The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are back at Hamilton Stadium on Sunday night with an opportunity to make another statement.

Fresh off a bye week, the Black and Gold welcome the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for the second and final meeting of the regular season after earning a convincing 37-27 road victory in Winnipeg back in Week 2.

Now, with extra time to prepare and a home crowd behind them, the Tiger-Cats will look to improve to 3-1 and continue building momentum in the East Division.

Here are three things to watch when Hamilton takes the field.

Run the Rock

When the Tiger-Cats defeated Winnipeg in Week 2, Larry Rountree III powered the offence with 124 rushing yards, consistently moving the chains and opening up the passing attack.

Re-establishing that physical identity will be key on Sunday. If Rountree gets rolling early, it creates opportunities for Bo Levi Mitchell to attack downfield and keeps Winnipeg’s defence guessing.

Let the Playmakers Eat

Hamilton’s offence has been one of the CFL’s most explosive through the opening weeks, averaging 35 points per game.

With Bo Levi Mitchell spreading the football to a deep group of weapons—including Kenny Lawler, Kiondré Smith, Tyler Ternowski and Brendan O’Leary-Orange—the Tiger-Cats have proven they can strike from anywhere on the field.

Lawler was held relatively quiet in the first meeting against his former team. Look for Hamilton to find ways to get the veteran receiver involved early while continuing to take advantage of one of the league’s most dynamic passing attacks.

Keep the Pressure On

One of the biggest reasons for Hamilton’s offensive success has been its ability to sustain drives. The Tiger-Cats rank among the CFL’s best at avoiding quick possessions, consistently controlling the football and wearing opposing defences down.

That formula will be just as important against Winnipeg. Long drives, a balanced offensive attack and finishing in the red zone will put Hamilton in position to complete the season sweep.

Players to Watch

Bo Levi Mitchell enters the matchup playing some of the best football in the CFL, leading an offence that continues to find ways to score.

Larry Rountree III will once again be counted on to set the tone on the ground after his dominant performance in the first meeting.

On defence, all eyes will be on Wynton McManis, who is expected to make his Tiger-Cats debut after missing the opening three games. His return adds experience, leadership and physicality to an already aggressive defensive unit.

Gameday Notes

• The Tiger-Cats defeated Winnipeg 37-27 in the clubs’ first meeting this season.
• Hamilton returns from its Week 4 bye with extra time to prepare.
• Sunday’s game is the final regular-season matchup between the Tiger-Cats and Blue Bombers.
• Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET at Hamilton Stadium.
• Fans can watch live on TSN or follow along on the Tiger-Cats’ digital channels for in-game coverage.

The Black and Gold protected home turf in their last outing at Hamilton Stadium. On Sunday night, they’ll look to do it again and head into the heart of the summer schedule with another win over one of the CFL’s perennial contenders.