The Montreal Alouettes (3-0), riding a seven-game win streak over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-2), aim to extend their dominance in Friday’s CFL East Division matchup at Tim Hortons Field. Montreal enters fresh off a 22-point fourth quarter scare against Edmonton, while Hamilton seeks its first win after a Week 3 bye.
Montreal’s keys to victory
Health of the offense
With quarterback Davis Alexander (7-0 as a starter) sidelined, veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson makes his 2025 debut under center. The Alouettes’ league-leading offense (105 points scored) faces challenges as receiver Austin Mack remains out, though running back Sean Thomas Erlington returns despite limited practice reps.
Forget the fourth
Montreal’s defense, which allowed 22 fourth-quarter points to Edmonton, must tighten late-game execution. Veteran DBs Kabion Ento (Week 3 interception) and Marc-Antoine Dequoy anchor a unit leading the CFL in sacks (10), interceptions (6), and forced fumbles (3).
Defensive impact
Defensive lineman Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund (3 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries) headlines a pass rush tasked with disrupting Hamilton’s Bo Levi Mitchell, who ranks third all-time among QBs with a .704 career win percentage.
Hamilton’s path to an upset
Mitchell-Lawler connection
Mitchell’s chemistry with receiver Kenny Lawler (8 catches, 162 yards in Week 2) is critical. Lawler’s 12th career 100-yard game showcased his ability to stretch defenses, which Montreal’s secondary must contain.
New face in the run game
Rookie Treshaun Ward replaces injured rusher Greg Bell (calf) for his CFL debut. Hamilton’s ground game, averaging 145.5 rushing yards allowed (league worst), needs immediate improvement against Montreal’s balanced attack.
Better against the run
Defensive coordinator Brent Monson leans on veterans Casey Sayles and TyJuan Garbutt to shore up a front seven that’s struggled to contain opposing rushers. Linebacker Branden Dozier must disrupt Montreal’s rhythm early.
Historical context and milestones
- Montreal has won seven straight over Hamilton, nearing their 2006–2008 eight-game streak.
- Head coach Jason Maas (.679 win percentage) trails only Dave Ritchie (.708) in Alouettes history.
- Kicker Marc Liegghio (21 consecutive FGs) leads the CFL in accuracy (89.1%), while Hamilton’s Jose Maltos has hit 11 straight.
Critical matchups and stats
- Montreal leads the CFL in net offense (406.3 yards/game) and defense (307.7 yards allowed/game).
- Hamilton’s offensive line has allowed just two sacks, best in the league.
- Linebacker Lorenzo Burns (19 defensive plays, 1 INT) and DL Adeyemi-Berglund anchor Montreal’s front.
Stakes and intangibles
A Hamilton upset would reignite their season, but Montreal’s blend of offensive firepower and defensive depth makes them favorites. With Julian Howsare set for his 100th career game, the Alouettes aim to cement their status as East Division frontrunners. For the Ticats, Friday is a prove-it moment — or risk falling further into an 0-3 hole.