Als have had 10 QBs since Calvillo retired
The storyline for Montreal:
Quarterback Rakeem Cato was involved in a heated argument and shoving match with receivers Kenny Stafford and Duron Carter this week, adding to the turmoil in Montreal.
With veteran pivot Kevin Glenn traded to Winnipeg and speculation that general manager and head coach Jim Popp is on the hot seat, Montreal needs a win to have much hope of staying in the East Division race. Key injuries: Defensive back Billy Parker, defensive lineman Michael Klassen and quarterback Jonathon Crompton are all out with injury while Shane Carden, signed this week after the Glenn deal, is the No. 3 quarterback. Five funky Montreal stats: 1. Chip Cox had a fumble return for a touchdown against the B.C. Lions last week, giving him six for his career. That’s tops in CFL history.
2. Since Anthony Calvillo’s last start on Aug. 8, 2013, the Alouettes have used 10 different starting quarterbacks compiling a 24-34, .414 record.
3. With a 3-8 record so far this season, Jim Popp now has a career 22-35 (.386) record as a head coach.
4. Defensive end John Bowman is now ninth all-time on the career CFL sacks list and is one of only two active players in the top-25 (Calgary’s Charleston Hughes is the other.)
5. The Alouettes are the only team in the CFL without a comefrom-behind victory this season. The storyline for Hamilton: The Ticats are coming off a disappointing 33-21 loss to the Toronto Argonauts last Sunday, one that has left them in the thick of a muddled East Division. The team will be looking for improvement in all three phases: the offensive line must protect Collaros, the defensive secondary needs to be better and special teams would like to play entire game without having a punt blocked — something that’s happened the last three weeks.
Key injuries and roster changes:
The left side of the Ticat offensive line — the one charged with protecting quarterback Zach Collaros’ blind side — will feature a pair of players making their first CFL start in tackle Terrence Campbell and guard Brandon Revenberg. Campbell replaces Brian Simmons, who is being benched, while Revenberg is in for the injured Peter Dyakowski. Running back C.J. Gable, another key cog in pass protection, is also down with an injury so look for American Ross Scheuerman and Canadian Anthony Woodson to see action. Canadian special teamer Louis Richardson will play after being signed this week. Five funky Hamilton stats: 1. Since his return five games ago, quarterback Zach Collaros has led the offence to 18 touchdown drives in 67 opportunities. That 27 per cent rate is by far the best mark in the CFL.
2. The Ticats have just two players with more than 100 career starts on their roster (Peter Dyakowski and Andy Fantuz). The Alouettes have nine.
3. Kent Austin is 7-3 (.700) against the Montreal Alouettes in his head coaching career, his highest winning percentage against any club.
4. Hamilton leads the CFL with 28 passes of 30 yards or more.
5. Average rushing attempts in Hamilton’s five victories this season: 17. In their losses: 10.5.
TSN play-by-play: Chris Cuthbert and Matt Dunigan Referee: Al Bradbury Weather: Clear, 22 degrees with winds out of the Northeast at 15 km/h.