Pre Grey Cup post

So this afternoon is the CFL’s biggest dance, and this year (for the first time), it’s an all-prairie hoedown. As the Bombers and Riders get set to square off for the chance to raise the Grey Cup in triumph, here are my thoughts about the upcoming game.

(Like, who do I think I am, Chris Schultz?)

Well, first off, much to my chagrin the Stamps are not in this game, after losing the Western Semi (again). *Sigh* Not that I honestly expected Calgary to make it this far, but still, it’s disappointing. Maybe next year…

Anyhow, next season can wait. For now, let’s talk about today.

I’m kinda glad the Roughriders are in this. For one, it’s easier to bear your own team’s loss if their opponent ends up beating the next team too. Besides, it was an upset for B.C. to lose, and those sports fans in Saskatchewan deserve a break. After all, it’s not like they have much else to cheer for. Curling? C’mon.

The Riders are the obvious favourites coming into this game, and rightly so. I think about 80%+ of the TSN experts predicted a Saskatchewan victory. The biggest factor here is obviously having their main man at QB, league outstanding player and all-star Kerry Joseph. Their receiving corps is also doing pretty good right now, with Flick and Fantuz both very capable. I kinda wonder if RB Cates is fully healthy, although he’ll play… if he gets injured in the game it could possibly changes things.

For the Bluebombers, the big question is clearly the mysterious Ryan Dinwiddie. If he loses this game, it’ll be blamed on his inexperience. If he wins, it’ll definitely be impressive. Of course, Winnipeg could try to win the game without using Dinwiddie too much, and just run the ball a lot with Roberts. But then again, with their receiving top trio being good enough to help him out a lot, Dinwiddie might be able to get away with a few mistakes and still make big plays.

Defensively, the Bombers probably have the advantage. But without their starting QB, they might be contained, thus giving the Riders’ D the upper hand.

Of course, there’s always this photo to consider:

I mean, if the Dalai Lama wishes you victory…

I just hope it’s a good game. If Saskatchewan wins, I’ll tilt my hat to their fans, who admittedly are probably among the most dedicated in the country and kinda deserve another championship. (I attribute this to them not having much else to be excited about…) If Winnipeg wins, I think it’d make for a great sports story – untested QB comes in for the big game and wins.

Personally, I predict a close, relatively low-scoring game, with the Bombers winning by 7. Just because I love a good sports story.

everyone feels happy in a way they can’t explain today