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August 31, 2017

REDBLACKS Visit Alouettes in First-Place Showdown

August 19, 2016: The CFL match between the Ottawa RedBlacks and the Montreal Alouettes at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa, ON. Canada on Aug. 19, 2016. PHOTO: Steve Kingsman/Freestyle Photography

Carlos Verde | @Carlos77Verde

The Ottawa REDBLACKS will have an opportunity to move into first place in the CFL’s East Division on Thursday night, when they will visit the Montreal Alouettes at Molson Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET).

Last week saw Rick Campbell’s REDBLACKS (3-6-1) claim a character win on home turf against BC, while Jacques Chapdelaine’s Alouettes (3-6) dropped a 34-31 overtime decision to red-hot Winnipeg.

With division-leading Toronto not in action until Monday’s Labour Day Classic against Hamilton, the winner of Thursday’s contest will hold — at least temporarily — first place in the East.

“We highlighted this four-game set — the BC game, two Montreal games and Hamilton — as big in terms of how the season is going to finish,” explained REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell. “We’re expecting a tight football game; so we need to play consistently for 60 minutes. That’s what it’s going to take as these games continue to get bigger.”

STORYLINES

Much Madu About Nothing — REDBLACKS running back Mossis Madu Jr. was great for both the REDBLACKS (82 all-purpose yards, two TDs) and CFL fantasy GMs (20.2 fantasy points) last week; with William Powell still on the injured list, Madu will get his second start in a row on Thursday in Montreal.

Ellingson Milestone — Ottawa receiver Greg Ellingson needs just 56 receiving yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the third-straight campaign. Ellingson, 28, currently leads the CFL in receiving yards (944) and co-leads — with Saskatchewan’s Duron Carter — in touchdown receptions (6).

Baltimore Calling — REDBLACKS defensive back Sherrod Baltimore has fit into Ottawa’s secondary well during his rookie CFL campaign; the Maine product has recorded 27 tackles and played a key part in Jonathan Newsome’s win-sealing interception last week vs. BC. Baltimore will start opposite Jerrell Gavins this week.

SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION

The Montreal Alouettes are a group that has largely lived and died by their defence in 2017; in recent weeks, however, they’ve surrendered 38 and 34 points to Toronto (loss) and Winnipeg (OT loss) respectively.

Coordinator Noel Thorpe’s defensive unit is led by veteran John Bowman, who has five of Montreal’s league-low 11 sacks, and heavy-hitting linebacker Kyries Hebert, whose 61 tackles rank him second in the CFL.

The Alouettes defence may be one of the most talented in the league, but has struggled as of late against accurate quarterbacks in Toronto’s Ricky Ray and Winnipeg’s Matt Nichols.

Quarterback Darian Durant’s receivers of choice have been BJ Cunningham (584 yards), former REDBLACK Ernest Jackson (548) and veteran Nik Lewis (491). The latter broke the CFL record for career receptions in last week’s Montreal loss.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

“You need to keep your energy level up and your guard up. We never talk about playing conservatively; we know it’s the CFL, so anything can happen. You need to keep plugging away, not worry about the scoreboard and just keep playing good football.” — HC Rick Campbell


“Noel Thorpe does such a good job with their defence; they play disciplined football, physical football. It’s no secret how physical Montreal is — they’re a group that will let you know about it as well. We’re excited about the challenge this week. If we execute our game plan, we’ll be just fine.” — QB Trevor Harris

GAME INFO

Ottawa REDBLACKS at Montreal Alouettes | Week 11 — August 31, 2017
Kickoff — 7:30 p.m. ET | Molson Stadium (Montreal)

BROADCAST INFORMATION

TV (EN): TSN | TSN GO | TSN.ca/LIVE
TV (FR): RDS
TV (INT’L): ESPN 3 | BT (UK and Ireland)
Radio (EN): TSN 1200 | TSN1200.ca
Radio (FR): FM 104,7 Outaouais | FM1047.ca
Radio (Satellite): Sirius XM Canada Channel 167 (EN) and 174 (FR)