Game Preview: Ticats (2-0) v.s Als (0-1)

Hamilton is getting set to host the Montreal Alouettes for the first time this season. The two teams split their two matchups last season, however the second matchup was almost meaningless in terms of the standings as Hamilton had already secured the second spot in the East Division.
This season, the teams meet three times, with the first two coming as part of a home and home. The Ticats will host the Als Friday at 7:30 p.m. and then travel to Montreal for a Fourth of July, Thursday nighter. The final matchup won’t come until late October and the Ticats again make the trip to Montreal for a 1 p.m. start on October 26.
Mobile quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. will likely get the start for Montreal in this matchup, after Antonio Pipkin went down with an injury.
Montreal hung in with Edmonton in their first game of the season but ultimately lost that one 32-25.
As you’re probably well aware, Hamilton won last week’s game 64-14 at BMO Field. They’re looking to build off of that and start 3-0 for the first time since 2004.
The Ticats have been firing on all cylinders early on in the season. The offence exploded for six touchdowns last week, in a game where the Ticats got scores from all three phases. Hamilton has also gotten touchdowns from their Special Teams unit in both of the games they’ve played this season. If all three units continue to perform the way they have, Hamilton will be a tough team to beat in 2019.

LAST SEASON
 Montreal finished last season at 5-13 and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight season. This season they are coached by former Ticats’ quarterback Khari Jones and are looking to end their playoff drought.
 As mentioned the two teams met twice last year. The first matchup was a blowout as the Ticats trounced the Als 50-11 at Molson Stadium.
Jeremiah Masoli was terrific in that game, throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 36 yards on the ground and added another TD with his legs.
Brandon Banks was his usual explosive self. Speedy B tallied 114 yards on five receptions. Including a 17 yard touchdown pass to open the score for the Ticats.
On the defensive side of the ball, Hamilton had four interceptions, including two from Jumal Rolle. They also got to the quarterback twice.

The second matchup occurred on the final day of the regular season. With the Ticats entrenched in the second spot in the East, they decided to rest many of their starters for the regular season finale. Montreal took a close one, winning the game 30-28 at Tim Hortons Field.
Dane Evans got his first CFL start in this game, and looked good for Hamilton. He completed 59.5% of his passes (22/37) and threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns.
Mike Jones and Bralon Addison led the way for the Tiger-Cats. Jones had five receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown. While Addison also found the endzone, adding seven receptions for 103 yards.
Sean Thomas Erlington found the endzone against his hometown team. He had six carries for 41 yards and four receptions for 54 yards.
Former defensive back Jackson Bennett, who has since been converted to running back, picked up a sack in that game as well.