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August 17, 2018

REDBLACKS face tough test in Winnipeg

The Ottawa REDBLACKS will find out where they rank among the CFL’s best when they face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on the road on Friday, August 17. Winnipeg will be Ottawa’s first West Division opponent since July 20.

Ottawa (5-3, 1st in East) are coming off a victory against the Montreal Alouettes and are looking to exercise some demons against the Bombers – Winnipeg has won each of the teams’ last three meetings.

The Blue Bombers (5-3, 3rd in West), beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a close game last week by a score of 29-23. Winnipeg are 4-1 against East Division opponents this season and boasts the league’s highest-scoring offence, averaging just over 33 points-per-game.


STORYLINES

Harris flirts with historyTrevor Harris was one completion shy of tying the CFL record for completions in a game against Montreal. His 44 connections with Ottawa receivers earned him a CFL Top Performer of the Week nod.

Powell breaks out – Last week, William Powell rushed for over 100 yards – the first time he’s broken the century mark since week four. His last-minute touchdown sealed the victory for Ottawa and the REDBLACKS will need another stellar performance against the Bombers.

Turnovers – The REDBLACKS got themselves into some turnover trouble against Montreal and it will looked to tighten a few things up to eliminate those against Winnipeg.


SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION

The Bombers boast an MOP-candidate in running back Andrew Harris. The Winnipeg native is well on his way to a fourth career 1,000-yard season. While a 1,000-1,000 season seems doubtful at this point, Harris is on pace to rush for over 1,600 yards this year, which would rank among the best individual seasons ever and the second-highest total for Canadian rushers.

Quarterback Matt Nichols is in fine form after missing the first three game with an injury. Nichols’ favourite targets are Darvin Adams and Weston Dressler, but Nic Demski has emerged as a star. The former University of Manitoba Bison’s three receiving touchdowns are second on the team.

Winnipeg’s defence is led by experienced linebackers Adam Bighill and Maurice Leggett. The Bombers lead the league in sacks with 21, five of which have come courtesy of Jackson Jeffcoat.

Friday’s matchup will also feature two of the league’s best kickers. Winnipeg’s Justin Medlock led the league in field goals last year, while Lewis Ward is leading the CFL in three-pointers this season.


GAME INFO

Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Week 10 – August 17, 2018
Kickoff – 8:30 p.m. | Investors Group Field


BROADCAST INFO

TV (EN): TSN | Web: TSN.ca/LIVE / TSN GO
TV (FR): RDS2
TV: (Int’l): ESPN+ | 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)