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Sunday’s 6-pack


Updated Week 1 odds for the NFL:


— Tennessee @ Cleveland (-5.5, 45.5)


— LA Rams (-3, 51) @ Carolina


— Detroit (-1.5, 48.5) @ Arizona


— Cincinnati @ Seattle (-9, 43.5)


— Indianapolis @ LA Chargers (-3, 48)


— NY Giants @ Dallas (-7.5, 46.5)


Quote of the Day
“He has no idea how much milk costs. He’s like, ‘What is that, about 20 dollars?’ I’m like, ‘What kind of goat’s blood milk are you drinking?’ No! It’s… like what?”
Gabrielle Union, talking about her Dwyane Wade (her husband) doesn’t know much about the price of normal groceries


Sunday’s quiz
Michael Jordan was the 3rd pick in the 1984 NBA Draft; Hakeem Olajuwon was the first pick. Who was the second pick?


Saturday’s quiz
There are nine teams are in the Canadian Football League.


Friday’s quiz
WNBA teams play 34 regular season games each season.


*****************************


Sunday’s List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday…….


13) Was watching a ballgame the other day; Pittsburgh shifted against a lefty hitter, putting the 3B where the SS usually is, which confuses me.


Why not just leave the SS where he is supposed to be, and put the 3B behind 2B? Having the rangier fielder as the only guy on the left side seems smarter.


As it was, Colorado dunked a pop-up for a hit into short left-field, because 3B Colin Moran does not have great range, and Melky Cabrera was playing LF and he has virtually no range.


Different teams approach shifts differently, which makes it interesting.


12) Minnesota Twins hit 101 homers in their first 50 games, joining the ’99 Mariners as the only teams to homer 100+ times in their first 50 games of a season.


11) Major league baseball teams hit 59 homers in 14 games Friday, 2nd-most in a single day in baseball history, trailing only the 62 homers hit on July 2, 2002- there were 16 games played then, with a doubleheader in Boston that day.


10) Wrigley Field organist Gary Pressy worked his 2,633rd consecutive game Saturday; that means he hasn’t missed a home game since sometime in 1987- very impressive.


9) Went to an AAU tournament Saturday, first time I’ve done that in a couple years; the Gym Rat Challenge is a Memorial Day weekend tradition here in Albany– it is very well organized, spread out all over the Albany/Troy/Saratoga area.


They have three courts in the Times Union Center in downtown Albany, a 15,000-seat arena that is way too big for an event like this, but kids must enjoy playing there. Teams from all over the northeast come to the Gym Rat— good chance for kids to play against solid competition.


8) Astros 4, Red Sox 3— Boston starter David Price left this game after three batters with flu-like symptoms. Correa walked it off with a single in bottom of 9th.


7) College basketball transfer portal:
— Middle Tennessee State poaches Jalen Jordan from St Francis NY.


6) Diamondbacks 10, Giants 1— Arizona outscored San Francisco the last two days by combined score of 28-6. Going to be a rough summer for the Giants.


5) Mets 5 Tigers 4 (13)— Both teams ran out of position players, used a starting pitcher as a pinch-runner, graphic evidence that baseball is more interesting without the DH.


4) Phillies sent OF Nick Williams down to AAA earlier this week; he took the maximum amount of time to report, then played one game (went 2-5) and was given the weekend off by the Phillies to attend his girlfriend’s college graduation. I wish I was making this up.


Two years ago, Williams hit .288 with 12 homers in 83 games for the Phillies, but when the new regime took over last year, Williams’ star dimmed noticeably, and with Harper/McCutchen now in the Phils’ outfield, Williams is the odd man out.


I’m assuming he wants to be traded, but taking a weekend off to attend your girlfriend’s college graduation raises red flags about how much you care about playing, which makes it more difficult for you to be traded.


3) Baseball stuff:
— Angels put P Matt Harvey (back) on the IL.
— White Sox put C Welington Castillo on the 7-day concussion list.
— Pirates put P Chris Stratton on the IL.
— Astros put OF George Springer (hamstring) on IL.


2) Raptors 100, Bucks 94— Toronto advances to NBA Finals for first time, by sweeping last four games of series after losing Games 1-2 in Milwaukee.


1) Thoughts/prayers to Wisconsin assistant basketball coach Howard Moore, whose family was involved in a deadly car accident Saturday morning; coach Moore lost his wife and his daughter- he and his son are fighting for their lives. We wish them well.
 

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Wednesday’s 6-pack


Wagering matchups for the US Open:


— Dustin Johnson (-$170) vs Patrick Cantlay


— Brooks Koepka (-$150) vs Eldrick Woods


— Aaron Wise (-$125) vs Jason Dufner


— Henrik Stenson (-$115) vs Gary Woodland


— Ian Poulter (-$120) vs Bubba Watson


— Matt Wallace (-$130) vs Graeme McDowell


Quote of the Day
“Your indifference cost these men and women their most valuable commodity: Time! It’s the one thing they’re running out of.”
Jon Stewart, advocating for additional funding for the 9/11 victim compensation fund


Wednesday’s quiz
Who was the last President of the US who had previously been the Vice-President?


Tuesday’s quiz
Dodger P Clayton Kershaw played center on his high school football team; Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford was the QB on that high school team.


Monday’s quiz
Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game began in 1985.


**********************


Wednesday’s List of 13: Mid-week musings…….


13) Surprised to hear that the Oakland Raiders will be featured this summer on Hard Knocks; figured that they would wait until next year to feature the Raiders, when they move to Las Vegas.


12) Mets had two men on, no one out Tuesday with Jeff McNeil up; Bronx plays the 3B in for a bunt, and Mets’ TV guy Gary Cohen exclaims, “They’re playing in for a bunt!!! Doesn’t anyone scout?!?!?!”


Words aren’t out of his mouth and McNeil homers to right-center. I’m guessing Bronx coaches and staff won’t be too thrilled when they hear about Cohen’s comments- they are in first place after all, while the Mets are………the Mets.


11) There were 13 homers in the Arizona-Philly game Monday night, which is a major league record for one game.


10) Interesting to follow Twitter late Monday night and Tuesday with reaction to Kevin Durant’s injury; lot of people suddenly became medical experts.


Without knowing the inner workings of the Warriors, am guessing the decision comes down to Durant and the Warriors’ trainer, with Durant having the final say.


What follows now really could alter the NBA’s entire offseason; what teams will throw major $$$ at a big star with a very serious leg injury? Will he get a shorter deal and have to prove himself healthy before he breaks the bank again?


9) With Game 6 in Oakland Thursday, it bears repeating that Toronto had a 6-point lead and the ball with 3:00 left Monday with a chance to win its first title, but lost at home.


Crowd will be fired up for Game 6, the last NBA game ever in Oakland— the Warriors have a new arena for next year, across the bay in San Francisco.


8) Royals-Tigers are playing a game in Omaha, Nebraska Thursday, in advance of the College World Series. Teams played Tuesday-Wednesday in Kansas City.


7) Baseball stuff:
— Giancarlo Stanton homered (was 2-4) in a Class A rehab game.
— Orioles’ P Alex Cobb (hip) is out for the year.
— Tigers’ SS Niko Goodrum left Tuesday’s game (bruised knee).


6) Memphis Grizzlies hired Taylor Jenkins as their new head coach; he was Mike Budenholzer’s assistant in Milwaukee this season and in Atlanta for five years. Jenkins will the Grizzlies’ 4th coach in the last five years.


5) Saints signed DE Cam Jordan to a 3-year contract extension that is worth $52.5M with a maximum of $55.5M that includes $42M in guarantees.


4) FOX Sports produced its US Open promo, but didn’t include the person who won the last two US Opens, which was surprising to Brooks Koepka, who won the last two US Opens.


“We’re amazed that I wasn’t in it, just kind of shocked. Somebody probably got fired over it … or should.”


3) Most home runs, first 67 games of a career in Major League history:
1. Jose Abreu, 25 (2014), 2. Cody Bellinger, 24 (2017) 5. Pete Alonso, 22 (2019)


2) Detroit Tigers have Jack Morris as a TV analyst this year and he is very good, especially when he talks about pitching. Very honest; I learn something every game.


1) Zack Greinke has thrown 89 pitches this season that were under 70 MPH, 25 more than any other pitcher in the major leagues.
 

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CFL Betting Notes - Week 1
David Schwab


Football ‘north of the border’ returns to action with Week 1 of the 2019 CFL regular season. The Calgary Stampeders finally broke through with a victory over the Ottawa RedBlacks in last season’s CFL title game in their third-straight trip to the Grey Cup Championship.


Turning to the CFL futures odds to win this year’s CFL title, Calgary has been opened as a 13/5 favorite. Second on the list is the British Columbia Lions at 9/2 followed by Ottawa and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at 11/2 betting odds.


Further down the list at 7/1 is the Hamilton Tiger-Cats with the Saskatchewan Roughriders at 15/2. Rounding out the nine CFL teams are the Edmonton Eskimos (10/1), Toronto Argonauts (15/1) and Montreal Alouettes (18/1).


Thursday, June 13


Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-7 SU, 10-9 ATS) at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (9-11 SU, 8-11-1 ATS)

Point-spread: OFF
Total: OFF


Game Overview


The Roughriders were one game off the pace to win the West Division last season ahead of a 23-18 loss to Winnipeg in the playoffs as two-point home underdogs. Craig Dickenson takes over the reins as head coach for the departed Chris Jones. He is likely to turn to Zach Collaros as his starting quarterback for Week 1 with the long-term hopes that he can stay healthy and return to form as a solid passer in the CFL. Saskatchewan was 6-3 straight-up on the road last year.


Expectations have been raised for Hamilton this season in light of Jeremiah Masoli’s play at quarterback in 2018. He was second in the CFL with 5,209 total passing yards while tossing 28 touchdowns against 18 interceptions. The Tiger-Cats also have a new head coach at the helm with Orlondo Steinauer taking over for the departed June Jones. Hamilton bowed out of the playoffs last season with a 46-27 loss to Ottawa as a 3 ½-point road underdog in the East Division Finals.


Betting Trends


-- Saskatchewan has won the last five meetings SU and the total has stayed UNDER in seven of the last 10 games in this inter-division matchup.


Friday, June 14


Montreal Alouettes (5-13 SU, 11-7 ATS) at Edmonton Eskimos (9-9 SU, 8-10 ATS)

Point-spread: OFF
Total: OFF


Game Overview


A front office shake-up over the weekend sent Mike Sherman packing after just one season as Montreal’s head coach. This unexpected departure less than a week before the season opener elevated offensive coordinator Khari Jones to the top spot. It was believed that Vernon Adams, Jr. would be the team’s starter at quarterback, but Antonio Pipkin was also in the mix during the preseason. Other off-field issues have the Alouettes under league ownership while the search for a buyer continues.


The Eskimos missed the playoffs last season after falling to last place in the West. Following the loss of Mike Reilly at quarterback, Edmonton will turn to Trevor Harris after playing last season in Ottawa. Harris threw for 5,116 passing yards while helping the RedBlacks get back to the CFL title game. He tossed 22 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 2018. The Eskimos did win two of three both SU and against the spread to close out 2018 on a positive note.


Betting Trends


-- Montreal has a 6-3 edge ATS in the last nine meetings, but Edmonton has won its last five home games against the Alouettes SU. The total has gone OVER in four of the last five meetings.


Saturday, June 15


Ottawa RedBlacks (12-8 SU, 10-10 ATS) at Calgary Stampeders (15-5 SU, 11-9 ATS)

Point-spread: OFF
Total: OFF


Game Overview


The quest to win another East Division title begins with Dominique Davis as the likely starter at quarterback for this rematch of last year’s Grey Cup. Ottawa also has Jonathan Jennings on the roster as another possible option under center. The RedBlacks will also have some new faces running the ball with the departure of William Powell, who led the CFL in rushing attempts last year. Heading on the road for the season opener, Ottawa was 6-5 ATS last season in 11 games closing as an underdog.


It has been a given that Calgary would post the best SU record in the CFL after doing so the previous three seasons. However, the Stampeders lost 11 starters from last year’s championship roster. Bo Levi Mitchell was resigned at quarterback after being named the league’s Most Outstanding Player. He was third in total passing yards (5,124) while leading the way with 35 touchdown throws. Until some other team steps up its game, Calgary remains the team to beat in the CFL.


Betting Trends


-- Calgary has won its last five home games against Ottawa SU and it has a 6-1 edge ATS in the last seven meetings at McMahon Stadium. The total has gone OVER in seven of the last 10 games between the two inter-division rivals.


Winnipeg Blue Bombers (11-9 SU, 11-8-1 ATS) at B.C. Lions (9-10 SU, 10-9 ATS)
Point-spread: OFF
Total: OFF


Game Overview


The Blue Bombers are another solid team stuck in the logjam that is the West Division. They made it all the way to the division finals last season before losing to Calgary 22-14 as 4 ½-point road underdogs. The total stayed UNDER in six of their final eight games after leading the CFL in scoring last season with an average of 30.6 points per game. Matt Nichols started 14 games and threw for 3,146 yards and 18 touchdowns, but he was also picked off 13 times. Winnipeg also has Chris Streveler waiting in the wings.


The Lions are among the ranks of the five teams that will start the 2019 regular season with a new head coach. With Wally Bruno calling it a career, the torch has been passed to DeVone Claybrooks. He is already facing some high expectations with Reilly returning to BC as the new starting quarterback after he began his CFL career with the Lions. In his final season in Edmonton, Reilly once again led the league in total passing yards (5,562) with 30 passing touchdowns and 18 interceptions.


Betting Trends


-- BC has won seven of its last 10 home games against Winnipeg SU in this West Division tilt, but Winnipeg has an overall 8-2 edge ATS in the last 10 meetings. The total has gone OVER in seven of the last nine matchups.
 

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CFL
Long Sheet


Week 1



Thursday, June 13


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SASKATCHEWAN (12 - 7) at HAMILTON (9 - 11) - 6/13/2019, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 141-103 ATS (+27.7 Units) as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-0 against the spread versus HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-0 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Friday, June 14


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MONTREAL (5 - 13) at EDMONTON (9 - 9) - 6/14/2019, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 23-40 ATS (-21.0 Units) in road games when playing on a Friday since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 2-2 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 4-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Saturday, June 15


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OTTAWA (12 - 8) at CALGARY (15 - 5) - 6/15/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in a home game where the total is between 52.5 and 56 over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in June games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 3-2 against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 4-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WINNIPEG (11 - 9) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (9 - 10) - 6/15/2019, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 3-2 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 3-2 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CFL


Week 1



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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Thursday, June 13


Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
Saskatchewan is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 5 games on the road
Saskatchewan is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Hamilton
Saskatchewan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Hamilton
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Saskatchewan's last 10 games when playing Hamilton
Saskatchewan is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Hamilton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 6 games when playing on the road against Hamilton
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Hamilton is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Hamilton is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Hamilton's last 6 games
Hamilton is 8-16-1 ATS in its last 25 games at home
Hamilton is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Hamilton's last 6 games at home
Hamilton is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Saskatchewan
Hamilton is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Hamilton's last 10 games when playing Saskatchewan
Hamilton is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Hamilton's last 6 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan






Friday, June 14


Montreal Alouettes
Montreal is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Montreal is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Montreal's last 9 games
Montreal is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Montreal is 3-15 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Montreal's last 11 games on the road
Montreal is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Edmonton
Montreal is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Montreal is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Montreal is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Montreal's last 9 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Edmonton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games
Edmonton is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Edmonton is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Edmonton is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Montreal
Edmonton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing Montreal
Edmonton is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Montreal
Edmonton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Edmonton's last 9 games when playing at home against Montreal




Saturday, June 15


Ottawa RedBlacks
Ottawa is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games
Ottawa is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games on the road
Ottawa is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Calgary
Ottawa is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Ottawa's last 10 games when playing Calgary
Ottawa is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Ottawa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 7 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary Stampeders
Calgary is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Calgary's last 7 games
Calgary is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Calgary's last 11 games at home
Calgary is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Ottawa
Calgary is 4-0-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Calgary's last 10 games when playing Ottawa
Calgary is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games when playing at home against Ottawa


Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Winnipeg is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Winnipeg is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games
Winnipeg is 17-7 ATS in its last 24 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Winnipeg's last 25 games on the road
Winnipeg is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing British Columbia
Winnipeg is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing British Columbia
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Winnipeg's last 9 games when playing British Columbia
Winnipeg is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
Winnipeg is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Winnipeg's last 17 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
British Columbia Lions
British Columbia is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
British Columbia is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games at home
British Columbia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of British Columbia's last 6 games at home
British Columbia is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Winnipeg
British Columbia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 7 of British Columbia's last 9 games when playing Winnipeg
British Columbia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
British Columbia is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 4 of British Columbia's last 5 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of British Columbia's last 17 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
 

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THURSDAY, JUNE 13
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS



SSK at HAM 07:00 PM


SSK +3.5


U 48.0
 

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GAME RECAP


TICATS HOLD OFF RIDERS TO WIN 2019 SEASON-OPENER



HAMILTON — Frankie Williams scored on a 68-yard punt return touchdown and Brandon Banks added another, leading the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to a 23-17 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders Thursday night at Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field.


Riders quarterback Zach Collaros left the game and did not return after being injured on the opening drive, while backups Cody Fajardo and Isaac Harker fell just short of a comeback as the Ticats’ defence shut the door late in the fourth quarter.


Jeremiah Masoli threw for 169 yards and a touchdown on 17-of-28 passing to lead the Ticats, including six completions to his top receiver Banks for a game-high 77 yards. Canadian running back Sean Thomas-Erlington rushed for 68 yards on 11 carries before leaving in the fourth with an injury, though he appeared to be alright afterwards.


While the top offence of 2018 battled a top-notch Riders defence, it was a special teams play that turned the tide for the home team, as Williams’ punt return touchdown midway through the third quarter stood up to be the winner. Williams also started the game at corner for the Ticats.


Despite the loss, it was a valiant effort for the visiting Riders, who were down to their third-string quarterback after Fajardo was injured in the second half.


William Powell had a game-high 104 rushing yards and a touchdown in his first contest as a Rider, while sophomore KD Cannon led the club with four catches for 66 yards, all of which coming in the second half.


Harker, a 23-year-old rookie straight out of college, finished with 128 yards on 8-of-14 passing, but was intercepted twice. Fajardo threw for just 66 yards on 9-of-17 passing, but added 34 yards and a touchdown on the ground.


Things started ominously for the Riders when Collaros was injured on the third offensive play of the game. The veteran pivot took off on a draw before sliding feet first, but was hit late by Ticats linebacker Simoni Lawrence. Lawrence was issued an upgraded 25-yard penalty for contacting the head, while Fajardo took the place of Collaros, who headed to the Riders’ locker-room.


The Ticats appeared to have Fajardo under wraps after back to back incompletions, but Delvin Breaux‘s second penalty of the opening drive — this one for unnecessary roughness — kept the offence on the field. Two plays later Fajardo was in the end zone, scoring on a two-yard keeper to give the Riders a 7-0 lead just 3:25 into the game.


While the Ticats’ offence started slow in its first game under new offensive coordinator Tommy Condell, Lirim Hajrullahu would get them on the board with a 48-yard field goal before the end of the first quarter, making it a 7-3 game through 15 minutes.


That seemed to bring life to the Hamilton offence, which opened the second quarter with a 41-yard touchdown from Masoli to Banks on second-and-12. Banks was well-covered by Riders corner Nick Marshall but a well-placed ball by Masoli allowed Banks to eventually separate. The five-play, 51-yard drive put the home team ahead 10-7 early in the second quarter.


As Fajardo tried to find his legs, the Riders’ defence kept Hamilton’s high-octane offence at bay throughout much of the first half. Late in the second quarter it was the offence able to break through, with some hard-nosed running from the team’s star off-season signing in Powell.


The former REDBLACKS running back ran it three times for 30 yards and also caught a pass before fighting his way through the defence on his second goal line attempt. Powell’s one-yard effort capped off a 10-play, 55-yard drive and took 5:33 off the clock, though Brett Lauther‘s extra point sailed wide, giving Saskatchewan a 13-10 lead at halftime.


The Riders started the second half with what looked like one of their more promising drives of the night, when Fajardo found Kyran Moore for back-to-back completions, including a 26-yard pickup into Hamilton territory. But after Powell was stopped two yards short on second down, a third down gamble failed to cash in when the running back was stuffed at the line of scrimmage.


It was a major turning point in the game because after the Riders’ offence was stopped again on a Dylan Wynn sack, Ticats returner Williams made them pay, running a punt back 68 yards to restore the lead, 17-13.


The Riders’ quarterback woes continued late in the third, when Fajardo was forced from the game after taking a hit from Ticats defensive end Julian Howsare. After a 39-yard field goal from Hajrullaju extended the Ticats’ lead to 20-13, it was Harker’s turn to lead the Saskatchewan offence into the fourth quarter.


Fajardo would return to the Riders’ sideline, and even entered the game to run short yardage. But Harker earned the faith of the Riders’ coaching staff, remaining in the game. The third-string pivot completed four straight passes, including a 19-yarder to Shaq Evans on second down, setting the offence up in the red zone.


The drive eventually stalled after a sack by Lawrence on second down, but Lauther’s first field goal of the night, a chip shot from 19 yards out, cut the Riders’ deficit to 20-16 with 11 minutes left in the game.


Some tough running by Thomas-Erlington set up Hajrullahu’s third field goal of the night, extending the Ticats’ lead to 23-16 with 5:36 remaining after a five-minute drive.


A 37-yard catch-and-run by Cannon had the Riders back on the doorstep, as Harker continued to lead the Green and White. But again Hamilton’s defence refused to break, and Lauther’s second field goal of the night — this one from 41 yards — sailed left, leaving the Riders with only a rouge.


The Rider defence responded when needed, forcing a two-and-out to get the offence back on the field with 2:05 remaining. With completions on five of his first seven passes, it was Harker’s game to win. But two late interceptions doomed the rookie, including a last-play Hail Mary, sealing a Ticats victory to open the season.


The Ticats move to 1-0 on the season despite managing just 13 first downs on offence, converting just eight of 21 second-down tries. The Riders held a significant edge in both total yards (352-230) and time of possession (36:05 to 23:55), but the Ticats won the turnover battle 4-0.


The win marks Orlondo Steinauer’s first as a head coach after taking over for June Jones in the off-season. Steinauer was previously an assistant on the Ticats’ coaching staff in 2018.


Hajrullahu contributed three field goals for the Ticats, marking a perfect start to the season for the national kicker.


Off-season addition Ja’Gared Davis had a team-high seven tackles for the Hamilton defence, while Lawrence had six tackles, a sack and an interception.


Riders SAM linebacker Derrick Moncrief had a game-high eight tackles to go with a sack.


After a tough season-opening loss, the Riders’ early road swing continues with a trip to the nation’s capital to take on the REDBLACKS on June 20.


The Ticats will try to improve to 2-0 after a quick drive across the QEW to Toronto on June 22.
 

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Friday, June 15, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home
9:00 PM Toronto Argonauts Saskatchewan Roughriders


Saturday, June 16, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home
7:00 PM Hamilton Tiger Cats Calgary Stampeders
10:00 PM Montreal Alouettes British Columbia Lions




***************************




CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE BEST BETS AND OPINIONS


DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD




06/13/2019 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50


Totals...............1-1-0 50.00% -0.50




******************************




BEST BETS:




DATE........................ATS................... ..UNITS..................O/U..................TOTALS




06/13/2019.............0 - 1.....................-5.50..................+5.00.................-0.50




Totals..................... 0 - 1.....................-5.50..................+5.00.................-0.50
 

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Armadillo: Friday's six-pack


College football spreads for October 17-19:


— Ohio State (-14) @ Northwestern


— Oregon @ Washington (-6)


— Auburn (-13) @ Arkansas


— LSU (-6.5) @ Mississippi State


— West Virginia @ Oklahoma (-21.5)


— Michigan (-4.5) @ Penn State




**********


Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here…….


13) Raptors 114, Warriors 110— Toronto wins its first NBA title; Siakam/Lowry both had 26 points. Raptors went 6-2 vs Golden State this season, counting regular season games.


Golden State won only five of 24 quarters in this series. Klay Thompson scored 30 points in 32:00, but he hurt his left knee and left the arena on crutches- he tore his ACL.


12) People on Twitter Thursday were getting excited, one way or the other, because the Warriors were 3-5 this season in games Marc Davis officiates; Raptors were 9-0. Now it is 3-6 and 10-0.


There are three officials for every game; doubtful one guy makes that big a difference. There are always going to be stats like that; how relevant they are is debatable.


11) You can actually bet on which player scores the first basket of the night; Kyle Lowry (9-1) was the winner in this game.


10) Best I can tell, 2006 is last time the NHL/NBA both had first-time champs in same season; Miami Heat, Carolina Hurricanes won titles that spring.


9) Angels 5, Rays 3— They had a power outage at the Trop during this game.


Albert Pujols became the 6th player ever to hit 200+ homers for two different teams. Shohei Ohtani hit for the cycle.


8) Former Texans’ GM Brian Gaine was accused of discriminating against African-Americans in a complaint that was recently filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which may help explain the odd timing of his recent firing.


A former security coordinator for the Texans made the accusation, after he was let go by the team on May 8. Gaine was fired on June 7.


7) Baseball stuff:
— New York (A) put 1B Kendrys Morales (calf) on the IL.
— Tampa Bay put 3B Christian Arroyo (forearm) on the IL.
— Cubs put P Carl Edwards Jr (thoractic strain) on the IL.


6) Royals 7, Tigers 2— Game was played in Omaha, to kick off the College World Series; nine players in this game, plus Detroit manager Ron Gardenhire, played in the CWS in their college days. Omaha is where the Royals’ AAA team plays.


This was the first major league game ever played in Nebraska; let the record show that KC’s Cheslor Cuthbert is the first player in MLB history to get a hit in a game in Nebraska.


5) Former St Joe’s basketball coach Phil Martelli will be making $450,000 a season to be an assistant coach at Michigan the next two years.


4) Sounds like Zion Williamson will fit into the NBA just fine; he signed a marketing deal with Prime Sports back in April but terminated the agreement on May 31, three weeks before he is even drafted into the league. NBA has more drama off the court than on it.


3) Apparently, Thursday was Walmart’s 40th birthday; how do I know this? Kept getting text messages from them Thursday telling me this, and I rarely shop there.


2) Detroit’s prize pitching prospect, Casey Mize was pulled from a minor league game after 23 pitches in the third inning Thursday; he left with the trainer with an undisclosed injury.


1) John Calipari parlayed his dalliance with UCLA into a 10-year deal with his current team (Kentucky) that is worth $86M. It has some unusual pieces to it.


Starting with the sixth year of the contract, Calipari has the option to step down as coach and become “special assistant to the athletics director/university representative,” a title that receives $950,000 per year, as opposed to the $9M a year he makes to coach. Calipari is 60 right now; he figures to end his career with the Wildcats.
 

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Friday, June 14


Montreal Alouettes (5-13 SU, 11-7 ATS) at Edmonton Eskimos (9-9 SU, 8-10 ATS)
Point-spread: OFF
Total: OFF


Game Overview



A front office shake-up over the weekend sent Mike Sherman packing after just one season as Montreal’s head coach. This unexpected departure less than a week before the season opener elevated offensive coordinator Khari Jones to the top spot. It was believed that Vernon Adams, Jr. would be the team’s starter at quarterback, but Antonio Pipkin was also in the mix during the preseason. Other off-field issues have the Alouettes under league ownership while the search for a buyer continues.


The Eskimos missed the playoffs last season after falling to last place in the West. Following the loss of Mike Reilly at quarterback, Edmonton will turn to Trevor Harris after playing last season in Ottawa. Harris threw for 5,116 passing yards while helping the RedBlacks get back to the CFL title game. He tossed 22 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 2018. The Eskimos did win two of three both SU and against the spread to close out 2018 on a positive note.

Betting Trends



-- Montreal has a 6-3 edge ATS in the last nine meetings, but Edmonton has won its last five home games against the Alouettes SU. The total has gone OVER in four of the last five meetings.




*****************************




Friday, June 14


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MONTREAL (5 - 13) at EDMONTON (9 - 9) - 6/14/2019, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 23-40 ATS (-21.0 Units) in road games when playing on a Friday since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History

EDMONTON is 2-2 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 4-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Friday, June 14


Montreal Alouettes

Montreal is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Montreal is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Montreal's last 9 games
Montreal is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Montreal is 3-15 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Montreal's last 11 games on the road
Montreal is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Edmonton
Montreal is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Montreal is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Montreal is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Montreal's last 9 games when playing on the road against Edmonton

Edmonton Eskimos

Edmonton is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Edmonton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games
Edmonton is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Edmonton is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Edmonton is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Montreal
Edmonton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing Montreal
Edmonton is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Montreal
Edmonton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Edmonton's last 9 games when playing at home against Montreal




********************************




Friday, June 14


Montreal @ Edmonton



Game 683-684
June 14, 2019 @ 9:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Montreal
105.680
Edmonton
126.150
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 20 1/2
45
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
by 10
51 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Edmonton
(-10); Under





*******************************




MONTREAL ALOUETTES AT EDMONTON ESKIMOS


Line: Edmonton -10, O/U 51.5
Time: Friday, June 14, 9:00 p.m. ET



Edmonton lost star quarterback Mike Reilly and his 5562 passing yards but replacing him with Trevor Harris (5116 yards through the air) should soften the blow. They also added Greg Ellinson and DaVaris Daniels to a receiving corps that lost Derel Walker and D'haquille Williams (currently trying to make the Bills). On defense they completely revamped their linebackers by signing a pair of Eastern All-Stars from Hamilton in Larry Dean and Don Unamba while also pilfering Jovon Santos-Knox from Winnipeg.


Despite finishing 9-9 last season the Eskimos were probably better than their record indicated and dismantled the Alouettes in both of the games in the head to head, winning by 21 points in Montreal and and 16 points in Edmonton.


I'm not going to sugarcoat this: Montreal will be BAD this year. They won just five games last year and two of those were meaningless games to end the year. The Alouettes parted ways with head coach Mike Sherman (who you might remember from such shows as the Brett Favre-led Packers of the early 2000s) on Saturday after a tumultuous two years with the organization. Getting rid of your coach less than a week before the season starts is never a good sign.


This team could not find the back of the endzone last year and will likely start Antonio Pipkin at QB. Pipkin had all of three passing TDS and eight interceptions on 131 pass attempts in 2018 and will be behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league. This is a team in turmoil with not a whole lot of talent and on the road. Take the Esks to cover.


PICK: Edmonton -10
 

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GAME RECAP


HARRIS, STAFFORD LEAD ESKIMOS TO WIN OVER ALOUETTES



EDMONTON — In his Edmonton Eskimos debut, Trevor Harris led his team to a 32-25 victory over the Montreal Alouettes at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday night.


The Montreal Alouettes came alive in the fourth quarter with Vernon Adams Jr. at the helm, taking over for the injured Antonio Pipkin, and tied things up at 25 with two minutes left in the game. But Harris showed why the Eskimos were thrilled to sign him this off-season, effectively moving his team down the field and scoring the game-winning touchdown himself on a quarterback sneak.


Harris tossed 447 yards in his first win in green and gold and found receiver Kenny Stafford twice for touchdown strikes while also tossing a major score to running back C.J. Gable out of the backfield. Stafford hauled in seven catches for 98 yards to go along with his two majors while Gable rushed 20 times for 154 yards and caught three passes for 29 yards, one for a score.


Ricky Collins Jr. also had quite the night for the Eskimos, hauling in nine passes for 175 yards. While Greg Ellingson caught five passes for 66 yards.


Adams Jr. finished his night connecting on seven of 10 passes for 134 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He also added three carries for 13 yards on the ground. Before his exit from the contest, Pipkin had completed seven of 17 passes for 57 yards and a touchdown and added five carries for 45 yards rushing.


B.J. Cunningham led all Alouettes receivers with seven catches and 96 yards and a touchdown. Running back William Stanback carried the rock nine times for 76 yards and a major score and added two catches for 17 yards through the air.


The first points of the game were after the Alouettes conceded a safety on their opening offensive drive after the Eskimos stuffed Montreal on their own goal line, putting the home team up 2-0.


Harris made quick work of the team’s next possession, spreading the ball around to his receivers, Natey Adjei, Ricky Collins Jr., Kenny Stafford and Greg Ellingson, and moved the chains deep into Alouettes territory. But just when the Esks were eyeing the end zone, Collins Jr. fumbled the football on Montreal’s 14-yard line, stopping Edmonton in their tracks. It was defensive back Marcus Cromartie, in his first CFL game, that knocked the ball out of Collins Jr.’s hand and right back into the mitts of Antonio Pipkin.


The Alouettes weren’t able to take advantage of the turnover, however, and had to punt the ball away. But just when it looked like things were going the Eskimos way, Monshadrik Hunter fumbled the ball on the return and Montreal recovered once again, giving Pipkin and co. another chance to get their offence rolling.


A 20-yard catch by DeVier Posey and a roughing the passer penalty called on Vicker moved the Alouettes down into Edmonton territory. Pipkin tossed the Alouettes first touchdown of the 2019 season to Posey for the score, taking advantage of their second turnover of the night. Along with Boris Bede‘s convert, the Alouettes took a 7-2 lead with 2:46 left in the first quarter.


The Eskimos were moving the ball effectively through the first quarter and a half but were unable to finish their drives with points until six minutes left before the break. Harris tossed a strike to Stafford for the 26-yard major and along with Sean Whyte‘s convert, the Eskimos took the lead (9-7). The drive covered 84 yards in 12 plays as Harris threw his first touchdown as a member of the green and gold.


To end the Alouettes next offensive possession, Bede missed a 34-yard field goal attempt and tacked on a single point with under three minutes left in the quarter.


With the clock ticking down, Edmonton wasn’t done scoring yet.


Harris and Stafford continued the connection they had earlier in the half, as the Esks quarterback found an open Stafford for the 10-yard score. The drive was aided by three runs from running back C.J. Gable (two, 24 and nine yards, respectively) to put the home team in scoring position to set up their second major of the evening. Whyte connected on his convert and Edmonton increased their lead to 16-8 with 28 seconds left on the clock.


Both teams’ defences held strong in the third quarter. Six and a half minutes into the frame, the Alouettes conceded a safety, increasing the Eskimos lead to 18-3.


On Edmonton’s next drive, the team committed their fourth turnover on the night, this one was on downs, as the Alouettes stuffed Harris on a quarterback sneak on third and one. Esks head coach Jason Maas challenged the call but after review, the ruling on the field stood.


Just when it seemed like things started to tilt in Montreal’s favour, their starting quarterback was hurt. After taking a sack from Josh Johnson, Pipkin was visibly in pain on the field and was taken out of the game. Vernon Adams Jr. took over under centre for the Alouettes.


Harris and the Eskimos continued their success on their next drive. Starting on their own one-yard line, Harris shredded the Alouettes defence, moving the chains into Montreal territory. Then Gable showed why he’s one of the best, versatile running backs in the league with a highlight-reel catch for the Eskimos’ third touchdown of the night. The nine-play, 109-yard drive, and Whyte’s completed convert, increased Edmonton’s lead to 25-8 to start the final quarter.


The Alouettes weren’t going to give up easily, however.


On the visiting team’s next drive, they responded with a touchdown of their own. William Stanback and Adams Jr. did most of the work on the ground, with Stanback exploding for a 42-yard gain and his quarterback completing a QB sneak and a seven-yard run to get into Edmonton territory. Stanback then scored his first major of the 2019 campaign, a five-yarder, and along with Bede’s completed convert, the Alouettes cut the Esks lead to 25-15.


After the Alouettes defence stuffed Harris and co., they scored once again on the team’s next drive. This time Adams Jr. found B.J. Cunningham in tight coverage in the end zone, cutting Edmonton’s lead to just three with eight minutes left in the contest.


Adams Jr. continued to keep the momentum on the Alouettes side, moving his team into field goal range. Bede booted a 52-yarder with just over two minutes left in the game, tying things up at 25.


Harris and the Eskimos weren’t ready to let the momentum stay with the Alouettes, however. Collins Jr. caught a 45-yard pass to move the Eskimos into Als territory and Gable continued to rumble, moving the Esks to the Montreal two-yard line. Harris called his own number, scoring his fourth touchdown on the night. Along with Whyte’s completed convert, Edmonton took a 32-25 lead with just over a minute left.


The Eskimos defence made sure to seal the victory for their team, as defensive back Anthony Orange picked off Adams, giving the ball back to Harris with 52 seconds left in the game.


The Eskimos now set their sights on BC as the Lions will be in town next week while the Alouettes head out on a Week 2 bye.
 

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Saturday’s 6-pack


College football spreads for October 12:
— USC @ Notre Dame (-12.5)
— Florida State @ Clemson (-25)
— Florida @ LSU (-4.5)
— Alabama (-14) @ Texas A&M
— Penn State @ Iowa (-2)
— Michigan State @ Wisconsin (-3)


Tweet of the Day
“I told them, if you offer me an extension and show me that I am a piece of the future, I’ll play first, I’ll even throw bullpens for you but give me that security. I’ve been open to any extension talk but that hasn’t happened. They said I turned down one in the offseason of ’17 but that wasn’t true.”
Tigers’ RF (former 3B) Nicholas Castellanos


Saturday’s quiz
Which major league team used to play its home games at Comiskey Park?


Friday’s quiz
Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza are the two players who have had their number retired by the Mets.


Thursday’s quiz
Seven major league teams have domed stadiums; Texas becomes the 8th next year.


*******************


Saturday’s List of 13: Happy Armadillo Day!!!!


13) Happy Armadillo Day!!! 18 years ago, I started this website, not knowing where it would lead, but it has led here. Hope you enjoy reading it.


12) Have a book recommendation here; “Then One Day” written by Chris Andrews, the sports book director at SouthPoint in Las Vegas, which is an excellent sports book, and is also next to the hot dog cart and the VSIN radio studio.


Lot of excellent stories that cover Andrews’ long career, starting from when he was a kid growing up in Pittsburgh. If you like sports and betting, you’ll enjoy this book.


11) Westgate SuperBook released their odds to win the 2020 NBA title:
4-1— Los Angeles Lakers
6-1— Milwaukee Bucks, LA Clippers
8-1— Houston Rockets
10-1— Toronto Raptors
12-1— Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers
14-1— Golden State Warriors- Sounds like the Warriors won’t get bored next season.


Free agency will change these numbers, maybe drastically. Wagering on the Lakers right now at 4-1 would be an extraordinary leap of faith in their shaky front office.


10) Someone posted a pic on Twitter Friday of a 1989 basketball game with Wisc-Green Bay-Northern Iowa. Who cares?, you say, but the guy with the ball was Toronto Raptors’ coach Nick Nurse, and the guy guarding him was U of Virginia coach Tony Bennett.


30 years later, one guy is a national champ, the other guy a world champ. Go figure.


9) Raptors are first team ever to win an NBA title with zero players on their team who were picked in the top 14 of an NBA Draft. Kawhi Leonard was the 15th pick of the 2011 draft.


8) Shin-Soo Choo reached base five times for Texas Thursday night, but he didn’t get a hit; he was hit by pitches twice and walked three times. Scored couple of runs, too.


7) Baseball stuff:
— Marlins moved P Jose Ureña (herniated disc) to the 60-day IL.
— A’s put OF Stephen Piscotty (ear) on the IL


6) Tigers’ RF Nicholas Castellanos is a really good hitter, and is a free agent after the season; Detroit wants him to move to 1B, but Castellanos won’t do that unless the Tigers give him a contract extension- that hasn’t happened yet, so Castellanos remains in right field.


5) Louisville’s football team had a cruddy year last year; their power rating at the end of the season was 22 points lower than it was in August; Florida State’s power rating dropped 18 points during the season last year.


4) Turns out the Houston Texans didn’t fully understand what was in Nick Caserio’s contract, so they tried to trade with New England to acquire Caserio to be their next GM, but that fell thru too, so Caserio is back in Foxboro, working in the Patriots’ front office. Shouldn’t be awkward at all; Caserio becomes a free agent after next April’s draft.


3) Idaho fired basketball coach Don Verlin; assistant coach Zac Claus will coach the team this coming season. June 14 is an odd time to fire a college basketball coach. Vandals were 5-27 LY, after being 22-9 the year before, but apparently Verlin has run afoul of the NCAA.


2) Blue Jays are in Houston this weekend, so Toronto rookie Cavan Biggio gets to spend his first Father’s Day in the major leagues playing in front of his dad, Hall of Famer Craig Biggio.


1) RIP Pat Bowlen 75, owner of the Denver Broncos, who passed away after a long bout with Alzheimer’s. While Bowlen owned the Broncos, they played in seven Super Bowls, and had only seven losing seasons; he was revered in the Denver community. RIP, sir.
 

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Saturday, June 15


Ottawa RedBlacks (12-8 SU, 10-10 ATS) at Calgary Stampeders (15-5 SU, 11-9 ATS)

Point-spread: OFF
Total: OFF

Game Overview



The quest to win another East Division title begins with Dominique Davis as the likely starter at quarterback for this rematch of last year’s Grey Cup. Ottawa also has Jonathan Jennings on the roster as another possible option under center. The RedBlacks will also have some new faces running the ball with the departure of William Powell, who led the CFL in rushing attempts last year. Heading on the road for the season opener, Ottawa was 6-5 ATS last season in 11 games closing as an underdog.


It has been a given that Calgary would post the best SU record in the CFL after doing so the previous three seasons. However, the Stampeders lost 11 starters from last year’s championship roster. Bo Levi Mitchell was resigned at quarterback after being named the league’s Most Outstanding Player. He was third in total passing yards (5,124) while leading the way with 35 touchdown throws. Until some other team steps up its game, Calgary remains the team to beat in the CFL.


Betting Trends


-- Calgary has won its last five home games against Ottawa SU and it has a 6-1 edge ATS in the last seven meetings at McMahon Stadium. The total has gone OVER in seven of the last 10 games between the two inter-division rivals.


Winnipeg Blue Bombers (11-9 SU, 11-8-1 ATS) at B.C. Lions (9-10 SU, 10-9 ATS)
Point-spread: OFF
Total: OFF

Game Overview



The Blue Bombers are another solid team stuck in the logjam that is the West Division. They made it all the way to the division finals last season before losing to Calgary 22-14 as 4 ½-point road underdogs. The total stayed UNDER in six of their final eight games after leading the CFL in scoring last season with an average of 30.6 points per game. Matt Nichols started 14 games and threw for 3,146 yards and 18 touchdowns, but he was also picked off 13 times. Winnipeg also has Chris Streveler waiting in the wings.


The Lions are among the ranks of the five teams that will start the 2019 regular season with a new head coach. With Wally Bruno calling it a career, the torch has been passed to DeVone Claybrooks. He is already facing some high expectations with Reilly returning to BC as the new starting quarterback after he began his CFL career with the Lions. In his final season in Edmonton, Reilly once again led the league in total passing yards (5,562) with 30 passing touchdowns and 18 interceptions.


Betting Trends


-- BC has won seven of its last 10 home games against Winnipeg SU in this West Division tilt, but Winnipeg has an overall 8-2 edge ATS in the last 10 meetings. The total has gone OVER in seven of the last nine matchups.




****************************




Saturday, June 15


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


OTTAWA (12 - 8) at CALGARY (15 - 5) - 6/15/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in a home game where the total is between 52.5 and 56 over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in June games since 1996.


Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 3-2 against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 4-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


WINNIPEG (11 - 9) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (9 - 10) - 6/15/2019, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 3-2 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 3-2 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Saturday, June 15


Ottawa RedBlacks

Ottawa is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games
Ottawa is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games on the road
Ottawa is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Calgary
Ottawa is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Ottawa's last 10 games when playing Calgary
Ottawa is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Ottawa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 7 games when playing on the road against Calgary




*************************************




Calgary Stampeders
Calgary is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Calgary's last 7 games
Calgary is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Calgary's last 11 games at home
Calgary is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Ottawa
Calgary is 4-0-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Calgary's last 10 games when playing Ottawa
Calgary is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games when playing at home against Ottawa


Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Winnipeg is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Winnipeg is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games
Winnipeg is 17-7 ATS in its last 24 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Winnipeg's last 25 games on the road
Winnipeg is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing British Columbia
Winnipeg is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing British Columbia
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Winnipeg's last 9 games when playing British Columbia
Winnipeg is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
Winnipeg is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Winnipeg's last 17 games when playing on the road against British Columbia


British Columbia Lions
British Columbia is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
British Columbia is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games at home
British Columbia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of British Columbia's last 6 games at home
British Columbia is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Winnipeg
British Columbia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 7 of British Columbia's last 9 games when playing Winnipeg
British Columbia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
British Columbia is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 4 of British Columbia's last 5 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of British Columbia's last 17 games when playing at home against Winnipeg




*****************************




Saturday, June 15


Ottawa @ Calgary



Game 685-686
June 15, 2019 @ 7:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Ottawa
116.572
Calgary
119.897
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 3 1/2
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 8 1/2
52
Dunkel Pick:
Ottawa
(+8 1/2); Over


Winnipeg @ BC Lions



Game 687-688
June 15, 2019 @ 10:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
115.560
BC Lions
103.977
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 11 1/2
43
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
BC Lions
by 2
52
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(+2); Under
 

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OTTAWA REDBLACKS AT CALGARY STAMPEDERS


Line: Calgary -8, O/U 52
Time: Saturday, June 15, 7:00 p.m. ET


The Stamps rolled to a 27-16 victory over the RedBlacks in the Grey Cup last October. But the surface they played on was an absolute mess and there has been massive turnover for both of these squads in the offseason.


The Stampeders lost three players from their defensive line (including CFL All-Star Michah Johnson) and one of the best linebackers in the league in Alex Singleton. Lucky for them, the RedBlacks have suffered even bigger losses on offense.


Besides Harris and Ellinson they also lost offensive tackle SirVincent (how great a name is that??) Rogers to Edmonton, although Rogers won't suit up for the Esks either thanks to a torn tricep. They will also have to replace Powell at RB, as well as return specialist and 1000-yard receiver Diontae Spencer.


With all those departures on offense the Redblacks will have a hard time putting up points in Week 1.


Calgary's offense on the other hand should have no problem getting on the board with the reigning Most Outstanding Player in QB Bo Levi Mitchell who is surrounded by a bevy of weapons. Even with those losses of their own, their pipeline of talent has ensured that the cupboard is never bare. This line opened at -6.5 for Calgary and has already shifted to -8. Lay the points with Calgary.


PICK: Calgary -8




WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS AT BC LIONS



Line: BC -2, O/U 51.5
Time: Saturday, June 15, 10:00 p.m. ET


There's alot of excitement in British Columbia after they signed Mike Reilly to the biggest contract in the league - $725,000 annually which might be peanuts for an NFL kicker but is about 14 percent of the team salary cap in the CFL.


Reilly, along with massive (and talented) receivers Lemar Durant and Duron Carter, should be huge for a Lions team that made the playoffs last year despite a subpar passing game. But with currently the second-best odds to win the Grey Cup, oddsmakers might be a tad too bullish on a team that finished 9-9 last season and has lost significant contributors on the defensive side of the ball and at running back.


The Canadian game tends to emphasise passing the football but watching Winnipeg last year you wouldn't know it. They averaged a league-leading 136.8 rushing yards per game, a whopping 23.9 yards more than second-place Saskatchewan. They're led by RB Andrew Harris who is kind of a Canadian version of prime Marshall Faulk with his ability to run and catch the ball out of the backfield.


Winnipeg's defense should be able to terrorize quarterbacks. They signed the previously mentioned Willie Jefferson at defensive end and already had the promising Jackson Jeffcoat and Craig Roh on the outside of the line. In the interior they have an excellent rotation with Drake Nevis, Brandin Bryant, and Jake Thomas. Add last year's Most Outstanding Defensive Player in linebacker Adam Bighill to the mix and you have one of the top defenses and top teams in the league.


I think the Bombers could be the best team in the league and with Reilly still learning to adjust to a new system and teammates I'm backing them to steal this game on the road.


PICK: Winnipeg +2
 

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PREVIEW


REDBLACKS, STAMPS TEE UP GREY CUP REMATCH IN CALGARY
CFL.CA STAFF



CALGARY — Week 1 of the Canadian Football League season will see a rematch of the 106th Grey Cup presented by Shaw.


The defending Grey Cup Champion Calgary Stampeders will host the Ottawa REDBLACKS at McMahon Stadium to kick off a Saturday night CFL double-header.


For the first time since November, the best teams from last year’s divisions will square off. Over the last four seasons, the Grey Cup has seen either the REDBLACKS or the Stampeders take to the field.


Calgary won all three matchups against the REDBLACKS last season, including a 27-16 Grey Cup win in November. Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell was named the game’s Most Outstanding Player after throwing two touchdowns, two interceptions, and 253 yards passing. With the victory, Mitchell became the first quarterback in franchise history to capture two Grey Cups.


The Stampeders were the best team in the CFL last season, racing to a 13-5 record. The team also boasted the second-highest scoring offence (522 points) and the best defence (363 points allowed). The REDBLACKS were the best team in the East Division and finished the year with an 11-7 record. No other team in the East finished the season with a winning record.


But both teams will be fielding completely different squads than the ones that took the field last November.


Calgary lost a number of players on both sides of the ball, including receiver DaVaris Daniels, defensive tackle Micah Johnson and linebacker Alex Singleton. The team even lost defensive coordinator DeVone Claybrooks, who joined the BC Lions as their new head coach.


Brett Monson is tasked as the team’s new defensive coordinator, assembling a unit that’s missing roughly two thirds of the starters that took the field last November.


The REDBLACKS have had their changes too. While the defence, under Noel Thorpe, remains mostly intact, quarterback Trevor Harris, receivers Diontae Spencer and Greg Ellingson, offensive tackle SirVincent Rogers and running back William Powell all landed elsewhere during a winter of unparalleled off-season movement.


Despite the changes, the Stampeders remain confident group under Head Coach Dave Dickenson, who enters his fourth season with a 41-11-2 regular season record.


“Everybody thinks we have a little Grey Cup hangover,” Stampeders running back Terry Williams said earlier in the week in an interview with Stampeders.com. “You can bet against us, but we’re going to be Stampeders and do what we do.”


Williams will return kicks and also spell starting running back Don Jackson. Romar Morris is currently on the six-game injured list as he recovers from an Achilles injury suffered last November.


It helps that the Stamps still have Mitchell, their star quarterback and the league’s number one ranked player according to this year’s TSN top-50, back in the fold. Mitchell re-upped with the Stamps in the off-season by signing a four-year deal worth nearly three million dollars.


While Daniels along with Chris Matthews, Marken Michel and Lemar Durant will no longer be catching passes for the Red and White, and Kamar Jorden will be out for the foreseeable future as he recovers from last year’s season-ending knee injury, Mitchell will have plenty of familiar targets.


Eric Rogers, whose three-touchdown performance in the Western Final helped the Stamps win the Grey Cup, leads a talented core that also includes promising up-and-comers Reggie Begelton, Markeith Ambles and Canadian Juwan Brescacin. University of Calgary product Michael Klukas has won a starting job at wide receiver and will make his first career start after a strong training camp.


On the Ottawa side of the ball, the REDBLACKS will start quarterback Dominique Davis behind centre. The East Carolina alum won the starting job in training camp over off-season addition Jonathon Jennings and will look to fill the shoes of departed quarterback Trevor Harris.


Davis, 29, joined the REDBLACKS in 2018 as a backup to Harris. The pivot threw three touchdowns and 373 yards in eight games played last season.


“It means a lot, I’ve been waiting for my moment and the time is here. I just want to do the best I can to win games and hoist the Grey Cup,” Davis told OttawaREDBLACKS.com earlier this week.


After losing much of their core, the offence comes into 2019 with something to prove. Many are doubting the REDBLACKS this season, while the team was ranked eighth in the pre-season Nissan Titan Power Rankings, ahead of only the Montreal Alouettes.


While mainstays Brad Sinopoli and RJ Harris will do much of the heavy lifting, Caleb Holley showed immediate chemistry with Davis throughout the pre-season. Dominique Rhymes has also won a starting job, while Canadian Seth Coate gets the nod at field wideout. Mossis Madu is the starter at running back going into Week 1.


Up front, the REDBLACKS will start five Canadian offensive linemen, a rarity in the CFL, as 2018 first round draft pick Mark Korte gets the assignment at left tackle. On the defensive side of things, veteran corner Chris Randle will get the start for Ottawa.


BY THE NUMBERS


7 – The consecutive number of home openers the Calgary Stampeders have won. The last time the Stamps lost a home opener was July 1, 2011 in a 23-21 loss to the Toronto Argonauts.


35 – The number of touchdown passes thrown by Bo Levi Mitchell last season for Calgary. Not only was the total good enough to lead the league, they’re the most touchdowns the Texas native has thrown in a single season since joining the CFL in 2012.


11 – REDBLACKS named to the All-East team in 2018. Only five of those players remain with Ottawa for this season.


116 – Receptions for REDBLACKS receiver Brad Sinopoli, who set a career-high while also leading the league in catches and targets (154). The Canadian was the only receiver to have made over 100 grabs last season.

The Stampeders will commemorate their Grey Cup victory by raising a flag in the northeast corner of their stadium prior to kickoff. Singleton, who’s now signed with the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League, will be in attendance to sign autographs before the game as well.


Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. ET and the game can be seen on TSN and ESPNews, and followed live via CFL.ca Game Tracker.
 

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PREVIEW


REILLY, NICHOLS SET TO SQUARE OFF IN VANCOUVER
CFL.CA STAFF



VANCOUVER – Two of the CFL’s premier quarterbacks are set to square off, as the BC Lions and Mike Reilly open their 2019 season against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Matt Nichols Saturday night at BC Place.


Saturday will be Reilly’s first game in orange and black since 2012. His resume with the Edmonton Eskimos speaks for itself – the 2017 Most Outstanding Player Award, three straight seasons of at least 5,500 passing yards and a Grey Cup ring. His signing with the Leos in the off-season was touted as a homecoming, since Reilly began his CFL career with BC.


Reilly’s quarterback counterpart for the Blue Bombers is his former backup in Edmonton. Nichols and Reilly went head-to-head in an open competition for the starting job with the Esks in 2013. Said competition was ended prematurely when Nichols tore his ACL in the first pre-season game, giving Reilly the reins to the offence. Nichols was traded to Winnipeg in 2015 and hasn’t looked back.


“No matter what football throws at me, I think I’ve seen it all now,” Nichols told BlueBombers.com. “I have a pretty good outlook going into this season that nothing is going to negatively affect me. I’ve been through it all now.”


While the Lions were one of many CFL franchises that made key changes in the off-season – only three quarterbacks and four head coaches remain from Week 1 of 2018 – the Bombers held steady in the off-season. Many of their key playmakers are returning, including reigning Most Outstanding Defensive Player Adam Bighill.


“Now that we have our roster, I definitely feel like, on paper, we have a better roster than we did last year,” said Bighill. “That’s not a slight on anything or on anyone. It’s just about the new guys that have come in and the pieces we’ve added.”


For the second consecutive year, the Bombers will not be at full strength for their season opener. Nichols was injured in training camp, forcing him to miss the first three games of 2018, and this season, receiver Chris Matthews and offensive lineman Patrick Neufeld are on the one-game injured list.


Matthews is slated to be one of Nichols’ favourite targets this season, along with returning wideouts Darvin Adams and Nic Demski. The offence also boasts the 2018 league rushing leader, Andrew Harris, who will play against his former team.


“As much success as I’ve had, there have always been naysayers and there always will be,” said Harris. “That’s just part of this business. A lot of people take that negatively. I take it and turn it into a positive thing for me. It just works for me.”


Lucky Whitehead and Kenny Lawler will both make their first starts with the Bombers at receiver.


For the Bombers’ defence, Saturday will be somewhat of a homecoming. In addition to Bighill, starters Chandler Fenner, Anthony Gaitor and Winston Rose have all played for the Lions, as well as backup defensive end Craig Roh.


Among a handful of new faces on Winnipeg’s defence, Willie Jefferson may be the most exciting. Jefferson was one of the league’s top free agents this off-season after recording 10 sacks, two interceptions and two touchdowns.


Joining Reilly on the Leos is new head coach DeVone Claybrooks. Long considered one of the best defensive coordinators in the league, the 41-year-old, askew cap-wearing former defensive lineman has brought a culture change to the Lions.


“We’re a fast, physical team that likes to fly around,” Claybrooks told BCLions.com. “We’re going to work hard. We’re going to enjoy the process, and that means allowing the players to be themselves, but in the team concept.”


In addition to Reilly and Claybrooks, the polarizing Duron Carter finds his way to the West Coast, joining a receiving core with returning stalwarts Bryan Burnham and Shaq Johnson. Canadian Lemar Durant also signed with the Lions after winning the 106th Grey Cup with the Calgary Stampeders.


On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions gave up the second-fewest passing yards-per-game last season, but had the seventh-best run defence. Linebackers Chris Edwards and Maleki Harris were added to a front seven that already includes Odell Willis, but Claybrooks and defensive coordinator Rich Stubler working with the defence could make them one of the most formidable in the league.


“I feel like we got better on the defensive side, coaching-wise and player-wise” said Willis. “We’re not worried about Andrew Harris, we’re just worried about ourselves. It all depends on what we do.”


On offence, the Lions’ running back tandem of Brandon Rutley and John White will attempt to go toe-to-toe on the ground with Harris. Injuries have limited White to just nine games over the last two seasons, but he will be looking to regain the form that saw him rush for more than 800 yards in 2014 and 2016. The 28-year-old is also plenty familiar with Reilly – they spent five seasons together in Edmonton from 2013 to 2017.


The Lions go into Saturday’s contest with nine projected Canadian starters, including four on the offensive line. Former draft pick Brett Boyko will make his debut at right tackle after spending time south of the border. On defence, Dominique Termansen will start at corner.


BY THE NUMBERS


62 – Darvin Adams is 62 receiving yards away from 4,000 for his career.


7-2 – BC Place was a fortress for the Lions in 2018, it was their 2-7 road record that was their downfall.


2015 – The last time Winnipeg won a game in Week 1. That’s the longest active drought in the league.



Kickoff is at 10:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on TSN, RDS and ESPN+, and followed live via CFL.ca Game Tracker.
 

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SATURDAY, JUNE 15
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS



OTT at CGY 07:00 PM
CGY -8.5
O 51.0



WPG at BC 10:00 PM
WPG -1.0
U 50.5
 

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GAME RECAP
DAVIS’ LATE SCORE HELPS REDBLACKS STUN STAMPS
CFL.CA STAFF



CALGARY — It was better late than never for the Ottawa REDBLACKS on Saturday night in Calgary.


In a rematch of the 106th Grey Cup Championship, quarterback Dominique Davis scored his third rushing touchdown with just 1:22 remaining, giving the REDBLACKS their first lead of the game and a 32-28 come-from-behind victory over the Calgary Stampeders.


The last-minute touchdown capped off an up-and-down evening for Davis, but the first-time starting quarterback persevered despite throwing four interceptions — including three to Stampeders sophomore corner Tre Roberson — to lead Ottawa to a season-opening win.


Mossis Madu had a game-high 112 rushing yards on 24 carries to lead the REDBLACKS, while RJ Harris chipped in with 82 receiving yards on six catches. Brad Sinopoli added seven catches for 75 yards. Lewis Ward made all three field goal attempts, including his 50th in a row dating back to 2018.


Stamps pivot Bo Levi Mitchell, coming off his second career Most Outstanding Player honour in 2018, completed 23 of 39 passes for 275 yards, a touchdown and an interception, but the Stamps’ offence sputtered in the second half, managing only seven points.


Juwan Brescacin caught a 50-yard touchdown pass for Calgary, while defensively, in addition to Roberson’s big game, veteran linebacker Cory Greenwood had a game-high nine tackles.


Davis’ first drive as the REDBLACKS’ starting quarterback didn’t quite go as planned. On his first pass of the game, on second-and-six, Davis’ throw was jumped and intercepted by Roberson.


Gifted great field position at the Ottawa five-yard-line, the Calgary offence cashed in on the early turnover with a one-yard run by Don Jackson, taking an early 7-0 lead.


His team in an early hole, Davis bounced back confidently. A 14-yard pickup by Harris moved the chains on second down, while Caleb Holley and J.C. Beaulieu also got involved, leading the offence on a 13-play, 86-yard jaunt culminating in a one-yard touchdown run by Davis. Davis completed six of seven passes following the early turnover, though he couldn’t convert the two-point attempt.


After a 42-yard field goal by the consistent Rene Paredes, Roberson hauled in his second interception of the game when Davis’ pass was deflected off the hands of the receiver. Two plays later, Brescacin beat Corey Tindal on a skinny post and Mitchell made no mistake, finding the national pass-catcher for a 50-yard touchdown.


A successful two-point conversion by Reggie Begelton gave the Stamps an 18-6 lead after an eventful first 15 minutes. Early in the second, they’d add to their lead with a 17-yard chip shot field goal from Paredes, his second of the game.


But the REDBLACKS, down two scores in their season-opener, responded in workmanlike fashion. Three rushing first downs by Madu and another by Davis aided a 13-play, 74-yard drive, culminating on Davis’ second touchdown of the game. Harris’ two-point convert made it an eight-point play, cutting Ottawa’s deficit to just seven points ahead of the three-minute warning.


The Stampeders’ first turnover of the game, a fumble by Begelton on second down, led to a 44-yard field goal by Ward, making it 21-17 Calgary heading into the half.


As the field continued to tilt in the REDBLACKS’ favour in the third, one play was all it took for the momentum to completely reverse. Davis’ pass to Harris was off target, and the resulting deflection was picked off by Brandon Smith, who returned it 59 yards for the defensive touchdown. Davis’ third interception of the game put Ottawa in a 10-point hole with eight minutes remaining in the third.


Despite the offensive miscues, the visitors refused to go away. Ward’s second field goal of the game — and 50th consecutive dating back to 2018 — pulled the REDBLACKS to within seven, while a punt single from Richie Leone made it a six-point game early in the fourth.


The Stamps picked off Davis for a fourth time, when Roberson came down with a jump ball for his third interception of the game. But Calgary’s offence remained ice cold in the second half, as a 2-for-7 stretch for Mitchell forced the Stampeders to punt.


Still trailing by six, a special teams play gave Ottawa a golden opportunity to surge ahead midway through the fourth, when Lorenzo Jerome — replacing an injured Terry Williams — fumbled a punt. Linebacker De’Andre Montgomery recovered at the Calgary 19. But the REDBLACKS would have to settle for another Ward field goal, making it a 28-25 Calgary lead with six minutes to go in the game.


The defensive clinic continued all through the second half, but the battle for field position gave Ottawa a chance at a late lead. On a drive that started at the Calgary 47 following a 15-yard penalty for no yards, Davis connected with Sinopoli for 24 yards, then on second-and-goal from the five took matters into his own hands, scrambling and then diving for the go-ahead touchdown — the REDBLACKS’ first lead of the game with 1:22 remaining.


Mitchell and the Stamps’ last-gasp effort was intercepted by REDBLACKS corner Jonathan Rose in the end zone, sealing a season-opening win for Rick Campbell’s squad.


In the end, Ottawa piled up 100 more net yards than the Stamps, holding Mitchell and company to just 299 yards. The REDBLACKS also controlled the clock throughout much of the evening, possessing the ball for 33:04.


After scoring an early touchdown, Stamps running back Jackson was held to just 22 rushing yards on nine carries, though he did chip in with five catches for 43 yards.


The Stamps get an early bye in Week 2, while the REDBLACKS head home to the nation’s capital for a date with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on June 20.
 

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GAME RECAP
NICHOLS AND HARRIS LEAD BOMBERS TO VICTORY AGAINST LIONS
CFL.CA STAFF



VANCOUVER — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers came out on top in an exciting back-and-forth battle against the BC Lions on Saturday, closing out Week 1 with a 33-23 victory. Quarterback Matt Nichols led the way with three touchdown strikes while completing 21 of 33 passes for 184 yards to help the Bombers win their first season opener since 2015.


2018 league rushing leader Andrew Harris did not miss a beat to start the new season, as he gashed the Lions’ defence for 148 yards on 16 rushes and averaged 9.3 yards per carry. The versatile playmaker also added five catches for 27 yards.


Darvin Adams made an impact with five catches for 73 yards and a touchdown, eclipsing 4,000 receiving yards for his CFL career.


Mike Reilly had some good moments as the Lions’ new starting quarterback, finishing the game with 324 yards and a touchdown on 22 completions.


Winnipeg receiver Drew Wolitarsky contributed two touchdown catches to go with his 43 receiving yards, and Bombers safety Jeff Hecht added two key interceptions to help Winnipeg grab the road win.


Brandon Rutley made his presence known on special teams for the Lions with an incredible 108-yard kickoff return touchdown, and BC receiver Bryan Burnham led all pass catchers on the night with five receptions for 153 yards.


Both defences stood strong to start the game, with Lions defensive end Odell Willis notching his first sack of the season and 98th of his career. But Reilly got things going for BC near the end of the first quarter with two big throws to Burnham for 97 yards. The Leos appeared to be on their way to the end zone, but a time count violation caused the promising drive to stall. Lions kicker Sergio Castillo made the 23-yard field goal to put the first points on the board.


Nichols and the Bombers’ offence responded quickly to start the second quarter. The veteran passer led his offence down the field and made a brilliant throw on the run while escaping pressure to find trusted target Adams in the end zone for a five-yard score. Harris chipped in 15 rushing yards on the drive and kicker Justin Medlock knocked the extra point through to give Winnipeg an early 7-3 lead.


The Lions narrowed Winnipeg’s lead down to one point on a 40-yard field goal from Castillo after receiver Lemar Durant and running back John White moved the chains by turning short passes into significant gains.


Momentum remained firmly on the Bombers’ side as the ensuing drive unfolded, with Nichols making his biggest throw of the opening half on a 43-yard pass to Adams. Nichols demonstrated perfect touch and accuracy on the play action play to hit Adams in stride and put Winnipeg in position to add to its lead. Nichols capped off the drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Wolitarsky, and Medlock added the extra point to give the Bombers a 14-6 lead.


But the Lions answered back right away on the very next play, as running back and return specialist Brandon Rutley took the deep kickoff and used his speed to return it all the way to the end zone for a 108-yard touchdown as the home crowd roared. The Lions went for two points on the next play to even the score, and Reilly connected with new weapon Duron Carter in the left side of the end zone to make it a tie ball game.


The Leos took the lead on the final play of the half with Castillo’s third field goal of the game, a 45-yarder that put BC on top 17-14.


The Bombers stepped up on defence in the third quarter with a big interception from Hecht. The Bombers safety made a spectacular play by picking off Reilly and returning it 51 yards to set up a first-and-goal situation for Winnipeg. Nichols capitalized on the turnover by using his legs once again to extend the play to his left as he found Wolitarsky for a seven-yard touchdown pass to put the Bombers ahead. Medlock added the extra point to make it a 21-17 game.


It was now BC’s turn to respond, and the offence found a way to answer the call once again. Reilly found Carter for another key play, this time hitting his new receiver down the right side of the field for a 32-yard gain. The Lions regained the lead two plays later on a 15-yard touchdown strike from Reilly to Durant. But the extra point attempt from Castillo was blocked by Bombers defensive back Marcus Sayles. Brandon Alexander recovered the ball for Winnipeg before making a lateral to Chandler Fenner who took it 80 yards to the end zone for two points, tying the game at 23 points apiece.


Big gains on the ground and in the air from Harris helped set up a 30-yard go-ahead field goal from Medlock near the end of the third quarter, putting Winnipeg up 26-23.


The Bombers extended their lead in the fourth quarter with a one-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Chris Streveler after Nichols put the team in position to score with big passes to Wolitarsky and Kenny Lawler. Medlock knocked the extra point through to make it a 10-point game.


Hecht added another key interception near the end of the game to seal the victory for the Blue and Gold.


Week 2 will see the BC Lions face the Edmonton Eskimos on the road next Friday at 9:00 P.M. EDT, while the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will have a week off before they host the Eskimos on June 27th.
 

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WEEK 2


Thursday, June 21, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home
7:30 PM Saskatchewan Roughriders Ottawa Redblacks


Friday, June 22, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home
7:00 PM Winnipeg Blue Bombers Montreal Alouettes
10:00 PM Hamilton Tiger Cats Edmonton Eskimos


Saturday, June 23, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home
7:00 PM Calgary Stampeders Toronto Argonauts




***********************************




CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE BEST BETS AND OPINIONS


DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD




06/15/2019 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
06/13/2019 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50


Totals...............3-3-0 50.00% -1.50




******************************




BEST BETS:




DATE........................ATS................... ..UNITS..................O/U..................UNITS.............TOTAL




06/15/2019.............1 - 1.....................-0.50..................1 - 1....................-0.50..............-1.00
06/13/2019.............0 - 1.....................-5.50..................1 - 0....................-0.50..............-0.50




Totals..................... 1 - 2.....................-6.00..................2 - 1....................+4.50.............-1.50
 

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Sunday’s 6-pack


Six best college football QB’s for this year, according to Phil Steele’s magazine:


— Trevor Lawrence, Clemson


— Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama


— Sam Ehlinger, Texas


— Justin Herbert, Oregon


— Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma


— D’Eriq King, Houston


Tweet of the Day
“Ok, I say we all chip in and buy Whataburger back. Make honey butter chicken biscuits available all day, add kolaches to the menu and change nothing else. Especially not the ketchup.”
JJ Watt, after Whataburger was sold to a Chicago investment firm


Sunday’s quiz
Where did JJ Watt play his college football?


Saturday’s quiz
Chicago White Sox used to play their home games at Comiskey Park.


Friday’s quiz
Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza are the two players who have had their number retired by the Mets.


**************************


Sunday’s List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday…….


13) Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. Hope you all have a great day.


12) There are 25 guys in the major leagues right now whose dads also played in the big leagues.


11) New Orleans Pelicans traded Anthony Davis to the Lakers Saturday, for three players and three first round draft picks, one of which is the #4 pick in next week’s draft.


Celtics wouldn’t include Jayson Tatum in trade talks, which was a deal breaker for them.


10) There is no clock in baseball, except for the pitch clock:


Padres trailed 11-5 in the ninth inning Friday night, but tied the game and wound up winning 16-12 in extra innings. Horrific loss for the Rockies, who’ve played well recently.


9) Why do the Padres play Austin Hedges behind the plate every day?


He has a reputation as a great defensive catcher, but he’s hitting .217 at home, .154 on the road- it is like having two pitchers in the lineup. The guy can’t hit.


8) Dodgers led the Cubs 5-3 in 9th inning Friday night; Chicago had a guy on 2nd with two out, so tying run is at the plate. LA closer Kenley Jansen balks intentionally, so the runner can go to third base. Why?


Because when a runner is on second base, he can see the catcher’s signs, and relay them to the hitter; Jansen didn’t want that to happen, so he balked the runner to third and got the save.


7) Baseball stuff:
— Cubs put Kyle Hendricks (shoulder) on the IL
— Tigers put C Grayson Greiner (back) on IL.
— Indians traded P Brooks Pounders to the Mets for cash.


6) Pro golfer Patrick Reed hit a shot with a wedge on the 18th hole Friday, and he didn’t like it. He really, really didn’t like it.


He disliked it so much that he snapped the wedge in half over his knee, the way Bo Jackson used to do with his bat after he struck out. Looked like Kevin Costner in Tin Cup.


5) Cubs are considering putting a sportsbook in Wrigley Field, which would be interesting.


4) Angels DFA’d closer Cody Allen, who is getting $8.5M from the Halos this season; his ERA this year is 8.33, with 20 walks in 23 IP. Not good.


3) Phillies 8, Braves 5— Scary moment when Atlanta starter Sean Newcomb got drilled in the back of his head by a 102 mph liner off JT Realmuto’s bat. Newcomb left the game but is OK.


2) There are rumors that even though this is Bruce Bochy’s last year managing the Giants, he may not be done managing. Bochy could manage France in the next WBC (he was born there) or take a shot with another big league team, if that chance comes up. Who wouldn’t want to hire a guy who has won three World Series?


1) Christmas in June; the Phil Steele college football magazine came in the mail Saturday, marking the unofficial start to the college football season. Let the studying begin.
 

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