Game Day: Inside the Xs and Os

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/07/2009 (5929 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

VEGAS LINE: Bombers by 1.5 points.

TICATS VS. BOMBERS:

Since 1961: Winnipeg is 52-40 all-time vs. Hamilton; Winnipeg is 8-2 in its last 10 against the Ticats and 4-1 in its last five at Ivor Wynne Stadium.

BLUE ROSTER UPDATE:

The biggest move this week sees veteran DT Tyrone Williams taking a knee in favour of Dorian Smith. Said head coach Mike Kelly of Smith: "He gives us a better opportunity right now to put pressure on the passer." Also on the 46-man roster but not dressing are LB Joe Lobendahn, DB Brandon Stewart and new WR Craphonso Thorpe while SB Arjei Franklin (ankle) was placed on the injured list. Added are DT Doug Brown, DE Riall Johnson and WR Aaron Hargreaves.

GET THIS:

The Ticats are attempting to win two consecutive games for the first time since September of 2006. Hamilton hasn’t had a winning record since finishing 9-8-1 in 2004.

RETRO NIGHT:

Both teams will wear their 1960s retro uniforms tonight. Hamilton was 86-50-4 in the ’60s, winning six East Division titles and capturing three Grey Cups. The Bombers were 75-82-3 in the ’60s with three West Division titles and two Grey Cups.

FAMILIAR FACES:

The Bombers will face a Ticat squad dotted with ex-teammates and coaches. Now wearing Hamilton colours are O-linemen Alex Gauthier and Dan Goodspeed, quarterback Kevin Glenn and defensive back Marc Beswick while the coaching staff features Greg Marshall, Mike Gibson, Khari Jones, John Kropke and Dave Easley.

"I love it here. Good team. Good coaches. The community is great here," said Gauthier, who signed with Hamilton as a free agent last winter. "I’ve been here a month and a half and everything’s fantastic. They have been losing for a few years here and we have a bunch of guys who need to believe in themselves and they (will be) winners. Winning is an attitude and you need to believe in yourself. We beat a pretty good football team (B.C.) at their place last week and now guys think we can do it again. One win doesn’t mean anything. We won last week but it won’t mean anything if it’s the only one of the year."

NUMBERS GAME:

The Bombers have generated 35 points off their eight turnovers this season. Saskatchewan has a whopping 48 points off the 12 turnovers they’ve forced.

QUOTABLE:

"It’s a non-issue. We’re getting T-shirts made up with that on it."

— Kelly, grinning, when asked if the ‘Spygate’ storyline had been a distraction this week.

Interestingly, both director of football operations Ross Hodgkinson and media relations director Darren Cameron accompanied Kelly to the press conference, with Hodgkinson opening by saying there would be no questions on the spy issue. "If that does happen to occur," said Hodgkinson, "that will end this interview immediately."

— Tait