If you are like myself then you are not quite sure what an alouette is. In fact, maybe the first thing you think of when you hear the word alouette is the lyrics to the song, “Alouette, gentille alouette
Alouette, je te plumerai.” But I do not know what that means either. So I headed over to the internet and found out that an “alouette” is a general name for several types of singing-birds, especially the skylark, which flies high into the air as it sings. Maybe that is why the birds always show up at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium near the end of the third quarter.
At any rate, the 8-0 Bombers are in Montreal on Thursday night facing the 2-5 Alouettes. If they pluck a feather out and a win, they will stick it in their cap – but they will not call it macaroni – they will call it 9-0 baby!
However, the owner of the Alouettes, Gary Stern claims the Alouettes will win the game.
Which has caused much kerfuffle amongst Bomber fans.
The Matchup
When you look at what these two teams have done so far it looks pretty similar. That is a trend that continues where you look at each of the team’s leaders.
If you consider that the Alouettes have played one less game than the Bombers have the Montreal stats look a bit better.
Also consider that Brady Oliveira has 368 yards on 90 carries whereas Antwi has 319 yards on only 48 carries.
Winnipeg is going to both need to limit Montreal’s running game, while also keep their run game going from last week.
While the Alouettes are without some key players – including Stanback at the running back position – their biggest loss this week probably is receiver Chandler Worthy. He only has 4 receptions for 32 yards this year, but his return game has been big!
In terms of punt returns he has 22 returns for 291 yards with his longest return on the season being 44 yards.
When it comes to kickoff returns he has 20 returns for a whopping 535 yards and a long on the season of 88 yards.
Then there are missed field goal returns. He has taken 7 missed field goal returns for a total of 191 yards this season, with a long – this season – of 47 yards.
He is a guy that can flip field position and get you out of a hole quickly. The Alouettes will certainly miss him.
Jeffcoat Returns
Jackson Jeffcoat draws back into the lineup after missing action with an injury. This is a big addition to the Bomber defence! His stats are not exactly jumping off the page so far this season, but he adds pressure on the quarterback allows others like Bighill and Jefferson to get in the quarterback’s face.
If you ask me, Jeffcoat sounds ready to go.
Also to note on the defensive side of the ball, Walker draws back in. I expect we are going to see a stronger defensive effort from the Bombers this game than the last game. I know, it sounds funny to say that as the defence again had big stops at big moments against Calgary, but they did not get a lot of pressure on Bo Levi Mitchell. I expect this game will be different – more about that in the predictions.
The Big Difference
What really stands out between these two teams is the play at the quarterback position!
Zach Collaros was just named Player of the Month for July and for a very good reason. In the month of July he amassed an eye-popping 1061 yards and 11 touchdowns! On the season so far, Collaros has 1994 yards, 15 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
With targets in the lineup like Dalton Schoen – who leads the league with 6 touchdowns and was also names a performer of the month for July – Demski, Bailey, Wolitarsky, and sprinkle in Grant, the Bombers are set to rack up the yards.
Compare that with the Alouettes’ quarterback, Trevor Harris, who has thrown for 1600 yards, only 6 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. That is not a touchdown to interception ratio you want. I suspect the Bombers’ defence is aware of that ratio and will look to add to Harris’ interception total.
Fan’s 3 Keys To The Game
Would you like to try your hand at a Fan’s 3 Keys To The Game? Let know. My Twitter handle is below. I am always looking for people to contribute. A couple of weeks ago we even had a Bomber fan from Egypt give his.
Prediction Time
*First and foremost, I predict a Bomber win.
*I predict that Trevor Harris will be running for his life, and the Bombers will bring the House of Pain and make sure that Harris understands that they “came to win, battle me that’s a sin
I won’t ever slack up, punk you better back up.”
*With that, I say that Harris is sacked at least 3 times and throws at least 3 interceptions. Yes it is a bold prediction. That said, scroll up and check his stats again.
*I have got Oliveira rushing for over 100 yards! It seemed like Oliveira and the O-Line figured it out last week. (The O-Line needs to open the holes, the lack of production previously was not all on Oliveira).
*I am predicting Collaros throws for over 300 yards, and hooks up with Dalton Schoen for 2 touchdowns.
It should be a great game in Montreal on Thursday night! So whether you are at home, at the cabin, or out camping, make sure to find the action on TSN, CJOB, or ESPN+. Kickoff at 6:30PM CT.
For your post game show I would suggest heading over to Bonfire Sports and get in on the live chat! I will be there.
What did I get right? What did you disagree with? Let me know in the comments.
Written by a Bomber fan, for the Bomber fans.
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