Beating SSK

[TecnoGenius]

If our OL has their best game of the year, we'll win this one easily.  If our OL looks like the last 2 games, we're in for a tough slog.

[Mick]

If our OL has their best game of the year, we'll win this one easily.  If our OL looks like the last 2 games, we're in for a tough slog.

The betting sites making us -6.5 point favorites tells us something we dont know already. I imagine they have some inside information to some injuries.

[TecnoGenius]

The betting sites making us -6.5 point favorites tells us something we dont know already. I imagine they have some inside information to some injuries.

Also, they look at whether the HCs know how to win big games with a proven track record.  WPG usually finds a way.  Mace is a big unknown.  Tough for a 1st-year 1st-time HC to win a division.

My breakdown of things regarding strength is:

QB - WPG much better
OL - wash
RB - WPG marginally better (assuming dual-back for SSK)
WR - WPG much better
DL - SSK much better
LB - wash
DB - wash
P - wash
K - WPG better
RET - wash
STC - wash

Add it all up and we're a close match, but WPG is better to much better in 4 units, SSK only 1.  You can argue a couple of these, sure, but overall WPG has the edge.

I think our DCs are probably a wash, OCs Buck has the edge, HC no contest MOS kicks butt.

[Bluehawk]

Agreed with all your takes on the game Tech
The one factor that may decide the game is the fan noise.
I am thinking its a 7 pt factor in our favor.

[TecnoGenius]

Apparently after OL LT Reid got injured SSK changed to:

TATE(from RT)
FRY
GODBER(listed as backup LG)
BRAMMER
FERLAND(from C)

Word on the Rider forum is Zerr will dress but maybe no start.  It might be what you see above.  If so, that's 2 or 3 OL who are not playing at their usual/natural positions.  That will vastly weaken their OL: more than a single injury would suggest.

I think we mostly stick with what's worked since LDC, which is not worry too much about pass-rush, bring 3, ignore sacks, etc.

However, there is an opening here for us to probe the out-of-place guys, perhaps early, to see if there are any glaring weaknesses.  If we find one, then we can dial up more blitzes to exploit.  However, none of that will help if Trevor keeps the pass delay to around 2s... SSK has masterfully built an O that can function with a real junk pass-pro OL!

If we're up 2 TD in the 4th the above may come in more handy... then Trevor will be forced to hold onto the ball a little longer for mid/deep shots.  Cheetah can then feast on the lack of positional experience.

[Mick]

Interesting transactions, I thought they released Nick Taylor. But he's back on the PR.

2024-10-31   WPG   TAYLOR, Nicholas   DB   A   Florida International   ADD   Practice Roster
2024-10-30   WPG   Bright, Cam           LB   A   Washington           DEL   Free Agent

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I don't think the Riders offensive line injury is going to make any difference. I still like our chances though. Trevor Harris is still going to throw it faster than we can get there. We're still going to run three man pressure 95% of the time anyway and AJ Ouelette is going to run over people and not be so concerned about where the holes are. If they didn't have Harris is would be a big deal but with that offense and the way he plays I think it's going to be irrelevant. Only way it matters is if we start winning with three defensive lineman but we haven't been able to do that all year. Unfortunately, a non factor this year.

[Blue In BC]

Teams with the best QB usually find a way to win. That's the Bombers and if Collaros has an even slightly above average game, we win.

I don't think Rider RB or DB's are a wash. We're clearly better if our OL plays well.

I predict a Bomber win by 17 points.

[TBURGESS]

Has Collaros really been the best QB this year?

                GP       Y         Y/G          EFF          TD         INT         COMP%
Harris        12       3264    272         108.4        20           9          72.4
Collaros     18       4336    240           96.3        17         15           70.1

Stats from CFL.CA

[BBRT]

Also, they look at whether the HCs know how to win big games with a proven track record.  WPG usually finds a way.  Mace is a big unknown.  Tough for a 1st-year 1st-time HC to win a division.

My breakdown of things regarding strength is:

QB - WPG much better
OL - wash
RB - WPG marginally better (assuming dual-back for SSK)
WR - WPG much better
DL - SSK much better
LB - wash
DB - wash
P - wash
K - WPG better
RET - wash
STC - wash

Add it all up and we're a close match, but WPG is better to much better in 4 units, SSK only 1.  You can argue a couple of these, sure, but overall QB- WPG has the edge.
I think our DCs are probably a wash, OCs Buck has the edge, HC no contest MOS kicks butt.

This one I have to disagree with you on QB- WPG much better - Harris is very bit as good as Zach.I think Zach is past his best before days.

[jayrock]

I saw VAJ running a lot on Saturday, I do not see Zach being able to sustain to much running with the pressure the Riders can get on a QB.

[Mick]

I saw VAJ running a lot on Saturday, I do not see Zach being able to sustain to much running with the pressure the Riders can get on a QB.

While this is true that he cannot sustain that level of running, but as of late he has proven he can run when he needs to. SSK will need be getting to him to force mistakes, but I just don't see that happening in this game. SSK is going to have to focus a lot on stopping the run, and doing that is going to open up things down the field.

[The Zipp]

I saw VAJ running a lot on Saturday, I do not see Zach being able to sustain to much running with the pressure the Riders can get on a QB.

Zach is smarter than VAJ and can read defenses better...and rely on the run game way more.  Different teams, different O-lines...home field too - VAJ had the crowd to deal with (tiny but loud).

[Blue In BC]

Has Collaros really been the best QB this year?

                GP       Y         Y/G          EFF          TD         INT         COMP%
Harris        12       3264    272         108.4        20           9          72.4
Collaros     18       4336    240           96.3        17         15           70.1

Stats from CFL.CA

Yes he has.  It's more than just stats over a season. He has a higher football IQ and greater talent.

You want stats? He beat the Riders this season and last season.

[dd]

The big difference in Collaros and Harris is Collaros throws more picks, he cannot do this in this game. Turnovers will kill us and determine the outcome of the game. Sask has won the turnover battle in 17 or their 19 games this year. That's an impressive stat and we have to change that in this game if we are going to win it.