VANCOUVER — The BC Lions go for their ninth win in their last 10 games when they host the Ottawa REDBLACKS on Saturday afternoon.
BC pulled out a 24-17 victory over the Toronto Argonauts in Week 18.
Ottawa dropped to 0-15 with a loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
A win would get the Lions a spot in the postseason.
Here’s three keys to victory for both teams ahead of Friday’s 10:00 p.m. ET kickoff, which can be watched on TSN in Canada, and on CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.
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OTTAWA REDBLACKS
1. MCLEOD BETHEL-THOMPSON
The REDBLACKS are sticking with veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson under centre. The veteran pivot has shown flashes in three starts this season, including a five-touchdown performance and a 418-yard outing. If the REDBLACKS want to get in the win column, they’ll need MBT to put it all together against a BC defence allowing 296.1 passing yards per game.
2. DANIEL ADEBOBOYE
Opportunities are clearly up for grabs in the nation’s capital, and running back Daniel Adeboboye played like it last week, putting up 74 yards on seven carries. If he can follow with another strong performance against a Lions’ front surrendering a league-low 60.3 rushing yards per game, it would help the REDBLACKS in their pursuit of a win and earn him additional looks going forward.
3. GROUND THE PASS GAME
Entering Week 19 allowing the most passing yards per game, the REDBLACKS secondary has to make Nathan Rourke’s receivers work to get open. Alonzo Addae leads the team with five interceptions and five pass knockdowns, while Scott Hutter is a strong supporting presence.
BC LIONS
1. CLEAN UP THE OFFENCE
The Lions offence has generally been a strength, but dropped passes, missed throws and fumbles nearly cost them against the Argos. Against a team desperate for a win, quarterback Nathan Rourke, running back Zander Horvath and receiver Keon Hatcher Sr. will need to play a cleaner game.
2. STEADY SEAN WHYTE
Even if the offence sputters at times again, they can rely on the leg of kicker Sean Whyte. Whyte went eight-for-eight a week ago, and has made 40-of-43 field goals this year, good for 93 per cent. All three phases of the game need to be firing as the Lions approach the playoffs.
3. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
The Lions have had games where the offence has carried them and others where the defence has made the difference. Against an Ottawa team that ranks seventh in net offence and last in net defence, they’ll need both sides of the ball clicking.
NEED TO KNOW:
- Ottawa receiver Ayden Eberhardt needs 49 receiving yards for his first 1,000-yard season.
- Lions receiver Justin McInnis is one receiving yard shy of his third straight 1,000-yard campaign.
- Justin Hardy is tied with Greg Ellingson (4,866) for sixth on Ottawa’s all-time receiving yards list.
- Darnell Sankey is six defensive tackles shy of joining Willie Pless (1997-99) as the only players with three consecutive 100-tackle seasons.
- BC is 8-0 when leading after three quarters.