Hate going against the good cappers on here again, but I really think Montreal is the play tonight, even with the 7 points. I'm sure we all know that Montreal has won every game by more than 7 this season. They also have a decisive edge in certain areas that don't match up well for Edmonton's game plan.
First, you look at Ritchie Hall's gameplan, and it appears he wants to establish the run to set up the pass. That's easy enough against the Roughriders, a team who have been terrible against the run so far this season. However, Montreal is one of the best (if not the best) in the CFL against the run. I have a hard time believing a running game that is so fragile as Edmonton's will be able to establish anything. If this is the case, the Als will be able to focus on the passing game, and basically force Ricky Ray into throwing more than Edmonton wants to. On the topic of Edmonton's passing game, they are not the same passing team as previous years. They really really miss the deep threat in Kelly Campbell (if I got the wrong guy, I apologize, but I think it was him). They will likely be able to get a few yards in the air against the Als, but not enough to win this ball game.
Montreal has pretty much destroyed all the defences it has seen so far, including Edmonton once already. There is nothing that says this won't happen again. Edmonton is below average against the run and terrible against the pass. Montreal should have a field day against this Eskimos defence. I look for them to succeed in much the same way that BC did a few weeks ago, especially now that Jamel Richardson is back (he did not play in the last meeting).
All season long, the Eskimos have been a negative in the giveaway-takeaway department, while the Als have shown a steady profit. You might think this game could swing due to a key turnover, but it is more likely the Als come up with the big plays. They boast a great kicker, and have had a full 7 days off (while Edmonton has had 5 days, coming off an extremely emotional win).
Montreal Alouettes -7
GL
First, you look at Ritchie Hall's gameplan, and it appears he wants to establish the run to set up the pass. That's easy enough against the Roughriders, a team who have been terrible against the run so far this season. However, Montreal is one of the best (if not the best) in the CFL against the run. I have a hard time believing a running game that is so fragile as Edmonton's will be able to establish anything. If this is the case, the Als will be able to focus on the passing game, and basically force Ricky Ray into throwing more than Edmonton wants to. On the topic of Edmonton's passing game, they are not the same passing team as previous years. They really really miss the deep threat in Kelly Campbell (if I got the wrong guy, I apologize, but I think it was him). They will likely be able to get a few yards in the air against the Als, but not enough to win this ball game.
Montreal has pretty much destroyed all the defences it has seen so far, including Edmonton once already. There is nothing that says this won't happen again. Edmonton is below average against the run and terrible against the pass. Montreal should have a field day against this Eskimos defence. I look for them to succeed in much the same way that BC did a few weeks ago, especially now that Jamel Richardson is back (he did not play in the last meeting).
All season long, the Eskimos have been a negative in the giveaway-takeaway department, while the Als have shown a steady profit. You might think this game could swing due to a key turnover, but it is more likely the Als come up with the big plays. They boast a great kicker, and have had a full 7 days off (while Edmonton has had 5 days, coming off an extremely emotional win).
Montreal Alouettes -7
GL
