Midseason Review, Week 10 Power Rankings, and Week 11 Picks

Week 10 Power Rankings (with Midseason Reviews)

1. Calgary Stampeders

The Stampeders were off the radar for a while due to an impressive run by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and some early season struggles, but here we are again, with Calgary at #1, where they probably belonged all along. It was a bit of a slow start for their offense, and they didn't start blowing teams out until recently, but the Stamps continue to be one of the best run organizations in the CFL, despite what a disgruntled agent has to say about the matter. They're doing this with a lot of injuries on the offensive line, which is usually a harbinger of doom, and one of the CFL's most outstanding players in Jon Cornish. Honestly, I'm struggling to come up with much more to say about them, they just keep on ticking like the CFL's version of a metronome. They have an excellent opportunity to take a big lead in the West, with Edmonton back to back for the Labour Day matchups, and if they sweep the series, they will have a three game lead with BC coming to town followed by a trip to Winnipeg. It all lines up for Calgary if all goes well. 

2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The Tim Horton's Field win streak has finally come to an end, but this is still one of the more impressive teams in the CFL. Zach Collaros is an excellent quarterback, and he's had to be, because Hamilton has had trouble establishing a running game. That seems to be the only area the team  has had struggles, however, as the rest of the offense is impressive, the defense is not only stingy, but their ball-hawking style often sets up the offense, or the defense skips a step and puts points on the board themselves. The special teams is also excellent, with one of the league's most consistent kickers in Justin Medlock, as well as the league's most dynamic returner in Brandon Banks. This is a team that is finally playing up to their potential instead of having to play catch-up. Their main stumbling block has been Montreal, and while it may seem too early to be watching their back, Montreal is only two games behind, has won the season series, and is starting to look like they have their ducks in a row. Their road over the next month isn't easy, with the Labour Day home and home with Toronto and West contenders Edmonton and Calgary coming up. The good news? Three of the four are in the friendly confines of Tim Horton's Field.

3. Edmonton Eskimos

Edmonton's defense has helped make up for the lack of Mike Reilly at quarterback this season, and the Matt Nichols experiment appears to be over, with rookie James Franklin seemingly the man of the hour. The team finally relinquished offensive touchdowns two weeks ago against Hamilton for the first time at home in nearly a full season, but besides that effort, have not given up more than 26 points in any other game this season, including four games holding their opposition under 13 points, a rather impressive feat in the CFL. The offense has been inconsistent, but rookies James Franklin and Derel Walker have impressed as of late, keeping Edmonton in the race while Reilly heals from a week 1 knee injury. The West appears to be a two horse race at this point, and the Eskimos face the Stamps three times over the next six weeks, as well as travel to Hamilton, so we will find out rather soon if the Eskimos can make a run at winning the division and hosting the West final.

4. Toronto Argonauts

I'm not quite sure what to make of the Argos. Their 6-3 record is impressive, but they haven't had any WOW moments this year, or at the very least, since week 1, when most everyone (including myself) gave them very little chance in their "home" opener against Edmonton in Fort MacMurray. Trevor Harris has handled the quarterbacking chores in the absence of Ricky Ray, and along with four young receivers has put together an impressive passing attack. The defense hasn't stood out, but has done enough to keep the Argos above .500 when the team has given up more points than they have scored, which isn't an easy thing to do. While I worry about the Argos playing down to the level of their competition against teams behind them in the standings, it's also important to note that the team has only truly played two games at home, and are under threat of having to move more of their home games out of Rogers Centre this year due to the Blue Jays possibly hosting playoff games. Their move to BMO Field next year can't come soon enough. Their next six weeks are going to tell the story of this season, with the Labour Day home and home with Hamilton, a home and home with Ottawa, a team right on their tails in the standings, a road visit to a suddenly improving Alouettes team, and a home game against Calgary.

5. Montreal Alouettes

I feel weird about ranking Montreal above Ottawa when Ottawa has a better record and has two wins over Montreal already this season, but I have the feeling that the Als are just getting started. After an early season filled with distractions and issues, the team has come together in the past two weeks and delivered impressive victories on the road, including being the first road team to win in Tim Horton's Field in Hamilton. Their defense has been dominant, and have given up less points than Hamilton's widely lauded defense, while only giving up 6 more points than Edmonton, the league's leader in the category. Their offense has been a problem, however. Rakeem Cato came out of nowhere to lead the Alouettes to a shocking win over Calgary in week 2, and since then, has been pretty low-key, doing enough to keep his team in games, but not overwhelming anyone. While that doesn't seem like much of a compliment, there are a few teams in the league that are begging for even that kind of performance. With stability potentially settling in, this is a dangerous team to underestimate, and they'll have a chance to prove it, as their next three games are against struggling teams, as they host BC, Winnipeg, and then go on the road to still winless Saskatchewan. They round out the next month in Ottawa, with one more chance to settle that score and improve their standing in the East.

6. Ottawa REDBLACKS

I'm pretty sure I'm underrating the REDBLACKS. I'm pretty sure they belong above Toronto or Montreal. Problem is, it's not very clear to me yet where these teams truly belong. They had a rough inaugural campaign last year, but this year, they have figured out how to win some of those close games they played in last year, have found receivers that can make a play when it's needed, and have done it by winning the games they are supposed to win, and pulling a surprise or two in games that they aren't given much of a chance in. The team has moved on from Chevon Walker at running back recently, putting the ball in Jeremiah Johnson's hands, assuming, of course, that Henry Burris isn't throwing it to one of their very much improved receivers. The defense is already getting a nickname and a reputation, and while I don't think they're an elite CFL team yet, they have a chance to gain some very valuable experience as an organization, especially with their upcoming schedule, going to BC in two weeks, followed by a trip to Saskatchewan, a home game against Toronto, and a home game against Montreal, who they have already beaten twice. If they can make something of this part of the schedule, they may just be contending to host their first ever playoff game.

7. BC Lions

Draw a line between Ottawa and BC. Draw another. And another. And another. I've said this before (and I've now moved a team above this line), but there still appears to be a chasm between the teams that are above that line and the teams that are below the line. BC has Travis Lulay back for the first time in a long time, but he has struggled to be the Lulay of old, and BC has struggled to put together performances worthy of their talent level. Besides a come from behind win hosting Edmonton where Edmonton all but disappeared in the second half and two close shaves with Saskatchewan, BC has struggled to put points on the board, with their best performance coming when they put up three quick touchdowns against Toronto, and then watched as Toronto clawed back to overtake them late in the game. An injury to their best defender, Solomon Elimimian, doesn't help matters either, and new coach Jeff Tedford has a lot of hard work ahead of him to get BC back on track. It won't be an easy road back, either, as they travel to Montreal, host Ottawa, and go on the road to Calgary and Edmonton in September. If they can't pull together some good peformances, it could very well be that we get the first ever East team crossing over to the West for the playoffs.

8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers

It's been a rough season in Bomberland. The offense, who have been led by three different quarterbacks at this point, have scored the fewest points in the league, and there is a lot of fan anger at the offensive scheme and playcalling. The Bombers have scored less than 9 points three times, with all three of those games coming in the last five Bombers outings. They also lost their starting QB, Drew Willy, to injury in one of those losses, a 38-8 spanking at the hands of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The defense has improved quite a bit over last year, but tend to get left on the field too long lately. The team has also left points (and possibly games) on the field with special teams struggles. I'm going to stop now before I get too worked up. Their next two games, the Labour Day home and home series with Saskatchewan, will tell us if there's any redeeming qualities left in this team, or if the season is about to go the way many Bombers seasons have in the last 10 years.

9. Saskatchewan Roughriders

If this isn't the worst-case scenario for the Riders, I'm scared to think of what that might be. The team is winless, lost their starting quarterback in a first week loss to their prairie rivals at home, lost their veteran backup soon after, and is now relying on a young third string quarterback in Brett Smith to try to find a spark (when he's not pulled for veteran Tino Sunseri, not the most popular choice in Saskatchewan, to say the least). The team can't pull out the close ones, has issues tackling, was built to win now with aging veterans, and lacked depth so that when injuries did happen, there weren't enough viable replacements around to take over. As I'm writing this, it's been confirmed that they have now fired their general manager and head coach. A silver lining? They are favored by 3.5 points in Vegas over the Bombers on Sunday.

Week 11 Picks

BC at Montreal

I'm taking Montreal in this game, I believe Montreal is on the upswing, BC is on the downswing, and Montreal is also at home. 

Winnipeg at Saskatchewan

I can't take Saskatchewan until they've won a game. I just can't. I probably should, and maybe I'm being a homer, but I'm going with Winnipeg this week. 

Toronto at Hamilton

We've already seen this matchup at this locale, and Hamilton took care of Toronto pretty convincingly. I see no reason why this one will be any different. 

Edmonton at Calgary

It'd be great to see Mike Reilly healthy for an Edmonton-Calgary game, but it doesn't seem like we'll get that lucky any time soon. I have to take Calgary here, I just can't go with a rookie quarterback (even if he has been impressive so far) in Calgary on Labour Day. 

Meet an American CFL Fan #2

This is a post in an ongoing series about American CFL fans. Today's post is about Anthony Moretti, a CFL fan in Pittsburgh. If you want to be a part of this series, reach out to me at @usfltecmo on Twitter or email me at usfltecmo AT hotmail DOT com.


1. Thanks for agreeing to answer some questions for us today. To start off, tell us a bit about yourself!

I spent around 13 years in the broadcast journalism world both in Los Angeles (where I grew up) and in Columbus, OH. (where I moved for what was supposed to be a year to get my Masters). And then she walked through the door, and the rest is history. I've been in higher ed for 13 years now. My first teaching position was at Texas Tech University. I then moved to Pittsburgh and taught at Point Park University for seven years before taking a spot at Robert Morris University three years ago. Currently, I am the Director of our Center for Innovative Teaching and Directed Engaged Learning, and an associate professor in the School of Communications and Information Systems.

2. What attracted you to the CFL?

Of course, I'm a sports fan; and like many Americans, football is a sport I watch closely. But over the past six years or so I've become increasingly disenchanted with the NFL. As that interest began to decline, I started watching CFL games. I find the game to be more enjoyable to watch. There is more passing, more daring play calling, more enthusiasm on the field, and, mostly, I appreciate the apparent absence of ego and commercialism. 

3. What do you like about the CFL? Anything you dislike?

Part of that answer is in question 2. I'll add that the larger field allows for more potential for the offense. And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a big fan of the rouge. It's different. It's a bit quirky. But it also can be an important scoring device. 
If there's one thing I dislike it's that the teams can't attract more top-line players from the States. If the league had deeper pockets, then there would be a chance for players to see their options in Canada as more than just a kind-of backup plan. 

4. Do you have a favorite team? How about favorite players?

I've loved the city of Toronto for a long time, so the Argonauts became my favorite team quite easily. In fact, I've been to two Argonauts games. Like most people, I can't wait for the move to BMO. Rogers Centre doesn't work well for that team. I also picked Saskatchewan as a second choice, so to speak. Basically, I figured I had to decide between Calgary and Saskatchewan, who were the two best Western Division teams for a few years. 
As for favorite players, I like those players who wear their heart on their sleeve when they play. I think Chad Owens is an example of that. Kory Sheets did the same in Saskatchewan. Chip Cox looks like he falls into that category. But Anthony Calvillo was my favorite when he played. A leader. A champion. A great family man. And someone who embraced living in Canada. 

5. Ever made a trip to a game? If so, how was the experience?

Twice to Toronto and once to Montreal. My family and I saw the Argos and Lions in 2013 as part of our vacation to Toronto and Ottawa. In 2014, an academic convention I attend almost every year was in Montreal, and the Alouettes were playing the Eskimos. I couldn't pass that up. (And what a beautiful walk down the hill as the evening sky serves as a backdrop to the downtown buildings.) I then won one of those write-the-caption-for-this-picture contests on the Argos home page a couple weeks later. My boys and I took in that game.
I must thank Lauren Roberts, who is one of the many game-day personnel at Argos games. He gave me his two free tickets to the game my family and I attended in 2013. You'll almost always find the two of us on Twitter when Toronto is playing. We share a few good laughs when we can. 

6. What kind of reaction do you get from fellow Americans when you tell them you follow the CFL?

They often scratch their heads and wonder if I've lost a few brain cells. None of my American friends dislike the CFL, but almost no one on that list has actually watched a couple games. Yes, it's a different game than is played in the U.S. Sure, the talent levels are not the same. But I try to convince them that if they give it time, they'll like it. I have convinced my two sons to pay attention to what's going on. That's a start!

7. Anything else you'd like to share?

One of these years, I've got to get to a Grey Cup. The problem is that it traditionally falls on Thanksgiving weekend in the U.S. I've not quite figured out how to convince my wife, her family and my family that I need to ditch all of them so that I can go to the game. Any hints would help!!

8. How can others get in touch with you to talk CFL? 

I'm on Twitter at @morettiphd. I also check my email far too often, so you can email me at morettiphd@gmail.com. Just be sure to put something like "Fellow CFL fan" or something like that in the subject line. If I see a name that I don't recognize, I generally immediately delete that message.
Thanks!

...

Just a couple of comments from my end. Lauren Roberts was one of the first people on Twitter to welcome me to the CFL Twitter community. I wanted to also thank Anthony for taking the time to answer these questions for me, it's definitely appreciated!

Also, as far as the Thanksgiving thing goes, good luck with that. I'm fortunate to have a very understanding wife!

Again, if you want to be a part of this series, please get in touch with me either on twitter at @usfltecmo or by e-mail at usfltecmo AT hotmail DOT com. 

Week 9 Power Rankings and Week 10 Picks

Week 9 Power Rankings

1. Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Not many will disagree with this one at this point. The knock on Hamilton this week was that they hadn't played well on the road. Well, they went on the road and not only beat Edmonton, but hammered them, no pun intended. Gotta be nice for Tiger-Cats fans not to have to worry about their usual early season swoon. 

2. Calgary Stampeders

I almost started this week's note on the Stampeders in the exact same way I started last week's. They still find ways of getting things done, and they're starting to get things on track as well after a slow start (for them, anyway). 

3. Toronto Argonauts

Another team that finds ways of getting things done, the Argos have had a boatload (sorry, I swear the puns will stop soon) of close games, but the Argos always seem to do just enough to get things done. 

4. Edmonton Eskimos

I just don't trust their offense to be able to handle the tougher defenses in the league. Matt Nichols seems to be on the hot seat at this point, and the defense can only do so much to prop the offense up. Their schedule won't do them many favors either over the next month or so. 

5. Montreal Alouettes

This pick surprised myself even as I made it. The defense is lights out, and although I find it hard to believe this, especially given the turmoil in Montreal lately, they have outscored their opponents so far this season. If they can find some stability, they may be the surprise team of the second half. 

6. Ottawa REDBLACKS

Ottawa seems to have some pieces in place to make a run, but they have to fix the penalties and the special teams, which cost them today's game in Toronto. 

7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Coming off the bye, they host Calgary and then head into the Labour Day-Banjo Bowl matchup with Saskatchewan. If they intend to stay in the race, they have to make some noise, and soon. 

8. BC Lions

The more I see them (and I see less of them than other teams due to some of the late starts they have during the week), the less I'm seeing out of them. Losing Elimimian will hurt the defense, no matter what they do to try to cover for it, and Travis Lulay isn't yet making teams respect the passing game, killing Andrew Harris's effectiveness of late. 

9. Saskatchewan Roughriders

Obviously, they'll bring up the rear for a while, but oddly enough, they have a better point differential (points for - points against) than 4-4 Ottawa, 3-5 Winnipeg, and 3-5 BC. Not that it helps them any at this point, and their points against are the highest in the league. 

Week 10 Picks

Montreal at Hamilton

As much as I've changed my mind on Montreal this week, going into Hamilton will be too much for them. I expect a closer game than most expect, but Hamilton will come out on top. 

Toronto at Edmonton

The Argos have been masters of the close game this season, but I think on the road in Edmonton, it'll be just a bit too much, as their 4th quarter rally will fall short against the Edmonton D. I don't expect many points here. 

Calgary at Winnipeg

Winnipeg gave the Stamps a scare in Calgary, but I think the Stamps will be too much for the Bombers this week, and it will get out of hand in the 4th quarter. 

Saskatchewan at Ottawa

I have a hunch that Saskatchewan may do it, but I'm not going to play that hunch. I have to see a win out of them before I take the risk. Ottawa in a thriller. 

The First Trip: Day 1, the Drive

I think it was just a few miles north of Fargo when I felt it, that feeling of being very far away from everything I had ever known before.

I had left home earlier that day, embarking on a 9 hour journey from the family home in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, destination: Winnipeg. This is probably a very unusual combination of start and end points to begin with, but a few other factors added to the list of unusual that day.

The first was that the trip was to go see a Canadian Football League game. Most people I told about the trip were mystified by this, as there are plenty of options for football viewing in my home state.

The second was that I'd never been more than an hour away from home on my own before.

Other than that, everything was perfectly normal.

......

The rest of the drive to the border was uneventful. I was tuned into CJOB, and Bob Irving was interviewing Troy Westwood about what was then recent history, as the Banjo Bowl had just been given life a few years before I made my first trip north in 2006.

After a short wait, I pulled into the window at the Canadian border station. I had my travel documents at the ready, really, I'd had them at the ready since Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and handed them over. I had a brief conversation with the agent at the window, and I could tell he wasn't buying what I was selling, which was that I was on my first trip, would meet the man who would become my Best Man in my wedding three years later, and that I was staying over in Winnipeg before we took off for Regina. He asked me to pull my car to the side parking lot and go inside.

That's when things really got interesting.

......

I spoke to another agent at a window not much unlike one you'd see at a typical banking establishment. She asked the same questions, and I gave the same answers. By this time, I was starting to get more nervous than I was originally, which was pretty nervous to begin with. She asked for my friend's name and phone number, and after assuring me she just wanted to make sure she was getting the whole story, went to a back room to call him.

It was probably only a few minutes, but it felt like eternity.

She came back, and explained again that she wanted to make sure she was getting the WHOLE story, and if there was more to what was going on, it was PERFECTLY fine, she just needed to know.

That's when I realized she was insinuating I had made the drive up to marry my best friend.

At that point, I got a lot less nervous, and a bit amused, as I explained one more time that no, I'm not here for anything like that, and at that point, I was let go, free to finish the last leg of what had become a very long day.

......

I arrived at the apartment building a little over an hour later. I came up the stairs, knocked on the door, and my friend opened the door, wearing a dress.

At this point I shook my head, knowing he had probably planned that from the beginning. I told him that I was very thankful he didn't have a video phone, and he went on to describe his side of the phone call. It was very similar to the conversation on my end, but he remarked that at one point, he had the urge to tell the agent, "Lady, why would I be importing from Wisconsin?" I'm convinced to this day that if he had actually said that (and no, I don't believe for a second that he would have), that there was no way I'd have been let in.

After finally being able to relax, as the first leg of a long weekend was over, I called my future wife, who I had met in person for the first time just a week before this trip, and assured her I was fine. I don't recall much more of that night, but I don't think I lasted long after the excitement I had already had. There would be more to come that weekend.

Meet an American CFL Fan #1

I know I'm not the only American CFL fan out there, and I want to hear from others! This is post one of hopefully a long series on other American CFL fans. Today's post is about Brandon, a newly minted CFL fan from New England. If you want to be a part of this series, reach out to me at @usfltecmo on Twitter or email me at usfltecmo AT hotmail DOT com.

1. Thanks for agreeing to do this interview for us today. To start off, tell us a bit about yourself!

I am a 31 year old husband & a father of 1. We have two dogs. For hobbies, I love sports, music & video games. I am a die-hard 49ers and Red Sox fan. I like to run and eat.

2. What attracted you to the CFL?

Over the winter, I just happened to catch that ESPN resigned a deal with the CFL & that all games would be available by either ESPN2 or ESPN3. I love football - I always have - so I looked into whether there were any CFL fantasy football options like there are for the NFL. That's when I found the fantaseh site and the New Rouge Radio podcast. Once I figured out how the fantasy league would work, I asked some of my buddies that I have done NFL fantasy football w/ for the past 11 years if they would be interested in trying out CFL fantasy. Everyone I asked said yes and the rest is history.

3. What do you like about the CFL? Anything you dislike?

I love almost everything about it. 

The small league means all teams play each other several times which makes all the games feel much more personal. Its exciting because w/ only 3-downs, teams have to be more aggressive & possession changes quite a bit. I also love that games are not on at the same time so you have the opportunity to watch every game, every week.

4. Do you have a favorite team? How about favorite players?

My favorite team is the Montreal Alouettes. I tried to make the Winnipeg Blue Bombers my favorite team by choice but Montreal happened more naturally through the better part of the 1st half of the season. My favorite players are SJ Green (most exciting player in the league, imo), Andrew Harris (all around great football player) & Chris Williams (the other most exciting player in the league, imo)

5. Ever made a trip to a game? If so, how was the experience?

Not yet. I live a few hours out of Montreal. The plan is to make at least 2 Montreal games every year. My brother went with Hamilton so we will at least go up for Hamilton and then we will go for whatever. 

6. What kind of reaction do you get from fellow Americans when you tell them you follow the CFL?

People blow it off. No one wants to give it any kind of chance. Its frustrating because it is quality football. I feel like everyone would love it if they only gave it a chance.

7. Anything else you'd like to share?

Through 8 weeks, I have absolutely fallen in love with the CFL. It has become my favorite professional sport and I don't hesitate to let all of my American buddies know it. 

8. How can others get in touch with you to talk CFL? 

@Brandonsaurus64 (on Twitter)

Week 8 Power Rankings and Week 9 Picks

Let's talk a little football today, shall we?

Week 8 Power Rankings

1. Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Hamilton has put together two dominant performances in a row at home, are on a four game winning streak, and they are clicking in all facets of the game. I can't think of a single team that would match up well against them the way they are playing right now.

2. Calgary Stampeders

This is the Calgary Stampeders team we expected to see coming into the season. The Stamps had been squeaking by their victims until this past week, but finally put together a complete game last night. They have road games against Saskatchewan and Winnipeg, and if they're the team I think they are, they will be on a roll heading into the Labour Day Classic against Edmonton.

3. Edmonton Eskimos

I'll admit, I almost put Toronto here, but Edmonton has only given up more than 17 points twice this season. The reason they're not higher is that I don't trust the offense to put up a lot of points either, especially since they have multiple games against Hamilton and Calgary, as well as Toronto over the next five weeks. I'm confident I'll have Edmonton higher or lower after that, but I'm not quite sure which yet. 

4. Toronto Argonauts

You want excitement? Put on a Toronto Argos game. Most of their games this year have been nail biters, We're due to get some answers in the East soon, as Toronto has two games with both Ottawa and Hamilton coming up, as well as a visit to Edmonton.

5. Ottawa REDBLACKS

Being 4-3 at this point after facing Edmonton and Calgary twice already would be impressive for most teams, but considering this is a team that was 2-16 team last year? Wow. They've also won the season series with Montreal, so the playoffs are a definite possibility. What worries me about them is that when they lose, it's usually by a lot, whereas they scrape by during their wins. A sign of a team that knows how to win, or a team that has caught some luck early on? I'm not sure, so 5th feels about right.

6. BC Lions

Draw a line above the Lions and under the REDBLACKS. I believe there to be a significant gap between the group above the line and the group below the line. I debated long and hard between BC and Winnipeg at 6, as both teams are very inconsistent as of late, but the nod goes to BC, because I have more faith in the BC offense and special teams than I do Winnipeg's.

7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers

There is a bit of hope again in Winnipeg, as Robert Marve put up a good performance in his first start, giving some hope that the Bombers aren't completely lost without Drew Willy. The Labour Day-Banjo Bowl back to back with Saskatchewan and the next game against Montreal will go a long way towards a potential rebound, if not, it's going to be a long season in Bomberville.

8. Montreal Alouettes

A three game losing streak and locker room drama have turned a once-promising season on its ear. The defense continues to impress, but the offense simply can't keep up lately. 

9. Saskatchewan Roughriders

If we had the ability to replay this season a hundred times, none of the replays would likely be as bad for the Riders as this season has been. They can't catch a break, and now it seems that they are shedding veterans on a weekly basis in order to play younger players. It's the smart move for the long run. For this season? I can't imagine it will be a fun finish for the Riders. 

Week 9 Picks

Montreal at BC

I have BC in a low-scoring affair. I don't see either team scoring more than 20 points in this one, and it's going to be one big play in the 3rd quarter that will turn this game for BC. 

Hamilton at Edmonton

I know Commonwealth is a hard place for any away team to play in, and Edmonton has a great defense, but I can't pick against Hamilton when they're on this type of roll. The offense will struggle a bit to score this week, but I can't imagine the defense doesn't make at least two huge plays against Edmonton quarterbacks (whichever one they choose) to turn the tide of this one. 

Calgary at Saskatchewan

Calgary is on a roll, and Saskatchewan isn't. Mosaic Stadium isn't scaring anyone this year, and I don't think this one will be all that close, even if Saskatchewan's offense has a good game. Calgary in this one.

Ottawa at Toronto

I'm going with the Argos in this one. I believe these teams are very evenly matched, and when I'm in that much doubt, I default to taking the home team. 

Why?

This is the question I've faced more than any other when talking about my love for the CFL. I've never felt that I've been able to adequately answer that question, at least to my satisfaction, until I was able to make it to Tim Horton's Field in Hamilton this last Sunday. I won't recap the game, because I'm not into the horror genre, but what I will do is go over my experience at THF, a day I feel did more to answer that question than any words I've ever been able to put together.

My wife and I arrived rather early, because we had never been to the area before, so we had some time to kill before the gates opened. We went across the street to Tim Horton's (the coffee shop, not the field) to grab some lunch. Before we had walked 10 feet, a truck with 4 Ti-Cats fans in full gear drove by, letting out a long boooooo as they passed by. It was enough to let us know that they weren't fully appreciative of my team choice (as I was decked out in Blue and Gold, which, thankfully, was not Double Blue in this environment), but not enough to be in any way intimidating. At Tim Horton's we had a quick lunch as I firmed up some plans for later, and had a chat with a few Ti-Cats fans, who expressed concerns about our quarterback's health, words that would become prophetic later, but I digress.

We then made the walk to the stadium, and arrived 10 minutes before the gates opened. While waiting for the gates to open, a group of Bombers employees and a few of their fans happened upon us, so we chatted with them, told them where we were from, and were presented with a few Grey Cup Festival pins. We were also introduced to the mother and father of Khalil Bass, a Winnipeg linebacker. They had traveled with this group on the team charter, and were kind enough to share a few words with us. If that was all that had happened that day, it would have been plenty enough, but we were just getting started.

As we were on our way to find our seats, we ran into an older gentleman who stopped us because he noticed I was wearing a Tom Clements retro Bombers jersey. He relayed the tale of moving into a new apartment in 1983, and finding out that it had been Clements' apartment before he was traded to Winnipeg that year, because he kept getting his mail!

We checked out our seats, and then went back down to the south end zone to await the arrival of a few friends of mine, Josh Smith and Mark Fulton, who are both writers at 3downnation.com, as well as some of my CFL fantasy football opponents this season. Both arrived quickly, and it was fun spending some time getting to meet two guys face to face that I had been interacting with on Twitter for over a year.

During this visit, the CEO of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Wade Miller, happened to walk by, and was kind enough to stop by for a picture. Josh earned some points by predicting that it would be the happiest Miller would be that day, because the game wouldn't go well for his Bombers. He'd be absolutely correct in that assessment, and between that and yet another fantasy win for Josh this week, he's gotta be feeling pretty good about himself right about now.

It was fun educating my wife, who is not a fan, but who is very supportive of my fandom, about all the little things that an outsider wouldn't know, especially the story of Pigskin Pete, and the words to Oskee Wee Wee. We were also seated next to a few parents of Bombers players, and it was really fun to see them happy when their boys made a play.

Like I said, I'm leaving the game out of this, chiefly because it really didn't hurt the experience, even though it was lopsided and ugly. I'm hoping that by painting a picture of my experience this past weekend, I have been able to shed some light on the CFL community, and why I love this league the way I do.

Introduction

I'm Joe. I'm not Canadian, and I'm not witty enough to parody the famous beer commercial by a Joe that is Canadian.

What I am is an American CFL fan. It used to be difficult to find us in the wild, however, with the new ESPN deal and the explosion of social media, more and more of us are coming out of the woodwork.

I have made many trips to visit my Canadian neighbors, and have come away with a deep appreciation for the Canadian game, as well as the community of CFL fans across Canada and all over the world.

There are advantages and disadvantages of being a CFL fan outside of Canada, and in the coming days, I hope to shed some light on the good and the bad, as well as talk about some of my experiences both home and away that have shaped my fandom. I hope you will join me on this journey, and thanks for reading!