With the 2023 regular season fading into the background the playoffs linger in front of us, with the Montreal Alouettes playing host to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for the second year in a row in the Eastern Semi-Final on Saturday.
I normally like Ferguson’s pieces but I think he gets a few matchups wrong here.
I’d give Hamilton the decided advantage at QB, with three game-tested QBs (BLM, Shiltz, Powell) capable of moving the football.
I would give Montreal the advantage at linebacker, with Beverette, Stubblefield, Sankey, Williams, and Tyrell Richards forming a very good group, particularly since Thorpe likes to run 3-4 fronts.
I’d call it dead even on the defensive line. Hamilton has a strong group, and Wynn’s return will help, but Montreal has Lwal Uguak and Mustafa Johnson imposing themselves alongside Shawn Lemon.
There should be a category called “Bonehead Penalties.” Hamilton has been leading in that one all season.
Edge: Montreal
This may not necessarily be a popular idea but if I were Jason Maas, I would activate Jose Maltos for the Eastern Semi-Final. Cote hasn’t fully regained his form after his injury and it’s not worth the risk in such an important game. Cote had a rough game last weekend and I think he may need longer to heal and recover. I have the utmost respect for David Cote’s kicking ability but I don’t think he’s ready yet. Maybe he will be for the Eastern Final.
This is a huge factor not many have been discussing.
Côté is a great kicker and what we’ve been seeing is obviously not him at 100%.
I think it’s imperative to Côtes mental health that he plays the first playoff game. He needs to know the team is 100% behind him and that his job isn’t in jeopardy because of a few bad kicks.
Well…I certainly understand what you’re saying but if I were Coach Maas, I would have to make the decision based on what’s best for the team. Every player has to deal with injuries and, although it doesn’t happen very often to kickers, it’s more important that the best, at the moment, kicker is dressed and ready to deliver and…again, you are free to disagree with me…but I believe the Als, as a team, this coming weekend, will be better served by dressing Maltos and giving Cote a bit more time to heal and recover. It’s a tough call to make but that’s what coaches are paid to do.
Tyger, Tyger burning bright,
In the forest of the night,
What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
HAMILTON TIGER CATS by 10!!
The Hamilton Tiger Cats have had a sub-500 season in this 2023 season. They have yet to defeat the Als in 3 league games this year. Coach Steinhauer is lucky he is still coaching in the CFL. The Als will defeat the Cats in the East Semi-final on Nov. 4/2023. The Cats should part ways with the Head coach-BLM_Matt Shiltz immediately after their last game ! 
Where ya been Ace Guy? Missing your pictures.
I guess you can say I have been keeping a low profile Jon. I will be going to Vietnam after I sell my car ! 
It is amazing how negative people can be, when they have absolutely no idea of what they say. Fire the coach, fire them all is what some say. No worry here - the Cats by 10!!!
