Game Day: Inside the Xs and Os

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/09/2010 (5538 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

VEGAS LINE:

Saskatchewan by 4 points

BLUE VS. RIDERS:

The Bombers are 126-92-4 lifetime vs. the Riders, but have lost the last two Banjo Bowls. Overall, Winnipeg has just two wins against the Riders since the 2005 season (2-10, plus a Grey Cup loss in 2007).

THE FORECAST:

Environment Canada calls for a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 19 C. Nice day for a party.

CROWD COUNT:

Sellout (29,500-plus).

ROSTER UPDATE:

QB Steven Jyles takes over for Buck Pierce, who will miss significant time due to a dislocated elbow in his throwing arm. The team has the option of putting Pierce on the nine-game injured list before the game. LT Andre Douglas returns to the lineup after missing three games with a right knee injury. Another addition could be speedy KR Chris Garrett, who’s showed some nice energy in practice. He’ll take over an import spot if the coaches deem him ready to play. RB Fred Reid (flu), DB Alex Suber (hamstring) and DB Deon Beasley (shoulder) did not practise Friday. Other nicked up Bombers include K Louie Sakoda (calf), WR Terence Jeffers-Harris (ankle), LB Bernard Hicks (knee), and WR Cory Watson (knee).

ON THE RIDERS SIDE:

Safety James Patrick (and his seven interceptions) is expected to play, though he’s missed the last two practices due to a leg injury. Tad Kornegay has been working out in his spot, but could move back to linebacker. CB Leron Mitchell is healthy.

FRIENDS, NOW FOES:

Jyles didn’t get to play much against Riders QB Darian Durant last weekend but with Pierce out, the two will go head-to-head in the Banjo Bowl. The pivots are good friends, having learned the CFL game together in Saskatchewan, and the Bomber QB is looking forward to the matchup: "I’m pretty fired up for him to get out here and see what our fans are like, and get taste of us playing in our backyard," he said. "Durant is going to play hard. Last week, he played well, but it wasn’t the Darian Durant we’re used to seeing."

BRINK READY:

Behind Jyles on the QB depth chart is Alex Brink, who finds himself just a play away from being the Bombers No. 1 pivot. "I feel like I’ve come a long ways… yet there is still a ways to go," said Brink, speaking to how much of the CFL game he’s picked up since training camp. "Certainly my comfort level from that first day of camp to now is a lot better. I feel comfortable with the receivers and with the offence itself."

SECOND LOOK:

One thing the Bombers were pleased with from the Labour Day Classic was the way the secondary played. Safety Ian Logan on why the unit was so effective against Durant: "We didn’t make a lot of mental mistakes — that was the difference," he said. "We didn’t have a lot of breakdowns, and when you don’t have those problems, you start to see results." Switching Jovon Johnson inside to halfback and putting Deon Beasley at the corner worked out great for the Blue and Gold last Sunday. That could all change for the re-match, however, as Beasley is nursing a shoulder injury and may not be ready. Brandon Stewart will take Beasley’s spot on the outside if he can’t go.

— Adam Wazny