The beleaguered Lions are only +10 points underdogs heading into Saturday night’s match-up versus the 5-2 Ti-Cats. The total of 51 is a little less surprising as not a lot of folks are anticipating a shoot-out. Kick-off set for Saturday, August 10 at 7:00 PM ET.
BC had a week off after getting blown-out 45-18 in their own barn by the Riders back in July, which was the second game of a back-to-back series that saw Saskatchewan win both games by a combined score of 83-43.
The Ti-Cats didn’t leave Mosaic Stadium with a W either last week as Cody Fajardo engineered a last-minute drive that put the Riders up 24-19 once and for all.
This is the first installment of the annual “cat-fight” in the CFL, although it has been more of a massacre and less of a fight in recent meetings. Last years’ series didn’t go well for the Lions as they were utterly steam-rolled 10-40 in September and then again 8-48 in November. It should be noted that both of those games were played in Hamilton, as is this one.
BC Lions Overview
The bye-week should help the Lions field a better team than they have of late, but it’s no guarantee, sometimes teams actually play worse after the week off, especially a down-and-out team like the Lions.
Let’s assume they’ve gotten better by adjusting their offensive scheme because really that has been the problem with this team. They have one of the best QB in the league in Mike Rielly, but that O-line has been horrendous. New Offensive Coordinator Jarious Jackson has got to make some adjustments to his playbook to give this team a chance, if JJ can find some plays to keep the offense on the field, they have a chance.
Hamilton Tiger Cats Overview
The Ti-Cats have no choice but to take the field with rookie Dane Evans again under center as J. Masoli is out for the season with a torn ACL. The rookie has played well so far this season, he came off the bench in the second quarter against Winnipeg and led his team to victory, no easy feat. Last week he came up short against Ridernation, but I’m going to give him pass anyway, he had his team in a position to win up until the end, but the defense let him down. Saskatchewan is a tough place for visiting teams to win at, even if the Riders don’t have a particularly good team, but they do. I’ve watched Evans play twice, and so far he looks strong in the pocket and in the huddle, he’s still a rook, but I don’t see him as a huge liability. He has an outstanding team around him that is 4-0 ATS at home, as long as he keeps playing the way he has Hamilton should win this one easy enough.
Weather Report
The weather looks to be warm and sunny Saturday evening with no storms in the forecast, but like I mentioned before it can get windy at Tim Horton’s field on occasion without much warning. Pro-tip, the best way to receive real-time field conditions is through internet radio. Every team has a local radio station that broadcasts a pre-game show where they’ll undoubtedly discuss the field conditions.
Injury Report
The Ti-Cats are expected to get offensive and special teams star Brandon Banks back this week, which will definitely add some speed to the team. That is not confirmed yet, so it would be prudent to check the depth chart when it is released Friday.
- Get more details: Lions at Tiger Cats CFL Match-up Stats
