Tiger-Cats look to halt skid against unbeaten Esks

HAMILTON — It’s been a miserable start to the CFL season for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but head coach Kent Austin has a simple cure for much of what’s ailing his club.

And that’s securing its first win of the season tonight against the unbeaten Edmonton Eskimos at Tim Hortons Field.

“Belief is a funny thing,” Austin said. “As far as somebody’s confidence and belief in what they’re doing and in their teammates, winning takes care of a lot of that stuff very quickly.

“The guys just need some positive things to happen for them. Get a victory and get back on track.”

Hamilton (0-3) is the only CFL team not to have registered a point this season. Edmonton is the league’s lone undefeated club.

“They’re playing well, they’re finding ways to win,” Austin said. “They’ve got really good leadership on the field and they’re making plays at the right time.

“We’ve had opportunities to make plays at certain times that might change the complexion of the game and those haven’t happened. A good team finds a way to make those plays at critical times of the game that maybe stems momentum and creates a more positive atmosphere.”

Veteran Ticats defensive lineman John Chick said getting that initial victory is big for a team.

“Until you get that W, there’s still that seed of doubt in some guys’ minds,” Chick said. “Once you get that win, I think it helps mitigate that for a lot of guys that, ’Hey, we’re a lot better than what we think we are.’

“I think we’re so much closer than guys know. It’s a couple of Xs and Os, a couple of techniques here and there and if we can put those together I think we’re there.”

The Eskimos have shown a penchant for winning the close game thus far. Their three victories have been by a combined nine points and their largest margin of victory has been four points (23-19 over Montreal on June 30).