Game Preview: 3 keys to victory for Hamilton in Week 9

Ticats Staff

HAMILTON — The Calgary Stampeders ride a red-hot offence into Hamilton for a game against the Tiger-Cats to kickoff a Saturday doubleheader.

A win would get Calgary to .500 on the season after a convincing 52-30 victory over Winnipeg in Week 8.

Hamilton can also climb back to .500 with a win.

Here’s three keys to victory for each team ahead of Saturday’s 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff, which can be watched on TSN/CTV in Canada, and on CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.

1. TRE FORD AIR ATTACK

Making his third start, Ford should be comfortable in his surroundings and with his receivers. While he may never be an air-it-out kind of quarterback, he needs to find a way to make his arm more of a weapon to open up space on the ground. This could be the week to do it against a Stamps secondary that’s surrendering 345.3 passing yards a game.

2. GET KIONDRÉ SMITH INVOLVED EARLY

Ford struggled to create chemistry with receiver Kiondré Smith in the team’s loss to Montreal on Sunday. If the offence wants to get into a rhythm, Smith has to be a part of it.

3. LEAN ON YOUR STRENGTH

There aren’t many pass defences that have found a way to keep Adams Jr. in check, but the Ticats have the talent to do it. Stavros Katsantonis leads the secondary with three interceptions and can provide an instant spark for his team at any time.

NEED TO KNOW:

Calgary ranks first in offensive points per game (37), with two 50+ point showings. They have scored 31 offensive TDs – seven more than second place.
Vernon Adams Jr. is 7-4 against Hamilton. He has thrown at least three TDs in each of his past five games.
Hamilton owns the second-best net defence (369.7 yards per game), while allowing the fewest passing yards (283.1).
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET, and can be watched on TSN/CTV in Canada, and on CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.

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