411

By: Adam Wazny Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*No charge for 4 weeks then price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/11/2011 (5143 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WHAT THIS GAME MEANS: WINNIPEG EDITION

A victory means the Bombers would need just one more home win to reach the Grey Cup; first place in the East division would belong to the club, as would the coveted first-round bye.

A loss means Winnipeg would have to wait for the outcome of the B.C.-Montreal game later tonight. If the Alouettes win after the Bombers lose, Montreal grabs first. If both Winnipeg and Montreal fall short, first goes to the Bombers based on winning the season series over the Als (2-1).

Coming back to Manitoba Sunday morning without a first-round bye would be devastating for the Bombers, who have been at or near the top of the East division all year thanks to a 7-1 start.

Blowing another chance to clinch was something the players weren’t willing to address earlier this week.

“No one is thinking like that. This is what we’ve been playing for all season, a chance to finish first in the East,” receiver Cory Watson said. “I expect everyone will play their best game of the season.”

WHAT THIS GAME MEANS: CALGARY EDITION

Calgary needs help on the out-of-town scoreboard. After Edmonton beat Saskatchewan Friday night, the Stamps have to settle for second place — maybe. If the Lions beat Montreal tonight, the Stampeders will finish third and travel to Edmonton for the West semifinal on Nov. 13.

Bottom line: Don’t think the Stamps won’t have anything to play for. With B.C. playing later this evening, Calgary enters the game with a possible home playoff date as its motivation.

FINAL EAST FINAL THOUGHT

How important is finishing first in the division? Teams that host the division final are 14-8 since the 2000 season.

BOMBERS ROSTER WATCH

Safety Ian Logan has an “undisclosed” illness and did not make the trip. Jovon Johnson should see most of the reps in his spot. Deon Beasley slots into Johnson’s cornerback position. Receiver Greg Carr (bruised back) is out, meaning Terence Jeffers-Harris draws back into the lineup. He hasn’t played in nearly three months. Quarterback Buck Pierce (knee) is out, so Brandon Summers is the No. 3 pivot. Defensive back Darrell Pasco and Canadian receiver Cassidy Doneff are on the 46-man roster.

THE DEFENCE RESTS

Coming into the game, Winnipeg’s defence leads the CFL in fewest yards allowed (300 yards per game, 28 less than B.C.); lowest completion percentage (56.9); overall pass defence (over 500 yards less than any other club); sacks (54) and interceptions (24). Jovon Johnson leads the league with seven interceptions; the defence has 11 picks in its last six games. Odell Willis is tied for the league lead with 13 sacks.

EXTRA POINTS

Winnipeg is looking to reach the 11-win mark for the first time since 2003… Reason to worry: the Bombers are 3-6 since Labour Day… The Stamps beat the Bombers 21-20 at Canad Inns Stadium in Week 3.

— Wazny