2025 @CFL hot stove league

GA Russell · October 23, 2011

Edmonton Eskimos 31....Toronto Argonauts 24

http://64.246.64.33/...aspx?id=4444904

The Eskimos led 31-3 with six minutes left in the game. The Argos had the ball at the end of the game with the chance to tie it, but ran out of time.

Chad Owens passed the 3,000 all-purpose yards mark for the second consecutive season. He is the only person in league history to do it in consecutive years. He and Pinball Clemons are the only people who have done it more than once.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=378633

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Calgary Stampeders 25....Saskatchewan Roughriders 13

http://64.246.64.33/...aspx?id=4444934

Drew Tate looked good in his first pro start.

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers 26.....Montreal Alouettes 25

http://64.246.64.33/...aspx?id=4445068

I love windy games in Regina, Winnipeg and Calgary! It was very windy in Winnipeg.

The Bombers led 10-9 at the half. The Als with the wind at their back scored 16 points in the third. The Bombers scored 16 in the fourth, with the winning touchdown coming with 48 seconds left in the game.

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Hamilton Tiger-Cats 42....British Columbia Lions 10

http://64.246.64.33/...aspx?id=4445188

Justin Medlock went 7 for 7 in field goals. The Ticats offense didn't do that much throughout the game. The defense and special teams gave them great field position, and then they would settle for field goals. But the Lions offense did little after a TD pass from Lulay to Simon late in the first quarter.

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As an aside, I listened to a little of the Navy-East Carolina game today, and the East Carolina quarterback Davis completed his first 26 passes! Navy attempted a field goal to tie it on the last play of the game and it hit the upright, so EC won 38-35.

http://scores.espn.g...ameId=312952426

Edited October 23, 2011 by GA Russell

GA Russell · October 24, 2011

I forgot to mention that the Ticats are now certain to finish third in the East.

GA Russell · October 26, 2011

The Lions have brought Ryan Thelwell back out of retirement to finish up the season.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=378883'>http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=378883

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Dave Naylor Week 17 wrapup

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=378893'>http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=378893

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This week's TSN power rankings are out.

[1] Winnipeg: Big win leads to big jump up the rankings
[2] Edmonton: Another win, another step closer to top spot
[3] B.C.: First loss in nine games means drop in rankings
[4] Montreal: After loss to Bombers, no longer tops in the East
[5] Calgary: Tate breathes new life into Stamps' offence
[6] Hamilton: Status quo despite blow-out win over Lions
[7] Toronto: Jyles seems to be finding his stride in Toronto
[8] Saskatchewan: The season can't end fast enough in Regina

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=378895'>http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=378895

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Breaking news is that Darian Durant, who was injured in the second half of Friday's game, will not play the rest of the year because the Riders have been eliminated from the playoffs. I'll try to have more on that later.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/

GA Russell · October 26, 2011

Here's the Darian Durant story. It says that he has been playing with a broken bone in his left foot since Oct. 1.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=378910

GA Russell · October 26, 2011

Now the Riders have announced that Andy Fantuz and Barrin Simpson won't play in the last two games either.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=378973

GA Russell · October 27, 2011

I don't think that Reggie Hunt has played this year, and this week he announced his retirement.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=378960

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Greg Xenakes Week 18 picks

http://64.246.64.33/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfl/news/news.aspx?id=4445976

GA Russell · October 28, 2011

Globe Week 18 picks

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/week-18/article2216721/

GA Russell · October 29, 2011

Toronto Argonauts 27....Winnipeg Blue Bombers 22

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=379151

Surprise! The last place Argos beat the first place Bombers in Winnipeg.

The Argos led 24-6 at the half. The Bombers dominated the second half, and closed it to 24-22 before the Argos kicked a FG to close out the scoring.

Byron Parker ran back an interception for a TD, the ninth time he has done that in his career. That sets the new league record.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=379141

GA Russell · October 29, 2011

Saskatchewan Roughriders 19....Hamilton Tiger-Cats 3

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=379200

The Ticats are certain to finish third, and the Riders are certain to finish fourth and out of the payoffs, so this game had no meaning for the standings.

Sask led 17-0 at the half, and as you can see, very little scoring in the second half. Porter played the first half for the Ticats, and Glenn the second half. Dinwiddie played for the Riders.

Chuck Nessa · October 29, 2011

What happened to the Bombers? <_<

GA Russell · October 31, 2011

British Columbia Lions 29....Edmonton Eskimos 20

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=379235

It was a miracle that the Lions won this game because they are decimated by injuries, with a number of guys playing out of position. For example, their defensive end was a middle linebacker who had never played on the line before.

*****

Calgary Stampeders 32....Montreal Alouettes 27

http://64.246.64.33/...aspx?id=4446941

Great game. Drew Tate had another good game. If he continues like this, you have to think that the Stamps will trade Henry Burris while they can still get something for him. Burris makes $400k, and nobody can afford to pay that for their second string QB.

PS - With the Stamps' win, there is now a three-way tie for first place in the West with one week to go.

Edited October 31, 2011 by GA Russell

GA Russell · October 31, 2011

Ken Miller today announced his retirement at the end of the season, both as coach and as exec.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=379329

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This week's TSN power rankings are out.

[1] B.C.: Back in the win column and back at the top of the rankings
[2] Edmonton: Status quo with squandered scoring chances vs Lions
[3] Montreal: Turnovers costly in loss to Stampeders
[4] Calgary: Tate goes 2-0 with impressive win over Als
[5] Winnipeg: Loss to Argos hurts quest to finish first in the East
[6] Hamilton: Denied first winning record in nearly a month
[7] Toronto: Played the spoiler role against Bombers
[8] Saskatchewan: Victory snaps five-game losing streak

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=379340

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With only one week to go, five teams have a 10-7 record! I don't recall a time when this late in the season only three of the teams' final place in the standings had been determined.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=379336

http://64.246.64.33/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfl/stand/standings.aspx

GA Russell · November 1, 2011

With only one week to go, five teams have a 10-7 record! I don't recall a time when this late in the season only three of the teams' final place in the standings had been determined.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=379336
http://64.246.64.33/.../standings.aspx

Here's a good analysis of what needs to happen for each team to finish first or second.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/plenty-to-play-for-in-final-week-of-cfl-season/article2220165/

GA Russell · November 1, 2011

Kerry Watkins broke his leg yesterday, and he's through for the year. Big loss for the Als.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=379351

GA Russell · November 3, 2011

Greg Xenakes Week 19 picks

http://64.246.64.33/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfl/news/news.aspx?id=4447508

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Dave Naylor Week 18 wrapup

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=379451

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Jeremaine Copeland needs only 23 yards to reach 10,000 receiving in his career. Only 14 have done it so far.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=379502

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Each team's nominees for the CFL Awards were announced today.

* - Indicates a unanimous selection

BC Lions

Player – Travis Lulay*

Defensive – Keron Williams

Canadian – Paul McCallum*

Offensive Lineman – Jovan Olafioye

Special Teams – Paul McCallum*

Rookie – Tim Brown

Edmonton Eskimos

Player – Ricky Ray

Defensive – Rod Davis

Canadian – Jerome Messam*

Offensive Lineman – Greg Wojt

Special Teams – Corbin Sharun

Rookie – JC Sherritt*

Calgary Stampeders

Player – Nik Lewis*

Defensive – Brandon Smith

Canadian – Jon Cornish*

Offensive Lineman – Stanley Bryant

Special Teams – Larry Taylor*

Rookie – Demetrice Morley*

Saskatchewan Roughriders

Player – Weston Dressler

Defensive – Jerrell Freeman

Canadian – Chris Getzlaf

Offensive Lineman – Chris Best

Special Teams – Chris Milo

Rookie – Craig Butler

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Player – Jovon Johnson

Defensive – Jovon Johnson

Canadian – Cory Watson

Offensive Lineman – Brendon Labatte

Special Teams – Jovon Johnson

Rookie – Clarence Denmark*

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Player – Justin Hickman

Defensive – Justin Hickman

Canadian – Dave Stala

Offensive Lineman – Peter Dyakowski

Special Teams – Justin Medlock*

Rookie – Chris Williams*

Toronto Argonauts

Player – Chad Owens

Defensive – Lin-J Shell

Canadian – Rickey Foley

Offensive Lineman – Dominic Picard

Special Teams – Chad Owens*

Rookie – Chad Kackert

Montreal Alouettes

Player – Anthony Calvillo

Defensive – Chip Cox

Canadian – Sean Whyte

Offensive Lineman – Josh Bourke

Special Teams – Sean Whyte

Rookie – Seth Williams

http://www.cfl.ca/article/2011-team-player-award-nominees-announced

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Here's a better explanation of the scenarios for this week's games and the final standings.

http://www.cfl.ca/article/road-to-the-grey-cup-2011-playoff-scenarios

West Division

If all West Division teams win or all lose, BC would finish first, Edmonton second and Calgary third.

If Edmonton wins and BC loses, Edmonton clinches first place.

If Edmonton and BC lose, and Calgary wins, Calgary clinches first place.

If Edmonton and Calgary win, and BC loses, Edmonton clinches first place and Calgary hosts Western Semi-Final against BC.

If Edmonton wins and BC and Calgary lose, Edmonton clinches first place and BC hosts Western Semi-Final against Calgary.

If BC wins, and Edmonton and Calgary lose, Edmonton hosts Western Semi-Final against Calgary.

If BC and Calgary win, and Edmonton loses, Calgary hosts Western Semi-Final against Edmonton.

East Division

If Winnipeg wins or Montreal loses, Winnipeg clinches first place and Montreal hosts Hamilton in the Eastern Semi-Final.

If Montreal wins and Winnipeg loses, Montreal clinches first place and Winnipeg hosts Hamilton in the Eastern Semi-Final.

(You will note that the article says that a new record for an 18 game season will be set this year. Five teams are tied at 10-7. The record for the fewest wins by a team with the best won-lost record has been 12, but this year it will be 11.)

GA Russell · November 3, 2011

Globe Week 19 picks

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/week-19/article2223407/

GA Russell · November 4, 2011

Toronto Argonauts 33....Hamilton Tiger-Cats 16

http://64.246.64.33/...aspx?id=4447803

The Argos didn't make the playoffs, so they ended their season with a win. Neither team played particularly well, but the game was fairly interesting as both teams moved the ball and kept the score fairly close for much of the game.

Jermaine Copeland passed the 10,000 yard mark, as referred to above.

I learned during the broadcast that the Riders' Chris Milo kicked a 108 yard punt the other day, tying the league record. I remember when Zenon Andrusychun of the Argos set the mark, as I recall in 1976. I believe that both kicks were in Regina with the wind blowing.

Edited November 4, 2011 by GA Russell

GA Russell · November 4, 2011

TSN conducted its second annual Players Poll of over 250 players regarding things like the toughest to bring down and the biggest trash talker. Very interesting.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/feature/?id=52476

GA Russell · November 5, 2011

Edmonton Eskimos 23....Saskatchewan Roughriders 20

http://64.246.64.33/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfl/news/news.aspx?id=4448144

Neither offense played well, but the game was interesting because the score was close. Schiavone kicked a field goal with 42 seconds left to win it.

The Riders finished the season 0-10 against the Western teams.

The win guarantees that the Eskimos will finish at least second in the West.

GA Russell · November 6, 2011

Calgary Stampeders 30....Winnipeg Blue Bombers 24

http://64.246.64.33/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfl/news/news.aspx?id=4448292

I was able to listen to this game for two brief periods. The Stampeders jumped off to a 24-0 lead, but the Bombers were able to close within three, 27-24. The Stamps held them off the rest of the way.

GA Russell · November 6, 2011

British Columbia Lions 43....Montreal Alouettes 1

http://64.246.64.33/...aspx?id=4448397

Both teams were playing for first place in their divisions. The Als started the scoring with a single, and never scored again.

Paul McCallum kicked four field goals. The announcers were talking about him setting records this year, but the only one that I know about is the consecutive field goal record with 30. I think he only missed three field goals all year, finishing with something like a 94% success rate.

The three Western playoff teams finished at 11-7. This is the first time ever that three teams have tied for having the best won-lost record in the league.

PS - The Lions started the season 0-5, and went the rest of the way 11-2.

Edited November 6, 2011 by GA Russell

GA Russell · November 7, 2011

Here are the teams and the kickoff times of the playoff games through the Grey Cup.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/cfl-playoff-schedule/article2227356/

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Here are the 2011 final standings published on at least two web sites, so presumably as distributed by the league. You will notice that Edmonton is listed as in third place, when in fact they finished second.

http://stats.sports.theglobeandmail.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=globeandmail&page=cfl/stand/standingAJ.htm

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Here are the 2011 final stats.

http://64.246.64.33/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfl/stat/CFL_Leaders.aspx