Before I predict who’s going to win Sunday’s big game, let’s examine both the CFL East and West Finals from this past weekend.
Hamilton stunk! Plain and simple. They scored all their points against Montreal, and didn’t have enough left this past Sunday against Winnipeg. Scoring only three points isn’t enough to win a football game. We all know that. Ironically, however, Hamilton’s defense didn’t play that poorly. They only gave up 19 points, six of which came on the last play of the game. The Cats trailed by 10 points through most of the game, but couldn’t put a decent offensive drive together to score. Winnipeg’s defence was excellent and the Bombers had running back Chris Garrett chew up the clock, and not allow Hamilton to get very much time with the football and get a rhythm going.
While I give full credit to Winnipeg’s victory, they were the better team on Sunday. I’m going to come out and say that Blue Bomber Head Coach Paul LaPolice is an arse. During the Bomber’s post-game victory celebration, he came out and stated the final score made the game seem closer than it actually was. Now maybe I’m crying sour grapes as a Ticat fan, but who come’s out and says that? I could understand it if LaPolice’s team dominated the Ticats, but they didn’t. The Ticats defence, may have bent, but didn’t break. It only surrendered 19 points and gave Hamilton’s offence a chance to get back in the game, which unfortunately it failed to do. That’s the reason why Winnipeg won. If I were a Blue Bomber fan, I would be really concerned going into Sunday’s game against the BC Lions for the Grey Cup Championship. As for LaPolice, I should just consider the source, not get so upset and realize the guy still can’t count anyway.
The BC Lions had their way with the Edmonton Eskimos. They scored early and often to book their way to the Grey Cup Championship Game. They rode the hot hand of Travis Lulay, who beat Ricky Ray, plain and simple. BC’s big receivers showed up – just thinking of the two catches by receivers Bruce and Simon still seems as incredible as when the happened. BC’s domination at the line of scrimmage sealed the deal.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ BC Lions
The Blue Bombers have an excellent defence, but Travis Lulay and the BC Lions are hot right now. Lead by veteran receivers Geroy Simon and Arland Bruce and coached by the CFL’s all time best, Wally Buono. The Lions overcame an 0-5 season start, and now are playing in the Grey Cup game in their own backyard. The last two teams (Edmonton and Montreal) to host and play in the Grey Cup were unsuccessful in winning on home soil. In fact the BC Lions were the last to do so in 1994 beating Baltimore. BC will successfully win the Grey Cup at home again, carving up the Bomber defense in the process. I don’t think Winnipeg’s offence, lead by Buck Pierce, can successfully compete with BC’s offensive attack. Look for Winnipeg’s 21 year Grey Cup Drought, currently the longest in the CFL, to continue.
BC 30 – Winnipeg 23.
What do you think? Add your comments and predictions below.
…and that’s the last word.
