Third Down Gamble

For the 12th time Montreal is competing with Edmonton for the Grey Cup.  Regina City Council opts to stitch in the lines and numbers at Mosaic Stadium; what does this mean for Junior and U-Sports football in Saskatchewan?  From the offensive line: Toronto's Dakoda Shepley retires, will Winnipeg's Stanley Bryant and Patrick Neufeld follow?  What is the future of Winnipeg's Zach Collaros, will he be one of a few quarterbacks leaving the game?  Sunday's 113th Grey Cup will be the last time, in their 55th year, the Snowbirds fly with their current jets, and the last time we see a 55 yard line in the CFL.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded November 11, 2026).

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).