Ticats All Access Game Day Predictor, presented by Sports Interaction: Week 9 vs. Ottawa
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
- How many points will both teams score combined? Over or under 47.5?
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa Redblacks met on back-to-back occasions late in the 2016 season. In the first meeting, the Ticats and Redblacks combined for 59 points, and Ottawa escaped Tim Hortons Field with a one point victory. The Tiger-Cats exacted their revenge the following week when they captured the second contest in overtime by a three point margin. Offensive fireworks were on display in the rematch, and the teams combined for 75 points. Across two meetings, the average combined offensive output was 67 points.
So far in 2017, neither team has fielded offensive production to match those numbers. Considering the average offensive output of both teams, the Ticats and Redblacks are projected to combine for just over 45 points when they go head-to-head in week nine.
On the other hand, neither team is highly ranked in points conceded, and the over/under is set at a conservative value this week. That may be the deciding factor.
Prediction: Over
- How many touchdowns will Damarr Aultman record? Over or under 0.5?
Since breaking into the starting lineup in week seven, Aultman has been a force for the Ticats. In his CFL debut, he had three receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown. He followed up the performance against Winnipeg with another 42 yards and the second touchdown of his young career.
His first touchdown came on a deep throw that found him on the doorstep of the end zone. After hauling in the circus catch, the touchdown was inevitable. Against the Bombers however, Aultman had to manufacture the magic.
“I’m an effort guy,” he said. “I made one guy miss and then I just thought to get north just like how we practice.”
So far, Aultman is two-for-two in his career. Can the streak continue?
Prediction: Over
- How many defensive tackles will Larry Dean record? Over or under 5.5?
Larry Dean led the Tiger-Cats in defensive tackles vs. the Blue Bombers in week eight, with seven. Dean also has the most tackles of any Tiger-Cat so far this season, with 32.
Dean averages around four and a half tackles a game. His production has increased of late, and in his last five games, he has surpassed the 5.5 margin on three occasions.
Ottawa has two quality backs in William Powell and Mossis Madu, and regardless of which gets the start, Dean will have his hands full.
Prediction: Over
- How many touches will Mercer Timmis record? Over or under 1.5?
The Ticats’ 2016 draft pick has been an important presence on special teams in 2017. Timmis has recorded four special teams tackles and ranks as one of the top Tiger-Cats in that category.
Timmis’ production hasn’t been limited to special teams, as he has also earned sparing touches offensively.
Timmis rushed the ball in two games this season, with one carry against Edmonton in week five, and two carries for 15 yards last week against Winnipeg.
He has also factored into the aerial attack, recording receptions against Edmonton and BC.
In the second contest against the Eskimos, Timmis returned two kickoffs for a total of 40 yards.
Although Timmis’ use is somewhat erratic, he has consistently filled small roles on the Ticats offence and is a legitimate threat as a second look in the ground game.
Timmis will likely be used. It’s just a matter of how often.
Prediction: Under
- Who will score the first Tiger-Cats touchdown of the game?
- Luke Tasker
- Jalen Saunders
- Damarr Aultman
- Jeremiah Masoli
- Other
The Tiger-Cats are in the red zone. Jalen Saunders rips across the middle and Zach Collaros throws. Saunders lays out and comes down with the pass, but falls to the ground just short of the end zone. The Tiger-Cats short yardage team comes in and Jeremiah Masoli looks ready to punch it across the line. He takes the snap, but instead of plunging forward, he throws wide to Aultman who bounces into the house.
Prediction: Damarr Aultman
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