Game Day

By: Gary Lawless Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Friday, Aug. 21, 2009

INSIDE THE Xs AND Os

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INSIDE THE Xs AND Os

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/08/2009 (6205 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

INSIDE THE Xs AND Os

VEGAS LINE:

Lions by 7.5 points.

THE FORECAST:

The game will be played indoors at B.C. Place but heat is still a factor. The dome holds the heat and down on the field it can get real sticky. A high of 19 C with 61 per cent humidity is the Friday night forecast.

BOMBERS VS. LIONS:

Since 1954: The Lions are 69-79-2 all-time against Winnipeg; The Lions have been top dog since 2000, winning 12 of 20 meetings as well as the last three straight and seven of the last eight. B.C. is 40-35 in 75 all-time home games against the Bombers.

ROSTER UPDATE:

Roster shuffle: Receiver Terrence Edwards did travel with the team and will apparently play despite not practising all week because of turf toe. Aaron Hargreaves worked in his place with the No. 1 offensive unit alongside Romby Bryant, Brock Ralph and Adarius Bowman. The Bombers will make just two lineup changes, adding Siddeeq Shabazz, who will start at safety in some formations for DT Dorian Smith (shoulder), and DE Shawn Mayne has been added for S Ian Logan (groin).

CHANGING LIONS:

B.C. made just one roster adjustment this week, taking QB Buck Pierce (concussion) off and putting QB Zac Champion on.

JUICY NUMBERS:

Lions defender Baron Miles recorded his 13th blocked kick last weekend to make him the CFL’s all-time leader… Miles has 60 career interceptions, fifth in CFL history… B.C. receiver Geroy Simon has 113 straight games with a reception… Winnipeg’s Terrence Edwards has three receiving touchdowns this season and is the only Bombers receiver with a TD catch…The Bombers were 1-6 at this stage last season and still made the post-season. They’re allowing 5.9 points per game less than at this time last season but scoring 1.5 points per game less.

TOUGH STUFF:

Vancouver Province football writer Kent Gilchrist doesn’t like the way the Bombers have been handling their business affairs this season, in particular forcing Stefan LeFors to take an in-season pay cut.

"Was there a CFL press release that didn’t make it over the Rockies that said the Grey Cup this year was going to be awarded to the most incompetent, worst-managed and dumbest franchise?

If there was, commissioner Mark Cohon might as well end the suspense right now and give it to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers."

QUOTABLE:

"When you’re losing, it’s really hot. When you’re winning, it’s just hot."

— Lions coach Wally Buono on the humidity at field level inside B.C. Place on a warm night.

— Gary Lawless