INSIDE THE Xs AND Os

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/09/2009 (5855 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

VEGAS LINE:

The Alouettes are favoured by 14 1/2 points.

BOMBERS VS. ALS:

Since 1961: The Bombers are 31-37-2 vs. the Alouettes dating back to ’61. Winnipeg is just 3-7 in its last 10 games vs. the Als and only 4-14 in Montreal since the club’s return here in 1996.

ROSTER UPDATE:

Two lineup changes for the Bomb Squad with new WR Dudley Guice, Jr. coming aboard for DE Michael Landry while DE Riall Johnson replaces the injured WR Brock Ralph (hip). LB Barrin Simpson remains on the nine-game injured list with QB Stefan LeFors (shoulder), DE Fred Perry (arm) OL Kelly Bates (knee) and WR Arjei Franklin (ankle).

FYI:

Winnipeg’s defence has 21 interceptions, already six more than last year… Of the Bombers’ 17 TDs this year, four have been scored by the defence… The Alouettes have outscored their opponents in every quarter this season… Just one CFL back has rushed for 100 yards on the Alouette defence, with B.C.’s Martel Mallett rushing for 213 yards in a Lions’ win two weeks ago.

MILESTONE WATCH:

Bomber RB Fred Reid needs 92 yards to go over the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career… Ben Cahoon needs eight receptions to tie Don Narcisse for fourth place on the CFL’s all-time receptions list… Anwar Stewart’s next sack will give him 52 as an Alouette and tie him with Elfrid Payton for first on the club’s all-time list.

RESPECT THY OPPONENT:

Montreal QB Anthony Calvillo wouldn’t get caught tossing out any bulletin board material by trashing the Bombers. Here’s his take on their defensive dozen: “We know they have veterans over there, we know they can play at a high level. Defensively, they had a bad game last week but they’ve been very tough week in and week out to score against.”

— Tait