FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
1 THE TRENCHES
It’s true every CFL game is decided by what happens along the lines, but it’s especially so for today’s tilt. The Stamps have arguably the best defensive line in the league, and the Bombers have a formidable O-line that excels at opening up holes for Andrew Harris.
2 THE BEST OF ’EM ALL
Stamps QB Bo Levi Mitchell should be named the 2018 Most Outstanding Player at next week’s end-of-season CFL Awards. Today could also mark his last game in Stampeders colours, as he can explore NFL options in the off-season. The thing about Mitchell is he gives the Stamps a chance to win every week, and no matter what else happens he should keep things close today.
3 STAR LINEBACKERS
The Bombers have Adam Bighill, the Stamps have Alex Singleton. They’re the two best linebackers in the CFL, and expect the TSN broadcasters to talk about that a whole lot during today’s game, and rightfully so. Bighill did a tremendous job limiting Stamps running back Don Jackson the last time these teams played, and Singleton was similarly great stopping Harris in their previous game. They’re both all-CFL talents, and they deserve the showcase they’re going to get today.
4 DIFFERENCE-MAKERS
When the Bombers beat the Stamps in late-October, the Calgarians were without starting corner Tre Roberson and WIL linebacker Jameer Thurman. Both guys were missed, and they’re both back in the lineup today. That alone won’t be enough to win the Stamps the game, but they’re presence is notable, either way. You need big time players to win big games, and the Stamps have all their starting defenders available.
5 JUST ENJOY IT
These are probably the two best teams in the CFL this year, and this game is probably going to come down to one or two plays. It’s a genuine, real-deal heavyweight tilt between two teams without many holes. Sometimes, you just need to take a minute to sit back and appreciate that the football gods served up a potential classic. This is one of those times.