Ticats All Access Game Day Predictor, presented by Sports Interaction: Week 6 vs. Stampeders
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, 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
1. How many points will be scored between both teams combined? Over or under 57.5?
For teams from opposing divisions, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Edmonton Eskimos have met often of late. The teams went head-to-head three times last season, as a result of the Eskimo’s crossover berth in the Eastern Semi-Final. The Ticats and Esks have already met once this season, playing a week five nail-biter at Tim Hortons Field.
In three meetings last season, the Tiger-Cats and Eskimos averaged a combined 56 points per game. In their one meeting in 2017, the teams combined for 59 points.
Considering their first meeting of the season alone, the two teams appear to complement each other well. The large number of injuries to key Eskimo players could make the Ticats’ task easier when they visit Commonwealth Stadium on Friday night.
The Tiger-Cats’ offence was unable to get going against Calgary in week six. It was a different story for Edmonton, as Reilly and the Esks exploded for more than 450 yards of offence. Unfortunately for Edmonton, the injury to Travon Van presents a major blow to the Esks’ run game. In addition, Adarius Bowman’s continued absence remains a detriment to Edmonton’s aerial attack.
Offensively speaking, it would be difficult to imagine the teams combining for as many points as they did in week five.
Prediction: Under
2. How many defensive tackles will be recorded by Will Hill? Over or under 7.5?
Will Hill has been a defensive force for the Tiger-Cats. The former NFLer leads the team in defensive tackles with 23, despite playing in just four games – one game less than the other leading Ticat tacklers.
Hill is just shy of the pace required for a 100 tackle season, at his current pace of 5.75 tackles per game. Just three players in the league reached that benchmark last season (including Adam Bighill, currently a New Orleans Saint).
Hill appears to be the newest name on a rarified list.
Prediction: Over
3. How many combined return yards will Brandon Banks record? Over or under 126.5?
Brandon Banks is on the cusp of Tiger-Cats history. Banks is within 127 combined yards of moving into 8th all-time in Ticats’ history for combined return yards. The speedy returner is also 54 yards away from 4th all-time in Ticats’ history for punt return yards.
This season, Banks is averaging 112.4 combined return yards per game. With a kick-off return average of 16.7 yards per kick, the additional yardage is attainable.
One reason to question whether Banks can achieve the total or not, is that he’s been splitting return touches with Jalen Saunders. If he doesn’t get enough touches, the milestone may have to wait another week.
Prediction: Under
4. How many receptions will Like Tasker have? Over or under 7.5?
Up to this point in the season, Luke Tasker’s yardage hasn’t quite matched his production of the last two seasons. Regardless, Tasker continues to lead the team in targets.
Tasker has 29 receptions on the season (also team-leading), and averages almost 6 receptions per game. His touches have increased of late, as he registered 9 receptions and 82 yards in last week’s loss to Calgary.
When the play breaks down, Collaros puts his faith in Tasker.
Prediction: Over
5. How many rush yards will the Eskimos record? Over or under 79.5?
The Eskimos are fourth in the league in rushing yards per game, averaging 83.6. They have managed this production despite injuries to star running back John White, his replacement Travon Van, and insurance policy/kick returner Kendial Lawrence. After the Van injury, fullback Calvin McCarty stepped in and was serviceable in the tailback role, accruing 45 yards on the ground.
Head Coach Jason Masse didn’t shy away from the run game in Van’s absence, instead awarding McCarty’s dependable play with 11 carries. By comparison, BC running back Jeremiah Johnson had just five carries in the same game.
The Eskimos also have practice roster options at their disposal. LaDarius Perkins is serving his second year on the Eskimos’ practice roster and has seen game action in 2017.The Eskimos also have a recent depth signing in Marion Grice waiting in the wings.
Prediction: Under
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