Lions need to start winning at home
THURSDAY
Edmonton at B.C, 10 p.m., TSN: It used to be that defeating the Lions at BC Place Stadium was a trick worthy of David Copperfield. During the past two seasons, however, the Lions are 5-6 at home. The play of their once-dominating defence is being called into question, as is the ability of Travis Lulay and his offence to finish drives. The Lions QB has been outplayed in his past two starts by Trevor Harris and Drew Willy. Will the Eskimos’ Matt Nichols make it three in a row? The focus squarely will be on Lulay to see if he can rise to the challenge. Pick: Lions
FRIDAY
Montreal at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m., TSN: What’s it like being a temp worker in the CFL? Just ask a kicker. Typical of his trade, Chris Milo, a four-year veteran, became a gypsy when he was released by Saskatchewan in early July. He was replaced by 23year campaigner Paul McCallum. This week, Milo steps in for import Delbert Alvarado, another example of how quickly fortunes for kickers can change. The Redblacks gave Alvarado the boot, eight days after he kicked a game-winning field goal in OT. But two other misses in that same game sealed his fate. Pick: Alouettes
SATURDAY
Saskatchewan at Toronto, 7 p.m., TSN: After weeks on the road, the vagabond Argos finally make their return to Rogers Centre which, as everybody knows, is really the home of the Blue Jays. The Argos are about to vacate for a brighter future (it is hoped) at BMO Field. Despite Monday’s 34-18 defeat to the Ticats, the Boatmen are in good shape, their 3-2 record a tribute to emerging quarterback Trevor Harris and the coaching acumen of Scott Milanovich. Unless complacency sets in this week, Toronto should emerge at 4-2 by the end of it. Pick: Argonauts
SUNDAY
Winnipeg at Hamilton, 5 p.m., TSN: Health care, technology and educational services are growing sectors in Hamilton’s economy. Heavy manufacturing is in decline. Nonetheless, the Tiger-Cats are paying tribute to the city’s industrial heritage with a giant (15-foot) steamwhistle at Tim Hortons Field, ready to sound off every time the team scores a touchdown or wins a game. Who can blame them for wanting to toot their own horn? Hamilton is 8-0 at home since taking possession of Ivor Wynne’s replacement stadium last year. The trend should continue, despite injuries to C.J. Gable and Andy Fantuz. Pick: Tiger-Cats Bye: Calgary Last Week: 3-1 Season: 12-12