts from McLeod Bethel-Thompson with no interceptions.

4-2 – Jonathon Jennings’ career record against the Argonauts.

5,015 – Career receiving yards for Derel Walker. He eclipsed the 5,000-yard mark last week.

12 – Straight games without a rushing touchdown for Toronto, a new league record.

Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on TSN, RDS and ESPN+.

[StarDust Bum]

PREVIEW
ESKS SEEK REVENGE IN BATTLE OF ALBERTA REMATCH
CFL.CA STAFF

EDMONTON – Bo is back.

In his return from a two-month stint on the injured list, Bo Levi Mitchell helped the Calgary Stampeders to a victory over the Edmonton Eskimos on Labour Day. He’ll try to do it again in the rematch at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

In their clash last week, the Stamps emerged 25-9 winners while dominating all phases of the game.

Mitchell didn’t light up the stats sheet on Labour Day, but as usual, the Stampeders found a way to win. The 29-year-old pivot’s final line shows he completed 19 passes for 263 yards and a touchdown while not tossing an interception.

A key to victory for Calgary was quality play from the offensive line. Mitchell wasn’t sacked by the Eskimos, who are tied with Hamilton for the league lead in sacks with 33.

“Definitely felt great,” Mitchell told Stampeders.com when asked about the O-line. “Those guys, man, were awesome. Try to give ‘em the credit, though, and they’re gonna try and push it to other guys. They weren’t losing their one-on-one blocks. Just locked in, physically, the entire game.”

Another beneficiary of the offensive line was running back Ka’Deem Carey. The first-year Stampeder notched his first 100-yard rushing game last Saturday, earning 143 yards on 16 touches.

Labour Day was also Carey’s return from the injured reserve, having been sidelined since Week 7. Carey is penciled in as the starter this week, even with a healthy Don Jackson in the lineup. Jackson, a breakout star in 2018, has only played three games this season.

On the opposite sideline, the Eskimos are searching for answers. They failed to get going offensively, with Trevor Harris throwing for just 216 yards (his lowest output of the year). The run game also didn’t get established, with the normally dependable C.J. Gable being held to 35 yards on the ground.

“It’s human nature after you lose to want to do better,” Head Coach Jason Maas told Esks.com. “Ultimately, if you care and you have pride, and our group does, you want to be better. If you look at the film, you understand that we need to be better to beat them.”

It is now a tune Harris is becoming tired of – he can’t beat the Stampeders. Over his 70 career starts, Calgary is the only team he has yet to beat. He owns a 0-8-2 record against his Alberta rivals, while his 90.8 pass efficiency is his lowest against any CFL opponent. Additionally, Harris’s 11 interceptions thrown to the Stamps are the most versus any other team.

“They beat us in the Grey Cup last year,” Harris told Esks.com. “My feeling towards the Stamps hasn’t changed with changing colours. They’re no different than any other team really. It’s about us, as long as we can go out and execute, I feel the sky is the limit if we go out and play our best.”

The Eskimos weren’t at their best offensively, but credit is due for the Calgary defence as well. Harris was picked off once and had five of his passes knocked down. The Stamps defence was disciplined in the game, taking a single penalty while sacking Harris twice.

“I’d definitely say it was one of our better tackling games,” linebacker Jamar Wall said. “Didn’t leave too many out there. That’s always a priority around here. Tackle, tackle, tackle. Especially the way the league is going, involving a lot of running back action, even in the pass game. Our coaching staff puts a real emphasis on that part of the game.”

While Harris didn’t do enough to get the Eskimos the win last week, he moved himself into a tie with a CFL great. Labour Day was his 24th consecutive game with 20 or more completions. He is tied with former teammate Ricky Ray and has the chance to set the record at Commonwealth.

The Stampeders’ Reggie Begelton is enjoying a breakout campaign and could take over the CFL lead in receiving yards. With 10 grabs for 138 yards last week, he is now just 20 yards behind Brandon Banks for most in the league. With Hamilton on a bye week and the 26-year-old Begelton coming off back-to-back 100-yard performances, it seems likely he will assume top spot.

Now in his third CFL season, Begelton’s 842 yards through 10 games are more than he put up in his first two seasons, combined.

BY THE NUMBERS

1 – Turnover by Calgary in their last two games. They made 12 in their previous five games.

10 – Tackles by Edmonton’s Jordan Hoover last week, a career-high.

0% – The Eskimos percentage of touchdowns when driving into the red zone in the last two games (0-for-5).

133 – Tackles this season for Cory Greenwood, if he continues his current pace. That would be a team record.

Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on TSN, RDS and ESPN+.

[StarDust Bum]

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

TOR at OTT 01:00 PM
TOR +5.0
O 51.5

SSK at WPG 04:00 PM
SSK +2.0
U 47.5

CGY at EDM 07:00 PM
CGY +2.5
O 47.0

[StarDust Bum]

GAME RECAP
SMOOTH SAILING: ARGOS HANDLE REDBLACKS TO GET BACK IN WIN COLUMN
CFL.CA STAFF

OTTAWA — The Toronto Argonauts defeated the Ottawa REDBLACKS 46-17 at TD Place on Saturday afternoon to win their second game of the 2019 season.

James Wilder Jr. scored three times while Derel Walker and Rodney Smith added touchdowns for the double blue as Toronto walked away with their first road victory of the campaign.

Wilder Jr. finished with 42 yards on the ground on eight carries to go along with 45 yards through the air on three catches. Walker hauled in five passes for 90 yards while Smith caught five for 52 yards. S.J. Green led all receivers in the contest with 130 yards and defensive back Qudarius Ford got in on the scoring for Toronto as well, take a fumble recovery to the house.

Argos quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw for 411 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in the victory.

Bethel-Thompson’s counterpart, Jonathon Jennings, completed 33 of 42 pass attempts for 327 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the loss. REDBLACKS receiver Brad Sinopoli caught the only touchdown pass for the home team while Lewis Ward went 3/4 on field goals.

The win improved Toronto to 2-9 while Ottawa dropped to 3-8.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS defence started the afternoon with a bang as defensive lineman George Uko picked off Bethel-Thompson on the Argonauts first offensive drive. The interception was the first for the Argos pivot in 179 throwing attempts. That turnover brought out Jennings and the REDBLACKS offence for the first time in the contest.

Jennings wasted no time putting points on the board, driving down the short field and finding Brad Sinopoli for a 12-yard major score. With Lewis Ward’s converted point-after, the home team took a 7-0 lead just three minutes into the first quarter.

Toronto responded to Ottawa’s touchdown with three points of their own, as Tyler Crapigna booted a 47-yard field goal. That score cut the REDBLACKS lead to 7-3.

It appeared that Ottawa had turned the ball over, with Abdul Kanneh knocking the ball out of Jerminic Smith‘s hands and Alden Darby scooping it up, but the call was overturned after review from the command centre. Instead, the REDBLACKS settled to end the drive with three points as Ward booted a 45-yard field goal to increase their lead to 10-3.

Toronto’s first major score of the afternoon was a one-yard touchdown from Derel Walker, who came around the edge to run into the end zone. Bethel-Thompson tossed to Armanti Edwards who was stuffed at the one-yard line by Anthony Cioffi to set up the touchdown. The seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, along with Crapigna’s point-after, tied things at 10 with just over two minutes left in the first frame.

Things started to get a little wild in the nation’s capital on the next drive. Argos defensive lineman, and 2019 CFL draft pick, Robbie Smith sacked Jennings and Ian Wild recovered the football, bringing the Argos offence back onto the field.

But the REDBLACKS defence responded right away, as De’Chavon Hayes picked off Bethel-Thompson on his first throw of the drive and returned it 51 yards before Edwards brought him down, and Jennings got right back into action.

To start the second quarter, there was yet another turnover in the ball game. Jennings was looking to score and Darby picked off the REDBLACKS pivot in the end zone.

Toronto took their first lead of the game with 8:52 left in the first half, as Crapigna’s 39-yard field goal attempt was wide and Stefan Logan conceded the single.

Rodney Smith scored a 24-yard major late in the second quarter, a touchdown that was set up by two big plays from Argo receivers. First was a 29-yard gain from Edwards followed by a 37-yard gain from Walker that led to Bethel-Thompson finding Smith for the score. Along with the point-after, the Argos took an 18-10 lead with under five minutes left to play in the first half.

As the minutes were ticking down in the first 30 minutes of the ball game, Ward booted a 16-yard field goal to cut the Argonauts lead to 18-13. That would be the final scoring play of the first half.

To start the second half, there was yet another turnover and this one went in the Argonauts favour. Robert Woodson knocked the ball out of Sinopoli’s hands and Qudarius Ford scooped it up and returned it 43 yards for the touchdown. With the completed point after, Toronto extended their lead to 25-13.

Ottawa’s first points of the second half was a 42-yard field goal from Ward with just over six minutes left in the third quarter to cut Toronto’s lead to 25-16.

Uko continued to make an impact on the game, recovering a fumble to go along with his interception early in the contest, as the Argonauts were knocking at Ottawa’s doorstep.

Toronto opened the fourth quarter with a touchdown as James Wilder Jr. caught a pass out of the backfield for the major score. It was an eight-play, 83-yard scoring drive, that started in the third frame to give the Argonauts a 32-16 lead.

Wilder found the end zone once again with 10 minutes left in the fourth. The Argos running back was wide open coming out of the backfield to catch a pass from his quarterback and waltz untouched to score the major. That score extended the Argos lead to 39-17.

The REDBLACKS fifth turnover of the game came with just five minutes left. Mossis Madu was stopped by the Argos defence and Kenneh forced the fumble out of the REDBLACKS running back’s hands and it was recovered by Woodson. Toronto then started a drive on the REDBLACKS 13 yard line.

That turnover led to Wilder’s third touchdown of the afternoon as he jumped through the REDBLACKS defence and into the end zone to extend the visitors lead to 46-17.

Will Arndt took over at quarterback for the REDBLACKS to finish off the contest and James Franklin did the same for Toronto as the Argonauts would leave Ottawa with a win.

Up next, the Argonauts head out on Week 14 bye while the REDBLACKS head West to take on the BC Lions.

[StarDust Bum]

GAME RECAP
STRUMMIN’ ALONG: MONSTER FIRST HALF POWERS BOMBERS TO BANJO BOWL VICTORY
CFL.CA STAFF

WINNIPEG — A 28-point first half by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers helped them cruise to their ninth Banjo Bowl and a 35-10 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday.

Quarterback Chris Streveler completed 15 of 21 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns while adding 70 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground.

Johnny Augustine rushed for 44 yards on 13 carries, but it was his 58-yard touchdown reception that was his biggest highlight of the game.

Willie Jefferson continued to be a problem for opposing offensive lines. He compiled three tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. Winston Rose also added two tackles and an interception.

Cody Fajardo went 16-for-24 with 196 yards in the loss.

The Bombers’ opening drive was nearly cut short after the Riders got to Streveler and pushed him back to Winnipeg’s 3-yard line. He’d answer on the next play by tucking the ball and running for 17 yards and a first down. The Saskatchewan defence would have trouble with penalties to open the game. Derrick Moncrief was called for illegal contact, giving the Bombers a fresh set of downs, a roughing the passer call on Micah Johnson would tack on 15 and a pass interference penalty in the end zone by Ed Gainey gave the hosts the ball on the goal line.

From there, Streveler would hit pay dirt on the sneak play to open the scoring. After a Justin Medlock point after, it would be 7-0. Their opening possession spanned over half of the opening quarter and kept the opposing offence on their sideline.

Fajardo and the Riders would get their first points to finish off the first frame. He found Shaq Evans for 21 yards before hitting Kyran Moore for a pair of completions totalling 25 yards. However, a holding call would halt the drive and force the Riders to settle for three points. Brett Lauther would knock a 16-yard chip shot through the uprights to cut the lead to four.

Following a facemask penalty on the Riders have Winnipeg more free yardage, Streveler would scramble again, making a move to the right before pinballing off three defenders and getting the first down on a 21-yard run. After another 7-yard scamper, Streveler found Daniel Petermann in the middle of the end zone for the passing score. It would be 14-3 following Medlock’s convert.

With Lucky Whitehead out of the lineup, return duties fell on Janarion Grant. He’d make a mark to end the first half, corralling a Jon Ryan punt near his own 40, making a move to the right sideline before beating the kicking team and taking it all the way to the house for the 72-yard score. It would serve as Grant’s third return touchdown of the campaign.

Jefferson got his second sack of the game, going untouched to Fajardo and popping the ball loose. The Bombers would fall on it, giving them the chance to improve their lead before the end of the half.

They’d do just that. Streveler would hit Drew Wolitarsky over the middle for a gain of 10 before finding Petermann while rolling right for a 17-yard gain. That would set the stage for the pivot’s second rushing score of the afternoon. It would be a 27-3 lead for the Bombers heading into the locker rooms.

The second half would open the same way the first ended: with the Bombers in control. Following a three-and-out by Saskatchewan to open the third, Streveler went back to work, finding Rasheed Bailey twice — once for a gain of 15 and then another for 7 yards. Augustine then found himself behind the defence, and his quarterback hit him in stride. The running back made his way down the left sideline, won the foot race and extended for the pylon to complete the 58-yard catch and run to push the lead to 31.

Saskatchewan got its first point of the half when Ryan’s punt wasn’t taken out of the end zone by Grant.

They’d add to that total, as Fajardo led a 10-play, 80-yard drive that ended with him calling his own number and punching it in from eight yards out.

In an effort to get closer, Fajardo would chuck a ball up near the end zone, but instead of landing in the hands of Evans, Rose came up with the interception. That would all but seal the 35-10 win, as the Bombers would run out the majority of the clock. Saskatchewan backup quarterback Isaac Harker led the team down the field in a last-ditch effort to put up points. They got into the red zone, but the drive ended with a turnover on downs.

The Bombers have extended their lead atop the West Division standings with the victory. They have a bye week in Week 14 but will return to action on Sept 21 against the Montreal Alouettes. The Riders will be trying to avoid a second straight loss when they welcome the Als to Mosaic Stadium on Sept 14.