As part of our coverage leading up to the 102nd Grey Cup in Vancouver, TSN.ca takes a look at four key matchups that could go a long way in determing the outcome of Sunday's game.

 

Jon Cornish vs Tiger-Cats run defence

It's the league's best running back against the league's top run stoppers. Cornish proved just how valuable he is, leading the league in regular season rushing with 1,082 yards on the ground despite playing in just 10 games. Jon Cornish The former Most Outstanding Player was the only running back in the league to eclipse 1,000 yards rushing and showed he's back to 100 percent - or at least close - in the Western Final, combining for 174 yards and two touchdowns. 

Perhaps in response to Kory Sheets' huge performance in last year's Grey Cup, the Ticats committed to improving against the run this season. Led by linebacker Simoni Lawrence, Hamilton led the league in almost all defensive rushing categories. They were first in fewest yards net rushing with 1,382 (an average of 76.8 yards per game, almost 20 fewer than the second place team), and gave up the fewest first downs to the run.

The Ticats were rushed on less than any other team in the league but that figures to change with Cornish in the backfield and a championship on the line. Cornish was injured for both regular season meetings between the two clubs.

 

Zach Collaros vs Stampeders secondary

Making only his second career postseason start, Zach Collaros will face three division All-Stars in the Stampeders secondary. Cornerback Fred Bennett and halfbacks Jamar Wall and BrandonZach Collaros Smith will do their best to make Collaros' second postseason start not nearly as enjoyable as his first, but numbers suggest Collaros may have the advantage heading into Sunday.

The Stamps were the second most thrown on team in the league this season, partly due to the fact they didn't do much to deter opposing offences. Calgary gave up the third most passing yards (253.1 per game) and the third highest completion percentage for oppossing QBs (63.1). For his part, Collaros averaged 250 yards passing and a 65 percent completion rate in his 13 regular season games.

What Collaros will have to be mindful of however, is the turnover. The Stamps' secondary's strength lies in their ballhawking ability. They had the second most interceptions in the league with 20 this season. And when they do force turnovers, they make teams pay. Calgary led the league in interception return yards with 417.

 

Stampeders pass rushers vs Tiger-Cats offensive line

If there was a stat for turnover in a position group, the Ticats' offensive line would likely be among the league leaders. 11 different linemen have started for the Ticats this year, including a whopping four at left tackle alone.Shawn Lemon Only Brian Simmons and Tim O'Neill have started every game for Hamilton this season, but neither has stayed at the same position all year.

The Ticats did gain some continuity on the line in the second half of the season, a good thing for Collaros with two of the league's top pass rushers coming into town. Shawn Lemon was tied for second in the league in sacks with 13 and last year's sack leader Charleston Hughes, would have likely hit thirteen at least if not for missing six games in the regular season. A year after compiling 18 quarterback sacks, Hughes amassed eight in just 12 regular season games played.

 

Brandon Banks vs Rob Maver

This matchup could become Brandon Banks vs the Stampeders' punt coverage team, but if Maver does his job well, Banks won't be given the opportunity to take on the rest of Calgary's special teams.Brandon Banks

There's no question Banks, winner of two Special Teams Player of the Week awards, is the top returner in the league and has game breaking ability. He showed just how big of an impact he, and the rest of Hamilton's superb special teams, can have on a game in the Eastern Final. While it's unrealistic to think Banks will have a repeat performance on Grey Cup Sunday, his return skills will go a long way in helping the Ticats win the field position battle.

The Stamps best strategy may be to keep the ball out of Banks' hands, and with a punter like Maver they may prove very successful at it. A West Division All-Star, and the team's nominee for Most Outstanding Special Teams Player, Maver was second in the league in punting average at 45.4, second only to Toronto's Swayze Waters.