The Corbett Report, November 9, 2024

Introduction

Do you remember the mantra that any team playing a playoff game in Winnipeg would have to overcome both the Bombers and the weather? Well, whether it’s climate change, the schedule change, or just sheer luck, it’s shaping up to be a beautiful day for football on Saturday. 13 and sunny is the latest forecast I’ve seen. So who does that favour? Well in spite of what the opening song says a strong Bomber run game to combat the weather might not be necessary. Compounding that is that Saskatchewan is the toughest team to run against, allowing only 80 yards per game against. The game plan may be for Zach to throw deep rather than just give Brady the ball. In this game, with two closely matched teams, it’s going to come down to one or two big plays.

It would be nice though for Brady to finish the season with a strong performance. According to the “oh-so-reliable” world of the internet, Bo-Levi has the edge to win MOP. A statement performance this week (and hopefully next) might lead to some questioning the wisdom of casting a vote for BLM (the votes have already been cast by the way).

Whatever the case, Bombers will need a stellar performance across all phases of the game on Saturday to earn a victory.

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

Bombers

Certainly, the Bombers have been a difficult team to read this year – not dominant as in prior years, and at times doing just enough to win (sometimes summoning an act of god is helpful too).

They go into this game relatively healthy and with their veteran pedigree and home field advantage they are the favourites to beat the Riders yet again.

The strength of the Bombers again this year is their defence. They lead the league with the fewest points allowed of 366. This compares to 377 last year. It’s on offence though that this team looks so different than the 2023 team. They scored only 447 this year. Third last in the league. Last year they scored 594. If the Bombers are going to win this game it’ll be the D that carries them.

Riders

The Riders too are a bit of an enigma this year. A strong start through July, but then a string of losses followed up by enough wins that they were on the precipice of finishing first and hosting today’s game.

They’re also fielding a healthy team and with Trevor Harris behind centre, they could make a long night for the Bombers D.
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Looking at their numbers, there are a few that jump out at you. Points scored in 2024: 478 vs only 387 in 2023. Points allowed in 2024: 434 versus a whopping 551 in 2023.

It’s safe to say the Riders are much improved team over 2023.

Keys to the game

For the Bombers to win
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• Don’t get behind
• Crowd gets into Trevor Harris’s head
• Oliveria does what Oliveria does

For the Riders to win

• Pressure Zach
• Get a TD from special teams
• Win the turnover battle

The Corbett Report Record

All games 41 – 40
Bomber games 10 – 8

The Predictions

Last year in the Eastern division Montreal went into Toronto and embarrassed the home team 38 – 17. I’m looking for a reversal this year with Toronto going into Montreal and securing a 33 – 21 victory.

Meanwhile, can the Bombers make it 5 cup appearances in a row? I’m thinking home field advantage will make the difference and off to Vancouver they’ll go.

    Winnipeg 33 Saskatchewan 30

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