During each Tiger-Cats game, fans who sign up for Ticats All Access will have the opportunity to participate in our game day predictor. Fans will have the chance to prove that they are the most knowledgeable (or luckiest) fan, by answering a number of props questions prior to kickoff. The more questions you get right, the more yards you collect for your All Access account, which increase your chances for game day and weekly prizes.
Here are five of the questions for this week’s game against the Edmonton Eskimos, and which answers I’ll be choosing. For a full list of questions and to participate in the game, sign up for Ticats All Access and get your answers in -> http://allaccess.ticats.ca/
1. How many points will both teams score, combined? Over or under 46.5?
When the two top defensive teams in the league meet up on Friday, it’s hard to expect a high-scoring affair. The Eskimos have allowed an average of 8.3 points per game to visiting teams, while the Ticats have allowed just 12 points per game in four road games this season. There’s a chance that Hamilton’s offence carry the momentum of their high-scoring streak onto the road in Edmonton, but chances are that this is more of a defensive stalemate than an offensive shootout.
Prediction: Under
2. How many interceptions will both teams record, combined? Over or under 2.5?
The Ticats and Eskimos are tied for the CFL-lead with 11 interceptions each this season, so the over here seems like a no-brainer. That being said, Zach Collaros has been patient and intelligent with the ball in 2015, throwing just six interceptions through seven games. On the other side of the field, Eskimos quarterbacks have thrown nine interceptions through seven games. Even with the responsible play of Collaros, the amount of pressure the Ticats defensive unit has been generating and the high rate at which both teams have been forcing turnovers makes the over a better choice.
Prediction: Over
3. How many sacks will the Tiger-Cats defence get? Over or under 2.5 sacks?
The Tiger-Cats defence has been on a tear, getting after opposing quarterbacks at a very imposing rate. Weeks 1-6 saw the Black and Gold register just 11 sacks; however, that total has been matched over the last two weeks, propelling the team into second in the league. Playing against one of two young quarterbacks, Matt Nichols or James Franklin, should allow the Ticats to surpass the three-sack barrier for the third straight game.
Prediction: Over
4. How many field goals will Justin Medlock kick? Over or under 2.5 field goals?
Through seven games, Ticats kicker Justin Medlock is in a four-way tie for the league-lead in field goals with 16. That being said, only three of Medlock’s 16 field goals have come in home games, the remainder were all kicked on the road. Through four road games, Medlock is averaging 3.25 field goals per game, and in combination with the Eskimos’ league-leading red zone defence, the odds are in the favour of the over here.
Prediction: Over
5. Who will lead the Ticats in receiving yards? A) Tasker B) Toliver C) Underwood D) Sinkfield E) Other
Terrell Sinkfield and Tiquan Underwood did an admirable job in their returns to the lineup last week, both making significant contributions to the offence. Luke Tasker had quite the game himself, reeling in six catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns. All of the receivers have been firing on all cylinders as of late, but it’s the team’s receiving leader who I’m betting on in this week’s game in Edmonton. Terrence Toliver has been a consistent target all season long, averaging 57 yards and at least one catch of 25+ yards per game. In four road games this season, Toliver has averaged just under 55 yards per game, with his only 100-yard performance of the season coming in the team’s road game against the Alouettes. Any receiver could take the lead this week, but my bet is on #80.
Prediction: Terrence Toliver
