The Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers are set to face off in the Grey Cup on Sunday after both teams secured their spots in the championship game. The Blue Bombers finished first in the West Division after starting the season with a 2-4 record. Meanwhile, the Argos dealt with quarterback issues but managed to finish second in the East Division before upsetting the league-leading Montreal Alouettes in the division final. However, Toronto suffered a setback as quarterback Chad Kelly broke his ankle, forcing backup Nick Arbuckle to step in for his first Grey Cup start. The last two quarterbacks to make their Grey Cup debut each won the championship.
The Argos and Bombers faced off twice during the regular season, with Toronto narrowly winning both games. Fourth-quarter comebacks have been common in recent Grey Cup matchups, with six of the last eight games being won by teams trailing in the final frame. The Blue Bombers are making their fifth straight Grey Cup appearance, with Zach Collaros becoming the first quarterback to start five consecutive championship games. This will be the eighth meeting between the two teams in the Grey Cup, with Toronto winning the previous seven matchups.
In the 2022 Grey Cup, Toronto trailed by nine points with just under 15 minutes remaining but managed to stage a comeback, holding the Bombers scoreless in the fourth quarter to secure a 24-23 victory. Fifteen Argonauts players will be making their first appearance in a CFL championship game, including star running back Ka’Deem Carey. On the other hand, the Blue Bombers have 18 players with previous Grey Cup experience, with offensive lineman Stanley Bryant set to make his seventh appearance in the championship game. The Grey Cup will be held at B.C. Place in Vancouver, which has hosted the event 17 times in the past, with the most recent occurrence taking place in 2014.
With an expected attendance of 50,000 spectators at B.C. Place, the 41-year-old stadium, which has a capacity of around 55,000, is set to host a thrilling championship game between the Argos and Bombers. The matchup promises to be a tightly contested battle, with both teams looking to secure the Grey Cup title. As the teams prepare to take the field on Sunday, fans are eagerly anticipating an exciting and competitive game between the Toronto Argonauts and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for the 111th Grey Cup.
