POWER RANKINGS 20 WEEK 20
1 (1) CALGARY
The Stampeders (13-3-1) have clinched first place overall in the CFL, but they haven’t looked like front-runners of late, suffering back-to-back losses. Nonetheless, it is difficult to place the Stampeders anywhere other than first when you consider their standing. Calgary should be a different, healthier team in the playoffs.
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(2) SASKATCHEWAN
Chris Jones should be a mortal lock for CFL coach-of-the-year honours after guiding Saskatchewan (10-7-0) to a double-digit victory total. Such a resurgence appeared to be unlikely after the Roughriders lost four of their first six games, but an 8-3-0 stretch has ensued. The Roughriders have allowed only 19 points and one touchdown over their last two games, reaffirming Jones’ reputation as a defensive guru. Now, if only there was a comparable degree of certainty about the quarterbacking position.
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(3) EDMONTON
It may be a surprise to see the red-hot Eskimos relegated to third. But who do they supplant? Calgary is Calgary and Saskatchewan beat Edmonton 54-31 in the teams’ only meeting to date.
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(4) WINNIPEG
The Bombers are a banged-up lot entering the final weekend of regularseason play. The two keys on offence — quarterback Matt Nichols and all-purpose tailback Andrew Harris — were forced to leave Saturday’s game against B.C. The Bombers were already ravaged by injuries before that. Winnipeg (11-6-0) has lost three of its last four games and was held without an offensive touchdown in the lone victory. Gulp.
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(5) TORONTO
The Argonauts, who are coming off a bye week, can clinch first place in the East Division Saturday by defeating the host Lions. Head coach Marc Trestman and GM Jim Popp have done a nice job despite a late start.
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(6) OTTAWA
The Redblacks (8-9-1) are the first to reach the regular-season finish line. They are now on a bye week — their second in a span of three weeks. Recreational floor hockey leagues have better scheduling.
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(7) HAMILTON
The Tiger-Cats are out of the playoff hunt, but unlike Montreal they are showing signs of life — as evidenced by Jeremiah Masoli’s four touchdown passes in Friday’s 41-36 loss to Ottawa. Under head coach June Jones, who replaced Kent Austin after an 0-8 start, ace returner Brandon Banks has emerged as an offensive weapon. He has had five consecutive games with 100-plus receiving yards.
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(8) B.C.
The Lions’ plight is such that even a rare victory is exasperating. On Saturday, the Lions won 36-27 in Winnipeg with Jonathon Jennings throwing for 408 yards and four touchdowns. Where was that when the games actually mattered?
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(9) MONTREAL
The Als look as hopeless as another Al — Al Bundy. When the Alouettes’ record dipped to 3-8-0, it was hit the road, Jacques. However, the Sept. 13 firing of head coach Jacques Chapdelaine — succeeded by GM Kavis Reed — accomplished nothing. In fact, the team regressed, as inconceivable as that notion may have been when Chapdelaine and defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe were sacked. Six straight defeats have ensued, stretching Montreal’s losing streak to 10.