Saturday, November 27, 2010

Grey Cup Pick

So tomorrow evening the Montreal Alouettes will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 98th Grey Cup in Edmonton Alberta.

Although it will be chilly I don't think the weather will be a major influence on the game. A greater influence will be the last two weeks of football the teams have endured.

On semi-final Sunday the Riders were battling it out at Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field with the scrappy BC Lions. They did eventually beat the Lions in overtime in a hard fought game. That same day the Als were resting.

On Finals Sunday the Riders put together a come from behind win against the Calgary in a very cold McMahon Stadium. They definitely eared the victory and played hard for 60 minutes to get it. The Als had the game against the Argos pretty much wrapped up at half-time. They played just hard enough to ensure victory in the second half.

So if you look at it all the Riders may feel more comfortable out in the cold but I thing Montreal is healthier. They have not had to work nearly as hard but they arena very professional team and will be ready. The Riders will be ready but I'm not sure they will be able to overcome the nicks and bumps they have had to endure to get to the big game.

In the end you can't get the girl if you don't go to the dance and both teams will be there. I just think the Montreal Alouettes will be victorious in the end.





Sunday, November 21, 2010

CFL Finals Sunday

Later today the participants for the Grey Cup in Edmonton will be determined. They will be two different games but winners will be declared.

East Division

In the confines of Olympic Stadium, the Montreal Alouettes will host the Toronto Argonauts. Although the Argos surprised the CFL by beating Hamilton last week they really have very little chance to beat the Als. Toronto doesn't have a strong quarterback and has won many of their games in despite of that position. The Als are good at everything. Without any factor from the weather, they will run over Toronto.

West Division

Out on the very cold bald faced prairie the Calgary Stampeders will host the Saskatchewan Roughriders. It will be winter temperatures. The ball is going to be hard as a rock. Kicking and catching is going to be difficult and as such, the running game will make the difference. Both teams can run the ball. The Riders are not very good at stopping the run. I am sure they worked on it this week but most of their losses this year came due to not being able to get the ball back late in the 4th quarter, as their opponents ran it down their throats.

I realize I was not very good at picking winners last week but I hope this week will be a bit better, especially in the West.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

0 For

Well I went 0 for 2 with my CFL Playoff predictions this week.

I can't comment on the East Division as I was driving for the entire game.

I did see the double overtime Rider win over the Lions. The Saskatchewan Roughriders did just enough to beat the BC Lions. Not one bit extra. They seem to be at the mercy of their opponents. They don't drive the play. If they play like this next week the Stamps will chew them up. Of course I didn't think they were going to make the Western Final so don't bet your house on my prognostication.

I will save my predictions for later this week, I need to hear who is healthy. I can't do any worse than this so I will try again.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Playoffs

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers did not make the playoffs but that doesn't mean we can't talk about them.

In the East division it's the Hamilton Tiger-Cats hosting the Toronto Argonauts. If both teams bring their A game, the Argos will get run over by Hamilton. The only chance Toronto really has is Chad Owens runs back a lot of kicks for touchdowns. He has been the only real game-changer for the boatmen this season. If the Ti-Cats can keep him in check and play like they can and often do play, they will win.

The West division is a little more interesting. The BC Lions will be visiting the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Riders have not looked good since the Banjo Bowl. Their wins have been squeakers and they have not been competitive in a lot of games. If they can put together a good game they can earn a trip to Calgary but they are in for a fight. The Lions seem to have found themselves a bit as of late. If they can control the ball they have a real chance to win the game. If Coach Buono can get his team ready and they get an early lead, it will help them a lot.

So what do I think will happen.

The Ti-Cats will beat the Argos and the Lions will beat the Riders.