Thursday 6 October 2011

Preview: Blue Bombers at Tiger-Cats

8-5
7-6
Winnipeg versus Hamilton has become a very interesting, very intense rivalry recently. Two seasons ago, the Cats eliminated Winnipeg from the playoffs. Last season, they played each other four times in seven weeks. This season, the Bombers have taken the Cats twice, most recently in an epic 30-27 game in August.

That August victory is the one of the few the Bombers have had recently. That win was Winnipeg's seventh of the season, since then they have gone 1-4.

Hamilton, meanwhile, has continued to be its normal schizophrenic self; however, they have won their last two to climb within two points of first in the East Division.

Both teams have changed since that August meeting. Winnipeg has dealt with a rash of injuries, namely to Quarterback Buck Pierce, Running Back Fred Reid and Linebacker Joe Lobendahn. Losing three players of that magnitude would hurt any team, but Pierce looks good to go in this one, which is positive news for the Blue Bombers.

Hamilton's changes have been more positive. Moving Marcus Thigpen from Running Back to Receiver has allowed for the team to put Terry Grant on the field. Grant's first two games have been as impressive as any players I can remember. Three touchdowns in two games, one of which was an 89-yard beauty against Toronto. Grant has added another dimension to Hamilton's Offense.

This has all the makings of another great game. These two teams are very evenly matched, and this one should be just as close as their two previous encounters. This should be a good one.

If you aren't going to make it down to the game, tune in on TSN or AM900 CHML. Also, like every game, check out Dief on Cats on Twitter for their unique musings on the game as it happens.

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