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August 2, 2018

REDBLACKS look to extend East Division lead versus Argos

The Ottawa REDBLACKS to look to maintain their spot atop the CFL’s East Division and extend their winning streak when they take on the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field on Thursday evening. The two teams are heading in opposite directions; Ottawa are the winners of two straight, while Toronto hasn’t won since week four.

The REDBLACKS (4-2) are coming off back-to-back nail-biting victories against the B.C. Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Both games came down to the final minute, but Rick Campbell’s team came through clutch.

Toronto (1-5) have struggled since losing Ricky Ray to injury early in the season. The Argonauts dropped games to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in consecutive weeks, giving up 78 points in those two contests.


STORYLINES

Ward honoured – One of the least-surprising pieces of news was Lewis Ward being named one of the CFL’s Top Performers of the Week. Ward has now converted 17 consecutive field goals and set a REDBLACKS franchise record for most field goals in a game with seven against Hamilton last week.

Bethel-Thompson to start – Mark Trestman raised some eyebrows when he announced that McLeod Bethel-Thompson will be the Argos starting quarterback against Ottawa. The 30-year-old completed both of his pass attempts last season for a total of 10 passing yards.

Defence shines again – Ottawa’s defence shut down the Tiger-Cats offence last week. The defence has now held their opponents to under 30 points in each of their six games this season.


SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION

The lack of Ricky Ray has been hurting the Argonauts this season. When Ray went down, all eyes turned to promising young pivot James Franklin, who was acquired by Toronto in the offseason. Franklin went 1-3 as a starter and only threw one touchdown pass, so Mark Trestman is looking to turn his team’s fortunes around by starting Bethel-Thompson.

Toronto benefit from having one of the CFL’s most dominant players in James Wilder Jr. The reigning Most Outstanding Rookie is fifth in the league in rushing, averaging a mere 50 yards per game.

Bethel-Thompson’s first career start will be made a bit easier with his top target being the dependable S.J. Green. Green is only 15th in receiving yards in the league this year, but is always a handful for opposing defensive backs.

The Argos kicking game has also been struggling this season. Ronnie Pfeffer is 4-for-8 on field goal attempts – that’s the fewest three-pointers and the lowest average in the league.


GAME INFO

Toronto Argonauts vs. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Week 8 – August 2, 2018
Kickoff – 7:00 p.m. | BMO Field

BROADCAST INFO

TV (EN): TSN | Web: TSN.ca/LIVE / TSN GO
TV (FR): RDS2
TV: (Int’l): ESPN2 | BT Sport (UK/Ireland)
Radio (EN): TSN 1200 | TSN1200.ca
Radio (FR): 104,7 FM Outaouais
Radio (Satellite): SiriusXM Canada Channel 167 (EN) and 174 (FR)