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The turnover battle
Ticat head coach Marcel Bellefeuille mentions this old chestnut every week when asked about the keys to the game, but consider this stat: the Tiger-Cats have lost the turnover battle and won the game just once this season. Same for the Argos. The Double Blue's five turnovers last week were certainly a major factor in Hamilton's 34-15 Labour Day win, as they gave the Ticats terrific field position several times.
Argonaut injuries
Three Toronto starters are doubtful for tonight's game: receiver Reggie McNeal (knee), defensive tackle Adriano Belli (rib) and corner Byron Parker (shoulder). The loss of Belli would have the biggest impact as his replacement, rookie Etienne Legare, doesn't have the inside presence of the Kissing Bandit, a two-team East Division all-star. If Belli's out, Hamilton's veteran offensive line may be able to take advantage of Legare to create some holes for running back DeAndra' Cobb.
The big mo
At 2-7, the Argos appear to be a mentally fragile team: when things start to go wrong, they have a tendency to snowball quickly. Hamilton fans will remember that feeling well. The Cats, on the other hand, appear to be gaining confidence with each successive week. A win by the Cats tonight would essentially stick a fork in the Argos' playoff chances but Hamilton needs to have the killer instinct to make it happen. Do they have it yet?
BY THE NUMBERS
23 Percentage of Hamilton takeaways garnered by linebacker Markeith Knowlton, who has three interceptions and three fumble recoveries on the season.
8.0, 6.5 Average yards per pass by Ticat quarterbacks Kevin Glenn and Quinton Porter, respectively. Glenn now has 1,126 passing yards on the season, Porter 1,179.
797 Receiving yards by Ticat and former Argo Arland Bruce III, tops in the Canadian Football League. Bruce has 78, 98, 119 and 115 yards receiving in his past four games.
KEY MATCHUP
Hamilton defensive co-ordinator Greg Marshall vs. Toronto head coach and offensive co-ordinator Bart Andrus
The Argo attack has been downright anemic, ranking last in the league in both points scored and average yards per game. With no CFL experience, Andrus appears to be struggling with some of the nuances of the Canadian game. Meanwhile, Marshall's Ticat defence, after a slow start, has been moving up the defensive ranking. With just a single day to game plan, Marshall's 15 years in the league may give him an advantage in making adjustments in the rematch.
QUOTES
"It's always an amazing thing to me that everybody thinks they can do my job better than I do. I don't think I can sell insurance better than the insurance guy down the street. I don't think I can run a Tim Hortons. But it's just always something with sports that everybody has their opinion and that's what makes it so great."
Source: www.thespec.com
Let's watch who will be the winner...
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