The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes are set to clash in the East Division final on Saturday, with all eyes on quarterbacks Bo Levi Mitchell and Davis Alexander. However, the performance of running backs Stevie Scott III and Greg Bell could prove to be pivotal.
In the Eastern semifinal, Scott showcased his skills by rushing for 133 yards and scoring two touchdowns, helping guide the Alouettes to a 42-33 victory over Winnipeg. His efforts led Montreal to a notable 176-yard rushing total against a Blue Bombers defense ranked third in the league against the run during the regular season.
The matchup will take place at Hamilton Stadium, with the winner earning a spot in the Grey Cup on November 16 in Winnipeg. Bell, who is 27 years old, has had an impressive season, accumulating 1,038 rushing yards with an average of 5.6 yards per carry and five touchdowns. In his only start against Montreal this season, Bell achieved a career-high 156 rushing yards and one touchdown, contributing to Hamilton”s overall rushing effort of 234 yards in a 26-9 victory.
Mitchell, 35, led the CFL in passing yards this season with 5,296 and recorded a career-high of 36 touchdowns, starting all 18 regular-season games. His strong performance was instrumental in helping Hamilton secure the top position in the standings with an 11-7 record, ahead of Montreal”s 10-8.
In a remarkable start to his career, Alexander remains unbeaten in his first 12 games in the CFL, boasting an 11-0 record during the regular season. He threw for 384 yards with one touchdown and one interception against Winnipeg in the semifinal.
During the regular season, Hamilton won both encounters against Montreal, finishing the series 2-0, and they performed impressively in the East Division with a 7-1 record. Notably, Alexander did not participate in either game, as he was limited to just seven starts due to separate injuries. His presence has been a game changer for Montreal, as they went 7-0 with him as the starter compared to 3-8 without him.
Hamilton”s offense features three receivers who surpassed the 1,000-yard mark: Kenny Lawler with 1,443 yards and a league-high 14 touchdowns, Kiondre Smith with 1,126 yards and five touchdowns, and Tim White with 1,016 yards and seven touchdowns. The offense found its rhythm following Bell”s standout performance against Montreal, as he recorded over 100 rushing yards in two games and exceeded 90 yards on two other occasions.
On the defensive side, Montreal presents a formidable challenge, having allowed the fewest offensive yards in the league at 338.4 per game and leading in passing yards allowed at 256.9. They also finished tied for the most sacks in the league with 45. Veteran linebackers Darnell Sankey and Tyrice Beverette are key components of this defense, while Canadian defensive lineman Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund recorded 11 sacks during the regular season.
The Alouettes defense may receive a boost with the potential return of tackle Mustafa Johnson, who has been nursing a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, Receiver Austin Mack is dealing with a leg issue, and veteran offensive lineman Pier Olivier Lestage has been sidelined with a neck injury.
On the other hand, Hamilton”s defense struggled against the run, ranking last in the league, while also finishing eighth in points allowed and net offensive yards. Nevertheless, they excelled in creating turnovers, leading the league with 44 forced turnovers and 27 interceptions, contributing to 134 points off those turnovers. Veteran kicker Marc Liegghio proved reliable, converting 52 of 56 field goals this season, and his familiarity with the conditions at Hamilton Stadium could be an asset.
Experience often plays a crucial role in playoff scenarios, and it is expected that Hamilton might present Alexander with various defensive looks that could create uncertainty for the talented young quarterback. The prediction leans toward Hamilton in this critical matchup.
In the West Division final, the B.C. Lions will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday evening. The Lions enter the contest having won their last seven games, including a regular-season finale victory over Saskatchewan. Although the Roughriders won the season series 2-1, they had rested several starters in their previous matchup.
Quarterback Nathan Rourke of the Lions threw for 223 yards last week against Calgary while rushing for 68 yards and a touchdown. B.C. led the league in offensive scoring, passing yards, and net yards, while Saskatchewan”s defense was the strongest against the run this season.
Veteran quarterback Trevor Harris leads Saskatchewan”s offense and has had a standout season. Despite some inconsistency from kicker Brett Lauther, the Roughriders look to capitalize on their home-field advantage.
The upcoming playoff matchups promise excitement and intense competition as teams vie for a chance to compete in the prestigious Grey Cup.
