WINNIPEG — The Montreal Alouettes take their league-best 9-1 record on the road to Winnipeg to kick off Week 13 against the Blue Bombers on Friday Night Football at Princess Auto Stadium.
Montreal has won seven straight after downing the Ottawa REDBLACKS last week.
Winnipeg is hoping to rebound from a loss to the Edmonton Elks.
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MONTREAL ALOUETTES
1. KABION ENTO IS EVERYWHERE
The Alouettes have allowed the fewest points so far this season, and defensive back Kabion Ento is a reason why. Ento has been all over the field of late, including picking off a pass and forcing a fumble against Ottawa. His job this week is to keep his eyes on the Bombers’ top targets, Ontaria Wilson and Tim White.
2. CAN THE OFFENCE KEEP ROLLING?
Montreal can beat teams in a multitude of ways, whether it be in the air or on the ground. Their most likely path to success in this game may be via the legs of running back Travis Theis, given how well the Bombers’ secondary has played this season. But never count out the damage quarterback Davis Alexander can do with his arm, as he leads the league with 3,400 passing yards.
3. GET ZACH COLLAROS UNCOMFORTABLE
If there’s an area the Als’ defence can improve, it’s in the sacks department, tallying 17 on the season. If defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson can get up close and personal with Bombers’ pivot Zach Collaros, it only makes the opposing offence’s life harder.
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
1. A BIG GAME FROM ONTARIA WILSON
Receiver Ontaria Wilson leads the Bombers with 75 targets, but has averaged only 35 yards over his past three games. Collaros won’t shy away from going to him, so his recent play is likely a hiccup that won’t last.
2. TURNING CHANCES INTO MAJORS
There have been times this season when Winnipeg’s offence has put themselves in position to score but have ultimately settled for field goals. Facing a Montreal team that’s among the best at putting points on the board, missing out on majors won’t bode well. Whether it’s Collaros or running back Brady Oliveira, someone needs to come through when the chances are there.
3. ANSWERS AGAINST THE RUN
Winnipeg’s defence has a tall task ahead of them and needs to find a way to stop the Als’ ground attack that averages a league-leading 118.8 yards per game on the ground. The unit will look to linebackers Tony Jones, Jaylen Smith and Kyrie Wilson to make plays past the line of scrimmage to limit explosive plays.
NEED TO KNOW:
- The Alouettes have scored 23 touchdowns on 61 possessions (37.7 per cent) in their past five games.
- The Blue Bombers have won 12 of the teams’ previous 16 matchups, including both last season.
- Bombers’ defensive back Major Williams is tied for the league lead in pass knockdowns (eight).
- Tyson Philpot has five touchdowns in his past two games.
- Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET and can be watched on TSN/RDS in Canada or CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.
