3Down power rankings: Laval, Western earn write-in votes over Redblacks

Two Canadian University football teams have received write-in votes over the Ottawa Redblacks for the 3DownNation power rankings.

The way our crew ranks the CFL squads has been amended to allow Laval University and Western University to be ranked by three rankers. The Rouge et Or are the defending Vanier Cup champions, the Mustangs won the national title a year ago and the only USports program undefeated in 2019 during the regular season.

Some of the pundits feel Laval and Western are playing better football than the Redblacks, and really, they’re not wrong. Both topped their respective conference, are executing at a higher level and play disciplined ball. Meanwhile, the Redblacks — who are last in the East Division — can’t find the word ‘execute’ in the dictionary.

The power rankings are done by having 3Down contributors rank each team from No. 1 to No. 9. The team with the fewest “points” gets the top ranking with each subsequent club receiving rankings two through nine. The previous week’s rankings are listed in brackets.

Photo Scott Grant / CFLPhotoArchive.com

1. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1)

Speedy B is running away with the MOP.

(The Ticats can beat the McMaster Marauders.)

Photo Scott Grant / CFLPhotoArchive.com

2. Saskatchewan Roughriders (3)

Cody Fajardo comes up clutch, again.

(The Riders can beat the Regina Rams.)

Photo Scott Grant / CFLPhotoArchive.com

3. Calgary Stampeders (2)

Bo Levi Mitchell doesn’t control the West for once.

(The Stamps can beat the Calgary Dinos.)

Screengrab courtesy Winnipeg Blue Bombers

4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4)

Zach Collaros looks healthy and fresh.

(The Bombers can beat the Manitoba Bisons.)

Photo Scott Grant / CFLPhotoArchive.com

5. Montreal Alouettes (5)

Vernon Adams Jr. post-season sharp.

(The Als can beat the Montreal Carabins.)

Photo Scott Grant / CFLPhotoArchive.com

6. Edmonton Eskimos (6)

The return of Trevor Harris failed to produce a win.

(The Esks can beat the Alberta Golden Bears.)

Photo Scott Grant / CFLPhotoArchive.com

7. B.C. Lions (7)

Bryan Burnham is outstanding, but not the most.

(The Lions can beat the UBC Thunderbirds.)

Screengrab courtesy Toronto Argos

8. Toronto Argonauts (8)

Canadian quarterback Michael O’Connor looks very promising.

(The Argos can beat the U of T Varsity Blues.)

9. Laval Rouge et Or (NR)

Glen Constantin coaches his team better than the Redblacks.

Photo courtesy: Western University athletics

10. Western Mustangs (NR)

Chris Merchant has been to a CFL camp and is better than at least on quarterback on the Redblacks roster.

Photo Scott Grant / CFLPhotoArchive.com

11. Ottawa Redblacks (9)

The look on your face when you’re ranked No. 11 out of nine teams.