In this weekend’s East Division final showdown at Hamilton Stadium, the spotlight will be on quarterbacks Bo Levi Mitchell and Davis Alexander. However, running backs Stevie Scott III and Greg Bell are expected to play crucial roles in the game.
Scott impressed in Montreal’s recent 42-33 win over Winnipeg, rushing for 133 yards and scoring two touchdowns. This contributed significantly to the Alouettes’ 176-yard rushing total against a Winnipeg defense that was strong against the run during the regular season.
Bell, aged 27, had a standout season running for 1,038 yards with an average of 5.6 yards per carry and five touchdowns. In a previous matchup against Montreal, Bell recorded a career-high 156 rushing yards and a touchdown, aiding Hamilton in a 26-9 victory on the road.
Mitchell, at 35, led the CFL in passing yards and touchdowns this season, playing a key role in Hamilton finishing at the top of the standings. Alexander, a rising star in the league, maintained an unbeaten record in his 12 CFL starts and displayed a strong performance against Winnipeg in the playoffs.
Hamilton had the upper hand against Montreal in the regular season, winning both encounters. However, Alexander did not feature in those games due to injuries, impacting Montreal’s performance when he was absent.
While Hamilton boasts a strong offense led by Mitchell and standout receivers, Montreal’s defense, including players like Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund, presents a formidable challenge. Both teams have key players dealing with injuries, which could impact their performance in the final.
In the West Division final, the B.C. Lions face the Saskatchewan Roughriders, with Saskatchewan holding the advantage in the season series. Both teams have strong offensive and defensive units, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.
Overall, experience and strategic gameplay will be crucial factors in determining the outcome of both division finals. The games are expected to be closely contested, with each team aiming to secure a spot in the Grey Cup.