Tiger-Cats, Stampeders Set for Saturday Showdown
The Calgary Stampeders are set to host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at McMahon Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Both teams enter the matchup with four wins on the season. The Tiger-Cats are coming off a road loss to the Toronto Argonauts in Week 12, while the Stampeders had a bye week.
In their previous encounter this season during Week 9, the Stampeders secured a 44-20 victory over the Tiger-Cats. The upcoming game is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. EDT kickoff.
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Stampeders Adjustments at Quarterback
The Stampeders will be without starting quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. for Saturday’s game due to a head injury. As a result, Josh Love will take over the starting duties. In a relief appearance during Week 11, Love completed six-of-10 passes for 58 yards and recorded an interception.
Running back Dedrick Mills, who left the Stampeders‘ last game with an injury, is listed as a starter on the depth chart. His performance will be closely watched, especially with Adams Jr. sidelined. In their last meeting, Hamilton limited Mills to 44 yards on 10 carries.
Tiger-Cats Offensive Strategy
The Tiger-Cats will give Canadian quarterback Tre Ford his second consecutive start. Ford completed 19-of-32 pass attempts for 356 yards in the recent loss to the Toronto Argonauts. This will be his fifth start of the season.
Ford has connected on 65.5 percent of his passes for 1,006 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions, also rushing for 303 yards on 29 carries. Head coach Scott Milanovich has previously supported Harrison Frost as the team’s starter in the absence of Bo Levi Mitchell, who remains limited with a back injury but will serve as Ford‘s backup for the second straight week.
Receivers Kiondré Smith and Kenny Lawler are key figures in the Tiger-Cats‘ passing game. Additionally, Keric Wheatfall is coming off a 124-yard performance and now has 616 yards, surpassing Lawler. This trio helps Ford distribute the ball across the field.
Defensive Outlook and Roster Changes
The Tiger-Cats‘ defence, which allowed 434 yards of net offence in their last game, will aim to improve against a Calgary team capable of big plays. Defensive lineman Julian Howsare, linebacker Reggie Stubblefield, and defensive backs Stavros Katsantonis and Jamal Peters are expected to play crucial roles.
On the defensive side, Mario Kendricks Jr., an American tackle, returns for the Tiger-Cats after a one-week absence. He has recorded 13 defensive tackles and two sacks this year. Rookie De’Jon Benton has been placed on the one-game injured list with an ankle issue.
Additionally, Jonathan Denis, a first-round CFL Draft pick, is out with a knee injury. He will be replaced by Nate Dumoulin-Duguay at right guard, with fellow rookie Brayden Szeman dressing as insurance. Canadian receiver Tyson Middlemost is also sidelined with a knee injury, which will allow Hakeem Harris to make his debut for the Tiger-Cats after being signed earlier this week.
The Stampeders‘ secondary has allowed 329 passing yards per game, which Tre Ford may look to exploit. Tiger-Cats rusher Larry Rountree III gained 63 yards on 12 carries in the Week 9 meeting, his second-highest total in a game this season. Defensive lineman Clarence Hicks and linebacker Marquel Lee for Calgary should anticipate a challenge from both Rountree III and Ford‘s running abilities.
The game will be broadcast in Canada on TSN, RDS2, CTV, and Crave, and internationally on CFL+.
The forecast for Calgary on game day includes a high of 19 degrees with a 60 percent chance of rain. Radio coverage will be available on the Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton and 770 CHQR in Calgary.
Source: cfl.ca
