Ottawa REDBLACKS it their halfway point of the 2024 season when they visit the Calgary Stampeders Thursday night.
After ending in a 22-22 tie that had both teams thinking, they won at different points during Overtime vs the Saskatchewan Roughriders last week and dropping to 5-2-1 on the season, Ottawa looks to generate some separation for 2nd in the East Division.
Quick Passes
Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli makes his 2024 debut and his first start since July 8th when he ruptured his Achillies tendon vs the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He replaces Dru Brown who is listed week to week with an ankle injury after leaving early in the 2nd quarter vs the Roughriders after being rolled on by defensive lineman Miles Brown.
Brandon Dandridge is making his season debut. He will slot in as the boundary corner as Deandre Lamont moves to field Halfback. Dandridge missed the REDBLACKS first 8 games as well as all pre-season with a knee injury.
Offensive Lineman Eric Starczala is making his first career Canadian Football League start. He will start at center in replace of injured Cyrille Hogan-Saindon. Starczala came into the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts in 2019 and has spent part of the last three seasons with the Ottawa REDBLACKS Practice roster after signing in 2022.
Rookie standout receiver Kalil Pimpleton has been moved to the Six-Game injured list with a finger injury. He can come back early but if he were to spend the full time on the six-game injured list, he would be eligible to return Week 17 when the REDBLACKS visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Calgary Stampeders are perfect 4-0 at home this season. Averaging 26.5 points for and 22.5 points against.
3 Keys to Victory
Pressure Jake Maier
In the first game between these two clubs, Jake Maier had only 136 passing yards on 20-27. His average yard per throw was 6.8 yards. Sacking Maier is not an easy task, the Stampeder offensive line has only given up 15 sacks through the team’s first nine games. However, Ottawa was able to get to him 4 times during their earlier meeting.
Secondary will play a factor, the addition of Brandon Dandridge into the secondary will allow for more favourable match ups. Receiver Reggie Begelton is listed as the field inside slot receiver, the match up with Pickett will be one to watch.
Keep Jeremiah Masoli Upright
Ottawa has given up 21 sacks this season, 2nd most in the CFL only behind Toronto Argonauts with 23.
They did give up 3 sacks to the Stampeders in their first meeting, but they had lost Ryquell Armstead for most of the game which does impact pass blocking in the backfield.
Connell will need to mix in Armstead and Fullback Anthony Gosselin in pass protection along with quick passes to give Masoli the best chance to stay up right.
Play Disciplined Football
Ottawa has been penalized only 56 times through 8 games. 2nd fewest behind the Alouettes with 55 penalties.
The problem that has plagued the REDBLACKS have been the time of the penalties. Offensive penalties in the opponent zone taking points off the board and defensive penalties continuing drives.
These self-inflicted wounds cannot keep happening as teams will make them pay for it.
Depth Charts
Ottawa REDBLACKS (5-2-1) vs Calgary Stampeders (5-4)
BETTING LINES POWERED BY BET99
My Parlay
Ottawa REDBLACKS Money Line +145
Calgary Stampeders Team Total Points Under 26.5 -110
Tota Points Under 48.5 +100
3 Leg Parlay +400
All Lines Subject To Change