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Playoff predictions
By GREG HARRIS, MOP Squad Sports CFL Editor
Nov 9, 2007 - 3:12:38 PM |
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REGULAR SEASON TOTAL: 49-23 (.681)
Well folks, it's that time of year where the weekly predictions come to an end, and the real fun begins: the CFL postseason. Both division finals and the Grey Cup will be played in domes this year, but the semis should give us some of the wild winter action that makes the postseason fun to watch. Let's start out West:
WESTERN DIVISION
Semi-Final
The Western semi-final is a historic game for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, as it marks the first time they've hosted the playoffs since 1988. In those days, Riders coach Kent Austin was the quarterback, and winning the Grey Cup wasn't out of the question. (Their last Grey Cup win came the following year, in '89.) This year's Riders have the league's second best record, and Rider Nation are liking their Cup chances, but I don't think it'll happen. In fact, I'm picking them to lose to the Calgary Stampeders.
It's no secret that I'm a Stamps fan, but I think that Calgary has what it takes to pull this one off. Yes, I know we didn't win a road game outside of Edmonton, but I'd like to look back at the Week 12 meeting between the two teams, in which the Stamps won, 44-22. Yes, I know it was at McMahon Stadium, and yes, I know that Saskatchewan won the two games on their home turf, but... How much stock do you put in a Week 2 matchup? The Stamps took a few games to really get their season underway, so the 49-8 drubbing on July 8th is meaningless to me. And in Week 15, when the Riders prevailed by a score of 33-21, Calgary was without starting quarterback Henry Burris, so they never had a chance going in.
Not only is Smilin' Hank back at full strength for this one, but he'll also be playing with a chip on his shoulder. Of course, there's the whole story of how he left the Roughies to sign with Calgary, and the fans haven't forgiven him for it, but there's also the fact that he was passed over for Western Division MOP in favour of Riders pivot Kerry Joseph--eventhough Burris led the division in passing yards and the entire league in TD passes. Hank will be fired up, and that's just what we need to break our first-round playoff losing streak. Go Stamps!
Final
Now, being the biased Stamps fan that I am, I can easily be convinced that Calgary will beat Saskatchewan on the road. But picking them over the Lions in BC Place is pure lunacy. The Lions were by far the best team in the league this year, are exceptionally good at home, and have owned the Stamps ever since Wally Buono crossed the Alberta-BC border. Last week's game was close, but meaningless. The Western Final is a different story. Not only will BC win, but they'll win big. I'm almost afraid to watch.
EASTERN DIVISION
Semi-Final
The Eastern Division semi-final is a rematch of a Week 19 game between the Montreal Alouettes and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Once again, Winnipeg has the homefield advantage, and once again, the Als will be without Anthony Calvillo. On the other hand, while backup running back Fred Reid torched the Montreal defence for 139 yards and two touchdowns last week, the Bombers will also have Charles Roberts, the East's leading rusher, back in the lineup. Montreal will be lucky to only lose by three, as they did last week. Winnipeg should win easily.
Final
After beating Montreal, the Bombers will head to Toronto, site of the 95th Grey Cup, to face the Eastern Division-leading Argonauts. The Argos, despite a slow start, took first place on the last week of the season, finishing one point ahead of the Bombers in the standings. They also beat Winnipeg twice at Rogers Centre, while narrowly losing, 15-13, on the road back in Week 9. I'd expect Toronto to continue their strong play, and advance to the finals, but this should be a tough, hard-fought matchup.
GREY CUP FINAL: BC Lions vs. Toronto Argonauts
Even if it's a home game for the Argos, I like BC in this one. The Lions were the only team to beat Toronto with Michael Bishop behind centre, and they did so in convincing fashion, 40-7, in Week 12. The Argos will put on a better show for the home crowd than they did at BC Place back in September, but I still like the Lions to come out on top. Final score? I'm gonna say 24-22 BC, which happened to be the score when the two teams met at Rogers Centre in the opening game of the season. What goes around, comes around.
So, there you have it folks. Another CFL season is in the books. Be sure to visit MOP Squad throughout the playoffs for the latest news and updates. As for me, I'll see you in the spring.
CFL Editor Greg Harris is looking to expand the CFL section next season. If you'd like to write CFL articles for MOP Squad Sports next year, e-mail him at gruesomegreg@toohightogetitright.com.
Copyright 2007 - MOP Squad Sports
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