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3. Happy returns

The Lions are atrocious on special teams, which is problematic this week. Hamilton’s Frankie Williams is averaging 15.2 yards per punt return and 27.8 yards on kickoff returns. Two weeks ago he supplied a crucial 57-yard punt return in the Ticats’ late rally. As a team, Hamilton has five returns for touchdowns this season.

Photo by RICHARD LAM / PNG

4. The Carter watch

Duron Carter was supposed to supply a big-play presence for the Lions this season. After nine games he’s averaging 8.9 yards a catch and has yet to score a touchdown. The Lions are sticking with the mercurial wideout but their offence has been missing a critical piece.

5. Running men

In the Week 8 loss in The Hammer, the Lions’ John White ran for 124 yards and scored two touchdowns. He’s had some huge games this season but the Leos haven’t always stayed committed to the run. It’s imperative they keep White involved in the offence. In his second start for the Ticats, Cam Marshall compiled 92 yards against Ottawa last week.

KEY MATCHUP

Brandon Banks vs. the Lions’ secondary

The Ticats line up Banks in multiple positions, which means containing him becomes a shared responsibility. In Hamilton, he torched the Lions for nine catches, 137 yards and two touchdowns, including the game winner with a minute left.

Once a return specialist, Banks has developed into one of the league’s premier receivers. The Lions have surrendered more touchdown passes than any CFL team.

INSIDE THE GAME

There’s still half a season to be played but Ticats’ head coach Orlondo Steinauer might be the front-runner for the CFL’s coach of the year. The Tabbies have lost starting quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, all-star corner Delvin Breaux and breakout rookie Sean Thomas-Erlington to long-term injuries but they keep winning.