Stamps vs. Riders IV
Published on November 17, 2010
Well, I guess this is what was supposed to happen; the Stampeders and Roughriders will face each other in the Western Conference final, after the men in green beat the Lions on the weekend in double overtime. As a Stamps fan, I would have rather seen the Lions come to Calgary, but for the sake of atmosphere and excitement, it’s better the Riders are here. There isn’t a more intense rivalry in the league.
At first glance, I’d have put my money on the Stampeders winning this game, and advancing to the annual “West vs. Montreal” game, aka the Grey Cup. But I should of course look at the match up a little closer before I fill out any Sports Select tickets.
To begin, the Stampeders haven’t beaten the Roughriders in the playoffs since 1994, including losses in 2006, 2007 and 2009. Of course this stat is a little skewed, seeing as how the Riders missed the playoffs four times in that stretch, and the two teams only played each other four times. And, stats like that are always a little stupid. I mean, what do results from 1994 have to do with anything in 2010? Most of the players were in elementary school when that game took place, so it isn’t as if they are carrying a grudge or fighting some kind of mental block going back to the early 90’s. I think it’s more something writers like me bring up to avoid blank pages.
Now the Stampeders do have home field advantage, but we know that any game played at McMahon against the Roughriders won’t necessarily feel like a home game because of the thousands of ‘ex-pat’ Rider fans who fill the cheap seats at the ends. This season, the Stamps were able to pull off a 44-20 victory in the only game the two teams played at McMahon, while they split the two games in Saskatchewan.
Statistically, it looks to be a clash of titan offences. Both teams are at the top or near the top of almost every statistical offensive category. While the scales likely tip to the Stampeders favour, both teams have a potent offensive attack and either team could put up some big numbers on Sunday. But the defence is a little different and this is where the game story will unfold. Simply put, the Stampeders have the best defence in the league. They have been strong all year, and lead the league in nearly every defensive category. On the other side, the Riders have a much weaker defence, finding themselves in the lower half of most statistical categories.
I see two keys to a Stampeder victory. First and foremost, the defence needs to have another good game. If they can contain Rider QB Darian Durant, they can shut down Saskatchewan’s offensive attack completely. That’ll allow the powerful Stampeder offensive more time on the field, and more time to put up majors against the easiest-to-draw province’s weaker defence. Early scores by the Stamps will allow them to establish a true home field advantage, shutting up the fans in green and pumping up the fans in red. When it comes down to it, the Stampeders are a better, more complete team than the Roughriders, so it’s their game to lose. If they play as they have most of the year, they’ll be advancing to the Grey Cup for the second time in three years.
If you’re going to the game on Sunday, it should be some great playoff football weather, with the forecast currently sitting at a balmy -12C, but sunny. Toques, mitts, warm jacket and cold beer make for a hell of a good time!
twitter.com/TheRevBW
Agree? Disagree? We want to hear from you! Click below to comment
If a Tree Falls at McMahon...
Published on October 30, 2010
Cowboys and Bonhommes
Published on October 1, 2010
What's With the Hype?
Published on September 17, 2010
Published on September 6, 2010
Blitzkreig of Alberta
Published on September 3, 2010
Published on November 17, 2010
Well, I guess this is what was supposed to happen; the Stampeders and Roughriders will face each other in the Western Conference final, after the men in green beat the Lions on the weekend in double overtime. As a Stamps fan, I would have rather seen the Lions come to Calgary, but for the sake of atmosphere and excitement, it’s better the Riders are here. There isn’t a more intense rivalry in the league.At first glance, I’d have put my money on the Stampeders winning this game, and advancing to the annual “West vs. Montreal” game, aka the Grey Cup. But I should of course look at the match up a little closer before I fill out any Sports Select tickets.
To begin, the Stampeders haven’t beaten the Roughriders in the playoffs since 1994, including losses in 2006, 2007 and 2009. Of course this stat is a little skewed, seeing as how the Riders missed the playoffs four times in that stretch, and the two teams only played each other four times. And, stats like that are always a little stupid. I mean, what do results from 1994 have to do with anything in 2010? Most of the players were in elementary school when that game took place, so it isn’t as if they are carrying a grudge or fighting some kind of mental block going back to the early 90’s. I think it’s more something writers like me bring up to avoid blank pages.
Now the Stampeders do have home field advantage, but we know that any game played at McMahon against the Roughriders won’t necessarily feel like a home game because of the thousands of ‘ex-pat’ Rider fans who fill the cheap seats at the ends. This season, the Stamps were able to pull off a 44-20 victory in the only game the two teams played at McMahon, while they split the two games in Saskatchewan.
Statistically, it looks to be a clash of titan offences. Both teams are at the top or near the top of almost every statistical offensive category. While the scales likely tip to the Stampeders favour, both teams have a potent offensive attack and either team could put up some big numbers on Sunday. But the defence is a little different and this is where the game story will unfold. Simply put, the Stampeders have the best defence in the league. They have been strong all year, and lead the league in nearly every defensive category. On the other side, the Riders have a much weaker defence, finding themselves in the lower half of most statistical categories.
I see two keys to a Stampeder victory. First and foremost, the defence needs to have another good game. If they can contain Rider QB Darian Durant, they can shut down Saskatchewan’s offensive attack completely. That’ll allow the powerful Stampeder offensive more time on the field, and more time to put up majors against the easiest-to-draw province’s weaker defence. Early scores by the Stamps will allow them to establish a true home field advantage, shutting up the fans in green and pumping up the fans in red. When it comes down to it, the Stampeders are a better, more complete team than the Roughriders, so it’s their game to lose. If they play as they have most of the year, they’ll be advancing to the Grey Cup for the second time in three years.
If you’re going to the game on Sunday, it should be some great playoff football weather, with the forecast currently sitting at a balmy -12C, but sunny. Toques, mitts, warm jacket and cold beer make for a hell of a good time!
-TheRev
twitter.com/TheRevBW
Agree? Disagree? We want to hear from you! Click below to comment
If a Tree Falls at McMahon...
Published on October 30, 2010
Cowboys and Bonhommes
Published on October 1, 2010
What's With the Hype?
Published on September 17, 2010
Published on September 6, 2010
Blitzkreig of Alberta
Published on September 3, 2010
