The critics have put Perry's Peerless Predictions in its place. Make that put me in my place. A year ago I was criticized for my lousy record. This year I'm criticized for crowing about my winners.
It's a tough gig.
But this week I'll dare to do something different: In response to my critics, I'll pick against the spread as opposed to just straight up.
This week the challenge is different because Montreal quarterback Anthony Calvillo has a wonky calf and may not play that much, while B.C. is expected to start quarterback Casey Printers, who will make his season debut because of injuries to the Lions' regular starters.
It should make for an interesting four games.
Friday
Hamilton (7-8) at Toronto (3-12):
The Ticats have simply killed themselves by sputtering on offence, but maybe that changes now with Kevin Glenn quarterbacking for the second consecutive game. He threw for more than 500 yards last week against Montreal; so expecting Glenn to duplicate that is unrealistic. A modest 300 yards will be a good day.
I maintain the Ticats need to get the running game going or at least find a way to get the ball in the hands more to running back DeAndre' Cobb. I like how the Ticats used him on the wheel route in the last game. If possible, the Ticats should put Cobb and Terry Caulley on the field together and get creative. After seeing Arkee Whitlock rip off some long runs against the Argos, surely the Ticats will try to pound the ball on the run.
For Arland Bruce, this is a chance to make one more statement this year against the team that traded him. He had a decent game against Montreal, although he dropped a sure touchdown. But maybe the issue now for the Ticats is tightening the defence. There have been a lot of points racked up by the opposition in the last two games. The reality is the Ticats have to win this one. They can't continue to stagger down the stretch with the Bombers much improved. Surely, winning the Ballard Cup will be the impetus the Ticats need, right? I mean, it's the Ballard Cup! If you win the game, you clinch the series with the Argos and can get your mitts on Ol' Harold's crusty chalice.
As for the Argos, they finally scored a touchdown via the pass in the last game. The defence is playing its heart out, so it will be up to that unit again if the offence bogs down. Kerry Joseph gets the call at quarterback for the second straight game. Will the game be as exciting as the halftime show in which somebody is kicking for a chance to win a million? Hamilton is pegged by Randall The Handle as the four-point choice.
And the winner is: Hamilton to cover.
Edmonton (7-8) at Calgary (8-6-1):
The Eskimos are just not dominating on offence. That much is evident. But at what point will they bust loose? The mere fact it's Edmonton in Calgary should inspire the pesky Eskies. Running back Arkee Whitlock found his footing last time out after some trouble on a greasy field the game before. He'll get some help this week from Calvin McCarty, who returns after several games on the sidelines with an injury. But this one will be played in the cold and McCarty may find it difficult, depending on how much he plays. Using Mathieu Bertrand as the fullback is a great way to get physical. Fred Stamps is a one-man receiving force, but he can't do it all alone. The Eskimos are a work in progress on defence, which has had 22 different starters this year. It's one thing to stop Toronto, but previous to that the defence has been porous. As Edmonton Sun's Terry Jones noted, this team has yet to find an identity. That loss to B.C. two games ago is typical of squandered wins this year. So now they face the Stamps, another team which has been struggling. They had to claw to tie Saskatchewan last time out, helped by a controversial call in overtime. The Stamps still need to get into a groove on offence. Only running back Joffrey Reynolds and receiver Jeremaine Copeland are playing consistently well. Quarterback Henry Burris needs more help from his receiving corps. Calgary is favoured by 5.5.
And the winner is: Calgary to cover.
Saturday
Montreal (13-2) at Winnipeg (7-8):
Anthony Calvillo will start at quarterback for the Als, but how long will he play with his wonky leg? At some point in the game, expect Adrian McPherson to see the field. Why not give him more reps, especially if Calvillo is ailing? The Als can get physical with running back Avon Cobourne and have the talent in other areas if McPherson struggles. Will the defence get torched another time? Hamilton exposed some problems in the Als' back end, attacking rookie Billy Parker. But you'd have to think this is an area that the Als have addressed.
It's a question of whether the Als try crazy blitzing and allow one-on-one situations, or they try more of a zone defence. Winnipeg quarterback Michael Bishop has the ability to go deep and is developing a rapport with his receivers, but he's been ailing physically with lower-body aches. The Bombers had its three-game win streak snapped last time out, so it's a matter of how do they bounce back? If Hamilton wins on Friday, there's urgency to duplicate that. Should be interesting to see Troy Westwood punting. He did well at that when he last played in a regular-season game back in the 2007 Grey Cup. Montreal is favoured by 5.5, but it's in a circle because of Calvillo's status. So betting against the spread or even betting the game at all is dicey because of the Calvillo factor, hence the circle. Without him, the spread might be a pick'em.
And the winner is: Montreal to cover.
B.C. (8-7) at Saskatchewan (8-6-1):
Lions are the surprise team of the second half in the West, but they must go forward in this one with mighty Casey Printers starting for the first time. The plan was to bring him along slowly, but injuries pressed the fast forward button. Running back Martell Mallett is expected back and he's a big plus, although A.J. Harris didn't look out of place as a fill-in. The Lions have to pound the ball and get physical. If the Lions win, they go ahead and, theoretically, could be first in the division. Their big players are playing with determination. But Saskatchewan is just too tough. They have the homefield advantage and a defence which will be motivated by sacking Printers, who will likely be rusty. The blitzes from defensive co-ordinator Gary Etcheverry will be coming from various angles and formations. Saskatchewan is favoured by five in a circle.
And the winner is: Saskatchewan to cover.
Record last week: 1-2-1
Record to date: 39-20-1 (previously best in the land).
Record with my critics: No comment.
