Aug 12, 2017; Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Andrew Harris (33) carries the ball against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 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. Boogadude24 (350 points)
2. John Diamantopoulos (329 points)
3. Mpedigo60 (329 points)
4. Benbenw76 (329 points)
5. Frederickroberts48 (329 points)

Overview:

On Saturday, July 7^th, the (1-1-0) BC Lions will be on the road to take on the (1-2-0) Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

 The Crowd:

“The Crowd” projects a final score of Winnipeg 26.7 – BC 26.0 with an over/under of 52.7.

2018 Statistics (9 total teams):

Point differential: Winnipeg +29 (2^nd) > BC -7 (6^th)

Points per game: Winnipeg 34.3 (1^st) > BC 22.0 (6^th)

Points allowed per game: Winnipeg 24.7 (4^th) > BC 25.5 (5^th)

Passing yards per game: Winnipeg 217.0 (5^th) > BC 181.0 (8^th)

Rushing yards per game: Winnipeg 172.0 (1^st) > BC 118.5 (4^th)

Turnovers: BC 1 (1^st) > Winnipeg 5 (6^th)

Summary:

Winnipeg suffered their first loss of the season when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeated them 31-17.  Hamilton outgained Winnipeg 480-280 in total yardage and won the possession battle by 15 minutes.  The Blue Bombers defense had no answer for Jeremiah Masoli who torched them for 369 yards passing and a touchdown.  It was simply not Winnipeg’s night as they also allowed 111 rushing yards.  Winnipeg’s quarterback, Chris Streveler, completed 17-30 passes for just 146 yards.  Winnipeg totaled 134 yards rushing for the game but could not get anything going through the air.   Winnipeg is leading the league in points per game (34.3) and they are allowing 24.7 (4^th).

BC was blown out 41-22 by the Edmonton Eskimos last week.  The Eskimos outgained the Lions 517-319 in total yardage and won the possession battle by 10 minutes.  Mike Reilly threw for 326 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Lions defense while CJ Gable rushed for 165 yards and a touchdown.  Jonathan Jennings struggled for BC completing 13-24 passes for 199 yards and was picked off once.  The Lions totaled 120 yards on the ground but were unable to deal with the Eskimos relentless pass rush.  Edmonton sacked Jennings 5 times and were able to force two BC turnovers.  BC is averaging 22.0 points per game (6^th) this season and they are allowing 25.5 (5^th).

Bottom Line:

Neither of these teams have great quarterbacks but Winnipeg is still the highest scoring team in the league thanks to their excellent rushing attack.  BC has committed the fewest turnovers in the CFL this season but have struggled to get the ball into the endzone.  I anticipate a close game but I think the Blue Bombers will control the clock and win this one at home.

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