For fans of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-1) and Saskatchewan Roughriders (0-2), tensions are running high ahead of their Week 3 match up. Both squads are searching for first victory in 2017, but the Roughriders are in danger of starting 0-3, with back-to-back losses at their new stadium.
Riders quarterback Kevin Glenn has done everything but win. The veteran pivot’s numbers have been impressive, starting the season with almost 700 yards passing and 5 TDs through two games. He has led his team in two tight contests against a couple of strong defenses in Montreal and Winnipeg. His numbers against Montreal’s defense rivaled Mike Reilly’s numbers against the same defense a week later. In both of his first two games, he brought his team within one field goal of victory. Unfortunately for the Riders, on both occasions Tyler Crapigna missed that field goal.
For Tiger-Cats quarterback Zach Collaros and the Ticats, the expectation is that the game won’t be within Crapigna’s reach as the final whistle approaches.
Collaros is looking for a bounce back performance in week three and hopes to battle the Mosaic Stadium uproar to pick apart the Riders’ defence. During practice this week, the Ticats pumped artificial crowd noise into the stadium to simulate rowdy Regina fans, also practicing with a silent snap count in preparation for the Saskatchewan uproar. Blue Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols capitalized on busted coverage numerous times in week two against the Riders, and the Tiger-Cats hope to do the same on Saturday.
Tiger-Cats Head Coach Kent Austin has elected to shake things up offensively for the Ticats coming out of their early bye week. Earning a starting spot in the receiving corps are Junior Collins and Jalen Saunders. Collins is a CFL veteran with a strong knowledge of the Canadian game and Coach Austin’s offensive system. Saunders is a former college football standout who was competing for a starting spot throughout training camp until a short-lived injury stunted his progress. Collins will bring experience, and Saunders will bring speed and raw talent. The introduction of some fresh faces to the offence will give Collaros different looks and help him push the ball downfield.
Other changes include moves in the secondary, bringing in Ethan Davis, as well as Khalid Wooten, both of took first team reps in practice this week.
Will Hill cemented his place at SAM linebacker with a dominant performance in week one. He recorded eight tackles split between defence and special teams. It’s still early, but he has proven his potential to be an impact player on the Black & Gold ‘D’.
The Tiger-Cats offensive line took advantage of a lack of personnel changes to help build some chemistry in practice. They look to tighten up in front of Collaros and buy him a little more time to spread the ball around.
Hamilton is poised for a rebound performance against Saskatchewan. The Roughriders are feeling the pressure of a rabid fanbase clamoring for victory in their new digs, but the Tiger-Cats are in town to spoil the party.
