Nov 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Calgary Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell (19) throws a touchdown pass to running back Jerome Messam (not pictured) in the first quarter in the 104th Grey Cup final at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-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. Tatmanx (358 points)
2. Chili_wili7 (350 points)
3. Rftr17 (350 points)
4. Rrager22 (334 points)
5. Randall Williams (329 points)

Overview:

On Thursday, June 28^th, the (1-0-0) Ottawa Redblacks will be on the road to take on the (2-0-0) Calgary Stampeders.

 The Crowd:

“The Crowd” projects a final score of Calgary 33.3 – Ottawa 25.7 with an over/under of 59.0.

2018 Statistics (9 total teams):

Point differential: Calgary +48 (1^st) > Ottawa +23 (3^rd)

Points per game: Ottawa 40.0 (2^nd) > Calgary 34.5 (3^rd)

Points allowed per game: Calgary 10.5 (2^nd) > Ottawa 17.0 (3^rd)

Passing yards per game: Ottawa 345.0 (2^nd) > Calgary 285.0 (4^th)

Rushing yards per game: Calgary 132.0 (2^nd) > Ottawa 114.0 (4^th)

Summary:

Ottawa was very impressive in their home opener defeating Saskatchewan 40-17.  Ottawa was well rested coming off their bye week and were clicking on all cylinders.  Trevor Harris completed 26-36 passes for 345 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.  William Powell provided necessary balance to the offense carrying the ball 19 times for 94 yards (4.9 average) and a touchdown.  Greg Ellingson paced the way for the receiving corps with 8 catches for 104 yards.  Ottawa’s defense was tremendous holding Saskatchewan to 345 total yards and forcing four turnovers.  The Redblacks dominated the time of possession and the turnovers played a key factor in the field position advantage.

Calgary has been by far the most impressive team in the CFL in the early portion of the 2018 season.  The Stampeders went on the road and obliterated the Toronto Argonauts 41-7.  Bo Levi Mitchell was locked in completing 20-22 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns.  Calgary rushed for 205 yards as a team with Don Jackson accounting for 123 of those.  Eric Rogers had five receptions for 131 yards and two touchdowns.  Calgary outgained Toronto 564-215 in total yardage.  For the season, Calgary is averaging 34.5 points per game (3^rd) and allowing 10.5 (2^nd).

Bottom Line:

Ottawa was able to take advantage of a Saskatchewan team on short rest but they will certainly have their hands full with Calgary in week 3.  The Stampeders are playing lights out right now and Bo Levi Mitchell is looking like a strong candidate for league MVP.  I’m taking Calgary by double digits in this one.

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