The task is simple for the Ottawa REDBLACKS; beat Hamilton, and earn the franchise’s third East Division title in four seasons. Ottawa will have to accomplish the feat in enemy territory, as they face the Tiger-Cats in Hamilton on Saturday.
Ottawa (9-7, 1st in East) are full of confidence following their stunning 35-31 victory over the Tabbies last week at TD Place. The REDBLACKS outscored the Tiger-Cats 21-6 in the second half to earn the win and a stranglehold on the East Division crown.
Rick Campbell’s team can clinch the east with in win in one of their final two games. Meanwhile, Hamilton must win each of their final two contests if they want to lay claim to the first-round bye. Both teams have already guaranteed their spot in the playoffs.
Hamilton (8-8, 2nd in East) floundered after losing star receiver Brandon Banks against the REDBLACKS. With news coming down this week that Banks is out for the season, many are questioning the Tiger-Cats chances for the rest of the season.
STORYLINES
Harris named Top Performer – It was no surprise that Trevor Harris was named one of the CFL Top Performers of the Week. Harris engineered the second half comeback and passed for over 300 yards.
R.J. Harris breaks out – The REDBLACKS easily could have had two Harris’s in among the Top Performers. R.J. Harris was terrific, hauling in six catches for a team-high 131 yards.
Sinopoli solid again – Brad Sinopoli turned in another strong performance against Hamilton. The Canadian receiver leads the league in receptions is third in receiving yards.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
Jeremiah Masoli may be the front runner for East Division MOP, but he couldn’t get the job done last week. All eyes will be on the sophomore starter to see how he copes with the loss of his number one target, Brandon Banks.
Banks joins fellow receivers Chris Williams, Jalen Saunders and Terrence Toliver as Ti-Cats who have suffered season-ending injuries.
The Tiger-Cats run game was also dealt a blow earlier this season with Alex Green missing some time. Green made his return against Ottawa, picking up over 100 all-purpose yards.
With the offence hurting, Hamilton’s defence will need to step up if they hope to find success against the REDBLACKS. Larry Dean, Simoni Lawrence and Don Unamba are a formidable linebacking trio, but Hamilton have the second-fewest sacks in the league this season.
The REDBLACKS offensive line will need to keep an eye on Ted Laurent. The lineman now has three sacks in two games against Ottawa this season.
GAME INFO
Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs Ottawa REDBLACKS | Week 20 – October 27, 2018
Kickoff – 4:00 p.m. | Tim Hortons Field
BROADCAST INFO
TV (EN): TSN | Online: TSN.ca/LIVE / TSN GO
TV (FR): RDS 2
TV: (Int’l): ESPN + | BT Sport (UK/Ireland)
Radio (EN): TSN 1200 | TSN1200.ca
Radio (FR): fm 104,7 | FM1047.ca
