Lions finished 13-5, Stamps finished 12-6. Stamps were on an 11-2 run going into the game. Lions hadn't played a meaningful game since the start of October, their QB had only played a quarter or so in 5 weeks, their O line was banged up.... Stamps have the western nominee for MOP and Outstanding Canadian and, by anyone's measurement except deluded Prider fans, the best running back in the league. Stamps had the second best offence in the league (and best of any team to make the playoffs), BC had the best defence. Stamps were also banged up, starting our backup QB (although he has played most of the year), missing our starting middle linebacker, and has a rotation of injuries all year playing upwards of 70 different players throughout the year, and yet still finished a whopping 1 win behind the Lions.
The Lions should have been favoured as they finished first not just in the west but overall in the league, had the bi-week and should have been rested, and are the defending champions. Having said that, this was not some monumental upset. This was two closely matched teams, one much younger than the other and going in on a roll, with a QB with something to prove. This was not some 6 win team that snuck into the playoffs then fluked out a semi-final win on a trick play or a slippery football in a blizzard and then shocked a 15-3 team that was firing on all cylinders.
Poor babies in Vancouver - not shocking really given that city's overall sports record, and considering the Nucks were on the sidelines to provide "moral support". I'm just glad they didn't burn the downtown core down again.
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