What could be more All-American than Fourth of July football from Canada?
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats visit the Montreal Alouettes (7:30 p.m.). Hamilton left no doubt in anyone’s mind it was the better of these teams last week as it trounced Montreal 41-10 and easily covered as double-digit home favorites.
The Ticats are off to their best start since 2004, which was the last time they opened 3-0, and they are also an unblemished 3-0 ATS as well. Hamilton’s offense has been firing on all cylinders the last two weeks with an explosive passing game with a slew of receivers chipping in to the success and the emergence of Sean Thomas-Erlington as the team’s new starting RB, and he has been sensational. Hamilton has dropped 105 points in the last two games, and to think that WR Luke Tasker didn’t suit up in either contest illustrates how scary good this offense can be.
Hamilton’s defense was its area of concern, but the Ticats upgraded the defense in the offseason and it is showing so far, having yet to allow an opponent more than 17 points in a game. Hamilton just walloped Montreal a week ago and this game comes down to focus more than anything for the Ticats. Do they have that same intensity against the same team they just beat up a week ago, especially with much tougher opponents and bigger games on deck in the next two games as they face West Division powers Calgary and Winnipeg in consecutive home games after this one?
From what I’ve seen of these teams so far, Hamilton is far superior and is capable of defeating Montreal decisively again. The Ticats are 4-0 SU and ATS in their last four visits to Montreal and they won each of those games by 12 or more points. It would be Hamilton (-12¹/₂) or pass for me in this game, although there is concern of complacency for the road favorite here.
The play: The last three games in Montreal between these teams have soared Over the total. Last week’s total was as high as 59 and this week’s rematch is lined at 56.5. If the weather cooperates, the Over is worth a look here.