Ron Raymond’s CFL Week 3 Recap: Coles Notes Version

Week 3 of the CFL season brought exciting games, impressive performances, and some surprising outcomes. Here’s a detailed recap of the week’s action, including the straight up (SU), against the spread (ATS), and over/under (O/U) records for each team.

Ottawa Redblacks vs. Montreal Alouettes

Final Score: Ottawa Redblacks 21 – 47 Montreal Alouettes
Venue: Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, Montreal, QC

The Montreal Alouettes dominated the Ottawa Redblacks with a final score of 47-21. Montreal jumped to an early lead, scoring 17 points in the first quarter and never looking back. Despite a third-quarter surge from Ottawa, Montreal's defense held strong, forcing three turnovers and recording three sacks. The Alouettes outgained the Redblacks in total yards, 490 to 335.

Montreal improved to a 3-0 SU record (2-1 ATS, 1-2 O/U) overall, including 1-0 SU (1-0 ATS, 1-0 O/U) at home and 2-0 SU (1-1 ATS, 0-2 O/U) on the road. Ottawa, now at 1-1 SU (1-1 ATS, 1-1 O/U), holds a 1-0 SU (1-0 ATS, 0-1 O/U) home record and a 0-1 SU (0-1 ATS, 1-0 O/U) road record.

Key Stats:

• Total Yards: OTT 335, MTL 490
• Passing Yards: OTT 279, MTL 394
• Rushing Yards: OTT 56, MTL 96
• First Downs: OTT 16, MTL 26
• Turnovers: OTT 3, MTL 0
• Time of Possession: OTT 26:15, MTL 33:45

BC Lions vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Final Score: BC Lions 26 – 24 Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Venue: IG Field, Winnipeg, MB
Attendance: 31,210

The BC Lions edged out the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a thrilling 26-24 victory. The Lions displayed a balanced attack, amassing 505 total yards, with 398 coming through the air. Winnipeg kept it close but ultimately couldn't overcome BC's efficient offense and key defensive plays.

BC now sits at 2-1 SU (2-1 ATS, 1-2 O/U), with a home record of 1-0 SU (1-0 ATS, 0-1 O/U) and a road record of 1-1 SU (1-1 ATS, 1-1 O/U). Winnipeg, struggling at 0-3 SU (0-3 ATS, 0-3 O/U), has a home record of 0-2 SU (0-2 ATS, 0-2 O/U) and a road record of 0-1 SU (0-1 ATS, 0-1 O/U).

Key Stats:

• Total Yards: BC 505, WPG 339
• Passing Yards: BC 398, WPG 237
• Rushing Yards: BC 107, WPG 102
• First Downs: BC 22, WPG 23
• Third Down Efficiency: BC 67%, WPG 59%
• Time of Possession: BC 31:15, WPG 28:45

Edmonton Elks vs. Toronto Argonauts

Final Score: Edmonton Elks 36 – 39 Toronto Argonauts
Venue: BMO Field, Toronto, ON

In a high-scoring affair, the Toronto Argonauts narrowly defeated the Edmonton Elks, 39-36. Both teams exchanged leads throughout the game, with Toronto ultimately sealing the victory in the fourth quarter. Edmonton's efforts were commendable, but costly penalties and a late turnover gave the Argonauts the edge.

Toronto improved to 2-0 SU (1-1 ATS, 2-0 O/U) overall, with both wins coming at home. Edmonton fell to 0-3 SU (2-1 ATS, 2-1 O/U), with a home record of 0-2 SU (1-1 ATS, 1-1 O/U) and a road record of 0-1 SU (1-0 ATS, 1-0 O/U).

Key Stats:

• Total Yards: EDM 371, TOR 374
• Passing Yards: EDM 336, TOR 188
• Rushing Yards: EDM 35, TOR 186
• First Downs: EDM 22, TOR 25
• Third Down Efficiency: EDM 67%, TOR 62%
• Time of Possession: EDM 26:20, TOR 33:40

Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders

Final Score: Hamilton Tiger-Cats 20 – 36 Saskatchewan Roughriders
Venue: Mosaic Stadium, Regina, SK
Attendance: 24,875

The Saskatchewan Roughriders continued their strong start to the season with a convincing 36-20 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Saskatchewan's defense was formidable, forcing five turnovers and holding Hamilton to just 29 rushing yards. The Roughriders capitalized on these opportunities, leading to a well-rounded team victory.

Saskatchewan now boasts a 3-0 SU (3-0 ATS, 3-0 O/U) record, with a home record of 1-0 SU (1-0 ATS, 1-0 O/U) and a road record of 2-0 SU (2-0 ATS, 2-0 O/U). Hamilton remains winless at 0-3 SU (0-3 ATS, 3-0 O/U), with a home record of 0-1 SU (0-1 ATS, 1-0 O/U) and a road record of 0-2 SU (0-2 ATS, 2-0 O/U).

Key Stats:

• Total Yards: HAM 314, SSK 313
• Passing Yards: HAM 285, SSK 213
• Rushing Yards: HAM 29, SSK 100
• First Downs: HAM 21, SSK 22
• Turnovers: HAM 5, SSK 1
• Time of Possession: HAM 26:09, SSK 33:51

Conclusion

Week 3 of the CFL season showcased thrilling games and standout performances. The Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders solidified their status as top contenders, while the BC Lions and Toronto Argonauts secured hard-fought victories. As the season progresses, teams will look to build on their successes and address their weaknesses in pursuit of the Grey Cup.

Stay tuned for more insights and updates from the CFL Football Show with Ron Raymond!