Underdogs

Well, here we are. One day from the West final. I'm going to the game and have my layers and hot pockets ready. It is going to be freezing.

Having said that, everyone is not giving the Riders a chance so the majority thinks it will be a cold day for the Riders and RiderNation. No matter what the Riders do, they are always the underdog. No one ever really gives them a chance except the players themselves and their fans (sometimes, the fans don't think they have a chance). Regardless, the pressure is on the Stamps being at home and really dominating through the regular season. That is just how I like it.

Tomorrow is going to be cold and that means run the ball. Statistically, Calgary has the superior run offense built around Reynolds and Cornish (can't forget Henry). Between those three, they ran for 2300 yards with a 6.18 yds/carry.  Wes Cates and Darian Durant ran for 1650 yards with a 5.8 yds/carry. Not too far off the numbers of the Stampeders.

As well, Wes Cates has started to build momentum as of late:

vs. BC
65 yds rushing
33 yds receiving

vs Edmonton
42 rushing
45 receiving

vs BC
52 rushing
13 receiving

Wes has been picking up his game the last few weeks. He is running harder and punishing defenders. He is doing what is needed to help the team.

To  me, the ability of Wes to get past the first defender will be huge. As well as Darian calling his own number. He needs to get into the game early and few runs will do that. Short quick passes will help the offense stay on the field and ensure that Henry and his posse of misfits stay cold on the bench.

With the cold and most likely slippery conditions, the playing field is level. No one really has an advantage in my opinion. The team that manages the clock and the conditions the best, will come out on top.

To quote John Hufnagel, "Men, we have them right where we want them!"