Scouting Report
The storyline for Calgary: Same as it ever was. Despite John Hufnagel moving upstairs to become solely a general manager, the Stamps haven’t missed a beat this season with Dave Dickenson taking over as head coach. Strong in all three phases, Calgary is also unbeaten at home this season. Their only challenge is to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the West Division.
Key injuries: Offensive lineman Derek Dennis missed some practice time this week and starting offensive tackle Dan Federkeil and receiver Joe West are still sidelined. Five funky Calgary stats: 1. The Stampeders lead the CFL both in points scored at 31.0 per game and in fewest points allowed at 20.1 per game. The last team to do that over a full season was Montreal in 2009.
2. Over their last three games (all wins), Calgary has trailed for just under six minutes.
3. The Stampeders have a sevengame unbeaten streak on the line this week, their first since a 7-0 run in mid-2010.
4. Punter Rob Maver will play in his 100th career CFL game on Sunday.
5. Kicker Rene Paredes has a streak of 23 successful field goal attempts, matching Paul McCallum’s and Dean Dorsey’s mark for the eighth-longest streak in CFL history.
The storyline for Hamilton: The Ticats are tied for first place in the East and are coming off a convincing win against the lowly Saskatchewan Roughriders. Quarterback Zach Collaros is rounding into form — he threw a career-high five touchdown passes last week — after coming back from off-season knee surgery. But beating up on the Riders is one thing: beating the West Division-leading Stamps at home would be significantly more impressive.
Key injuries and roster changes: Ticats receivers Chad Owens, Andy Fantuz and Luke Tasker all missed practice time this week but all three are expected to be in the line up on Sunday. Canadian linebacker Byron Archambault is expected to play in his first game in more than a year after tearing his ACL last August. Five funky Hamilton stats: 1. The Ticats have lost nine straight to the Stampeders dating back to Sept. 25, 2011 (that includes in 2014 Grey Cup game.)
2. Total combined margin of victory for Calgary in the last three Ticat losses: seven points.
3. Calgary is the only team head coach Kent Austin has yet to beat since joining the Ticats in 2013.
4. Defensive end John Chick will play in his 100th career CFL game on Sunday.
5. Hamilton’s 46-point win over Saskatchewan last week was the largest since Sept. 2, 2012 when Saskatchewan beat Winnipeg 52-0.
TSN play-by-play: Chris Cuthbert and Glen Suitor Referee: Kim Murphy Weather: Mostly sunny, 16 degrees, winds out of the East at 8 km/h.