CFL Game #92 West Semi-Final - Winnipeg at Saskatchewan:

 Switching Teams: Winnipeg's projected roster for this game has 8 players who once played for Saskatchewan (W.Dressler, N.Demski, K.LaFrance, J.Hecht, C.Rempel, J.Hardrick, P.Neufeld & R.Lankford). The Riders have 4 , 5 former Blue Bombers in their lineup (S.Hurl, C.Marshall, J.Johnson & B.LaBatte, and Poop Johnson)

 September 8th WPG vs SSK: In this game, part of the 2-1 season series triumph for the Riders, BOTH QBs left the game early due to injury. Brandon Bridge led 4 late drives and produced 6 points on two Field Goals that won the game. Chris Streveler played the entire 2nd half in relief of Matt Nichols and led the Bombers to a late 27-26 lead which they failed to hold.

 2018 Season Series Comparison: The teams compared closely in 2018 in a number of key areas. Winnipeg outscored Saskatchewan 81-63 thanks to a recent 31-0 win, however Saskatchewan took 2 of the 3 games. The critical area of 2nd Down Conversions was a key as Winnipeg held the Riders to just 32%, well below the CFL average of 46%.

👁‍🗨 Winnipeg had the advantage in 5 out of 8 key categories: points, net offence, less two-and-outs, 2nd down conversions and rushing yards. Saskatchewan had more turnovers, scored more points off turnovers, and had 2 more sacks.

 The Riders scored 15 Touchdowns on all returns this season.

 The Riders scored 11 TDs on Defence this year.

 Better SSK Defence than Offence: In 8 games in 2018, the Riders' defensive unit actually had at least as many or more Touchdowns than their Offence including their final game of the year vs BC that clinched a home playoff berth (2 TDs).

 8 INTs for 30 points vs the Bombers in 2018: The Riders intercepted Matt Nichols and Chris Streveler 8 times in 2018. From those 8 INTs, Saskatchewan created 30 of their 63 points (48%) in the 3-game season series. Overall, 33 of their 63 points in 2018 vs the Bombers came off of Turnovers.

 Nichols and Collaros in the Playoffs: Matt Nichols has a Career 1-2 Playoff record and oddly LOST his best two starts but won his poorest (for Edmonton in 2014). Nichols' 35 completions in the 2017 Semi-Final 39-32 loss to Edmonton was a Winnipeg club record and ranked as #3 all-time, just 3 completions short of the CFL playoff record of 38 (set by Kerwin Bell for Toronto in 1998).

Zach Collaros has just two career playoff starts and to date has yet to throw a TD pass in a playoff game (though he did have one in the 2014 Grey Cup). His record is 1-1 last winning back in 2014 over Montreal.

Zach Collaros in 2018: Started 14 games in 2018 but did not finish 4 of them (Jun 21 v OTT, Sep 8 at WPG, Oct 13 at WPG & Oct 27 vs BC). Two of those DNF's came against the Bombers and the Riders went 2-2 in these 4 games.

 3 TDs on Offence: The Bombers offence has been so consistent lately that they have a 7-game streak with at least 3 TD drives. They were the only CFL club two score at have at least 2 TD drives in EVERY game in 2018.

 Matt Nichols in 2018: The Bombers' #1 QB missed the first 3 games but then started 14 in a row. He failed to finish only one game (Sep 8 vs SSK) other than being pulled due to the Bombers' being well ahead. Nichols threw for 300+ yards just once but that came in their crucial playoff-clinching victory over Calgary in his last start. Nichols ended up 9-5 overall and 3-3 on the road.

 Nichols & Collaros II: In 14 starts each, Matt Nichols and Zach Collaros were in the lower half of the CFL's leading passers on a yards per start basis in 2018.

 3 TDs on Offence: The Bombers offence has been so consistent lately that they have a 7-game streak with at least 3 TD drives. They were the only CFL club two score at have at least 2 TD drives in EVERY game in 2018.

 Sayles' Last 10 Games: Marcus Sayles made 72 Total Defensive Plays in his last 10 games - that rate taken over the full season would have given him 130, just 3 off the CFL leader Alex Singleton (133) and more than Adam Bighill (127).

 Nichols' Streak: Matt Nichols comes into this game with a 5-game win streak as a starter with wins over both 1st place teams.

 Playoff experience: Winnipeg's projected starters/kickers have 68 career games; Saskatchewan's have played 72 playoff games.

 Josh Bartel: Had the lowest qualifying punt average at 30.9 but not one single among 122 punts.

 Ed Gainey: Had zero interceptions in the first 9 games of 2018, but finished strong with 3 in the 2nd half of the season.

 1st Half Team: The Bombers outscored the opposition 335-196 (+139) in the 1st half but were -8 in the 2nd half/OT in 2018.

 Chandler Fenner: Wound up #2 in Special Teams Tackles with 24 - and he had 8 in his final 3 games.

 Mike Miller: Ended the season with 22 ST Tackles and a streak with at least one in 8 straight games.

 Alexandre Gagne: Ended the season with 23 ST Tackles and a run with at least one in 11 straight games.

 Shaquelle Evans: Had a team-leading 785 receiving yards but zero TDs, the highest yardage total in CFL history without a TD.

 Justin Medlock: Closed his season with a perfect 10-for-10 on FGs before sitting out last week ahead of the playoffs.

 Darvin Adams -Comes into this game with a 3-game TD streak and 15 catches for 270 yards, his best 3-game run of 2018.

 Brett Lauther - Finished up at 90% on FGs. He missed only 3 times in the first 14 games, but had 3 misses in the last 4 games

 Kevin Fogg - Tied with Jonathan Rose for the CFL lead in Turnovers Created with 10 (4 INTs, 3 Fum returns, 3 Forced Fumbles)

 Roosevelt didn’t catch a pass against B.C., ending his streak of consecutive games with at least one reception at 50

 Both clubs also go into the post-season on a 5-1 run. All in all, their method of winning games has been similar.

 

 

But O’Shea isn’t fooled..

He is making the trip at least

Whe re or who compiled that game notes..Winnipeg led league in turnover..had best turnover ratio.. and scored most points off if turnovers despite the sask 11 defensive TDs.. better well rounded team obviously 

Never mind, I see it's just about the Bombers/Riders series.

Edited November 10, 20187 yr by Fred C Dobbs

12 minutes ago, Booch said:

and scored most points off if turnovers

 

6 minutes ago, Fred C Dobbs said:

And Sask didn't have 2 more sacks then Wpg. Weirdly, all 5 western teams ended up with 45 sacks 😲 .

Those stats are simply between the 2 teams for this matchup.

Ahh...I see 

I just want to say I’m really looking forward to this game and kicking the Riders to the curb. 

I would love to ruin their first regular season and play off game at NMS. 

Any games subsequent to a Bomber win tomorrow will seem anti-climactic. Even the Grey Cup game.

1 minute ago, Tracker said:

Any games subsequent to a Bomber win tomorrow will seem anti-climactic. Even the Grey Cup game.

Ummm, no.

 

I did see a comment that Collaros practised, and didn't look very good.

If he can't play, or plays poorly, I can't see how Wpg can lose this game. 

 

All I want to see tomorrow is an embarrassingly devastating clown pounding inflicted on the Riders, 5th stripe not attainable this year, better luck next year.

2 hours ago, Mr Dee said:

The Bombers outscored the opposition 335-196 (+139) in the 1st half but were -8 in the 2nd half/OT in 2018.

 

surprising. 

Riders have one big advantage...Jones > MOS

And before anyone says anything...63 yard field goal attempt in BC Place.

 

36 minutes ago, Mark F said:

 

surprising. 

LaPo football.  Why increase your lead when you can sit on it?

Not sure Jones is a better coach than Mos.

Jones one Grey cup as head coach, was with a very talented team that had Reilly in his prime. 

Since he went to Sask, not much more happening under him than under Mike. 

Hamilton probably selling out, looks like from twitter feed, 3oo tickets left.

Underrated fans there, in Hamilton.

 

 

 

Edited November 10, 20187 yr by Mark F

Won't comment on individual coaches,

But overall for in game coaching I don't think anyone can touch MOS and staff

Although in CJ's defence he has gotten noticeably better since removing the distraction that was DC earlier this year 

Only advantage the riders have is home field

Hamilton : Riders account declares Collaros will be “making his 15th start of of the season.”

Riders defensive ends are pretty good. Probably both better than Okpa.

Suitor is the analyst for this game. thinks if Sask can stop Harris, they will win. He said Sask had the second most yards rushing this season after Wpg. did not know that.

 

 

Quote

 

On Friday, a reporter started a question to Jones with the words: “Bighill was a big thorn in your side last time …”

“He’s a big thorn in everyone’s side all the time,” Jones interjected. “He’s one of the best football players in the league. But go ahead with your question.”

 

 

Edited November 10, 20187 yr by Mark F

1 hour ago, Mark F said:

Not sure Jones is a better coach than Mos.

Jones one Grey cup as head coach, was with a very talented team that had Reilly in his prime. 

Since he went to Sask, not much more happening under him than under Mike. 

Hamilton probably selling out, looks like from twitter feed, 3oo tickets left.

Underrated fans there, in Hamilton.

 

 

 

Until they built THF, they couldn't draw more than 18-20,000 to Ti Cat games. Even when they had good teams. 

2 hours ago, FrostyWinnipeg said:

Riders have one big advantage...Jones > MOS

And before anyone says anything...63 yard field goal attempt in BC Place.

 

Sure...but dont mention anything about the bridge/Watson fiasco. Or using you're best O player only on D.

2 hours ago, 17to85 said:

Only advantage the riders have is home field

Take care of that early....

2 hours ago, FrostyWinnipeg said:

And before anyone says anything...63 yard field goal attempt in BC Place.

It was actually a 61-yard attempt. Anyone watching that game knows it was the monumental second-half collapse that caused them to lose that game, not the missed field goal attempt.

7 minutes ago, Eternal optimist said:

It was actually a 61-yard attempt. Anyone watching that game knows it was the monumental second-half collapse that caused them to lose that game, not the missed field goal attempt.

Yeah when you're up as much as you are, in hostile territory, you should be able to win those games. But that was par for the course with our Hall defense last year.

3 hours ago, 17to85 said:

Only advantage the riders have is home field

It may not be an advantage if they come out with tight collars afraid to make a mistake. The crowd & Rider Nation all expect them to win big. 

http://3downnation.com/2018/11/11/riders-pursued-henry-burris-signing-drew-tate-sources/

https://mobile.twitter.com/lwosnikkowalski/status/1061390656512385029

On 2018-11-10 at 12:06 PM, Mr Dee said:

 

 1st Half Team: The Bombers outscored the opposition 335-196 (+139) in the 1st half but were -8 in the 2nd half/OT in 2018.

 

 

So you’re saying if we’re up by 139 at half time we have a pretty good shot at winning...