The BC Lions thrashed the Winnipeg Blue Bombers earlier this season in convincing fashion.
The rematch between the top two teams in the West Division is Thursday when the Lions (6-1) return to Winnipeg to face the revenge-seeking Blue Bombers (5-2).
The memory of the easy BC win — 30-6 on June 22 — is certainly on the minds of both teams. It is especially clear for Winnipeg, which can move into a tie for first if it can turn the tables on the Lions.
BC racked up seven sacks of two-time CFL player of the year Zach Collaros in the first meeting, with defensive end Mathieu Betts recording three. Betts leads the CFL with 10 sacks.
Winnipeg left tackle Stanley Bryant remains stunned by how one-sided the contest became.
“It was a slap in the face for us, but we know that it wasn’t us,” Bryant told reporters. “We have to be better and find a way to improve and go out there and do what we do — not overthink things and just play ball.”
Vernon Adams Jr. was the BC starting quarterback for the initial meeting, but he is nursing a knee injury. Dane Evans has been announced as the starter for the second straight week.
Evans completed 25 of 32 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns in the Lions’ easy 27-0 road victory over the winless Edmonton Elks on Saturday.
Now he faces a short turnaround while facing an opponent that ranks second in the CFL in total defense (316.1 yards per game).
“I look to do it again,” Evans said. “We know we’ve got a good opponent coming up in a tough environment, so it’ll be fun to do it again.”
The Lions lead the CFL in total offense (368.1) but have really been stout on defense.
BC has allowed a league-low five offensive touchdowns and also leads the way in scoring defense (13.4 points per game) and total defense (253.9).
The Blue Bombers had a bye last week. Their most recent contest was a 28-14 home win over Edmonton on July 20.
Winnipeg will play without linebacker Jared Beeksma (knee). Receiver Dalton Schoen (hip) is questionable. Linebacker Kyrie Wilson (Achilles) and standout cornerback Winston Rose (foot) were both listed as starters on the depth chart released Wednesday. It will be the season debuts for both players.
The Lions will be without defensive lineman Josh Banks (hamstring) and linebacker Isaiah Messam (foot). Receiver Dominique Rhymes (knee), the CFL leader with five touchdown receptions, is back. Adams is available if needed.
–Field Level Media
