the 4th star

Was going to write something about the epic battle between Quinton Porter and Stefan LeFors (not really), but there’s no time for an intro. Not when I’m mere minutes away from a three-day weekend. Speaking of the No. 3, here are three questions heading into Saturday’s late, late afternoon game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-1) and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-1):

1. Will the Ivor Wynne crowd keep the story going?
I’ve never been to a CFL game in Hamilton. I now the stands are right up against the sidelines like it’s an arena football game, but I have no idea what the crowd energy is really like. I’m sure, given the last 400 years of losing seasons and single digit wins, that the wind blows out of the sails quite easily when a visiting club scores on the first three drives. However, they have hope this season. Every other club is just a shitty as they are, meaning they have a chance to win more than they lose. That fact, tied together with the whole ‘Scoutgate” drama the Bungling Bombers threw at them, should have the crowd in a fervor. They could make life miserable for the Winnipeg bench. Too bad this isn’t October or November. Snowballs would be an excellent fan freebie at the door.

2. Is there such a thing as a statement game in Week 3?
Interesting that both teams are looking to climb over the .500 mark earlier than anyone expected them to. Interesting. This game is being advertised as a precursor to how the season could unfold for both teams. Interesting how much stock is being purchased for this game; how a win by either the Bombers or Ticats transforms perceptions of them from “we’ll see” into “for real.” So back to the original question: Is there such a thing as a statement game in Week 3? The answer: No. Give your head a shake.

3. Let’s all watch Doug Brown, shall we?
Big Bubba makes his triumphant return. May all our drinks be Earls-sized! He’s missed the last two games with meningitis, but the coaching staff expects him to take the majority of the snaps. Here’s how the coverage will go: If he plays well, everyone at BMP (Brown Media Partners) will gush over what a player he is. Maybe someone will say he’s a warrior. You know who will say that. If he struggles — say like Tyrone Williams did last week against Calgary (reports say he played himself out of starting against Hamilton) — then people will fall over each other trying to point out that he’s still not at 100 per cent. He lost 20 pounds. He’s still a little weak. Quick, someone say something about game shape! I expect his play to fall somewhere in the middle of that. One thing is for certain: The Bombers need a better push in the middle in hopes of getting to the quarterback. Winnipeg is last in the CFL with two sacks.

Let’s get it on. I have spent most of the week listening to the marvelous Marvin Gaye and figured I’d pass the beauty on to you via the Friday Wrap Jam. The video above isn’t the most exciting thing you’ll see, but here’s what you do: Turn the volume on te computer right up, lean back in that crappy office chair ‘the man’ has forced you in, close your eyes, and just listen to the sound of his voice. Baaaaaaaaaabbeeeeee! Outstanding stuff. Looking for more Marvin? There’s this and a crushing version of The Star Spangled Banner at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game. Pure sexual chocolate milk. Mmmmmmmm.

Man, I need a cigarette.