Argonauts.ca staff
Though there’s no need to search for extra motivation when the Argonauts and Tiger-Cats square off, the two team’s positions in the standings entering the Labour Day Classic has certainly added to the intrigue of Monday’s matchup. From the return of one of the league’s best to the battle for first in the division, here are five storylines to watch.
The Return of CO2:
Monday’s matchup with the Tiger-Cats will mark the return of perennial All-Star and 2012 MOP Chad Owens to the Argonauts line-up after a four-game absence. Though the Argos have been able to absorb the loss of Owens due to stellar play from first year receivers Tori Gurley, Kevin Elliott, Vidal Hazelton, and Diontae Spencer, CO brings a game-breaking ability to both the offence and special teams units. Prior to his injury in week six, also against the Tiger-Cats, Owens had recorded 26 catches for 284 receiving yards and a touchdown. Keep an eye on the shifty Owens this week, who can change the complexion of a game with just one play.
Zach vs Trevor:
Former teammates, now opposing generals on the field, Trevor Harris and Zach Collaros will square off for the second time on Monday. Arguably the two most successful CFL pivots in 2015, they hold a lead in every statistical category, with Collaros leading the league in passing yards (2,632), while Harris leads in completion percentage (74.7%), touchdown passes (19), and quarterback rating (112.7), though Collaros is nipping at his heels in the latter two categories with 18 touchdowns and a rating of 110.9. The two former Ricky Ray protégés are at the top of their games, and will get another chance to assert their dominance in week 11.
Turnover Battle:
The Tiger-Cats defence has been one of the most tenacious in the CFL this season, and one thing they’ve been especially good at is forcing turnovers. The Ticats have forced 32 turnovers this season while only coughing up 14 themselves for a stunning +18 differential. The Argonauts have been nearly as stingy with the ball, turning it over only 16 times thus far, while forcing a respectable 21 from the opposition, good enough for second in the league. In five of Toronto’s six wins this season, they’ve either tied or won the turnover battle, meaning that if the Argos are to win on Monday, they’ll have to succeed where other teams have failed and neutralize the ‘Cats opportunistic defence while forcing some turnovers of their own.
East-Heavy Stretch:
Monday’s matchup with the Tiger-Cats kicks off the second half of the 2015 season and an especially key stretch of games for the Argonauts. Including the Labour Day Classic, six of Toronto’s next seven games will be against East Division competition, including home-and-home matchups against the Ticats and REDBLACKS. Toronto will play all three divisional opponents twice in the next two months, making this stretch of games extremely impactful on the playoff race. The East Division has been better than expected in 2015, and just four points separate the Tiger-Cats and Argonauts at the top from the Alouettes, who sit in fourth place. A winning record against their divisional opponents over these six games would all but guarantee a playoff berth for the Argos.
First Place at Stake:
While the Labour Day Classic is always circled on the calendar for fans of the Double Blue and Black and Gold, this year’s iteration has much more at stake than just bragging rights. With both teams heading into the matchup at 6-3, Monday’s game will represent the first time since 1989 that the Labour Day Classic will decide first place in the division. Though there are still eight games remaining following the game, the implications for both sides are enormous. A Hamilton win would provide the Ticats with a first-place berth in the standings and a guaranteed season-series win against the Argos, while a Toronto win would even the season series heading back home to Rogers Centre.