CFL Divisional Finals

Last Week's Results

I got both games correct.

This Week's Games

Toronto at Montréal

The Argos looked very impressive last week on both sides of the ball.  Although he was held to 239 yards' passing, Ricky Ray looked good and kept the Argos offence moving all game.  The D stifled the Esks offence, in a game that was over after a 31-point explosion during the second quarter.  However, this was all done against the Eskimos, which looked disorganized throughout the game on both offence and defence.  Things will obviously be more challenging this week against the Als.  I have learnt throughout the season to stop doubting Anthony Calvillo.  What he has done this year in his age-40 season, seemingly missing at least one major offensive weapon every week (especially in the second half) is beyond admirable.  For the Argos to win, they have to get a sustained pass rush and keep the old man scrambling throughout the game, as the Als' O-line has looked porous at times this year.  Statistically, the two teams were not that different throughout the year, with the Als' D allowing roughly 200 yards less that the Argos D, and their offence gaining about 200 yards more.  This game should be close, but the Als should prevail, in great part because of the home crowd, which is bound to have the Big Owe rocking (even maybe crumbling; that is always a gamble with that place...).

Als by 5.

Calgary at British Columbia

I was smelling an upset in this game, until it was announced that Kevin Glenn would be starting for the Stamps due to a mysterious Drew Tate arm injury.  With Tate at the helm, I would not have been surprised by a Stamps upset.  While Glenn has been the de facto starting QB for most of the season and he brings a wealth of experience, I do not think he brings the type of confidence that Tate showed in orchestrating the last-minute game-winning drive against the Green Riders last week.  And, as per the Argos in the earlier game, the quality of the opposition that the Stamps this week are facing is increasing tremendously.  The Lions had the best offence and the best defence (by a whopping 700 yards) in the league this year.  The Lions' offence scheme had relied all year on spreading the ball around. They have regularly featured 7 or 8 players getting receptions in every game. The only question they face is how healthy/rusty Tom Lulay is.  He has not played a full game since Week 16.  That could be an issue, especially in the first half, if he cannot find his sea legs...

Lions by 10.