Following a tough 29-14 loss on the road to Toronto, the Ticats will return to Hamilton for their lone matchup of the season with the Calgary Stampeders.

Calgary will come in to Tim Hortons Field having lost five of their last six games, including a 28-11 heartbreaker vs. Montreal last Saturday.

If there were ever an opportunity to have a bounce-back week, this would be it.

Against Toronto, rookie quarterback Taylor Powell completed 27 of 42 passes (64.3%) for 334 yards (8.0 YPA) one touchdown and two interceptions. Since Scott Milanovich took over play-calling duties, Powell has completed 116 of 165 passes (70.3%).

He was able to move the football against the Argos, but drives fizzled out and costly turnovers prevented Hamilton from converting that yardage into points.

Kiondre Smith was a definite bright spot, hauling in nine of 13 targets for 156 yards.

Although Coach Steinauer never wants to see talented skill position players like James Butler (13 carries for 32 yards) and Tim White (three receptions for 26 yards) slowed down, it’s a testament to Hamilton’s depth to see a player like Smith step up to dominate as defensive coverages are directed elsewhere.

Jameer Thurman and Javien Elliot both picked off Argos quarterback Chad Kelly—proving that Hamilton’s defence can create plays of their own from any spot on the football field. That may spell trouble for Calgary quarterback Jake Maier, whose two interceptions vs. the Alouettes prevented their offence from ever getting off the ground.

Having won three of their last five games, there’s no need for Hamilton to reinvent the wheel this week. Consider this a soft reset with an opportunity to earn their seventh win of the season. If that happens, Hamilton jumps right back into the thick of playoff contention.