Ticats All Access Game Day Predictor: Week 1 vs. Toronto Argonauts
Think you know Tiger-Cats football inside and out? In the hours leading up to every Tiger-Cats game, Ticats All Access members can log in and lock in their picks as part of our Game Day Predictor contest, presented by Sports Interaction. Prove you’re the most knowledgeable fan by answering a series 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. Each week, the Predictor player with the most correct answers wins four Club Level tickets to an upcoming Tiger-Cats home game.
Here are five of the questions for this week’s game against the Toronto Argonauts, 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: allaccess.ticats.ca/gameday
How many total points will be scored, combined? Over or under 54.5 points?
In three meetings last season, the Ticats and Argos combined for an average of 67 points per game, but there are a number of variables at play. In the first meeting of 2016 the teams combined for 62 points, with Masoli starting for the Tiger-Cats in place of the injured Collaros. By the Labour Day Classic in Hamilton, Collaros returned to action for the Tabbies, and in the only showdown where both teams dressed their starting QB, Collaros and Ray commanded their respective offences to a total of 85 points. Ray sustained an injury late in the Labour Day matchup, and replacement Dan Lefevour combined with Collaros in the Labour Day rematch for just 54 points.
With both squads boasting improved defenses, it is unlikely that the teams will have another 85 point showdown, but expect Collaros and Ray to come out swinging, as both veteran pivots have something to prove in 2017.
Prediction: Over
How many yards will Zach Collaros throw for? Over or under 299.5 yards?
In the eight regular season games in which Collaros took at least 51% of the snaps, he averaged 323.6 yards through the air. Those numbers were slightly inflated in his two meetings with the Argonauts, as he threw an average of 329.5 yards against the double blue.
On Sunday, Collaros will be looking to set the tone for the season, which he hopes will kick off like 2015, where he started in league MOP form.
Expect Collaros to rack up the yards piloting Coach Austin’s pass-centric offense.
Prediction: Over
How many receiving yards will Terrence Toliver record? Over or under 74.5 yards?
Toliver was the number one receiver for the Ticats in 2016, and this offseason he inked a deal that keeps him in Hamilton through 2018. Toliver posted over one thousand receiving yards in just 13 games played, resulting in an average of 79.7 yards per game.
With a healthy receiving corps, and additions like the rangy Brian Tyms, Collaros will have more targets in 2017. If the first-team offense’s limited preseason drives were any indication, Collaros is apt to spread the ball around to the many targets at his disposal.
Prediction: Under
How many passes will be picked off, combined? Over or under 1.5 interceptions?
In the Argos’ first preseason contest against the Als, the Argos picked off Montreal QB, Vernon Adams Jr. twice in the first half. The Argos are unlikely to have as much success on Sunday, as they will be facing an established starting QB with veteran receivers at his disposal in Zach Collaros and the Ticat receiving corps.
With the offseason signing of former Redblack Abdul Kanneh and re-signing of Emmanual Davis, the Ticats’ secondary is looking strong heading into 2017. Davis was a ball hawk in 2016, posting five interceptions last season, good for third in the league. Unfortunately for the Tiger-Cats, Davis is out with an injury to start the season.
Ray however, is known to be an accurate passer. Working in Coach Marc Trestman’s system, Ray will likely protect the ball from the Ticats’ eager secondary.
Prediction: Under
How many sacks will be recorded by the Tiger-Cats? Over or under 3.5 sacks?
The Ticats recorded an abnormally high sack tally of eight in the final preseason game against the Argos. The sack total was the result of strong performances by rookies like Connor McGough and returning talent like Justin Capicciotti. The total was unquestionably inflated by the Argos’ backup offensive line and it is unlikely that the Ticats will find as much success against Argo starters. Regardless, with talent like Adrian Tracy and all-star John Chick lining up at defensive end, the Tiger-Cats will be putting heavy pressure on the pocket-passing Ray. In 2016, the Ticats recorded 49 total team sacks in regular season play, good for an average of 2.7 sacks per game.
Looking to ride the strong preseason performance by the defensive line, expect the Tiger-Cats to run up the sack count on Sunday.
Prediction: Over