The Corbett Report, November 13, 2022

Introduction

Wow, so much hoopla last week over Nathan Rourke.  Quite frankly I’m not even sure why the Bombers should show up to this game.  It’s obviously going to be a BC romp.  Nathan Rourke, even on one leg, is certain to dominate the anemic Bombers secondary and lead the Lions to their first Grey Cup appearance since 2011. 

Certainly, it was an impressive performance last week against the Stampeders.  Nathan Rourke’s stats, 73.3 % completion percentage, 321 yards passing, 2 TDs . . . Yep, pretty impressive.  So much so that I swear Glenn Suitor almost vibrated himself out of the booth with accolades.

But, y’know, there’s still our guy. 

Collaros ended the season with a 70% pass completion percentage.  His TD to Interception ratio was a mind boggling 37-13 and, oh yeah, his winning record with the Bombers? Try 31-4.  And 5-0 in the playoffs.  It’ll be the Vet vs. the Kid this weekend.  I know where my money lies.

Oh, and did I mention, -4℃ at kick off?                                                                               

Welcome to the Western Final, welcome to the Corbett Report.

Final Standings

 

1	Winnipeg y	18	15	3	0	30	538	370	8-1-0	7-2-0	10-1-0
2	BC x	18	12	6	0	24	525	405	6-3-0	6-3-0	8-4-0
3	Calgary x	18	12	6	0	24	562	397	5-4-0	7-2-0	7-5-0
4	Saskatchewan	18	6	12	0	12	387	476	3-6-0	3-6-0	3-8-0
5	Edmonton	18	4	14	0	8	354	599	0-9-0	4-5-0	1-11-0

EAST DIVISION

RK	TEAM	GP	W	L	T	PTS	F	A	HOME	AWAY	DIV
1	Toronto y	18	11	7	0	22	443	425	5-4-0	6-3-0	7-3-0
2	Montreal x	18	9	9	0	18	476	466	4-5-0	5-4-0	5-5-0
3	Hamilton x	18	8	10	0	16	421	473	6-3-0	2-7-0	5-5-0
4	Ottawa	18	4	14	0	8	380	475	0-9-0	4-5-0	3-7-0

15 wins is a franchise record for the Bombers

Bombers

Here’s a few players to watch for the Bombers this week.

Zach Collaros

With a 31 – 4 record coming into this week’s game, it’s obvious the importance to the team that Zach is.  His calm demeanor, his scrambling ability and the way he seemingly makes something out of nothing has made him the leader on the Bombers offence. His veteran presence could be the difference against the youngster starting at QB for the Lions.

Willy Jefferson

With his long reach, tenacious rushing and ferocious determination Jefferson continues to be the dominate performer on the defensive line.  Look for him to get into Rourke’s face often. 

Marc Liegghio

Much maligned early in the season, Liegghio has slowly been proving the critics wrong.  His 55 yarder in the Labour Day game against the Riders proved that he can hit the long one.  A consistent performance by him on Sunday is a must.

Brady Oliveira

A slow start to the season had the pundits wondering why the Bombers let Andrew Harris go.  Fast forward to the end of the season and Oliveira finishes the season with over 1000 yards rushing, 3^rd in the league.  He’ll be needed in a cold weather game.

Winston Rose

Once the league’s ultimate Defensive Back, Rose has been burned a few times this year with the deep throw.  An interception by him against Rourke could produce a turning point.

The Lions

The team coming out of the semi-final always has a bit of momentum.  No different for the Lions who mauled the horses from Calgary last week.  A couple of key players to watch for them:

Nathan Rourke

How healthy is he really?

James Butler

He rushed for 95 yards last week.  Can he establish the run in the cold turf at IG Field?

Sean White

He went 3 for 3 in the dome last week.  How do you like playing outside Sean?

Keys to the game

For the Bombers to win

• Pressure Rourke early
• Have a lead at the end of the 1^st quarter
• Avoid pass interference calls in the secondary

For the Lions to win

• Big plays are key.  A 60 yard + TD pass in Q1 will gain some momentum
• Stop the Bombers run game
• Get a special teams TD

The record

Corbett report predictions so far this year:

                        CFL                                         41 – 40  (OVER 50.0% )

                        Bombers only                         14 – 4    (77.0%)

The predictions

In the East this week it’s a Montreal vs. Toronto matchup.  Andrew Harris is back with the Argos so wouldn’t it be interesting if it becomes a Winnipeg vs. Toronto Grey Cup?  Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though.  I’m just not convinced that McLeod Bethel Thompson is a winning QB.  Trevor Harris is though:

Montreal 33 Toronto 26

And in our feature game:

I think this game can be easily summarized with one simple word.  Experience.  The well-coached Bombers have been here before, know what it takes and they’re at home.  Oh yeah, and it’ll be chilly:

Bombers 28 Lions 20