The Montreal Alouettes host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL East final on Saturday, Nov. 7, with a place in the 113th Grey Cup at stake. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, as detailed in David Morassutti’s preview for Sportsnet.
Winnipeg has reached this point by an unusual route. After finishing fourth in the West Division at 9-9, the Bombers crossed into the East playoffs and beat the Toronto Argonauts 25-22 in the semifinal. According to Morassutti, another victory would make Winnipeg the first crossover team in CFL history to reach the Grey Cup.
Montreal finished 14-4, took first place in the East and averaged a league-best 34.7 points per game. The Alouettes also went undefeated at home during the regular season, Sportsnet reported.
Winnipeg’s quarterback question
Zach Collaros’s availability was uncertain in Morassutti’s preview. He missed the East semifinal with a rib injury and was described as questionable after not participating in Thursday’s practice. That report did not name a confirmed starter for the East final.
Dru Brown took over against Toronto and delivered the game-winning drive, though he also threw two interceptions. Morassutti identifies Winnipeg’s pass protection as a key matchup against Montreal’s defensive front, alongside Davis Alexander against Winnipeg’s secondary and Brady Oliveira against Montreal’s run defence.
A split season series
Each team won one regular-season meeting. Winnipeg beat Montreal 44-28 on Aug. 28, before the Alouettes won the Oct. 3 rematch 37-10, .
