Ticats and Argos face off in a battle that may be huge in the race for first in the East Division

The Southern Ontario rivalry between the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats heats up again Friday night when the Tiger-Cats head to Toronto (7 p.m. Eastern, TSN/ESPN3), but there's more at stake than just bragging rights. With Hamilton leading the East at 6-7, the Argonauts close behind at 5-8, and just four games left after this for each club, this game could go a long way towards deciding first place in the division and the crucial first-round bye that comes along with it. So, who's got the edge Friday?

When the Argonauts have the ball, they look pretty good, especially when they're throwing it. With Ricky Ray at the helm, they're averaging 26.2 points per game (third in the league), have the CFL's best completion rate (68.4 per cent), have the most passing first downs (160) and touchdowns (24), and are tied with Hamilton for the league lead in passing yards per game (276.2). Their ground game isn't quite as dominant, averaging 96.5 yards per game (fifth in the CFL), but their average of 5.8 yards per carry is very solid, tied for third-best in the league.

Hamilton's defence has been stingy, though, and that may play a factor. The Tiger-Cats have allowed the fewest yards of net offence (3893), although not the lowest yards per game (Edmonton and B.C., who have both played one more game, lead them there), and the least rushing yards per game (78.9). They haven't been as good against the pass, but they're still decent there, allowing the third-best yards per pass (7.1), the fourth-lowest completion percentage (62.8 per cent) and the fifth-lowest passing yards per game (245.0). If they can stop the Argos' ground game and force Ray into some mistakes, this game may work out well for them.

In fact, this game may well be decided by which defence steps up. Hamilton's offence has also been good through the air, particularly since Zach Collaros has returned to the starting lineup. Even with him missing time earlier this year, they're still tied with Toronto on the season for passing yards per game. However, they're last in total rushing yards. Meanwhile, the Argos' defence is tied for the second-worst yards per pass (7.8), but is third-best in completion percentage allowed (62.3 per cent), so they don't get beaten often; it's just often a big play when they do.

The Toronto defence was really weak earlier this year, but has improved markedly since, especially against the pass. They're now fourth in passing yards allowed per game (240.2). If they do better against the high-powered Ticats aerial attack than the Hamilton defence does against Ray and company, that could swing this in their favour.

We'll see if either of these defences can make an impact Friday. If they can, that may decide this game, and go a long way towards deciding the East playoff picture as well. Friday's game won't entirely determine who locks up first, but it could give either side a major edge. That makes it even more important than your typical Ticats-Argos blood feud.