CFL PICKS Bombers look to protect QB Willy
TONIGHT
B.C. at Winnipeg, 5:30 p.m., TSN: After two brilliant passing (July 10) and running (July 17) performances against Saskatchewan, Travis Lulay took a step back against Toronto when the Lions’ offence produced just a pair of second-half field goals in a 30-27 loss to the Argos, despite an early 21-0 lead. The journey to reclaim his 2011 MVP form continues tonight against the Blue Bombers, whose biggest issue is keeping starter Drew Willy healthy. Sacked 66 times last year, Willy has been concussed (Montreal) and low-bridged (knee, Edmonton) already. To get their passing game in gear, the Bombers must protect him. Pick: Lions
FRIDAY
Saskatchewan at Edmonton, 6 p.m., TSN: Those grasping at straws in Canada’s breadbasket remember the Lions also started 0-5 in 2011, then staged a remarkable turnaround and ended up winning the Grey Cup. But B.C. stayed the course that season with their No. 1 quarterback, Travis Lulay, who played all 18 games. Minus starter Darian Durant (Achilles) and possibly backup Kevin Glenn (shoulder), the Riders might have to go forth this week with third-stringer Brett Smith. If he’s as good as the Esks’ third option — James Franklin, who threw three TDs last week against Winnipeg — the Riders might have something. It’s a faint hope. Pick: Eskimos
SATURDAY
Montreal at Calgary, 4 p.m., TSN: With its core of veteran stars — Jon Cornish, Juwan Simpson et al — and a championship quarterback — Bo Levi Mitchell — just entering his fourth season, the Stampeders seemed well-positioned to repeat as Grey Cup champs. But after three narrow escapes, an overtime loss to Ottawa and a laboured effort to put up points in a 29-11 defeat to the Alouettes, concerning questions are being raised in Cowtown. With Cornish gone six to eight weeks with a broken thumb, either Tory Harrison, Matt Walter or Tim Brown could tote the rock. Nothing is a certainty, as are the Stamps’ prospects of victory.
Pick: Stampeders
MONDAY
Toronto at Hamilton, 4 p.m., TSN: For years, the Argonauts were unable to develop quarterbacks, grasping at NFL retreads such as Cleo Lemon and Mike McMahon before the signing of Ricky Ray finally brought stability and a Grey Cup (2012). That same year, Zach Collaros and Trevor Harris backed up Ray. On Monday, they’re the opposing starters at Tim Hortons Field. Harris continues to be a revelation, leading the Argos back from 0-21 to defeat the Lions 30-27. In five career starts, he is 4-1. Ray (shoulder rehab) could return by Labour Day, possibly creating a quarterback controversy. Pick: Tiger-Cats Bye: Ottawa Last Week: 1-3 Season: 9-11