This And That

Welcome to Friday and the usual assortment of things running through my muddled mind.   As always, these come in no particular order

--The calendar may say October, but there is no doubt the Saskatchewan Roughriders over the next week will determine just what their playoff future holds and what road it will take.  As the CFL weekend starts, the Riders, Stamps and Bombers all have nine wins and yes, Saskatchewan's next two games as you know are home to Winnipeg tomorrow and in Calgary one week from tonight.  Win those games and you win the season series against both.  Win those games and you can book your ticket for the Western Final.

If that isn't motivation enough for Dickenson's dudes, I don't know what is.  What you want is right there for the taking so go get it.  Before one can even think about Calgary though, they have to think about Winnipeg and at least securing second spot and what would be likely a third game against Winnipeg at Mosaic this year.   I don't think anyone is expecting this game to be like the Banjo Bowl unless its the home side laying a beating on the visitors as was the case in Winnipeg.

--I don't think there is any doubt Ron Lancaster is the best quarterback in the history of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.  After that, who do you have.  It seems as if there is a debate on that and its a good one.

While it may ruffle the feathers of some, I think the honour has to go to Darian Durant.  He got this team to three Grey Cups winning one (and it should have been two).  Had he not been hurt in 2014, I think that team was headed back to the Grey Cup where they could have been repeat champs.

Guys like Kent Austin, Kerry Joseph, and Glenn Dobbs for the older demographic certainly have to be involved in the discussion, but you have to go with Doubles don't you?   By the way, a happy 80th birthday to the great George Reed!

--As good a season as Cody Fajardo has had, can you really put him in the MOP discussion? Sportsnet's Arash Madani says his vote would go to Vernon Adams Junior right now. I can't disagree.

--If the NFL can suspend Vontaze Burfict for repeated violations, the CFL can do the same with Simoni Lawrence.  Am I right or wrong with that statement?'

--Week 5 NFL Lock Of The Week ---  Bears over Raiders
   Week 5 NFL Upset Of The Week --  Giants over Vikings

--The NFL Thursday night are generally boring.  Despite the god-awful ugly unis that the Seahawks wore, that game might have been the best Thursday niter I've seen.  It helps when Seattle wins though.

--Seattle's American Hockey League franchise will be based in Palm Springs.  Why am I thinking there are many junior hockey broadcasters getting their best tapes available.  What a sweet gig that would be!!  Actually, any position with a team based in Palm Springs would be OK when you think about it.

--I wonder if Jim Hughson would like to take back his statements on the Auston Matthews indiscretion.  I'm guessing the answer is yes.

--Did anyone really think former Islanders captain John Tavares WOULDN'T be named Leafs captain?

--Isn't it nice to have hockey back on TV!

--Stanley Cup final prediction ---  Tampa beats Nashville

--It doesn't look right seeing Joe Pavelski in a uniform that isn't that of the San Jose Sharks.

-- Even though your team may not be in it, there is nothing like the drama of October baseball.

--Congrats to Jason Clermont for being named to the Canada West Hall of Fame.  There have been many great receivers that have played at the U of R for the Rams, but they don't compare to J-C.

--Rob Vanstone's story on the history of CKCK Television that appeared in the Leader-Post this week was a great one.. 

--It's going to be a busy night at Evraz Place with the Rams and Pats playing at home.  I wish both teams could try and co-ordinate schedules so that both aren't playing on the same night. I'll be at the Pats game as I'll have the call of the game against Medicine Hat alongside Jared Dumba on Access 7. If that isn't a reason to go to either the Rams or Pats game or go check out the new Landmark Cinema or watch some playoff baseball, I don't know what is.

---That's all I got.  Have a great weekend.