Aug 12, 2017; Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Luke Tasker (17) gains yards against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after a pas reception at Tim Hortons Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

EDITORIAL BY GRAYDON FOX

Prizes:

1st Place: $25 Amazon gift card

2nd-5th Place: $10 Amazon gift card

If there are ties, a random drawing will determine the winner.

Top 5 Winners:

1. Kim Anderson (329 points)
2. Cleotis Walton (329 points)
3. Ty Evans (329 points)
4. 1969jrd (329 points)
5. Oriolesia (329 points)

Overview:

On Thursday, July 5^th, the (2-1-0) Hamilton Tiger-Cats will be on the road to take on the (1-2-0) Saskatchewan Roughriders.

 The Crowd:

“The Crowd” projects a final score of Hamilton 28.9 – Saskatchewan 24.2 with an over/under of 53.0.

2018 Statistics (9 total teams):

Point differential: Hamilton +17 (3^rd) > Saskatchewan -21 (7^th)

Points per game: Hamilton 27.7 (4^th) > Saskatchewan 20.3 (7^th)

Points allowed per game: Hamilton 22.0 (3^rd) > Saskatchewan 27.3 (6^th)

Passing yards per game: Hamilton 339.0 (1^st) > Saskatchewan 216.3 (6^th)

Rushing yards per game: Hamilton 121.0 (3^rd) > Saskatchewan 88.3 (7^th)

Turnovers: Hamilton 4 (4^th) > Saskatchewan 9 (9^th)

Summary:

Hamilton is riding a two-game winning streak after defeating Winnipeg last week by a final score of 31-17.  The Tiger-Cats outgained the Blue Bombers 480-280 in total offense had possessed the ball for 15 minutes longer.  For all the offseason headlines the Johnny Manziel signing made, former Oregon Duck, Jeremiah Masoli, has arguably been the CFL’s best quarterback this season.  Masoli finished the game 31-41 for 369 yards with a touchdown and an interception.  Sean Thomas Erlington provided balance to the offense carrying the ball 11 times for 92 yards.  The speedster, Brandon Banks, had a big game with 11 catches for 111 yards.  Winnipeg was able to run the ball effectively but they were completely shut down in the passing game.  For the season, Hamilton is averaging 27.7 points per game (4^th) and allowing 22.0 (3^rd).

Saskatchewan came up just short in a tough nosed 23-17 defeat at the hands of the Montreal Alouettes.  The Alouettes outgained the Roughriders 287-279 in total yardage in what was clearly a defensive minded battle.  Neither Brandon Bridge (8-18, 111 yards, 2 interceptions) nor David Watford (10-22, 108 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions) was effective in what has become a revolving door at quarterback for the Roughriders.  Saskatchewan has not been able to run the ball all season and were limited to just 60 yards on 21 carries (2.9 average).  Turnovers once again plagued Saskatchewan as they now lead the league in that category (9).  The Roughriders defense played will but ball security proved to be costly in this one.  Saskatchewan is averaging 20.3 points per game (7^th) this season and allowing 27.3 (6^th).

Bottom Line:

Jeremiah Masoli has been excellent for Hamilton in the early portion of the season leading the CFL in passing yards (1,045) and completion percentage (70.8%).  The potent Tiger-Cats offense has been keeping teams off balance with both the running and passing game.  Saskatchewan has been snake bitten by poor quarterback play and turnovers all season.  I’m taking Hamilton to win this one on the road.

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