Good morning, AJ Ouellette.

Now he’s the guy we remember. What about dyed hair? *chef’s kiss* I think I’m going to call you Dark Thor for the rest of the playoffs.

Here are the takeaways from the East and West semi-finals.

CFL 2024 PLAYOFFS
» All clashes: the division finals will take place in Montreal and Winnipeg
» MMQB: the RED and BLACKS can hold their heads high
» Costabile: A look at the Riders’ 3 interceptions in the West Semi-Final
» Double blue wave: the Argos beat the REDBLACKS in the Eastern semi-final
» Sign up and watch CFL games on CFL+ in the US and internationally

THAT’S WHY THEY GOT IT, AFTER ALL

The regular season was not a true masterpiece for AJ Ouellette. There has been some good, some lackluster and a number of injuries to slow him down.

But Dark Thor was activated for the Western Semifinal, reminding Rider Nation why they were so excited to see the artist formerly known as Thor in free agency last winter.

Ouellette hit, rushed and occasionally broke loose to lead Sasky’s offense in a 28-19 win over the BC Lions, rushing 14 times for 70 yards, with two touchdowns, including a 30 yards. And his 15 yards on two receptions were all YAC, so they were a bit of rushing yards as well.

As he left the field at one point, Ouellette looked at a camera and yelled, “Bully ball, baby!”

Dark Thor like.

It was the AJ Ouellette that the Riders were looking for and he did it in style, proving that it’s not just blondes who have the most fun.

“The dark hair is going to stay,” Ouellette told TSN after the game.

BONUS TO TAKE AWAY: Signing of an offensive lineman Trevon Tatelast August went rather well for the Riders.

ON EACH CYLINDER

The Toronto Argonauts’ offense is extremely unclear at the moment, and the Ottawa REDBLACKS have been scratched by the friction.

Dominating the time-of-possession scene, the REDBLACKS appeared to be in control of the contest, with light feet and a sort of “jab here, jab there” precision, opening the East Semifinal with 12-play drives and 11, respectfully, sandwiched around an Argos two-and-out.

Then came the haymakers.

Toronto’s offense scored points on eight of its next 10 possessions – five of which were touchdowns – including a streak of five consecutive possessions. One touchdown drive was one play. Another was two. A few others had five pieces each (Why hurry?).

Argos quarterback Chad Kelly completed 18 passes in this game, which isn’t what you’d call a gluttonous amount. Those 18, however, rushed for 358 yards (an average of 19.9 yards), which is what you’d call gluttonous.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS had more shots in this game. The Argos, however, found the slightest opening and responded with furious roundhouses and uppercuts.

Being at the top of the judges’ leaderboard means nothing if you’re knocked out before the final bell.

BONUS TO TAKE AWAY: My God, Makai Polk.

THIS BEAT GOES ON AND ON, AND ON AND ON…

Aside from Ouellette taking the darker timeline – crazily speaking – the Roughriders have continued to do something that has been a hallmark for the entire 2024 season thus far: winning the turnover battle. business.

Saskatchewan was plus-26 in giveaways/takeaways during the regular season and the West Semifinal would see them continue their momentum, knocking out Lions quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. three times while coughing up the ball on offense just once, on a turnover on downs. .

Thus, the annual Plus/Minus total now increases to plus-28.

Clean football is winning football, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders are the loudest team heading to the Western Final in Winnipeg.

BONUS TO TAKE AWAY: Nelson Lokombo has arrived.

SOMETHING EPIC HAPPENS THIS WAY

The East and West semifinal results showed us two winning teams that are absolutely cooking on gas as they head into the road games this Saturday, with more than just formidable hosts awaiting their arrival.

In Montreal, the Alouettes, reigning Gray Cup champions, will get to work this week to stop Toronto’s powerful attack. They knew how to do it last year, that’s for sure. Can Montreal defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe create another nightmare for Argos quarterback Chad Kelly? Will the Boatmen avenge last year’s brutal Eastern Finals disappointment?

The script seems reversible, that’s for sure. But will it be?

Speaking of flipping the script, the Saskatchewan Roughriders lost back-to-back to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Weeks 13 and 14, adding to the misery of what was a seven-game winless streak.

But these Roughriders are far from those who are suffering, winners of five of their last six games. The Bombers are also different, starting the season with a 2-6 record before finishing with a 9-1 run to jump into first place.

So the Bombers and Roughriders have come out of dark and desperate places this season, each playing their best football at the right time.

I love that these two haven’t met in two months. I know a lot of people like to see division rivals face off towards the end of the schedule, but I actually have a completely different opinion on this. The lack of a recent match between these two adds a lot to the mystery of this Saturday’s match. There is mystery here because of the time that has passed. We now know who each of these teams are, but who are they against each other?

THEY ARE ATTACHED TO THE QUARTERBACK

Despite the loss against Toronto, the Ottawa REDBLACKS know that one thing is certain, it is that they are in a very good position with their quarterback Dru Brown.

Even though Brown had a wonderful regular season, many wondered what he would look like in the first playoff game of his professional football career and the answer came back in glowing terms.

Brown completed 61 (!) pass attempts against Toronto and completed 46 of those, for 476 yards and three touchdowns. This was despite the fact that the Argos knew that the REDBLACKS did not have a traditional running back in their lineup and that Brown would have to pass and pass and pass.

Two interceptions, yes. One of them came when Brown was fooled by Toronto middle linebacker extraordinaire, Wynton McManis (join the club), who did what he does so often; he made a beautiful piece. The second came later, when Brown was in “gotta take every chance I can get” mode, losing 51-32 with two minutes on the clock.

After years in the quarterback wilderness, the Ottawa REDBLACKS are now ready for the future.

AND FINALLY… I declare that “Dark Thor” is my personal copyrighted property. Just in case Marvel hadn’t thought of it…what is it? Condemn.