Tiger-Cats, Roughriders looking good to advance
EAST SEMIFINAL B.C. (9-9) at Hamilton (8-10) Sunday at 11 a.m.
The Lions went 2-7 on the road, winning only in Montreal and Calgary, while the Tabbies were an underwhelming 4-5 at home and have lost their last three at Tim Hortons Field. Hamilton is clearly reeling from the loss of WR Brandon Banks, their most impactful player, as well as fellow receivers Jalen Saunders and Terrence Toliver. That said, if the deciding factor is the performance of the quarterbacks, the smart money still has to be on Hamilton’s Jeremiah Masoli to outplay either Travis Lulay or Jonathon Jennings. With B.C.’s Tyrell Sutton versus Hamilton’s Alex Green, the running games are essentially a wash. If defences rule the day, the Lions finished ahead of the Ticats in picks, sacks and knockdowns, while the Tabbies held the edge over B.C. in forced fumbles and points allowed. Oddsmakers like the home teams in the playoffs, so the Tabbies are favoured by three. They should cover. Hamilton by six