Third Down Gamble

The CFL's new 35 second clock seems to be getting closer to an actual 35 seconds between the end of the previous play and when next the football must be put back in play.  The single point (rouge) underwent changes to its application; were the modifications too many and too far?  Ottawa Head Coach Ryan Dinwiddie opts to punt at the opposition 42, would not a field goal attempt been more optimal?  Quarterback Chad Kelly finally returns to lead the Argonauts onto the same field that put him on the shelf in the third quarter of the 2024 East Final.  Can Elks' running back Justin Rankin become the league's first 1000 yard rusher and 1000 yard receiver in the same season?  Rankin is off to a great start.  Is Saturday's Saskatchewan versus BC a statement game or is it about revenge?  (TSN game audio, CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded June 9, 2026).

CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston comes through on a promise and lands a six-year broadcasting deal sarting in 2027.  Jake Maier is given the role of starting quarterback in Ottawa.  Can the B.C. Lions be stopped in 2026, or will injuries (specifically to starting veteran-quarterbacks) play a key role in determining who wins each division?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded June 2, 2026).

Special Guest Steve Daniel discusses the importance of analytics in terms of assessing game quailty, the importance of understanding the mean and the median, the value of knowing how impactful turnovers, two-and-outs, and third down stalls are to a team's chances at winning, and he relates how working for the CFL has helped maintain his life-long love of analytics.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded Monday, June 1, 2026).

Special Guest Luc Mullinder (colour analyst for Saskatchewan Roughriders radio game-broadcasts) discusses the 2026 Roughriders training camp in Saskatoon, how new quarterback Brayden Schager turned heads, what is required of the defensive line given all its changes, and who is expected to step up to replace departed (to Ottawa) A.J. Allen and C.J. Reavis.  Luc also illustrates the importance of leadership in training camp and recounts his first training camp as a rookie with the Roughriders, and life after football.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded May 28. 2026).

Special guest Jeff Krever (CFL Senior Director, Player & Game Statistics) joins to discuss which players are the ones to watch nearing records or milestones.  Jeff also discusses the definition of tackling used by stats crews to be recorded in the game statistics; the efforts in the off-season to help prepare stats crews for the new season; his day in Saskatoon preparing for the Roughriders vs Blue Bombers, and his excitement now that a new 2026 CFL season is upon us. (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded May 22, 2026).

CFL training camps see some players get injured, others released, and other signing with another team.  Edmonton quarterback Cody Fajardo believes the Elks can be in the 2026 Grey Cup.  Calgary vs Saskatchewan on CFL+ May 18 (2026) gave the first taste of some of the new rules coming to the CFL, the 35 second clock was a hit!  Ironically, next season in 2027, not pre-season but regular-season play starts on Victoria Day Weekend.  While many starting quartback jobs are secure, who amng the backups will step-up?  (CFl on CBC theme used with express permission; podcast recorded May 18, 2026).

Andrew Hoskins (the Turf District Podcast) co-hosts to help discuss the opening of CFL training camps, what the expectations are for players at camp, the importance of pre-season games, and the new Head Coaches that are trying to mold teams in Ottawa and Toronto.  April 28, 2026 the CFL announced new playoff-participation rules and we try to make more sense of them.  (CFL on CBC theme used with express permission; podcast recorded May 11, 2026).

Ben Grant (part of TSN 1050 radio broadcasting Toronto Argonauts football games) joins to discuss the big changes in Toronto: a new Head Coach (Mike Miller), a new Defensive Coordinator (Greg Quick), the return of quarterback Chad Kelly, the departure of middle linebacker Winton McManis, the Argonauts being on the road until August 6, 2026, the new-look CFL rules and filed dimensions, and much more.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded April 21, 2026).

CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston unleashes more dramatic changes to the CFL for 2027... this time in terms of season-scheduling (starts on the Victoria Weekend and ends the first weekend of November) and a playoff format where eight-of-nine teams make the playoffs (88.8%).  How do people feel about the expanded playoff format; is this the last of these major announcements?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded April 29, 2026).

Special guest (author) Paul Woods discusses his Youtube Channel "Canadian Football Time Machine' where he uploads years of news stories about the CFL and the great value and importance of keeping the CFL's history alive.  He talks about his recent book "Year of the Rocket" chronicling the Raghib Ismail era in Toronto.  Paul discusses how the Argonauts franchise ended a 31 year Grey Cup drought in Vancouver in 1983.  Paul discusses his experiences at Grey Cups, the news rules coming to the CFL, and much more.  (TSN game audio, CFL on CBC theme used with express permission, podcast recorded March 18, 2026).

The CFL suspends, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders release, Canadian receiver Ajou Ajou.  Ottawa's Lewis Ward may be the first kicker-victim of the goalposts moving to the back of the endzones in 2027.  The UFL awards an overtime victory to without the Orlando offence having to score.   Taylor Elgersma signs with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded April 16, 2026).

Toronto Argonauts' quarterback Chad Kelly claims to have turned a corner, will he be ready for the 2026 CFL season?  Taylor Elgersma still cannot get a US visa (P1-A) to play in the UFL, is it time for him to look at the Blue Bombers training camp as his best opportunity to move forward?  UFL attendance numbers, without including the Battlehawks, are scary; how does the UFL address this problem?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded April 13, 2026).

The radio voice of the Edmonton Elks Morely Scott joins to discuss the team as they emerge from another year outside of the playoffs.  Morley also discusses the growth of the coaching staff, the player-additions made by General Manager Ed Hervey and Ed's passion for the franchise.  Morley talks about the changeover of ownership in 2025, quarterback Tre Ford now in Hamilton and Taylor Powell in Edmonton, and his hopes for the team to break-through into the 2026 playoffs. (CFL on CBC opening theme and CFL game audio is used with express permission).

No video coverage of the 2026 CFL Combine was provided, was this a missed opportunity?  Calgary General Manager and Head Coach Dave Dickenson wants a new stadium for the Stampeders by the early 2030's.  Taylor Elgersma is held off the UFL's Birmingham Stallions opening day roster due to a work-visa issue.  The NHL considers a major expansion. (CFL on CBC theme music and game audio used with express permission; podcast recorded March 30, 2026).

The Calgary Stampede might have an answer for a new home for the Clagary Stampeders;  more details are available for CFL player contracts; which CFL records may never be broken?  In 1991, there was a game that had the field dimensions shrunk to accomodate the infiltration of ice into Winnipeg Stadium. (CFL on CBC theme music and game audio used with express permission, Winnipeg field report courtesy TSN, podcast recorded March 23, 2026).

Andrew Hoskins discusses the Elks' off-season moves that saw many players who wore black and gold in 2025 switch to green and gold in 2026.  Andrew also explains the woes that have beset the franchise, the role of B.O.N.E. in the team's and in its future, what his hopes are for the team in 2026, the UFL's four-point-field goal attempt, and takes time to discuss the finer points of tailgaiting before a football game.  (CFL on CBC theme and CFL game audio used with express permission; podcast recorded March 15, 2026).

Dave Thomas (Rider Radio) is our special guest as we discuss how free agency impacted the Saskatchewan Roughriders, how Canadian quarterbacks are fairing in their NFL pursuits, and the new rules in the UFL and CFL and how play may be impacted.  (CFL on CBC theme music and game audio used with express permission; podcast recorded February 26, 2026).

A fire appears, and is quickly doused, near Gate 2 of McMahon Stadium.  UFL rule changes, is adding extra value to field goals and conversions the best way to engender exciting scoring plays?  A. J. Allen and Darnell Sankey... two defenders relate their difficult choices to leave the teams with whom they were under contract since 2023 (CFl on CB theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded March 2, 2026).

Elks' General Manager Ed Hervey is 'bullish' on his teams chances in 2026.  CFL player-salary cap has jumped nearly 50% since 2010, what is driving the change?  Roughriders' part ways with their most accurate kicker in franchise history.  U-Sports Canadian Quarterback Taylor Elgersma will show off his skills February 26 - March 1 at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.  (CFL on CBC opening theme and game audio used with express permission; podcast recorded February 23, 2026).

Winnipeg spent a lot on free agents in 2025, none stuck with the team, by spending more in 2026 will the Blue Bombers fare better?  Should a rule be in place to clarify how teams can communicate to potential free agents prior to the negotation window?  Howie Mooney provides insight into the major 2026 free agent signing so far, including a huge spash by Ottawa, and a signifcant set of contracts signed by the Edmonton Elks (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded February 16, 2026).

Doug Flutie weighed in on the CFL moves to change field dimensions and placement of goalposts, expressing his concerns over the percieved move to 'americanize' the game.  Realtionships are hard wn and sometime even harder lost as Darian Durant explains his feelings after Andy Fantuz left via free agency for Hamilton from Saskatchewan in 2012.  Some big names have landed with new teams: Wynton McManis and Tre Ford find themselves in Hamilton; Austin Mack signs in Edmonton, Dakoda Shepley returns to the CFL signing with Toronto and the Roughriders defence looks to get picked over by Ottawa (CFL on CBC theme used with express permission; podcast recorded Feburary 9, 2026).

Special guest Steve Daniel joins to talk about the statistically measureable comparisons between the CFL and NFL game, the role of Statistics in informing Coaches and General Managers about their teams, the 2026 Winter Meetings held in Calgary, and discusses further how the placement of the goal posts will influence third down gambles (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded January 26, 2026).

CFL revenues continue to climb and as a result so does the Salary Cap, however the Expenditures Cap (coaches and foootball operations) may remain stagnant, again.  Willie Jefferson admits to thinking about leaving Winnipeg after the playoff loss in Montreal.  While some recievers re-sign with their clubs (Ottawa- Justin Hardy, Saskatchewan- Samuel Emilus) others are released (Hamilton- Tom White, Montreal Austin Mack) prior to off-season bonuses.  When to fire a Coach, was NFL Buffalo Bills ownership correct in firing Sean McDermott after seven-straight 10-win seasons?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with epxpress permission; podcast recorded January 26, 2026).

CFL 2026 Winter Meetings in Calgary leave more questions... while the last minutes of a half remain unchanged, new overtime rules will end ties (only four since 2010) forever from the three-yard-line.  Will playoff ties end the same way?   The current playoff structure seems under fire from the Commissioner.  Were the restrictions placed on scoring a single point really a structural change?  Where is the next scrimmage line after on a kick sends a ball out of the endzone?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded January 19, 2026).

Andrew Hoskins (The Turf District Podcast) co-hosts as we discuss what may happen at the CFL Winter Meetings in Calgary, what might happen to the final three minutes, quarterback sneaks, overtime, the Replay Centre, playoff formats, player awards, and more.  Andrew dusicsses the 2025 season and what the Elks have as priorities as they prepare for the 2026 season under General Manager Ed Hervey (CFl on CBC theme used with express permission; podcast recorded January 12, 2026).

Tommy Condell lands in Winnipeg while Jason Hogan is demoted, what will that room be like and can the Bombers find their way back in the Western Conference?  Jarious Jackson leaves Winnipeg to Quarterback Coach in Calgary.  Two veteran defensive players retire to become Defensive Line Coaches... Jake Thomas (Winnipeg) and Micah Johnson (Saskatchewan).  While Bo Levi Mitchell signs a contract extension in Hamilton, what does that mean for Taylor Powell?  (CFL on CBC opening theme used with express permission; podcast recordd January 6, 2026.

Special guest, and author, Howie Mooney discusses growing up in Ottawa, being a fan of the Rough Riders, and a career that had him working a day job and working in media at night.  Howie then does a deep dive into Ottawa's 5-11 1981 CFL season (first-ever season of full-interlocking play) and how Ottawa made it to the Grey Cup versus Edmonton.  The discussion moves to the 1981 Grey Cup game and the infamous double-interference penalty call.  (CFL on CBC game audio and opening theme used with express permission; podcast recorded December 17. 2025).

Special Guest Steve Daniel joins to discuss the changes in the CFL game, the evolution of placekicking in the CFL, charting stats from vintage Grey Cups back to 1952 to update the CFL Statistical archives, how the propsed new field dimensions in 2027 may influence the number of plays-per-game, scoring, where the ball will be placed after a made field goal, a single, on converts, 'touchbacks', the start of overtime to name a few. (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission, podcast recorded November 21, 2025).

Dave Thomas, radio voice of the Saskatchewan Roughriders on the 620 CKRM Co-operators Riders Radio Network, discusses the journey for the Roughriders that culminated in winning the 2025 Grey Cup.  Dave discusses Trevor Harris' mission, injuries, slaying the beast, Tommy Nield's catch, Shea Patterson's fumble, and much more (Roughriders radio game audio with Dave Thomas (620 CKRM Co-operators Riders Radio Network) and CFL on CBC opening theme used with express permission; podcast recorded November 27, 2025).

Teams are already signing players to contract extensions, some are not even pending free agents.  Keon Hatcher signs a huge contract with the BC Lions.  The 2026 CFL schedule is out with the season starting on June 4th in Hamilton, keeps three bye weekends for every team.  Play 51, Referee Andre Proulx weighs in with his thoughts on what happened that night in Edmonton.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded December 8, 2025).

Andrew Hoskins (Turf District Podcast) is our guest host.  The Argonauts have named their new Head Coach.  There are hundreds of CFL free agents, who might make a big splash if still available in February?  Rules: Commissioner Stewart Johnston's suite of changes still leaves questions.  Whither to opt out...  would a new television deal open up the contract beween the CFLPA and the CFL?  (CFL on CBC opening theme used with express permission; podcast recorded December 1, 2025).

The Argonauts search for a Head Coach continues. The saga of Offensive Coordinator Jason Hogan... what is happening in Winnipeg?  BC Lions' Touchdown Kelowna 2026 game dates are announced.  U Sports' Bishop's University moves back to the RESQ, after eight years playing Atlantic Canada schools.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission; podcast recorded November 25, 2025).

The Saskatchewan Roughriders win their fifth Grey Cup 25-17 in a great contest in Winnipeg versus Montréal Alouettes.  Montréal quarterback Davis Alexander reveals he has had a grade 3C tear of his hamstring but has impacted him throughout the season and the 112th Grey Cup.  Montréal quarterback Shea Patterson fumbles near the Roughriders' goal line leaving many to question a quarterback sneak on second and two.  Roughriders celebrate their championship victory with a parade down the Green Mile in Regina on Tuesday.  (Grey Cup audio courtesy TSN, CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permision, podcast recorded November 18, 2025).

It is CFL Grey Cup Week: Montreal vs Saskatchewan in the big game in Winnipeg.  Ryan Dinwiddie takes over as Ottawa Head Coach and General Manager, will Mike O'Shea take over in Toronto?  BC Lions still think they did not lose the Western Final after looking at screenshots of the Tommy Nield catch.  Hamilton quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell ponders his future after a devasting loss to Montreal in the Eastern Final.  Who wins the 112th Grey Cup?  It's too close for us to really call, tune in Sunday November 16 to watch the Grey Cup on CTV, RDS, or TSN to find out.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission from the CBC; podcast recorded November 11, 2025).

Alouettes end the Blue Bombers' consecutive Grey Cup run: Montreal, despite allowing 17 points in the early third quarter, find away to defeat WInnipeg in the CFL East Semi-Final.  BC's Sean Whyte kicks a last-play 43 yard field goal to help the Lions get past the Stampeders in the CFL West Semi-Final. Hamilton has won all five East Final games versus Montreal since the East Conference went to a single-game final in 1973.  Roughriders play their first home CFL West Final since 2019 and first ever versus the Lions since the West Conference went to a signal-game final in 1971.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with written permission, podcast recorded November 4, 2025).

Special Guest Host Andrew Hoskins (Turf District podcast) discusses the firing of Head Coach Bob Dyce in Ottawa.  Who will be on the short list to be considered as the RedBlacks' new Head Coach?  Chris Streveler suffers another major knee injury, is his football career over?  Winnipeg is in the playoff crossover for the first time ever, can they go where no Western team has gone before?  Edmonton has maybe turned the corner, but what does that mean for Tre Ford?  CFL Semi-Final playoffs are November 1, who will emerge?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission, podcast recorded Ocotber 27, 2025).

The CFL Western Conference playoff-seeding race comes down to three games, but BC can make it simple: finish second with a win in Regina.  The Blue Bombers seemed to lack urgency despite defeating Saskatchewan Friday night, a bad night or major concern?  Vernon Adams is injured late in the third quarter versus Toronto with the football game well-in-hand.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with epress written permission; podcast recorded October 21, 2025).

Three teams in the CFL's Western Conference are vying for the last available playoff spot.  Did the Elks fumble a chance to win their season-series against Winnipeg via the tiebreaker proocedures, or was it a hill too tall to climb?  The hit on Montreal quarterback Davis Alexander Thanksgiving Monday by Ottawa defensive back Deandre Lamont: did the replay booth and the spotter's booth both get it wrong?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded October 14, 2025).

There will be a crossover in the 2025 CFL playoffs; it is yet to be determined which team from the West will crossover and which Western team will miss the playoffs.  Is Bob Dyce tenure as Head Coach over in Ottawa?  Can the West, seriously, end up in a four-way tie for first?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission, podcast recorded October 7, 2025).

The fallout can still be felt from Stewart Johnston's September 22, 2025 announcement, many are still voicing their support and/or concerns.  A crossover is all but assured, a magic number of one means one BC and Winnipeg win (or a loss by each of Toronto and Ottawa) confirms a western opponent in the East Semi-Final.  Calgary makes a trade with Ottawa, can that help the Stampeders enough?  Montreal quarterback Davis Alexander goes 9-0 to start his CFL career.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded Spetember 30. 2025)  

Steve Daniel was an integral member of the team looking at the CFL game and possible changes.  Steve's expertise helped inform some of the proposed major changes to the game that were presented by CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnson on September 22 in Toronto.  (CFL on CBC theme music is used with express written permission, podcast recorded September 24, 2025). 

CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston announces sweeping changes to the game: benches opposite, standard timing, smaller endzones, goalposts on the endline, a shorter field, and a modified 'rouge'.  Changes will be phased in over two years.  Where does this leave U-Sports, amateur football, and other stakeholders that operate and maintain playing fields?  Edmonton loses, again, on a last play field goal.  Calgary almost ran out of quarterbacks versus BC.  (CFL on TSN 2019 game audio, CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded September 23, 2025).

Argos' Head Coach Ryan Dinwiddie is upset with a couple members of the Elks at games' end and lets them know his feelings.  Winnipeg Head Coach Mike O'Shea defends the play of quarterback Chris Steveler.  Argonauts win a stunner over Edmonton, Montreal stuns the Roughriders,  Three teams have 6W-7L records, while two teams more are at 5W-8L in a very close crossover CFL playoff race.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded September 17, 2025).

Roughriders win in Winnipeg, Ottawa enjoys another 'Crumback' victory, and Edmonton wins their rematch.  Can Montreal win without Davis Alexander?  Zach Collaros is sidelined, what's next for him?  (CFL on TSN audio from September 5, CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission, podcast recorded September 10, 2025).

Unbelieveable finishes in two CFL OK Tire Labour Day games; all three games were played in front of sellout crowds.  What will happen in Toronto with quarterback Chad Kelly announcing his return?  Can the Alouettes win again without quarterback Davis Alexander?  Can the Roughriders win the 'Banjo Bowl' game?  (CFL on TSN audio (2001) courtesy TSN, CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded Septmber 2, 2025).

Special Guest Host Andrew Hoskins (Turf District Podcast) joins to discuss the Elks three-game winning streak, the aerial circus that was played at BMO Field between the Argonauts and Lions, how Calgary is surprising the league and whether the Stampeders can maintain their pace.  Three games make up Labour Day "Rivalry" weekend, does Montreal vs Ottawa deserve an inclusion?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded August 24, 2025).

Quarterbacks Caleb Evans and Dru Brown are out with knee injuries.  Micah Awe gets flagged for spearing, why not make the penalty an ejection?  West dominates the East over the weekend by taking all four games.  Ottawa's Dustin Crum makes another 'crumback'.  Calgary hosts Saskatchewan in a huge rematch, can the Roughriders win the seasonal series?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded August 19, 2025).

An amazing Week 10 of CFL football that provided much drama, intensity, and nailbiting finishes.  Montreal quarterback McCleod Bethel-Thompson struggles again, is placed on the six game injured list; can Caleb Evans right the offence?  What does Edmonton's win in Montreal, BC's in Hamilton mean for each team?  Argonauts' Head Coach Ryan Dinwiddie still wants answers for his team's performance.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded August 12, 2025).

A gut-wrenching loss to Hamilton leaves the Elks with more questions than answers.  Hamilton wins their six-in-a-row, is that offence unstoppable when Bo Levi Mitchell is running the show?  Montreal is hammered at home, are they in trouble?  Troonto and Ottawa play in a consequential game this week? Can Winnipeg avenge their two losses to Calgary?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission; podcast recorded August 5, 2025).

Quarterbacks: only Bo Levi Mitchell has played every game up-to-now.  BC's Robert Carter Jr. defies gravity in one of the most amazing interceptions you will ever see. Alouettes win in the final seconds, again.  Hamilton and BC claw back and forth in an amazing football game, highlighted by two Hamilton touchdowns in the last three minutes to win.  Has Winnipeg been knocked down from elite-team status?  Who will play quarterback his week in Ottawa: RedBlacks' Dru Brown and/or Stampders' Vernon Adams Jr.?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express written permission;  podcast recorded July 29, 2025).