Nov 8, 2014; Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeat the Montreal Alouettes 29-15 to clinch first place at Tim Hortons Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski
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 Montreal Alouettes, 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 47.5?
The three games hosted by the Tiger-Cats this season have averaged a total of 57 points, while the Ticats last five games have seen an average of 58.6 points scored. The last time these two teams met they combined for just 30 points, and both teams have been strong defensively. There’s no telling whether this one will be another high-scoring affair or a tight defensive battle, but Tim Hortons Field seems to foster offensive success and that’s the way I’m leaning this week.
Prediction: Over
2. What will the longest pass completion be? Over or under 42.5 yards?
The Ticats and Alouettes are first and third respectively in passing plays of 30+ yards. Both teams love to air it out, and the Ticats in particular have enjoyed a lot of success on the deep ball over the course of their current win streak. There’s a very good chance that one of the two teams manages to connect on a pass of 43 yards or more on Thursday night.
Prediction: Over
3. How many completions will Zach Collaros throw? Over under 20.5 completions?
It’s been four games since Collaros threw for 21+ completions, and six since he’s thrown for 25+ completions. The leads that the Ticats have jumped out to and held onto during this winning streak inhibit the number of passes that Collaros has had to throw. The team’s two losses are the only time he’s attempted more than 35 passes, attempting 30 or fewer in four of the last five games. The Ticats quarterback has been exceptional during the team’s winning streak, but it’s hard to predict more than 21 completions with the team playing the way they have as a unit.
Prediction: Under
4. How many first downs will the Ticats record. Over or under 27.5 first downs?
The Ticats have been seemingly unstoppable on second down this season, converting on 58.5% of their attempts. Through eight games the team has averaged 30 first downs per game, and they haven’t shown any signs of slowing down. Unlike passing completions or attempts, first downs are the type of stat that generally isn’t affected by early leads in games, because conversions are still required of a team to close out a game. Even if the Ticats get an early lead in this one, their first down totals should not be affected.
Prediction: Over
5. How many yards will Alouettes quarterback Rakeem Cato throw for? Over or under 269.5 yards?
After throwing for over 300 yards in two of his first five games, Rakeem Cato has not surpassed 200 yards in either of his last two starts. The Alouettes offence has been somewhat disjointed, and Cato’s honeymoon phase in the CFL seems to have come to an end. The young quarterback is undoubtedly a talented player, and the performances of less than 200 yards are likely an anomaly rather than the norm; however, the stingy and opportunistic Ticats defence is the team he’ll have to get back on track against. The Black and Gold’s defence has allowed over 270 yards passing in just two games of eight this season, meaning Cato will have his work cut out for him on Thursday.
Prediction: Under
