Preview: Tiger-Cats (3-4) at Argonauts (5-2)

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When the 2010 CFL schedule was unveiled this past February, I marked August 20th on my calendar. That was the date of the first regular-season matchup between the Cats and Argos.

As I wrote earlier today and back in May, this is the rivalry to end all rivalries.

Well, August 20th is nearly here, and for a mid-season game, it couldn't be much bigger. The Cats, currently sitting at 3-4 and in third place in the East, have won two straight. The Argos, currently sitting at 5-2 and tied for first in the East, are coming off a huge win over the Alouettes last week. Something's got to give this Friday.

This should be one of the best games this heated rivalry has seen in years. I cannot remember the last time these two teams met where the outcome actually mattered for both teams. As much as I hate the Argonauts, having both them and the Tiger-Cats be competitive is great for this rivalry and for the entire CFL.

The key for Hamilton is whether their vaunted front seven can stop the Argos' best player, Running Back Cory Boyd. If that happens, then the Argos will be forced to rely on their passing game, which has improved recently, but still is hardly a juggernaut. Cleo Lemon is still new to the Canadian game, and he can be forced into more than his fair share of mistakes if need be.

For Toronto, the key will be to get Quarterback Kevin Glenn off his rhythm. Glenn has been on fire recently, and if the Argos are to have any hope of winning, they will have to force Glenn to make some mistakes. If DeAndra' Cobb can get going like he did at the end of the game last week, the passing game will open up even more.

It should be noted that this won't be easy. Not only are the Argos 5-2, but they are undefeated at home so far this season. The Cats won their first game on the road last week in Winnipeg, so it's not like the Cats are Hawk and Animal. (For those not inclined to wrestling vernacular, that means Road Warriors.)

There are so many different storylines heading into this game that I cannot wait to sit in my seat in the Rogers Centre SkyDome to cheer the Cats on to victory. This should be awesome.

If you cannot make it to Toronto for the game (which is too bad) then, as always, you can follow the action on the radio by tuning into AM900 CHML or Y108, and on television on TSN and TSN HD.