3 keys to victory for Winnipeg, BC in Week 21

VANCOUVER — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers face a must-win scenario when they travel to Vancouver to face the BC Lions, wrapping up a Friday night doubleheader.

Winnipeg fell to Edmonton in Week 20 and enters Friday two points behind the fourth-place Calgary Stampeders in the West Division. The Blue Bombers hold the tiebreaker after winning the season series 2-1, meaning a victory would be enough to clinch a playoff berth.

BC saw its four-game winning streak come to an end with a loss to the Stampeders.

The Lions took the first and only meeting against the Bombers this season in Week 9.

Here’s three keys to victory for both teams ahead of Friday’s 10:00 p.m. ET kickoff, which can be watched on TSN in Canada and on CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.

RELATED

» Depth Charts: WPG | BC
» Game Notes: Blue Bombers at Lions
» Tickets: Winnipeg at BC
» Injury Reports: Stay up to date
» Who’s gonna win? Play CFL Pick ‘Em presented by Old Dutch now!
» Sign up and watch CFL games on CFL+ in the U.S. and Internationally

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

1. ZACH COLLAROS COMING UP BIG

Zach Collaros has been no stranger to big games over his Canadian Football League career, and Friday night represents the latest. He’s thrown five touchdowns and five interceptions in his last three games, so he’ll need to take care of the ball to give his team a chance.

2. RUN GAME

Despite leading the league with 1,344 yards, running back Brady Oliveira hasn’t rushed for more than 44 in any of his last three games. Head coach Mike O’Shea will be hoping for a performance that resembles the 109-yard game he had against the Lions in Week 9.

3. RUN DEFENCE

After surrendering 212 rushing yards to Edmonton in Week 20, Winnipeg’s defensive front faces another tough test. Jake Ceresna and Willie Jefferson will be tasked with containing a BC rushing attack featuring Emani Bailey, Zander Horvath and quarterback Kaidon Salter.

BC LIONS

1. KAIDON SALTER

This week’s start will be Kaidon Salter’s fourth time seeing action this season. In his previous meeting against Winnipeg in Week 9, he completed seven of 15 passes for 96 yards and rushed for 160. He’s 22-for-44 for 330 passing yards and a touchdown on the season.

2. SECONDARY STATEMENT

BC’s defence has ranked among the best this season and will need to be again as the Bombers look for different ways to score. The secondary, which is surrendering 295.2 passing yards per game, will be tested by a receiving corps anchored by the explosive Ontaria Wilson. Defensive backs Robert Carter Jr. and Jackson Findlay will have to work in tandem to help limit his production.

3. MATCH THE INTENSITY

The Lions may have their place in the standings secured, but the Bombers don’t. After not scoring in the second half against the Stamps, BC has to match Winnipeg’s energy if they want to end the regular season on a high note.

NEED TO KNOW:

• The Blue Bombers have won the teams’ past three meetings in BC.

• Collaros is 14-4 against BC.

• The Lions last won the teams’ season series in 2017.

• Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET and can be watched on TSN in Canada and on CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.