Ticats Take Down the Eskimos (1986 Grey Cup)

The Edmonton Eskimos are crushing it, with a record of 13-4-1. Meanwhile, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are limping in at 9-8-1. The Eskimos even stomped the Ticats twice during the season. Easy win for Edmonton, right? Wrong! The Grey Cup saw a different Hamilton team. Their quarterback, Tom Clements, was laser-focused, dissecting the Eskimo defense with pinpoint accuracy. Their defense, inspired by the electric Grey Cup atmosphere, swarmed like angry hornets, shutting down Edmonton’s vaunted offense. The final score: a shocking 39-15 win for the Ticats! This victory not only cemented Tom Clements’ legacy in Hamilton but also served as a powerful reminder that no lead is safe in the CFL.

Winnipeg Freezes Hamilton’s Title Dreams (2019 Grey Cup)

The 2019 Grey Cup was a battle between contrasting styles. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats boasted the league’s most explosive offense, a well-oiled machine led by the dynamic duo of quarterback Dane Evans and receiver Brandon Banks. Their high-octane attack had defenses scrambling all season. But across the field stood the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, a team built on a foundation of rock-solid defense. They weren’t interested in a shootout; their plan was to suffocate the Ticats’ offense and control the tempo. And that’s exactly what they did. The Bombers’ defense played with a relentless intensity, shutting down Evans and Banks like a vault door. A clutch blocked field goal in the dying seconds sealed the deal for Winnipeg, with a surprising 33-12 victory. This win capped off an incredible turnaround for the Blue Bombers, who had endured years of futility. It can also be a cautionary tale: underestimating any team in the CFL, regardless of their record or offensive firepower, is a complete disaster. And it must be memorized by everyone involved in the game, including not only athletes but also their fans.

More Than Just Luck: The Recipe for an Upset

These upsets aren’t just about dumb luck. Sometimes, it’s the underdog capitalizing on a crucial fumble or a missed kick that can swing the momentum of a game. Sometimes, it’s a team playing with a chip on their shoulder, a team that’s been overlooked or underestimated all season. They come out with a fire in their bellies, desperate to prove themselves on the national stage. And sometimes, it’s the magic of home field advantage. The roar of the crowd becomes a wave of energy that propels the underdog forward, giving them that extra edge to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Every CFL game is a chance for an underdog to rise to glory.