Sports Take

The West Semi-Final will take place right after the East Semi-Final on Saturday, November 1 at 3:30pm MT.
The Stampeders are back in the post season after finishing last in the league last season. A remarkable turn around in one year to return to the post season after reworking the defense and the fact that both the offensive and defensive coordinators were replaced as well. Even if the Stampeders lose, this season has to feel like a win.

The Match-up

Calgary Stampeders at BC Lions

It took until the last game of the season to decide who went where, and with the Lions win over the Riders, it meant the Stampeders would visit Vancouver and head into hostile territory in BC Place.

The Stampeders finished the season 11-7, while going a division best 7-3 within the West. They are one of the better teams on the road this season with a 5-4 record away from McMahon Stadium. In the season series the Lions and Stampeders face each other twice, with the Lions taking both games by a combined score of 90-47.

The British Columbia Lions also finished 11-7, however with the series sweep meant that the Lions would win the tiebreaker and would host the West Semi’s if there was a tie. Against the West they finished with a 6-4 record, and at BC Place Stadium they tied for the league lead for a 6-3 home record.

Deciding Factors

The Stampeders will only go as far as Vernon Adams Jr and Dedrick Mills will take them. The unquestioned leaders of the Stampeders offense will have to work in tandem against the Lions defensive line led by Most Outstanding Defensive Player finalist, Mathieu Betts. For the Stampeders to win, they must keep Adams as clean as possible while getting the lead early and suffocating the Lions lethal offense.

Using Dedrick Mills is a requirement for the Stampeders to win. In the past, when the Stampeders have had a MOP quality running back they have gone away from them early in the playoffs. This must be avoided at all costs for them.
The Stampeders are a perfect 9-0 when leading at the half, and just 2-7 when trailing.

The BC Lions have arguably the most dangerous offense in the entire CFL, with the capabilities of Nathan Rourke to not only throw deep down field, but to escape the pocket and throw on the run, or just run it 50 yards on his own. It creates a headache for any defensive coordinator trying to make a game-plan against him.

The Prediction

Calgary – 26
BC – 32

The 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg is on November 16th at Princess Auto Stadium.