FIVE KEY MATCHUPS

1 Redblacks receivers vs. Stampeders defensive backs

Ottawa is averaging a whopping 469 passing yards per game, but Calgary cornerback Fred Bennett wasn’t conceding anything Thursday. “We hear about their receivers and their quarterback and their offence all week. Honestly, it’s kind of irritating to me, but it’s well earned, well deserved. They put in their work and they put it out there (on the field), so it’s well deserved.”

2 Redblacks pass rushers vs. Stampeders offensive line

The Redblacks defeated the Stampeders last August in part because, in overtime, Aston Whiteside got to quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell and forced a fumble that was recovered by Keith Shologan.

3 Jake Silas vs. Charleston Hughes

Hughes been a CFL pass-rushing fiend forever and stays in the league because he can still get the job done. Silas hasn’t looked out of place in the starting right tackle slot for the Redblacks, and he’ll have to be sturdy again. Depending on where the ball is snapped relative to the hash marks, Silas may also be face-to-face against Frank Beltre.

4 Tristan Jackson against Rob Maver

Jackson is the Redblacks’ new return specialist, taking over from the injured Jamill Smith, and Maver has a well-established reputation as one of the CFL’s most efficient punters. Field position is always a factor, so every yard gained or lost in the return game will be important.

5 Cam Thorn and Pierre Lavertu vs. the crowd

Lavertu is available for duty at centre with the Stamps for the first time this season, but head coach Dave Dickenson wasn’t sure Thursday if he would start or whether the team would line up behind Thorn again. Lavertu will play at least some, though, with Dickenson suggesting he wanted to make sure whoever played was able to deal with the noise generated by a sellout crowd attending the Redblacks’ home opener.