Tiger-Cats brace for life without Collaros in marquee game vs. Stampeders

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are presented with a difficult test in their first game without star quarterback Zach Collaros, hosting the West Division-leading Calgary Stampeders on Friday.

Collaros tore his ACL in a 25-18 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos on Sept. 19. The Tiger-Cats star was the presumptive Most Outstanding Player favorite, completing 70.2 percent of his passes for 25 touchdowns against eight interceptions.

Jeff Mathews is the Tiger-Cats' presumptive starter, and Collaros provided his backup with a vote of confidence.

"He's a confident kid," Collaros said last Tuesday to the CBC's Kelly Bennett. "He's a strong kid. Got a strong arm. He's a smart kid. I personally think he's going to do an unbelievable job."

Calgary has allowed 328.2 yards per game, the third-best total in the league, and will be looking to pressure the inexperienced Mathews into a series of turnovers.

The Stampeders will be seeking to impose their will on offense, boasting the league's marquee receiver in Eric Rogers. Rogers has recorded 67 receptions for 1,124 yards and seven touchdowns thus far, and is paired with Marquay McDaniel to form the CFL's most dangerous receiving tandem.

In the season opener, Calgary emerged with a 24-23 victory over Hamilton. With another win Friday, the Stampeders will be well on their way to clinching a playoff spot.