The Canadian Press
The Rockstar QB Index is a weekly power ranking of quarterbacks across the CFL. The ranking reflects recent performance, historical value, statistical indicators, team success and overall on-field evaluation.
TORONTO — Something about facing the Calgary Stampeders seems to bring the best out of Zach Collaros.
In a season of ups and downs, the Riders’ quarterback was at the top of his game this week, picking apart the league-leading Stamps at McMahon Stadium.
For Collaros, who’s thrown more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (9), it was just what the doctor ordered coming off arguably the worst performance of his career, a 31-0 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers previously.
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While Collaros continues to try proving he’s an elite-level quarterback, there were two other standout performances at the position over the weekend.
Trevor Harris had a big second half against the Ticats, pulling his team back from a double-digit deficit to put the REDBLACKS in first in the East. Ottawa needs just one more win — or a Hamilton loss — to host the Eastern Final on Nov. 18.
Last but not least, in a virtual playoff game on the West Coast, Travis Lulay threw four touchdown passes, including three in a row to DeVier Posey, to clinch a playoff berth and put the Esks on the brink of elimination.
CFL.ca ranks the pivots heading into Week 20 in the latest Rockstar QB Index:
MIKE REILLY EDM
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 1
Mike Reilly watched helplessly from the sideline as his team allowed three third-quarter touchdowns in a devastating loss to the Lions. The reigning MOP has enjoyed another strong season, statistically, but with his team facing elimination as Grey Cup host, 2018 is quickly becoming a year to forget.
BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 2
The Stamps’ offence continued to struggle over the weekend, generating just 274 yards and 17 points in a home loss to the Roughriders. Injuries at receiver have clearly affected Bo Levi Mitchell, who’s averaged just 211.7 passing yards per game over his last three starts. Despite the slump, it’s been a stellar season for the seventh-year pivot.
JEREMIAH MASOLI HAM
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 3
The arrow continues pointing up for Jeremiah Masoli, who had another strong showing in Friday’s loss to the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Since Labour Day, Masoli has thrown 19 touchdowns to just six interceptions, proving he belongs in the top tier of CFL pivots. He’ll be tested by the absence of Brandon Banks, but Masoli has become a legitimate MOP candidate.
TREVOR HARRIS OTT
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: 4
Trevor Harris came through in all the biggest moments on Friday night, helping the REDBLACKS erase a 16-point deficit in a season-defining win. At the risk of being dramatic, this was a career breakthrough for Harris, who hasn’t exactly earned a reputation as a big-game quarterback. He now has his team on the brink of a division title.
MATT NICHOLS WPG
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 5
With the bye week behind him, the next two weeks will be critical for Matt Nichols. The Bombers have won four straight, but still need another victory to book their post-season ticket. After falling on tough times, Nichols has bounced back nicely this season, throwing five touchdowns and just one interception over his past four outings.
TRAVIS LULAY BC
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 6
Travis Lulay had an MOP-type performance over the weekend, throwing four touchdown passes to defeat Mike Reilly and the Edmonton Eskimos. The playoff-bound Lions have won six of their last seven, going from the brink of irrelevance to Grey Cup dark horse in the process. Lulay has been a big part of that, throwing 12 touchdowns to just seven interceptions at age 35.
ZACH COLLAROS SSK
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: 7
Coming off the worst start of his career, Zach Collaros produced a gem in Week 19, throwing for 352 yards while averaging 10.1 yards per attempt in a win over the Stamps at McMahon. It was a stunning victory for the Riders, who have now won eight of their last 10 games and could still win the West. Give Collaros credit: he’s rebounded with a 9-4 record since being traded.
JAMES FRANKLIN TOR
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: 8
He wasn’t always accurate, but James Franklin came through on Saturday at BMO Field, scoring on a late quarterback sneak to defeat the Montreal Alouettes. The Argos’ pivot has had an erratic first season in Toronto, but he does have one thing going for him, breaking Doug Flutie’s franchise record for rushing touchdowns in a season.
JOHNNY MANZIEL MTL
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: 9
Johnny Manziel remains without a win, but continues to trend in the right direction, completing 76.7 per cent of his passes for 220 yards, a touchdown and an interception in a loss to the Argos. In the last four games, Manziel has completed 68 per cent of his passes to go with three touchdowns, three interceptions and 8.2 yards per attempt.
INJURED: Ricky Ray (TOR)
