Ticats All Access Game Day Predictor, presented by Sports Interaction: Week 3 vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders
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 Saskatchewan Roughriders, 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 points will be scored combined? Over or under 49.5?
The Tiger-Cats and Roughriders are both looking for their first win of the season, and their locker rooms are hungry. Following their week two bye, the Ticats are eager to spoil the party when they visit new Mosaic Stadium in Regina. Following a heart-breaking overtime defeat at the hands of the rival Blue Bombers, the Roughriders are eager to secure their first victory in their new stadium. Both teams will come out of the gate swinging.
In two meetings in 2016, the teams averaged 49 combined points, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. In week nine, and Zach Collaros’ first game action in 2016, the Ticats beat up on the Riders, 53-7 for a total of 60 points. The week 14 rematch featured tighter defense and a closer result, with the Riders stealing a hard-fought, 20-18 home victory for a total of 38 points.
Collaros struggled in week one this season, but still managed 242 yards passing. It is safe to expect a bounce-back performance from Collaros in week three.
Last season the Riders were a much different team, especially at quarterback. Glenn’s arrival in Regina has brought stability to a position that has been decidedly unstable throughout Coach Jones’ tenure. Through two games, Glenn has looked sharp, posting 675 yard passing and 5 TDs. His better game was in week two against the Bombers, however his week one numbers against a strong Montreal defense were better than Mike Reilly’s against the same defense in week two.
Prediction: Over
How many tackles will be recorded by Will Hill? Over or under 6.5?
Will Hill had a standout CFL debut in week one. The former NFLer recorded two blocked field goals, one of which was returned for a touchdown. He also registered eight total tackles, seven defensive and one special teams. Although it was an impressive performance, it was also one that will be difficult to repeat. Will Hill may produce another strong showing, but it’s tough to expect equivalent statistics.
Prediction: Under
How many interceptions will be recorded by the Hamilton secondary? Over or under 1.5?
The Hamilton secondary failed to record an interception against a formidable Ricky Ray in Toronto. This group that is eager to improve on its week one performance and make a difference on the game in Regina. In practice the group has looked focused and prepared for the task at hand.
Kevin Glenn has looked good through two starts for the Roughriders, but he has been prone to throwing interceptions. In week one he threw one interception, and followed it up with two in week two.
Glenn however, is a veteran quarterback and is generally careful with his ball placement.
Prediction: Under
How many field goals will Riders kicker Tyler Crapigna? Over or under 2.5?
In week one with zeros on the clock, Tyler Crapigna had the game on his foot. To the chagrin of Saskatchewan fans, Crapigna missed the 45 yard field goal attempt. As a result, the Riders suffered their first loss of the season in a game where they were arguably the better team.
In overtime in week two, Crapigna once again carried the hopes of Rider nation on his back. Unfortunately, he once again missed a costly field goal, ringing the ball off the upright from 33 yards out. The Riders would suffer a second consecutive loss.
The question is: will Crapigna be faced with another high-pressure field goal late in Saturday’s contest?
Prediction: Under
Who will record the Tiger-Cats first offensive touchdown of the game?
⁃ Jeremiah Masoli
⁃ Luke Tasker
⁃ Brian Tyms
⁃ Other
This is how I project the Ticats’ first offensive touchdown. First snap of the drive finds Collaros in the shadow of his own goalposts. Collaros drives the field in eight plays, putting the ball on the one yard line, second and goal. Masoli comes into the game but instead of the quarterback sneak, he plays a read option, carries, and walks it across the goal line.
Just one more prediction: Masoli may score the first offensive touchdown, but he won’t be the first Ticat to put the ball in the end zone.
Prediction: Jeremiah Masoli
