Toronto Argonauts at Calgary Stampeders (-4.5, 55)So much for a relaxing bye week for the Argos. Toronto released the CFL’s top rusher Cory Boyd, with rumors of on and off-field issues reaching the breaking point.
The Argonauts offense, which is averaging just 23 points per game, hit a new low in Week 6, losing 18-9 to the B.C. Lions while mustering only 215 yards passing and 37 yards on the ground. Quarterback Ricky Ray threw three interceptions and the departed Boyd ran for just 23 yards.
Head coach Scott Milanovich believes the problem is rooted in the offensive line, which underwent a shake-up heading into Saturday’s game. Left tackle Wayne Smith is moving to guard and 6-foot-7 beast Tony Washington is stepping into protect Ray’s blindside.
“Absolutely (the offensive line) can take some blame, but there is blame to be spread around, including me,” Milanovich told the media. “Everybody has to be accountable.”
The Stampeders, who rank third among CFL defenses, will put that new o-line mixture to the test this weekend. Calgary is coming off a solid 31-20 win over Hamilton in Week 7 but has struggled with Toronto in the past.
The Stamps have lost four straight (0-4 ATS) to Toronto after posting six wins in a row over the Argos going back to 2007. One of those losses came in a 39-36 Toronto victory off a last-second field goal back in early July.
"We need to be better prepared. That's been my theme all week long," Calgary head coach John Hufnagel told reporters. "Even though we did some unbelievably hard things well in the game… there were several other plays where we were knuckleheads."
Trends:* Argonauts are 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings in Calgary.
* Argonauts are 1-5 ATS in their last six meetings in Calgary.