Montreal and Hamilton’s Key Strategies for Eastern Final Victory
The Montreal Alouettes and Hamilton Tiger-Cats are set to compete in the Eastern Final, scheduled for Saturday at Hamilton Stadium. The winner will earn a coveted spot in the 112th Grey Cup. Montreal entered the final after a triumph over Winnipeg in the Eastern Semi-Final, while Hamilton secured their place by winning the East Division, receiving a bye in the playoffs.
Eastern Final Preview
The game will kick off at 3:00 p.m. ET and will be televised on TSN, TSN2, RDS, and CTV in Canada. Fans in the U.S. and internationally can watch on CFL+.
Key Strategies for Montreal Alouettes
- Improved Secondary Performance: The Alouettes’ secondary struggled against Winnipeg, allowing 306 passing yards. Defensive backs Lorenzo Burns, Kabion Ento, and Wesley Sutton must step up against Hamilton’s Bo Levi Mitchell, who led the league with 5,296 passing yards and 36 touchdowns.
- Receiver Spotlight on Charleston Rambo: Charleston Rambo’s performance will be crucial. He caught five passes for 95 yards in the previous game. With Austin Mack’s availability uncertain, Rambo’s ability to perform again will be vital.
- Running Game with Stevie Scott III: Running back Stevie Scott III had an impressive game, rushing for 133 yards. Facing a Hamilton defense that allowed an average of 111 rushing yards per game, his efforts will be crucial for a balanced offense.
Key Strategies for Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Fast Start: Hamilton’s offense has been effective in the early stages, scoring 33 points in the first quarters of their last three games. Given their limited play over the past month, starting strong will be essential.
- Bo Levi Mitchell’s Leadership: The performance of quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell is pivotal. In their last encounter with Montreal, he managed only 191 yards. Consistent play from him will determine Hamilton’s offensive success.
- Defensive Focus on Davis Alexander: Alouettes’ quarterback Davis Alexander stands undefeated as a starter. Hamilton’s defense, led by coach Scott Milanovich, must focus on shutting down Alexander’s receiving options, particularly with defensive backs Destin Talbert and Stavros Katsantonis in play.
Additional Information
This matchup is significant as Hamilton won both games in the regular season against Montreal. The Alouettes last appeared in the Grey Cup during their championship season in 2023, while Hamilton has not won since 1999. Saturday’s event promises to be an exciting clash with high stakes for both teams.
