The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers meet for the second time in three weeks when they open a Saturday doubleheader at Princess Auto Stadium.
Hamilton took the first matchup, 32-21, back in Week 15 and sits in first place in the East Division with a 9-5 record.
Winnipeg responded to that loss with a win over the Ottawa REDBLACKS last week.
Here’s three keys to victory for both teams ahead of Saturday’s 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff, which can be watched on TSN and CTV in Canada, and on CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.
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Watch live. Hamilton Tiger-Cats @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Sept. 27, 21:00 CET (9 pm, 3 pm ET)
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
1. GREG BELL BACK FOR MORE
Consistency is critical in professional sports, and Hamilton running back Greg Bell is figuring that out. Over his past three games, Bell has averaged 128.7 rushing yards per contest, which included 137 against Winnipeg. Seeing a defence for the second time in short order is his next challenge.
2. SHARING THE FOOTBALL
The Ticats’ receiving corps is deep and has been stepping up: Kenny Lawler remains quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell’s top target, but Kiondré Smith, Tim White, Shemar Bridges and even Bell are options to make big plays. With Winnipeg possessing a veteran secondary, Mitchell will take all the help he can get.
3. DEFENDING THE RUN
Hamilton has surrendered an even 1,500 yards on the ground over 14 games and was beaten for 116 on 15 carries by running back Brady Oliveira two weeks ago. Linebacker Kyler Fisher, who was active in that matchup with 11 defensive tackles, should be busy again.
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
1. WELCOME BACK ZACH COLLAROS
Quarterback Zach Collaros’ return from a head injury will be a big emotional boost for a team fighting for position in a close West Division race. The offensive line now needs to protect him from taking unnecessary contact at all costs.
2. TURNOVERS
Another interception tossed by Chris Streveler against Ottawa brings Winnipeg’s season total to 23. Hamilton, meanwhile, has forced 32 turnovers, resulting in 98 points. Not giving the talented Ticats offence additional chances will certainly be important to coming away with a win.
3. BRADY OLIVEIRA
With injuries and inconsistency under centre, all eyes have fallen on Brady Oliveira of late, and this week should be no different. On top of the 116 yards he produced the last time these two teams met, he’s also rushed for 100-plus yards in back-to-back games.
NEED TO KNOW:
- Winnipeg is 4-2 versus East Division opponents this season.
- Hamilton is 4-4 against the West Division.
- Quarterback Zach Collaros returns for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after missing two games with a head injury.