You see, as the oddmakers have revealed, and most of us are aware, the Alouettes are the odds-on favourite to win the 2009 Grey Cup. In fact, just like us in 2001, it has already been decided that all they have to do to get there is to win one little measly game at home, due to the fact that with several games left in the regular season, they have clinched the Eastern Division, a first-round bye and a berth in the Eastern final, to be played at Olympic Stadium.

In fact, the dilemma they face right now is this: If they don't play all their starters the next three games, they may lose their edge, their momentum and their dominance over the rest of the CFL. But if they play all their starters the next three games and a Calvillo or a Cobourne or a Chiu or a Richardson gets seriously nicked up, then they affect their chances to compete successfully in the big picture here, which is the Eastern final and the Grey Cup.

As an example of this desperation, look no farther than the Stampeders of 2001, who had to beat us simply to entertain the thoughts of a post-season berth. When everything is wrapped up, do you scratch and claw and fight for that extra inch and lay waste to your body to the same extent as someone who is in survival mode on a game-by- game basis?