Can the Riders cover the points and avenge last year's loss?
It’s the end of an interesting season for Perry’s Peerless Picks.
You’ve laughed with him, taken shots at him and always managed to keep things in perspective.
Well, most of you.
Yes, this year has been tough picking against the spread because I took too long to figure out that taking favourites is a mug’s game.
Take the underdog and you have a much better chance to win, if you’re "investing" in Canadian Football League cash-rewards opportunities.
This year is most interesting because if you believe the conspiracy theorists, most of them from Quebec, the CFL wants the Saskatchewan Roughriders to win.
The theory goes like this: Commissioner Mark Cohon picked the Saskatchewan Roughriders fans, for the Commissioner’s Award given to a person or group of people who make a significant contribution to the CFL.
The Quebec media found this insulting that Saskatchewan’s loyal fans, were more important than theirs – or anyone elses.
Not so, claimed Cohon.
Then came the fact that some of the Als players have complained about the team’s substandard facilities, including dressing room and hotel, compared to the Riders.
Not so, claimed Cohon.
And the fact that Quebec City isn’t as important on the radar, for a CFL expansion franchise as Atlantic Canada.
Not so, claimed Cohon.
Although he did say another franchise in Quebec, would have to compensate Montreal Aloutettes’ owner Robert (Call him Bob) Wetenhall for territorial rights, although that hasn’t even been discussed.
If you believe all of this, the Roughriders will win, even if they are seven-point underdogs.
Look, everyone loves the Riders and their fans who bleed green. They represent an entire country, more than just one province.
They died last year watching their team take penalty that gave Montreal a second-chance to re-kick a missed field goal because of a too-many-men-on-the-field penalty, the infamous 13thman infraction.
Some people have said the rematch this year is all about redemption and revenge. Riders’ kindly old coach Ken Miller rejects that notion. "It’s based on emotion, not intellect. Revenge is a shallow thought."
We’re inclined to think this is a chance for the players and their fans to erase the bitter memory of last year’s ending. That was about as cruel as the CFL gods could be.
Maybe with Rider middle linebacker/ordained minister Barrin Simpson, the Minister of Defence, on the team this year, the CFL gods will be kinder.
So now on to Peerless’ Prediction, the one that will hopefully clear his good name among his many detractors and reward his faithful followers.
Saskatchewan (12-8) against Montreal (13-6) *Records include playoff victories
Riders are on a roll with wins in their last three games, after a four-game slide. Miller says the team is playing at its best now.
Quarterback Darian Durant, is the first quarterback in CFL history to make it to the Grey Cup in his first two years as a starter. When he avoids turnovers, he’s among the best in the league. He has to be at the top of his game.
Ball security is paramount. He’s got the supporting staff on offence and the mobility to get the job done. He proved last year, he can pick apart Montreal’s secondary.
The Riders may be compromised by injuries on defence. Even if Simpson and cornerback Omarr Morgan play, they will not be 100 per cent. The Als will surely test them and or their replacements.
The Riders need some kind of return game. It’s been pitiful all season.
If they can keep their poise, the Riders can win.
The Als are the team that is loaded with veterans, some who are playing in their eighth Cup in 11 years.
Quarterback Anthony Calvillo is at the top of his game, he’ll be trying to pick apart the Riders, although the offence will surely include a healthy number of touches for dual-purpose running back Avon Cobourne.
The Als are sound in every category but their record in this game isn’t good. They will not be the crowd favourite, only because they’ve been in this for so long.
Last year’s win was considered a fluke.
We don’t believe the CFL head office wants the Riders’ to win, but quite honestly if they do it’s a better feel-good story.
If the Als win, it will likely be the final career game for splendid slotback Ben Cahoon, one of the truly good people in the game.
And if the Als prevail, it will be the second consecutive for defensive lineman J.P. Bekasiak, whom I’ve known personally for several years.
My mentor Randall the Handle, the Sensei of Selections, has the Als favourites by seven.
The prediction: Riders and the points.
This means if you’re betting and the Als don’t win by seven, you cash.
I think the Riders can win but if I was betting, I’d rather have that seven-point cushion. I just don’t think the Als will cover.
Go Green or Go Go Home, people. Bet the Green Beans, to make some greenbacks.
Bon chance and good luck.
So long and adieu until next year mes amis.
Sincerely, your politically-correct pundit.
