The Canadian Press
CALGARY — This week’s Pick ‘Em Marquee Matchup features a team from each division – the Ottawa REDBLACKS and Calgary Stampeders.
Although it’s early in the season, both the Stampeders and REDBLACKS are undefeated – Calgary sits at 2-0 while Ottawa is 1-0. This week something has to give for one team.
The Stampeders secondary will be tested on Thursday night with Trevor Harris leading the charge for the REDBLACKS. Harris was four-for-four on passes that were deeper than 20 yards last week, gaining a total of 143 of his 345 passing yards. He spread those four tosses among his receivers, too, with Ellingson grabbing two (45 yards each), and Diontae Spencer (56 yards) and Noel Thomas (42 yards) hauling in one each.
Ottawa’s offence scored three touchdowns last week but it won’t be easy to repeat against a Calgary defence that has only allowed two major scores in 26 total possessions so far this season.
On the other hand, Ottawa’s defence did not allow Saskatchewan into the red zone at all and only allowed the Riders inside the Ottawa 25-yard line one time at TD Place last week. Bo Levi Mitchell and co. will have a lot of work to do if they want to beat the stellar Ottawa defence that also scored a pick-six in their season opener.
Running the ball may be a game plan option for Dave Dickenson and his coaching staff as Stampeders running back Don Jackson leads the CFL with 210 rushing yards and is second in yards from scrimmage with 217, only behind Edmonton’s Derel Walker.
Since the REDBLACKS joined the CFL, these two teams have played each other eight times and the Stampeders are unbeaten in the last five meetings. However, two of those five meetings have resulted in ties.
It’s anyone’s guess as to who will take this one in this week’s Pick ‘Em Marquee Matchup. Who are you siding with?
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Pick Trend
The fans are siding with the home team this week at an overwhelming 88 per cent.
Don’t count out the visitors, however, as the REDBLACKS have the offensive weapons to go head-to-head with Bo Levi Mitchell and co.
CFL.ca Writer Picks
Who will win this week’s CFL.ca Pick ‘Em Marquee Matchup? Weigh in below before Thursday night’s 9:00 p.m. kickoff.
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