The Ottawa REDBLACKS will look to beat a West Division opponent for the second time in as many weeks when they welcome the Edmonton Eskimos to TD Place Saturday afternoon.
The REDBLACKS (7-5, 1st in East Division) turned in a complete performance against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Regina last week. Ottawa emerged 30-25 victors, limiting the ‘Riders to 240 yards of offence in the process.
Edmonton is the only team the REDBLACKS have yet to face this season and the teams haven’t squared off in over 13 months. Although Ottawa lost both contests against the green & gold last season, both were one-possession affairs.
The Eskimos (7-5, 2nd in West Division) are coming off a bye and were in a shootout with the Calgary Stampeders in their last game. Edmonton beat the defending western champs 48-42, with the teams combining for over 1,000 yards of offence.
STORYLINES
REDBLACKS in the driver’s seat – According to a CFL simulation, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats had a 92% chance of winning the East Division heading into last week. But following the Ti-Cats loss to Calgary and Ottawa’s victory over the ‘Riders, the REDBLACKS are now favoured to take the East, with a 65% probability.
Powell a Top Performer – William Powell was honoured as one of the CFL Top Performers for Week 14. It’s no wonder – Powell had 148 rushing yards on 18 carries for two touchdowns and took over the CFL’s rushing lead in the process.
Strength versus strength – Ottawa’s defence has been stellar this season, giving up 30-or-less points in only one of their games. They will be put to the test against Edmonton, whose offence is regarded as one of the most potent on the circuit.
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SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
The Mike Reilly-led Eskimos, without question, boast the league’s best aerial attack. The reigning MOP is leading the CFL in passing yards (nearly 200 more than the next-closest quarterback) and passer efficiency (106.8).
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that two Edmonton receivers are pacing the league. D’haquille Williams is tops with 1,235 receiving yards, and he and teammate Derel Walker are one-two in receiving touchdowns. Vidal Hazelton has recovered from an injury suffered in Week 1 and is gradually seeing more of the ball.
C.J. Gable has solidified a run game that saw four different backs get significant touches last season. The seven-year veteran is third in league rushing, but well behind the leaders William Powell and Andrew Harris.
The Eskies defence has been good, but not great this season. They rank in the middle of the pack in terms of points against and yards allowed. Former Defensive MOP J.C. Sherritt is the quarterback of the defence from his middle linebacker spot, while second-year end Kwaku Boateng has five sacks.
GAME INFO
Ottawa REDBLACKS vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Week 15 – September 22, 2018
Kickoff – 4:00 p.m. | TD Place Stadium
