As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, the Labour Day weekend and the following weekend would have a huge impact on how things would play out in the CFL, especially the West Division.
There was a possibility of a 4 way tie for first in the West after week 11. The Saskatchewan Roughriders knew that after two straight losses, their lock on first was in jeopardy. With the last two games against bottom dwelling Winnipeg, a split was needed to hold onto a part of first. With the acqusition of Michael Bishop, the Riders brought in help to try to take advantage of the weaker opponent. They were able to do that and because of it are in a much stronger position.
With the almost inevitability of Edmonton and Calgary splitting the Labour Day Series, the Riders only needed a split to stay ahead in the race for first in the west, but wins in Regina and in Winnipeg have allowed some breathing room in the race to the playoffs.
While the Riders back to back wins against the Bombers was impressive, their opponents in these next 2 games will bring a much more talented Lions defense against the young offense of the Riders. Back to back games are never easy, and while the Riders are playing much better than before labour day, I don't anticipate the Riders will win both against BC. The Lions aren't the team they used to be, but their defense is quite strong, and could be trouble for the Riders. The Riders defense is stronger than the Lions Defense, but the Lions offense is a lot more experienced, and may be able to handle the Riders defense a little better.
I think there will be a split of these games, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Riders lose both. There has been good news coming out of the Saskatchewan dressing room with the news of the downgrade of the Matt Dominguez injury, and news of DJ Flick getting ready to practise again. These things will be great for the Riders down the road, but will take some time to get them back to playing shape. With the two wins over the Bombers, The Riders will be in the hunt for the West Crown come the end of the regular season. Even if they lose back to back to BC, the RIders will at worst be tied for first.
The Roughriders are in first, but have some formidable teams chasing them down the stretch. Even though the BC Lions are in last in the West, they are probably feeling the way the Riders were coming into back to back games against WInnipeg. A team with weaknesses that can be exploited if they bring their "A" game. It won't be a walk, but the Lions have to be favoured coming in.
With 2 wins over the Riders, the Lions could be right back in the thick of things. Both Edmonton and Calgary play Montreal in the next 2 weeks, which won't be easy games. But they each play weak east teams as well, which could have one if not both Calgary and Edmonton tied for first with the Riders. Montreal is playing great football, but both games are in Alberta, and this week against Calgary The Als will be without Avon Cobourne for a second week.
For the Riders, 5 of their last 8 games are against west division teams, and they still have one more against the Montreal Alouettes in Montreal. Which leaves 2 easier games against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Toronto Argonauts. If they can win both of those, and one more, they are guaranteed a playoff spot. Even if they don't win 3, I don't expect Winnipeg or Toronto to win 6
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3 months ago
My predictions historically have been pretty good, until I started putting them down on paper, or blogs. So I hope they are at least somewhere close...
3 months ago
The way things are going, I could agree with you that Saskatchewan may end up tied for first. Though my guess (and this is just a gut feeling) is that it will be Edmonton who will make the surprise and be the ones with an identical record as us.
from 3 months ago
I thought that too with Edmonton, but they have the toughest schedule in the west. Plus if Hamilton gives them that much trouble, a team with a better defense could really give them trouble. I know you can never count Ricky Ray out, but I don't know if the supporting staff will be able to get it done.
The reality is though, that they could finish with an easy run to the Grey Cup if the end up in the East...
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