GAMEDAY: Toronto Argonauts vs. Hamilton Tiger-cats

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Hamilton Tiger-Cats (7-5) at Toronto Argonauts (8-4)

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7:30 p.m. at BMO Area; Climate: Cloudy with 30% probability of rain; 8C; wind 32 km/h; TV/Radio: TSN/AM 1050; Line: Ticats by 1 level

STATSPACK

HAM  TOR

PER GAME AVERAGES (LEAGUE RANKINGS)

POINTS FOR

23.0 (third) 22.6 (4th)

POINTS AGAINST

17.5 (2nd) 24.4 (sixth)

YARD RUSH

101.9 (third) 82.7 (seventh)

YARDS PASS

241.6 (seventh) 271.5 (third

NET YARDS

324.2 (sixth) 338.9 (fifth)

YARDS ALLOWED

319.6 (third) 355.7 (ninth)

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

1. BMO-MENTUM

Whereas the Argos are unbeaten at house, a Ticat-strong gathering can be in attendance on an evening when the turnstile complete ought to exceed 10,000 for the primary time this season, which isn’t saying a lot. The precise enjoying floor isn’t preferrred and it stays to be seen how the grass situation blended in with the end-zone synthetic space will influence the sport and what explosive playmakers are capable of produce.

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2. BEDE GUN

Boris Bede gained the sport within the Hammer on Thanksgiving and has made 10 straight subject objectives in Toronto’s previous two video games, which underscores the necessity for the offence to complete off drives with touchdowns. The veteran kicker is a weapon and every time the Argos cross midfield is a chance to kick a subject objective from any distance. The Ticats blew an opportunity to tie the sport throughout their most up-to-date go to once they failed on a convert in a one-point loss.

3. TAKE IT TO THE BANKS

The playmaker referred to as Speedy B seems to be again to his MOP kind, an explosive receiver who’s taking extra reps on particular groups. DBs typically play off Brandon Banks, who can flip a routine go over the center for a piece play. The Argos had been bodily with Banks in Hamilton and should be simply as aggressive when wrapping up the elusive participant.

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4. MASOLI MAGIC

Jeremiah Masoli has led the Ticats to a few straight wins by making decisive reads and throws from the pocket, and producing performs on the run. If he’s allowed to flee containment, the Argos are in for an extended evening. The hot button is to maintain Masoli within the pocket and pressure fast throws. Hamilton depends on misdirection, however they’ll additionally design run performs for Masoli, who is aware of when to tug the ball or hand it off on RPOs.

5. MAC TIME

McLeod Bethel-Thompson hasn’t performed effectively for the reason that second half of Toronto’s one-point comeback win in Hamilton and he’ll must regain that kind for the Argos to have any probability. He has been throwing the ball effectively in observe, however he merely can’t pressure throws into tight home windows. There’s no method the Argos can win this sport in the event that they don’t win the turnover battle.

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NOTEWORTHY

Large evening for Ticats rookie offensive lineman Coulter Woodmansey, a Toronto child who attended Northern Secondary Faculty. Woodmansey has proven loads of promise and he’ll play in his largest sport as a professional with household and pals in attendance … Justin Tuggle is listed as Toronto’s starter at weak aspect linebacker, however head coach Ryan Dinwiddie stated Cameron Choose will get loads of reps in Choose’s second sport again from an ankle harm … Masoli hasn’t thrown an interception in his previous 118 makes an attempt, whereas MBT has been picked off eight occasions and thrown for simply two TDs in his previous three begins and but the Argos gained two of these video games by a mixed 5 factors … Harold Ballard’s spirit is alive within the type of the Harold E. Ballard Trophy, which can be at BMO. Considered one of Ballard’s crowing moments got here when he owned the Ticats and the membership gained a Gray Cup underneath his watch in 1986. Toronto most lately gained the trophy in 2017, the earlier time the Argos gained a Gray Cup. A Ticats win means they are going to retain possession and “TIE” can be engraved on the trophy. Friday’s sport is the fourth and remaining within the season collection with the Argos main 2-1.

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THE KEY MATCHUP

Ticats DE Julian Howsare vs. Argos OT Trevon Tate

Howsare is arguably the least publicized of Hamilton’s formidable entrance 4, however he performs with a motor and can get after the quarterback. Any probability the Argos have of beating the Tabbies will start up entrance by controlling the road. Howsare has recorded 4 sacks. Tate started the season at left sort out for Hamilton and can make his fourth begin for the Argos. Toronto can have rookies Theren Churchill and Jonathan Zamora as backups. Kamora joined the staff final week when the Argos acquired the guard/centre off Calgary’s observe roster.

OUR TAKE

Ticats 27, Argos 16

The Argos haven’t been enjoying effectively and have been fairly fortunate. Finally, this luck goes to expire. All indicators level to a Ticats win as a result of Hamilton is the higher staff. For the Argos to win, they have to defend MBT, set up a run sport and restrict the Ticats on explosive performs. It’s an enormous ask. A tie will give the Argos a bye into the Jap remaining. On this strangest of Argos seasons, something is feasible.