This rematch of last season’s West semi-final is a great way to start the season. Historically, the Stamps have a wide edge in games at McMahon Stadium but so many of those legends have moved on. Thurman and Orimolade are gone from the interior of a stout defense. From one of the most outstanding O-lines in recent history, left tackle Dennis is gone and his replacement Coker is on IR. Left guard Williams is also on IR so Jake Maier’s back is going to be vulnerable. Starter Jamerson from the secondary is also on IR. Rick Campbell and his savy staff will have taken notice.

This will also be a new experience for QB Maier as he is the man this year and no longer the eager understudy. It will be a new kind of pressure. BC shut him down in the West semi-final. It will be interesting to see what adjustments are made.

Vernon Adams will have to prove that he can continue to be a solid game manager and not just “Big Play V.A.” It looked that way last season as he threw for 6 TDs and only 1 interception in the six games he started and went 12 for 12 in preseason. His trio of 1000+ yard receivers, Rhymes, Whitehead and Hatcher (on IR for this game) are back. Cottoy, Hollins and McInnis are all superb options that will make up for Hatchers’ absence. B.C. is also missing an O-line starter as newcomer Schleuger is out. They are hopeful Couture (from the Bombers) can mesh with his old teammate Chungh on this years’ O-line.

It is sort of traditional to go with the under for at least the first couple of games of the season as defences are ahead of the offences but both of these squads look ready to put up points; especially BC. That would be the easy play but the hot play is BC to cover the spread by winning the game.