GA Russell

Finally finished it. I was really looking forward to it, but I can't recommend it. For me it was too much "Then he did this, and then he did that." That said, I learned a few things about both the Lost Quintet and Circle.

***** ***** ***** Looking at the PF and PA, I didn't realize the Riders' defense was so good. ***** ***** *****

Very informative.

*****

Montreal 39....Ottawa 28 Never in doubt. The Redblacks scored 18 in the fourth. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/18/recap-montreal-39-ottawa-28/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/18/alouettes-stay-in-race-for-first-with-win-over-redblacks/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/event/montreal-alouettes-ottawa-redblacks-20251018/11824120/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/alouettes-top-redblacks-to-extend-win-streak-to-five-games/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/adams-shines-in-rare-start-but-unable-to-lead-redblacks-to-win-over-alouettes/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/19/ottawa-redblacks-let-alouettes-make-themselves-at-home-nine-other-thoughts/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/19/montreal-alouettes-beat-redblacks-again-force-hamilton-to-play-meaningful-game-six-other-thoughts/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/18/3-stats-that-defined-montreals-week-20-win-over-ottawa/ ***** Calgary 44....Toronto 13 The Argos have the bye next week, so they will be headed home a month before the Grey Cup Final. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/18/recap-calgary-44-toronto-13/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/18/stamps-get-dominating-home-win-over-argos-on-saturday/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/event/toronto-argonauts-calgary-stampeders-20251018/11824121/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/mills-rushes-for-115-yards-stampeders-trample-argonauts/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/19/ugly-year-sees-uglier-end-as-toronto-argonauts-lose-season-finale-in-blowout-seven-other-thoughts/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/18/3-stats-that-defined-calgarys-week-20-win-over-toronto/ ***** Sask analysis https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riderville-roundup-october-19-2025/

Week 20 results Winnipeg 17....Sask 16 I don't think Mace cared about winning the game. Despite playing their subs, the Riders led 16-14 after three. So Mace played their third-string quarterback Coan in the fourth, and Castillo kicked a walk-off field goal. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/17/cfl-2025-recap-saskatchewan-winnipeg-week-20/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/17/bombers-come-out-on-top-of-defensive-showdown-against-riders/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/blue-bombers-inch-closer-to-playoff-berth-with-narrow-win-over-roughriders/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/17/winnipeg-blue-bombers-x-other-thoughts-2/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/18/saskatchewan-roughriders-somehow-only-lose-by-one-to-winnipeg-nine-other-thoughts/ https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/rider-backups-fall-1-point-short-of-bombers-starters-in-meaningless-game/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/cfl-scores-today-winnipeg-blue-bombers-17-saskatchewan-roughriders-16-castillo-delivers-walk-off-field-goal/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/17/3-stats-that-defined-winnipegs-week-20-win-over-saskatchewan/ ***** BC 37....Edmonton 24 BC was clearly the better team. With the loss, the Elks were eliminated from the playoffs. Thus, the Bombers and the Stampeders clinched playoff berths. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/18/recap-bc-37-edmonton-24/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/18/lions-stay-hot-roll-past-elks-for-fifth-straight-victory/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/lions-win-fifth-straight-eliminate-elks-from-playoff-picture/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/18/edmonton-elks-get-devoured-by-lions-again-in-elimination-loss-six-other-thoughts/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/18/nathan-rourke-runs-rampant-as-b-c-lions-humanely-euthanize-elks-12-other-thoughts/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/cfl-scores-today-bc-lions-37-edmonton-elks-24-lions-roar-back-for-fifth-straight-win/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/18/3-stats-that-defined-bcs-week-20-win-over-edmonton/ ***** Playoffs situation https://3downnation.com/2025/10/18/calgary-stampeders-clinch-cfl-playoff-spot-after-one-year-hiatus/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/18/edmonton-elks-officially-eliminated-from-cfl-playoff-contention/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/18/winnipeg-blue-bombers-clinch-berth-in-cfl-playoffs-for-ninth-consecutive-season/ ***** Week 20 previews https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/calgary-stampeders-9-7-week-20-preview-vs-toronto-argonauts-5-12-prediction-depth-chart-injuries-odds/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/toronto-argonauts-5-12-week-20-preview-vs-calgary-stampeders-9-7-prediction-depth-chart-injuries-odds/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/cfl-schedule-today-october-17th-2025-montreal-vs-ottawa-toronto-vs-calgary-tv-channels-live-stream-odds/

RIP Klaus Doldinger! This was a favorite of mine in college. I also enjoy this with my man John Mealing, recorded shortly after he left If.

Week 20 picks https://3downnation.com/2025/10/17/3downnation-cfl-picks-straight-up-against-the-spread-week-20/ https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/piffles-picks-week-20-2025/ ***** Week 20 previews https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/cfl-schedule-today-october-17th-2025-saskatchewan-vs-winnipeg-edmonton-vs-bc-tv-channels-live-stream-odds/ https://www.tsn.ca/wires/cp/article/bombers-look-to-close-in-on-playoff-spot-in-crucial-game-against-riders-on-tsn/ https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/game-day-riders-resting-key-starters-against-winnipeg/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/saskatchewan-roughriders-12-4-week-19-preview-vs-winnipeg-blue-bombers-8-8-prediction-depth-chart-injuries-odds/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/bombers-vs-saskatchewan-here-are-my-insights/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/lions-look-to-end-playoff-hopes-for-hungry-elks-on-tsn/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/17/edmonton-elks-teeter-on-brink-of-playoff-elimination-in-week-20/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/predicting-bc-lions-defeat-week-20-preview-vs-edmonton-elks-7-9-keys-to-the-game-players-to-watch-depth-chart-injuries-odds/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/cfl-week-20-edmonton-elks-7-9-vs-bc-lions-9-7-game-preview-injury-report-and-predictions/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/17/3-keys-to-victory-for-montreal-ottawa-in-week-20/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/17/montreal-alouettes-almost-unchanged-for-rematch-with-redblacks/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/predicting-montreal-alouettes-9-7-victory-week-19-preview-vs-ottawa-redblacks-4-12-keys-to-the-game-prediction-depth-chart-injuries-odds/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/17/3-keys-to-victory-for-toronto-calgary-in-week-20/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/17/calgary-stampeders-banged-up-in-secondary-for-matchup-with-argos/ ***** Playoff Scenarios https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/112th-grey-cup-playoff-scenarios-week-20/ ***** *****

The eBook of Miles Davis: The Definitive Biography by Ian Carr is on sale today for $2.99. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001R4CO48

Week 20 picks https://doorfliesopen.com/2025/10/16/cfl-beat-253/ I hope you will note that I am now tied for second in the pool, two games out of first! My picks... Blue Bombers over Roughriders - The Riders have clinched first, and will be playing their subs this week. Lions over Elks - The Elks will be eliminated if they lose. The Lions might clinch second if they win. The Lions have been the better team recently, and they are at home. But with it all on the line, I expect the Elks to do very well. Alouettes over Redblacks. The Als have a small chance to finish first if they keep winning. Stampeders over Argos - The Stamps have been the better team, but we won't know how seriously they will take this game until we know the results of the Bombers and Elks games. ***** Canadian all-star candidates https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/16/7-canadians-that-need-to-be-named-to-the-all-cfl-team/ ***** MOC candidates https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/16/most-outstanding-canadian-watch-who-will-win-the-award/ ***** Game Notes https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/16/game-notes-what-you-need-to-know-ahead-of-week-20/ ***** Week 20 previews https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/16/4-storylines-to-watch-in-week-20/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/16/3-keys-to-victory-for-saskatchewan-winnipeg-in-week-20/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/16/saskatchewan-roughriders-officially-name-qb-jake-maier-starter-against-bombers/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/16/3-keys-to-victory-for-edmonton-bc-in-week-20/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/mgk-to-headline-112th-grey-cup-halftime-show-in-winnipeg/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/redblacks-name-adams-starter-at-qb-for-week-20-game-against-alouettes/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/16/ottawa-redblacks-rule-out-qb-dustin-crum-will-start-tyrie-adams-against-alouettes/ ***** Playoff Scenarios https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/16/112th-grey-cup-playoff-scenarios-stamps-bombers-eye-playoff-spot/ ***** The Grey Cup's halftime show will include MGK, Our Lady Peace and Catie St. Germain. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/16/mgk-to-rock-bud-light-grey-cup-halftime-show-at-112th-grey-cup/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/16/our-lady-peace-to-headline-siriusxm-grey-cup-kickoff-show-at-112th-grey-cup/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/16/manitoba-native-catie-st-germain-to-deliver-national-anthem-at-112th-grey-cup/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/mgk-to-headline-112th-grey-cup-halftime-show-in-winnipeg/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/16/machine-gun-kelly-mgk-to-play-112th-grey-cup-halftime-show-in-winnipeg/ ***** And here's a reminder of recent Grey Cup halftimes. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/16/10-of-the-last-grey-cup-halftime-shows/ ***** *****

Week 20 picks https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/west-division-drama-front-and-centre-in-penultimate-week-of-cfls-regular-season/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/15/prediction-time-cfl-ca-writers-week-20-picks-4/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/15/weekly-predictor-who-wins-in-week-20/ ***** Power Rankings https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/15/amsoil-power-rankings-who-is-at-the-top-two-weeks-before-playoffs/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/cfl-news-hub-power-rankings-the-aftermath-of-week-19/ ***** Defensive all-star candidates https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/15/7-defenders-that-need-to-be-named-to-the-all-cfl-team/ ***** Having clinched first place, the Riders will be playing back-ups this week. Demski will be out too. https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/johnson-ouellette-meyers-among-starters-out-for-roughriders-vs-blue-bombers/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/15/saskatchewan-roughriders-rule-out-top-receivers-keesean-johnson-dohnte-meyers-against-winnipeg/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/wr-demski-ruled-out-for-blue-bombers-in-potential-playoff-clinching-game/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/15/winnipeg-blue-bombers-rule-out-nic-demski-against-roughriders/ ***** Week 20 preview https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/elks-look-to-keep-playoff-hopes-alive-in-week-20-action-on-tsn/ ***** ***** ***** *****

When I was growing up, I noticed that a tie was almost always between a heavily-favored team and an obvious underdog. So I assumed that one team went away happy, and the other disappointed.

Montreal 30....Ottawa 10 The Als never trailed. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/13/recap-montreal-30-ottawa-10/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/13/alouettes-topple-redblacks-to-keep-division-title-hopes-alive/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/event/ottawa-redblacks-montreal-alouettes-20251013/11824117/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/alouettes-topple-lowly-redblacks-for-fourth-straight-victory/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/14/ottawa-redblacks-are-who-we-thought-they-were-eight-other-thoughts-on-losing-to-montreal/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/14/montreal-alouettes-dominate-redblacks-can-still-finish-first-in-east-division-six-other-thoughts/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/cfl-scores-today-montreal-alouettes-30-ottawa-redblacks-10-als-win-fourth-straight-on-thanksgiving-monday/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/13/3-stats-that-defined-montreals-westjet-thanksgiving-weekend-win-over-ottawa/ ***** more on Cal-Ham https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/cfl-scores-today-calgary-stampeders-37-hamilton-tiger-cats-20-stamps-end-four-game-skid-with-dominant-ground-game/ ***** more on Wpg-Edm https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/cfl-scores-today-edmonton-elks-25-winnipeg-blue-bombers-20-elks-snap-13-game-losing-streak-to-bombers/ ***** Plays of the Week https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/14/cfl-plays-of-the-week-week-19-2025/ ***** Power Rankings https://3downnation.com/2025/10/13/3downnation-cfl-power-rankings-calgary-stampeders-give-thanks-for-return-to-form/ ***** Sask analysis https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/14/mmqb-4-keys-to-the-roughriders-success-in-2025/ ***** Week 19 reviews https://rodpedersen.com/week-19-cfl-wrap/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/14/5-pff-stats-that-stand-out-from-westjet-thanksgiving-weekend/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/14/landrys-5-takeaways-from-westjet-thanksgiving-weekend/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/14/3downnation-cfl-awards-the-best-and-worst-of-week-19-3/ ***** David Easley has died at 78. RIP. https://3downnation.com/2025/10/14/longtime-cfl-player-coach-david-easley-dead-at-78/ ***** *****

My guess is that the local media rights for the NFL is mostly for the radio networks.

***** Before yesterday's win, Edmonton had lost 13 straight to Winnipeg. ***** *****

Edmonton 25....Winnipeg 20 Good game, and the Elks stay alive. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/11/recap-edmonton-25-winnipeg-20/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/11/elks-keep-playoff-hopes-alive-with-win-over-blue-bombers/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/elks-keep-playoff-hopes-alive-with-win-over-blue-bombers/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/event/winnipeg-blue-bombers-edmonton-elks-20251011/11824116/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/11/winnipeg-blue-bombers-get-gobbled-up-in-thanksgiving-game-against-elks-eight-other-thoughts/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/12/the-win-was-most-important-mark-kilam-defends-edmonton-elks-decision-not-to-chase-tie-breaker-against-bombers/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/11/3-stats-that-defined-edmontons-westjet-thanksgiving-weekend-win-over-winnipeg/ ***** Week 19 previews https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/12/alouettes-redblacks-renew-rivalry-on-westjet-thanksgiving-weekend/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/12/3-keys-to-victory-for-ottawa-montreal-on-westjet-thanksgiving-weekend/ https://3downnation.com/2025/10/12/qb-dustin-crum-to-make-sixth-start-in-thanksgiving-audition-for-ottawa-redblacks/ ***** more on Tor-Sask https://3downnation.com/2025/10/11/saskatchewan-roughriders-turn-their-attention-to-november-with-win-over-toronto-seven-other-thoughts/ https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riderville-roundup-october-12-2025/ ***** More on Cal-Ham https://3downnation.com/2025/10/11/jekyll-and-hyde-hamilton-tiger-cats-fall-flat-against-slumping-stampeders-eight-other-thoughts/

👍

***** ***** *****

I'm jealous, jazzcorner! Is this as good as it looks?