Third Down Gamble

Toronto Argonauts fail to put the Winnipeg Blue Bombers away despite Toronto having several chances to do so.  Saskatchewan Roughriders start strong then stumble, much like their regular season, and are defeated by the BC Lions.  Quarterback Trevor Harris opens the door to retirement thoughts; should Zach Collaros do the same?  CFL Awards are an untidy set of releases regarding finalists and winners, unlike previous years when there was an awards night, in 2026 no one knows when each award winner will be announced.   The last East Division and West Division Finals are set for Saturday, can Winnipeg be the first (and last) team to 'crossover' to the Grey Cup?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded November 2, 2027).

Toronto Argonauts and quarterback Chad Kelly sign a landmark five-year million-dollar-plus-per-season contract.  Will there be a new General Manager in Ottawa?  President Mike Morreale will confirm his decision after Grey Cup.  CFL starts rolling out its league-wide award nominees, the new format started this season.  We are waving goodbye to the 55 yard line, goalposts on the goal line, and now the current six-team playoff format is about to bid adieu.  Toronto and BC are favoured at home in each of the semi-finals, East and West.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission, podcast recorded October 27, 2026).

RedBlacks' Bryson Barnes does the unthinkable, wins a game for Ottawa!  Football 101: TSN's Luke Willson articulates Ottawa's plan, did the Argonauts hear it?  Winnipeg must win to be in the playoffs; Calgary's fate rests with the Lions.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permssion, Ottawa vs Toronto game audio clip courtesy TSN; podcast recorded October 20, 2026).

Does Ottawa finally start Bryson Barnes at quarterback?  In 2027, Hamilton would qualify for the CFL playoffs, does that make sense?  Calgary misses an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot with their loss in Winnipeg.  BC can still finish first in the West, Winnipeg second, and Saskatchewan could miss the playoffs.  A three-way tie in the West standings amongst Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, and Calgary will send the Stampeders packing.  (CFL on CBC opening theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded October 14, 2026).

For the second time in as many weeks, eight or more field goals lift a CFL team to victory... this time in Toronto without the aid of a touchdown.  The Western Playoff race, third through to fifth, is a wild jumble of scenarios; win and Edmonton and BC can avoid the confusion.  Winnipeg versus Calgary Saturday night is likely the first real playoff game in 2026.   (CFL on CBC oppening theme is used with express permission; podcast. recorded October 6, 2026).

The CFL Board of Governors approves a move to add Quebéc City to the East Division.  Hamilton is eliminated from the playoff race and makes a trade with the Alouettes soon after.  Does the NFL need to expand their replay centre to include reviewing pass interference calls to ddtermine if a turnover stands?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded September 28, 2026).

BC Lions Joshua Hagerty's two-game suspension has raised more questions, with many believing the CFL could have done more.  Calgary's René Paredes kicks two personal-best field goals, one that proved to be the game winner as the Stampeders stay alive in the 2026 playoff race.  Will Chad Kelly's pending free agency reset the market for quarterbacks in the CFL?  Toronto needed only posession for a just over a third of the game to defeat the Elks Saturday.  (TSN game audio, CFL on CBC opening theme used with expess permission; podcast recorded September 21, 2026).

McLeod Bethel-Thompson is named the starting quarterback for Ottawa in their bid to avoid a thirteenth straight loss in 2026.  A melee involving the Lions and Alouettes sees three players that participated are now being summoned to hearings to determine further sanctions; could any or all three been thrown out of the game that night in Vancouver?  Can the Stampeders salvage their season, or is it time to move on from the Dickenson brothers?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded September 15, 2026).

Why was Edmonton linebacker Nik Anderson not disqualified after his hit on a sliding Vernon Adams Jr.?  How did Hamilton's medical staff allow Tre Ford back on the field after his apparant concussion?  The Elks hold down first place (alone), post-Labour Day, for the first time since 2009.  Football Canada and U Sport will not adopt the CFL-proposed  evised field configurations.  With the game on the line, when do you go for a two-point convert for the win and risk the loss by doing so?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded September 8, 2026).

Ottawa's quarterback Jake Maeir sets a new record, one he would like to forget.  Jeff Hunt is interested in a return to the RedBlacks as their football President.  The replay centre overturns another fumble based on forward progress being stopped, what makes this type of booth review more accurate?  Toronto misses the chance to call for a last-play challenge for pass interference.  OK Tire Labour Day weekend has a full-slate of important games.