So much for the balance of power switching to the East! With potential cross over in play for the CFL playoffs, it's clear to me, unless you are the BC Lions, the easiest road for a western conference team to the 100th Grey Cup in Toronto is through Montreal.
It could be the CFL's worst nightmare! An all west championship game. The Argos have shown they are an average team at best, while the Als are not the dominate team they once were.
Although no one in Regina or Edmonton will admit it publicly, both of these teams would rather take their chances on the road in Toronto and Montreal rather than deal with possible bad weather in Calgary, then have to go into Vancouver where the defending champions are basically unbeatable.
The Calgary Stampeders will host the Western semi final on Sunday, November 11th. The question is will it be a battle of Alberta? Or another visit by the Rider Nation?
Personally, I hope it's the Riders. Yes, they have a proven quarterback who can get hot at the right time but this is still a young team that is very inconsistent. I know on paper the Eskimos would be an easier target as Jon Cornish and the Stamps ripped this team apart in September. The Rider nation would bring an electric atmosphere to McMahon stadium and I believe this will bring out the best in John Hufnagel's team.
The second question is will we have a quarterbacking controversy in Calgary in November? With two games left in the regular season (don't call them meaningless or Huff will take you to task), the Stamps will get Drew Tate back into game action against the Lions on Friday night. Personally, I would start Drew in the second half and let him play the entire 30 minutes. If he plays well, he would get the start against the Eskimos in the final regular season game.
John Hufnagel likely has a different opinion as it appears Tate will only see spot duty against the Lions. Kevin Glenn has done a fantastic job for the Stamps this season, but he started the season as the backup quarterback. If Drew Tate is healthy, Glenn should end the season as the backup quarterback.
If the Stamps do make it to the Western Final in Vancouver, they will have a better chance to beat the Lions if Tate is the quarterback.