Masoli plays well from start to finish
Jeremiah Masoli got off to a fast start in Sunday’s game, leading the team on a 74-yard scoring drive on the Ticats first possession. The drive unfortunately stalled at the Ottawa three-yard line, but the drive showcased the Ticats quarterback’s dual-threat abilities as he made plays with both his arm and his legs. Masoli played well from start to finish on Sunday with a single interception in the first quarter the only blip on a very good game. The third-year quarterback completed 30-of-42 pass attempts for 349 yards and two touchdowns against the Redblacks, adding another 44 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The Ticats quarterback was robbed of a third beautiful touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, taken away on an offside penalty. Masoli did everything he needed to give the Ticats a chance to win the football game and his performance was undoubtedly worthy of recognition.
Offensive line battles through injuries
Credit must be given to the Ticats offensive line, who have battled through more than their fair share of injuries this season. Working with just two of their original five starters– Mike Filer and Peter Dyakowski– the Ticats offensive line put together a solid day of pass protection against the league’s number one pass rush. The line gave Jeremiah Masoli time to operate in the pocket, allowing just a single sack, and they also generated a strong push in the option run game. Most significantly, maybe, were the seven short-yardage first downs that were converted by the offence thanks to a push from the big guys on the offensive line.
Laurent comes through with another big playoff performance
For the second straight game, the Ticats most outstanding Canadian player was exactly that, stepping up and dominating in another playoff game. Laurent made Burris uncomfortable in the pocket all day long, consistently outworking double-teams to do so. The Canadian defensive tackle was the Ticats most dominating defensive player, recording two sacks and two tackles in the game, while playing a large part in the Redblacks to just 233 passing yards until the last-minute 93-yard completion that won the game. Laurent finished the playoffs with four sacks, surpassing his season total of three; when the games’ importance rose, so did Ted’s level of play.
Ticats receivers all chip in on big day
Hand-in-hand with Jeremiah Masoli’s strong performance on Sunday afternoon was the top-notch play of the Ticats receivers. Tiquan Underwood led the team in receiving yards, hauling in four passes for 111 yards and a long 66-yard score in the first half. Underwood put together his best game of 2015, racking up his first career 100-yard game in the CFL. Luke Tasker was outstanding on the night as usual, making eight receptions for 90 yards and an eye-popping touchdown catch. Tasker’s level of play was the epitome of consistency this season and that was no different in Sunday’s East Final. Andy Fantuz had his best game since his return from injury in Ottawa, racking up 88 yards on seven catches, including a 40-yard over the shoulder grab on a perfectly placed pass by fellow receiver Luke Tasker. Including running back CJ Gable, the Ticats had seven receivers with multiple receptions in the game; the strong play of the entire receiving corps allowed Masoli to spread the ball around and move the chains when under pressure.
