Article content continued

“It happened last game, but we were able to get it apart ourselves,” said Rogers. “We collided and we were stuck. I didn’t want any penalties so I just threw my hands up until the ref could get it out.”

The thing is, the Redblacks and Tiger-Cats could meet again for a fourth time this season — Ottawa has won all three so far. Hamilton first has to get past the Lions, who they beat 40-10 Sept. 29. Ottawa doesn’t plan to be caught flat footed whoever they play.

“(Getting the bye), it puts you one home game away from the Grey Cup,” said Campbell. “It’s hard to win on the road in the playoffs so it’s a big deal to get a home game. At this time of the year, you can ask any player when they’ve played 20 games if you include the pre-season — it’s a lot of football. So it’s an advantage (to have a week off). We won’t go home or anything like that, we’ll practise during the bye week.”

In a season where the Redblacks have struggled to put everything together for long stretches, they seem to be hitting their stride.

“We’re on a nice little stretch, we want to play our best football,” said Baltimore.

Said Ellingson. “It’s a little nostalgic right now, it kind of went this way the year we won the Grey Cup, putting ourselves in first place, then hosting the East final. One more game to go, the focus is on win No. 11. Then it’s just one win and we’re in the Cup.”

REPORT CARD

Offence A

Hard to imagine they could have done much more considering the conditions. The wind was whipping in their face for half the game, the other half it was tough to judge throws with the wind at their backs. But QB Trevor Harris was brilliant, completing 23-of-30 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns. Backup QB Dominique Davis also tossed a 55-yard touchdown pass on a gimmicky third-and-one play. Diontae Spencer and Greg Ellingson each had two touchdown catches. Ottawa probably didn’t get enough push up front – Mossis Madu Jr., in for William Powell at running back, had 26 yards on 11 carries.