The upcoming East Division final on Saturday will showcase quarterbacks Bo Levi Mitchell and Davis Alexander, with running backs Stevie Scott III and Greg Bell playing pivotal roles. Scott’s impressive performance of 133 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Montreal’s recent 42-33 win over Winnipeg highlighted his importance in the Alouettes’ offensive strategy. Facing a formidable Blue Bombers defense that ranked third against the run during the regular season, Montreal’s ground game, led by Scott, proved to be a key factor in their victory.
The East Division final, set to take place at Hamilton Stadium, will determine the team advancing to the Grey Cup on November 16 in Winnipeg. Bell, who amassed 1,038 rushing yards this season with an average of 5.6 yards per carry and five touchdowns, demonstrated his impact on Hamilton’s offense. In a previous matchup against Montreal, Bell’s stellar performance of 156 rushing yards and a touchdown in a 26-9 road win showcased his ability to contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Mitchell, the CFL’s passing yards leader with 5,296 yards and a career-best 36 touchdowns, played a crucial role in Hamilton’s first-place finish ahead of Montreal in the standings. On the other hand, Alexander has made history with an unbeaten record in his 12 CFL starts, including a remarkable 11-0 record in the regular season. Although Hamilton won both games against Montreal in the season series, Alexander was absent from those matchups due to injury setbacks.
Hamilton’s offensive prowess is further enhanced by three 1,000-yard receivers, including Kenny Lawler, Kiondre Smith, and Tim White. Bell’s standout performance against Montreal ignited a newfound synergy within the team’s offense, showcasing his ability to consistently impact the game with powerful rushing plays. Montreal’s defense, which excelled in limiting offensive and passing yards while tying for the most sacks in the league, presents a formidable challenge for Hamilton’s offensive unit.
The game may see the return of key players like Mustafa Johnson and Austin Mack for Montreal, potentially bolstering their lineup. On the other side, Hamilton’s defense, despite ranking last against the run, excelled in creating turnovers and scoring off those opportunities. Veteran kicker Marc Liegghio’s reliability in field goals adds another dimension to Hamilton’s special teams.
In playoff scenarios, experience often plays a crucial role, and Hamilton’s seasoned lineup may present challenges for the talented young quarterback, Alexander. The game’s outcome remains uncertain, but the advantage may tilt towards Hamilton based on their overall performance and roster strength.
In the West Division final, the B.C. Lions will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday evening. B.C. enters the matchup with seven consecutive wins, including a recent victory against Saskatchewan, although the Roughriders had rested many starters in that game. Both teams have showcased strong performances throughout the season, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
Lions’ quarterback Nathan Rourke’s dual-threat abilities provide an added dimension to their potent offense, which led the league in several key offensive categories. Saskatchewan’s defense, known for its strong run-stopping capabilities and ability to force turnovers, poses a significant challenge for B.C.’s offensive unit.
With veteran quarterback Trevor Harris leading Saskatchewan’s offense, the Roughriders possess a balanced attack that can effectively move the ball both through the air and on the ground. Kicker Brett Lauther’s accuracy will be crucial for Saskatchewan’s scoring opportunities, while B.C.’s Sean Whyte has been a reliable asset for the Lions in the kicking game.
Given the strengths and strategies of both teams, the matchup between the B.C. Lions and Saskatchewan Roughriders is anticipated to be closely contested, with the outcome likely hinging on key plays and performances on both sides of the ball.