Argonauts vs. Alouettes: Game Results and Score
The Toronto Argonauts picked up a 27-20 win over the Montreal Alouettes at Olympic Stadium to advance to the 100th CFL Grey Cup.
Make Some Noise
The Toronto Argonauts know they’ll be playing in front of a hostile crowd Sunday in Montreal and are doing everything they can to prepare for it. The Argos practiced in Toronto this week with blaring noise pumping through the Rogers Centre speakers. “It’s something we have certainly applied before,” special teams coordinator Mike O’Shea told reporters. “I don’t think (the noise) will cause any problems. Jeff Johnson [RB, special teams staple] does a great job, we have a bunch of guys who communicate well. They all practice good habits in that regard all season long.”
The Flyin’ Hawaiian
Chad Owens is up against Stampeders running back Jon Cornish for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award and will be a huge factor in Sunday’s game. Owens ripped Montreal for seven catches and 97 yards in the first half of July 27’s win over Montreal. However, after the break, Montreal switched to a zone defence and shut Owens out. “So many things happen during the season but I’m not focusing on what we did before. It’s a new season,” Owens told reporters. “Every new game is a new opportunity and knowing what’s at stake, just ups my competitiveness. Win this game and we’re in the Grey Cup. What I’ve done throughout the season doesn’t matter. It’s what I do on Sunday.”
Defence First
Montreal’s offence hasn’t been much of an issue. With Anthony Calvillo leading the charge, Montreal averages better than 26 points per game. The defence is a different story. The Als have allowed more than 27 points per contest this season and face Ricky Ray and a Toronto club that’s averaging 37 points in its last four games. “I don’t know that our defence will be better than Toronto’s offence. What is has to be is good enough for us to win,” Montreal defensive coordinator Jeff Reinebold told the Postmedia News. “Good enough for us to be playing next week. But I can’t tell you we’re going to be better than them Sunday.”
By the Numbers
Montreal isn’t an easy place for a visiting team to win a football game. The Als have great support and expect a rowdy crowd on hand Sunday. However, Montreal is just 4-10 against the spread in its last 14 home games and is set as a 5.5-point favourite for this weekend’s match. With the Argos coming in as hot as they are with a possibly Grey Cup appearance at home a win away, that’s at least two points too many. At the very least, Toronto keeps this game close and don’t be surprised if the Argos pull off the upset.
