WEEK FOUR: CFL Picks by Anthony Urciuoli

Anthony Urciuoli Broadcasting Journalist

Do I smell a season turnaround? No, I’m not talking about BC and Calgary getting their first wins of the season. I’m talking about MY first winning week of the season. In fact, BC’s first win was my only blemish.

Last Week: 3-1 (75%)

Season Record: 5-7 (42%)

Thursday, July 23

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-1, 1-0 V) at Montreal Alouettes (3-0, 1-0 H)

Spirits are high in Tigertown after Hamilton fired off two consecutive wins. But if there’s any team that can bring them crashing back down to earth it’s the flawless Alouettes. Montreal has the top ranked offense (44 pts/game) and defense (18 pts against/game) and their plus-26 (1^st) is head and shoulders better then BC’s plus-11 (2^nd). Quinton Porter and the Cats may have a little historical motivation on their side, though. In Porter’s second career start in 2008, the bottom feeding Ticats snagged a 44-38 win at home. But this time Montreal will be at home where they are 8-2 since last season. When a team is this dominant, particularly at home, you never pick against them until you have reason to.

Pick: AL’S

Friday, July 24

Toronto Argonauts (1-2, 1-1 V) at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-2, 1-0 H)

For me, the key to this matchup comes down to mistakes and early leads. Toronto’s 2009 season has been filled with costly penalties (338 yards in penalties through three games) and untimely turnovers (eleven in total vs. six by their opponents). What makes matters even more costly is that QB Kerry Joseph is having as good a season as anyone (not named Calvillo) and has only one win to show for it. Good news is, it’s still early and they’re visiting the worst aerial team in the CFL. Stefan Lefors has completed only 44% of his passes this season and as a team Winnipeg 152 yards in the air per game while their opponents have averaged 321 yards per game. The Bluebombers thrive from their rushing attack that averages 147 yards per game. The only thing is – if Toronto is able to sustain a lead, will Winnipeg be able to fire back? I have difficulty finding where their points will come from. The Argo’s still boast an M.O.P quarterback and big play offensive talent.

Pick: ARGO’S

Calgary Stampeders (1-2, 0-1 V) at BC Lions (1-2, 0-1 H)

Here we have two teams that were in danger of falling to 0-3 but managed to pull out big boost wins. Calgary looked like the championship Stamps of 2008 in week three and Henry Burris actually looked like a Grey Cup MVP. That spells bad news for the Lions who claim that QB Buck Peirce is good to go this week despite taking a devastating head shot against the Eskimos. Jarious Jackson came in relief and not only got the Lions their first win of the season but he also got himself CFL offensive player of the week honours. I don’t think it matters who starts though, the Stampeders can pick any defense apart with ease, as long as Burris is in fine form. His performance last week may have just set the wheels in motion in Cal.

Pick: STAMPEDERS

Saturday, July 25

Edmonton Eskimos (1-2, 0-1 V) at Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-1, 1-1 H)

The Eskimos have looked less then impressive in their last two outings and one has to wonder how big of a loss Jesse Lumsden actually was. The defenses have set their sites solely on Ricky Ray and it’s been giving the Eskies fits. Running games are a lot less important when you actually have one. As a team Edmonton averages 58 rushing yards per game, while they’ve given up 115 per game. Saskatchewan has been solid all around with their only loss coming against the top seeded Alouettes. The Roughriders are a very tough team at home and I cannot see them losing two home games back-to-back. As long as the Riders don’t fall deeply behind like they did against Montreal, Wes Cates and the running game will add a dimension that Edmonton simply does not have right now.

Pick: ROUGHRIDERS

Related Posts

• WEEK ONE: CFL Picks by Anthony Urciuoli
• WEEK FIVE: CFL Picks by Anthony Urciuoli
• Gary’s Report Card
• WEEK THREE: CFL Picks by Anthony Urciuoli
• WEEK TWO: CFL Picks by Anthony Urciuoli
• ONE WEEK TO GO in the CFL by Gary Scherle