Posts tagged lions

Nov 27

A Gambler’s Perspective - 99th Grey Cup

by: Jimmy “the Mennonite” Jones

Every analysis on the 99th Grey Cup I have read has picked the Lions to win. It’s almost if the game has been played already. Not one article has mentioned that if you are a Bomber fan and a gambler, you are loving the fact the Blue are seven point underdogs.

Let’s face it, this is YOUR TEAM. You’re going to bet the game no matter what the line or how many years it has been since the Blue & Gold hoisted the cup or that BC is on a terrifying run at the end of the season - you will be betting the Bombers WHATEVER THE LINE because you bleed Blue & Gold. As a die-hard fan and slight degenerate gambler living in Bomberland, will you be betting against Buck’s revenge big game, the memory of Coach Harris, Brown’s swan-song, Johnson’s turn to confirm Defense wins championships or Garrett’s chance to prove he is the real deal? Of course not. That would be against your very Blue & Gold DNA. You love the fact you and your gambling buddies are getting seven points in the biggest game of the year and that the money line bet is paying an extra juicy 3.70 for the Bombers to win. The WCLC is paying out 3.85 for the Bombers Proline win (must win by 4 or more).

This is the moment Winnipeg sports investors have been waiting for.

You have been riding the wave known as gambling in the CFL all season - you’ve had monstrous wins and crushing defeats (two of them from these Blue Bombers - Labour Day Classic & Banjo Bowl).

That’s what happens when you throw your cash into the CFL, it’s about predictable as the stock markets these days. It can make those flat, over-priced beer at the soon to be demolished stadium seem like a good idea while you drown your sorrows in a plastic cup. Your only hope at redemption being the crumpled 50/50 ticket stuffed into your pocket that you’ll check when you get home.

Of course the Lions have a dangerous team and are carrying a ton of momentum going in to the 99th Grey Cup game, but you can’t underestimate the motivation for the Winnipeg team who hasn’t been champs since 1990 and who had enough story lines this season to have their own version of The Extra Yard on TSN.

Grab those seven points or pound that money line if you are a true Blue believer! This could finally be the Blue & Gold’s year. If they lose, what’s the big deal? You were going to bet on them anyway. If they win, you can get crazy at Portage & Main with everyone else and have a nice down payment for your season tickets next year.

I hope LaPolice has been watching Friday Night Lights, he needs to channel Coach Taylor today.

Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.

Do this for Coach Harris. Do this for all the Angry Bomber Fans who have been without the Cup since 1990. Do this for Doug Brown. Do this for Buck. Do it for the Beer Snake. Do this for the whole 204. Let’s move into our new stadium GREY CUP CHAMPS!

It’s been too long of a Grey Cup drought in the 204. It stops in B.C. this Sunday.

GO BLUE!

We’ll be angry till you bring the Cup back.

Quick Stats

WIN are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 road games.
WIN are 17-7-2 ATS in their last 26 games overall.
Under is 40-17-1 in WIN last 58 road games.
2-0 ATS vs BC this season
Outscored the Lions 55 to 37.

Nov 26

The Numbers Never Lie - Grey Cup Edition

By Professor Kelly

Hello Angry Bomber Fans. This week is a special week, its Grey Cup weekend! This year your Winnipeg Blue Bombers are representing the East division and the B.C. Lions are representing the West. The last time the Bombers won the Cup was back in 1990. The game was held in BC Place. The last time the Lions won the cup was in 2006. The game has coincidently held at Canad Inn Stadium. The Bombers have appeared in 24 grey cup games, winning 10 of them. The Lions have appeared in 10 grey cups and won 5 of them. This Grey Cup game is highlighted by two great turn around seasons. The Bombers, last year were a disappointing 4-14 and finished last in the league. This year their record improved to 10-8 and capturing their division. The lions started the season 0-5 then went on a tear and won 11 out of 13 games finishing with a record of 11-7. This year the Bombers are 2-0 against the Lions, out scoring them 55 to 37.

During the big game, the Bombers will be lead by ex-lion Buck Pierce. This season he was 261 for 411 with an accuracy rating of 63.5%, 3 348 yards, 14 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions. He also ran 51 times for 324 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Lions are lead by league MVP Travis Lulay. This season, he was 342 for 583 with an accuracy rating of 58.7%, 4 815 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also ran the ball 47 times for 391 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The Bombers’ running back is Chris Garrett. He was cut in training camp and then got signed later on in the season because of injury to Fred Reid. He has been incredible for the few games that he has played. He ran the ball 92 times for 576 yards and an average of 6.3 yards per carry. He also has 4 touchdowns. In the eastern final game, he ran 29 times for 190 yards and 1 touchdown.

The Lions running back is Andrew Harris. He ran the ball 96 times for 458 yards with an average of 4.8 yards per carry and 1 touchdown.

The Bombers’ receiving corps is lead by all-star Terrence Edwards. He caught 66 passes for 1 124 yards and 8 touchdowns.

The Lions’ receiving corps is lead by all-star Geroy Simon. He caught the ball 84 times for 1350 yards and 8 touchdowns.

The Bombers’ defensive backs are lead by defensive player of the year Jovon Johnson. He lead the league in interceptions with 8, he also returned 2 for a touchdown. He also accumulated 55 tackles.

The Lions’ defensive backs are lead by Dante Marsh. He accumulated 60 tackles, 1 sack and 4 interceptions.

The Bombers’ defensive line is lead by Odell Willis. He accumulated a lead league in sacks with 13 and also got 27 tackles.

The Lions’ defensive line is lead by Keron Williams. He accumulated 11 sacks and 43 tackles.

The Bombers’ punter is Jamie Boreham. He has punted the ball 21 times for 855 yards and an average of 40.7 yards per punt.

The Lions’ punter is special teams player of the year Paul McCallum. He punted the ball 123 times for 5183 yards and an average of 42.1 yards per punt.

The Bombers’ kicker is Justin Palardy. He was 40 for 52 in field goals attempted with an average of 76.9%.

The Lions’ kicker is Paul McCallum. He was 50 for 53 in field goal attempts and an average of 94.3%.

In order for the Bombers to win, they need to do 3 things:

Pressure Lulay
Establish Garrett
Protect Pierce

Have a fun Grey Cup weekend. Until next year, Professor Kelly is out.