2008 Division Finals
First, a review of last week's match-ups.
Edmonton 29 Winnipeg 21
The Eskimos came to cold and snowy Winnipeg resolved and ready, while the Blue Bombers mostly stayed home. The end result is that the Eskies became the first West Division team to advance in the playoffs as a crossover squad.
Perhaps the best word to describe the Edmonton offense is 'methodical'. Ricky Ray showed nothing flashy, but was brilliant nonetheless. The Bomber defence was unable to adjust to the simple dump passes and short out patterns that the Eskimos ran all game with great success.
Winnipeg, on the other hand, generated almost all of their offense from two big plays, one a 93-yard punt return by Jason Armstead. Other than the long touchdown to Romby Bryant, Kevin Glenn was unable to mount much of an air attack againt the Edmonton defence. A costly fumble, an even costlier personal foul and generally inferior punting put the final nails in Doug Berry's coffin.
B.C. 33 Saskatchewan 12
I only saw the 2nd and 3rd quarters of this game. I missed the 1st quarter driving home from the Bomber-Eskimo game [see above]. I missed the 4th quarter (incl. the interception return) because the game was cleary over. Alabama-LSU was much more interesting.
The Buck Pierce/Jarious Jackson combination was good but not great in the semi-final. However, greatness was not required to handily outperform a struggling Michael Bishop. Add in the fact that Stefan Logan excelled while Wes Cates faltered, and you have a recipe for Lion domination. This years Grey Cup will have an entirely new look.
A tip of the hat to the kickers in this game - a combined 7 for 7. Paul McCallum continues his success against his old team. But with Congi in the fold I don't think Rider fans will ever feel the need to regret running him out of town.
Since Dylan, Jamie and myself all picked the Bombers and 'Riders last week, we enter this week with our totals unchanged. Too bad for Jamie he didn't pick strategically; we'd all be deadlocked.
Now, unto this week's games.
Game 1: Edmonton at Montreal
This will be a battle between two great CFL quarterbacks. Ricky Ray can deliver the ball effectively to any receiver while Anthony Calvillo seems to get wiser rather than older. During the regular season, the Alouettes hammed the Eskimos 40-4 on home turf only to lose 37-14 at Commonwealth in the last week of the season (resting A.C. and five other starters of course). I'm betting on Montreal winning at home, but don't be surprised if Ray makes this interesting.
Game 2: B.C. at Calgary
B.C. looks primed on both sides of the ball. Will it be enough to beat the high-riding Stampeders? Calgary's offence has all the tools to put this game out of reach early. It's up to the Lion defence to keep B.C. in this game. If Pierce and Logan continue their steady play, they can make this a close one. But my money's on Calgary.
The games start at 1pm and 5:30pm on Saturday, November 15, so get your picks in quick. The pool championship is in the balance.
KDS
Edmonton 29 Winnipeg 21
The Eskimos came to cold and snowy Winnipeg resolved and ready, while the Blue Bombers mostly stayed home. The end result is that the Eskies became the first West Division team to advance in the playoffs as a crossover squad.
Perhaps the best word to describe the Edmonton offense is 'methodical'. Ricky Ray showed nothing flashy, but was brilliant nonetheless. The Bomber defence was unable to adjust to the simple dump passes and short out patterns that the Eskimos ran all game with great success.
Winnipeg, on the other hand, generated almost all of their offense from two big plays, one a 93-yard punt return by Jason Armstead. Other than the long touchdown to Romby Bryant, Kevin Glenn was unable to mount much of an air attack againt the Edmonton defence. A costly fumble, an even costlier personal foul and generally inferior punting put the final nails in Doug Berry's coffin.
B.C. 33 Saskatchewan 12
I only saw the 2nd and 3rd quarters of this game. I missed the 1st quarter driving home from the Bomber-Eskimo game [see above]. I missed the 4th quarter (incl. the interception return) because the game was cleary over. Alabama-LSU was much more interesting.
The Buck Pierce/Jarious Jackson combination was good but not great in the semi-final. However, greatness was not required to handily outperform a struggling Michael Bishop. Add in the fact that Stefan Logan excelled while Wes Cates faltered, and you have a recipe for Lion domination. This years Grey Cup will have an entirely new look.
A tip of the hat to the kickers in this game - a combined 7 for 7. Paul McCallum continues his success against his old team. But with Congi in the fold I don't think Rider fans will ever feel the need to regret running him out of town.
Since Dylan, Jamie and myself all picked the Bombers and 'Riders last week, we enter this week with our totals unchanged. Too bad for Jamie he didn't pick strategically; we'd all be deadlocked.
Now, unto this week's games.
Game 1: Edmonton at Montreal
This will be a battle between two great CFL quarterbacks. Ricky Ray can deliver the ball effectively to any receiver while Anthony Calvillo seems to get wiser rather than older. During the regular season, the Alouettes hammed the Eskimos 40-4 on home turf only to lose 37-14 at Commonwealth in the last week of the season (resting A.C. and five other starters of course). I'm betting on Montreal winning at home, but don't be surprised if Ray makes this interesting.
Game 2: B.C. at Calgary
B.C. looks primed on both sides of the ball. Will it be enough to beat the high-riding Stampeders? Calgary's offence has all the tools to put this game out of reach early. It's up to the Lion defence to keep B.C. in this game. If Pierce and Logan continue their steady play, they can make this a close one. But my money's on Calgary.
The games start at 1pm and 5:30pm on Saturday, November 15, so get your picks in quick. The pool championship is in the balance.
KDS
posted by KDS at
12:43 PM
2 Comments:
KDS, you're the best!
I also like Montreal and Calgary. However, a Calgary/Edmonton Grey Cup would probably be the most exciting.
Can Burris finally win a playoff game in a Stampeder uniform? Yes. Cause he isn't facing the Riders.
I pick Edmonton and Calgary.
Bombers in '09?
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