Game Preview: Ticats vs. Redblacks

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will look to remain perfect at home on Saturday when they host the visiting Ottawa Redblacks at 4 p.m. at Tim Hortons Field. Not only that but they’ll have an opportunity to break the franchise record with their 13th win of the season.
These two teams met back in August in the nation’s capital in what was a sloppy affair but ultimately the Ticats walked away with the 21-7 victory.
In what was a sign of things to come, Dane Evans recorded his first career 300 yard passing game against the Redblacks. Now, Evans has five 300 yard games, including a 400 yard game. He also threw for a touchdown in that game but was picked off twice.
Bralon Addison also stood out in Ottawa, catching eight of his ten targets for 100 yards on the day. The versatile Addison also had five carries for 16 yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, Simoni Lawrence, Justin Tuggle and Frankie Williams led the way, each with five tackles, while Dylan Wynn recorded the lone quarterback sack of the game.

In terms of their recent play, the Ticats are fresh off a bye week but went into it after honouring legendary safety Rob Hitchock and scoring 42 points in their thirty point win at Tim Hortons Field over the Edmonton Eskimos. Evans threw for 277 yards and Brandon Banks led the way on the receiving end with 81 yards and a touchdown.
Just like it’s been all year, the Ticats defence was outstanding against the Eskimos. Richard Leonard had two picks in the game, while Delvin Breaux made his presence felt in his return to the lineup as he also picked off Logan Kilgore. The defensive line didn’t make things any easier for Kilgore. Lorenzo Mauldin picked up two sacks, while Ja’Gared Davis, Julian Howsare and Ted Laurent also got in the action, picking up one sack each.
The Ticats’ “Killer B’s”— as they’ve been dubbed by TSN—continue to sit one and two atop the East Division’s receiving charts in virtually every category and are showing no signs of slowing down.
It’s no sure thing, but this could be the return game for veteran receiver Luke Tasker who has coincidentally been out since that August matchup in Ottawa. Tasker has been working out at practice and has looked like he’s been getting closer to a return but it remains to be seen just when that will be. Perhaps the bye week was exactly what the doctor ordered for the seven year player.
Once you factor in the Tasker return and the addition of Tyrell Sutton—who is starting to find his groove in the black and gold—and Dane Evans really has an embarrassment of riches in the Ticats’ offence.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Tim Hortons Field on Saturday afternoon. Hamilton will look to improve to 13-3 and 8-0 at home.