Crystal Ball: Nye’s 9 bold predictions for the second half of ’17

We are at the midway point of the 2017 CFL season which means now is the opportunity to start fortune telling.  So as is the annual tradition, here is my ‘crystal ball’ take on the remainder of 2017:

ANDREW HARRIS WINS CAN/MOP

This one may be easy. Andrew Harris is trying to get the 1,000/1,000 yard season but he’ll need some more passing yards in the back half of the season. Even if he doesn’t get the mark, Harris could do something rarely see in the CFL and that is a Canadian QB getting offensive player of the year.

TIGER-CATS SWING MORE DEALS BEFORE DEADLINE

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats aren’t done adjusting their roster and I believe that means more veterans will be moved out via trade in the next month to help gather young prospects or draft picks for next season.

The players of value are Zach Collaros, Emanuel Davis, Simoni Lawrence, Luke Tasker, and some offensive linemen. I’m thinking a deal or two still on the way with John Chick‘s deal already done with Edmonton.

CROSSOVER TO THE GREY CUP — A FIRST

It’s never happened before, a crossover team getting to the Grey Cup. I feel we’ll see history this season as the West Division has dominated in games against the East. A very very good Western team is going to cross over and may even be better than the Eskimos were last year going to the East Final.

And if there isn’t a huge snowfall, hurting footing, etc, I think the Western crossover team will be in Ottawa at the end of November representing the East.

ANOTHER 500-YARD PASSING GAME

We saw Ricky Ray do it this season and other quarterbacks have gotten into the 400-club this season but I don’t think we’re done seeing quarterbacks hit 500-yards passing in a game. If I had to guess it would be the guy at the top of the passing chart, Trevor Harris, having a huge passing game.

RIDERS RISE ABOVE CROSS OVER SPOT

If you’re thinking the Saskatchewan have a shot at the playoff spot, I think you’re right. But I’ll raise you and say the Riders not only get into the fourth and crossover spot but I think they leap frog another team in the West.

The Roughriders are growing in confidence and will continue to match that with more wins. That comes at the expense of likely B.C. and either Edmonton or Winnipeg.

REDBLACKS HEAD BACK TO FIRST

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have lost a lot of close games but I think they have a very solid second half of the season. Ottawa’s Trevor Harris needs to finish drives and when he does, will chase down Toronto for first place.

MONTREAL / TORONTO WEEK 14 DECIDES 2ND

In saying that, who finishes second?

I’ve got the Toronto Argonauts and Montreal Alouettes scrapping and clawing back in respectability in the East Division. I think Ottawa will still get to the top of the mountain but I think Darian Durant and the Alouettes are ready to beat a divisional rival after back-to-back tough losses.

CALGARY MATCHES 15-2-1 FROM 2016

I have a funny feeling that history is going to repeat itself with the Stampeders. The team is already at the top of the West Division standings and have only one loss and one tie and that’s good enough to keep them coming back for more.

I’VE GOT A BAD FEELING ABOUT THIS….

Is it just me or have the quarterbacks been very healthy this season?

Jonathon Jennings and Ray have missed games, Bo Levi Mitchell has been nicked but still played. Yeah, I don’t know who but the law of averages say sadly one team is going to have their playoff/Grey Cup hopes damaged when their number one quarterback goes down long term.

I really hope that’s not the case.