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“It doesn’t (feel like a Grey Cup rematch),” said Dickenson. “When you get a lot of change, when you get a lot of new players, you don’t fall into that trap of assuming you’re going to be good. We know this is going to be one of those years where we have to go earn everything. There are a lot of new faces; that fresh feeling makes you a little more excited to see what you’ve got.”

While everybody makes a fuss about the turnover in the Redblacks’ starting roster — remember, 11 guys on defence started for them last season — Calgary has just 13 of its starters from last year’s Grey Cup game. On Ottawa’s 46-man roster, 37 were with the team last year; 38 of Calgary’s 46 were also around. Both teams like to build from within.

“Continuity is big,” said Campbell. “On the outside, they keep talking about the people that aren’t with us, but we sure like the people that are with us.”

The Redblacks offence will be led by starting quarterback Dominique Davis; Campbell likes his potential.

“He’s sure done a really good job since he’s been in Ottawa,” said Campbell. “I’d describe him as even-keeled. He has a quiet confidence about him and just goes about his business. He gives you the vibe of a guy you’d want to play for.”

The team’s defence, with 11 guys who started last season, plus the addition of all-star cornerback Chris Randle, is more of a sure thing and should give the Redblacks a big early season boost.

“Our whole thing is we want to take off where we left off in the Grey Cup last year,” said defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe. “Having continuity has allowed us to do that. We’re not going to get ahead of ourselves. We have to get into our first game and do what we need to do. Through training camp, it’s been all about having continuity with the guys we were bringing back and having competition with the ones we were able to add.”