Today’s Bomber Report: WEEK 12 IN THE CFL

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/09/2009 (5916 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CALGARY STAMPEDERS (6-4) at HAMILTON TIGER-CATS (5-5)

When: Friday, 6:30 p.m. TV: TSN.

Streaks: Cal.: 3W; Ham.: 1L.

Vegas line: The Stampeders are favoured by 5.5 points.

The storyline: Three in a row for the Stamps and all of a sudden they look like the Grey Cup champs for the first time since, well, the Grey Cup. The Tiger-Cats have made a nice move this season and will be tough at home but they looked so-so in a loss to the Argos last week. The bottom line is there are still some holes in the Tiger-Cats’ lineup and the likes of Calgary’s Henry Burris and Jeremaine Copeland will take advantage despite being on the road. Hamilton’s QB situation is heating up as Quinton Porter will get the start after missing a few weeks with a knee injury. Veteran Kevin Glenn will move to the bench but don’t be surprised if he gets tapped early should the Tiger-Cats fall behind.

TORONTO ARGONAUTS (3-7) at B.C. LIONS (4-6)

When: Saturday, 9 p.m. TV: TSN.

Streaks: Tor.: 1W; B.C.: 1L.

Vegas line: The Lions are favoured by 5.5 points.

The storyline: The Argos get return man Dominique Dorsey back after he was recently cut by the Washington Redskins and we liked the work of Cody Pickett in Toronto’s win over Hamilton last weekend. Newcomer Jason Carter looked good in the offence with four catches for 94 yards and the defence showed signs of life. But a trip to the West Coast and Lions coach Wally Buono needing one more win to become the winningest coach in CFL history at 232 victories will play havoc with Toronto’s plans. The Lions went 1-1 with the Montreal Alouettes over the last two weeks and were close to making it 2-0 before the Als pulled out a last-minute win a week ago. B.C. is better than its record and could be ready to make some noise in the West.

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (3-7) at MONTREAL ALOUETTES (8-2)

When: Sunday, noon. TV: TSN/RDS. Radio: CJOB.

Streaks: Win.: 2L; Mtl.: 1W.

Vegas line: The Alouettes are favoured by 14.5 points.

The storyline: While the Alouettes quietly go about their business of being the best team in the land, the Bombers can’t seem to do anything right. From having their leading tackler Barrin Simpson ask for a trade to trying to sign bad boy Pacman Jones to cutting the pay of their key off-season acquisition Stefan LeFors, the Bombers can’t avoid controversy. This week they’re working out newcomer Casey Bramlet at the QB spot and coach Mike Kelly has announced that Michael Bishop will start but Bramlet will get some work. Meanwhile, the Alouettes have to prove they’re not just first-half wonders and can be just as good in the latter schedule as they have been early on. A win at home over the Lions last week was a good beginning and a victory over the Bombers would give that start some legs.

EDMONTON ESKIMOS (5-5) at SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS (6-4)

When: Sunday, 3 p.m.

Streaks: Sask.: 2W; Edm.: 2L.

Vegas line: The Roughriders are favoured by 3.5 points.

The storyline: Major game in the West Division standings as the Eskimos attempt to stay close to the Riders and Stamps. Nothing is decided on this side just yet with the battle for a first-round bye still the carrot all three teams are chasing. Saskatchewan looked like a contender the way they manhandled the Bombers over the last two weeks and QB Darian Durant is ready to take his place at the table with the league’s elite pivots. Meanwhile, the Eskimos continue to turn in uneven play on offence.

THE PICKS

Bob Irving, CJOB: Calgary, B.C., Montreal, Saskatchewan.

Gary Lawless, Free Press: Calgary, B.C., Montreal, Saskatchewan.

Ed Tait, Free Press: Calgary, B.C., Montreal, Saskatchewan.

Randy Turner, Free Press: Hamilton, B.C., Montreal, Saskatchewan.

Mitch Zalnasky, CJOB: Hamilton, Edmonton, Montreal, B.C..

Last week/overall: Bob Irving: 3-1/25-15; Gary Lawless: 2-2/22-18; Ed Tait: 2-2/21-19; Randy Turner: 2-2/20-20; Mitch Zalnasky: 2-2/20-20.