Will the Stampeders' motorcycle taunts backfire, or will they run over the Eskimos again?

The annual Labour Day Classic game between the Edmonton Eskimos and the Calgary Stampeders (4:30 p.m. Eastern, TSN/ESPN3) always produces some sparks given the provincial rivalry and the teams' long-seated dislike of each other, but it may be even more fiery than usual this year. For one thing, these teams are both 7-1 and are duking it out for first place in the West Division. For another, the first game they played this year was a hotly-contested 26-22 Calgary win in Edmonton July 24, and it produced some extra fuel in the aftermath when a group of Stampeders posed with Eskimos' head coach Chris Jones' motorcycle. That photo (seen at right) resurfaced this week ahead of Monday's rivalry game in Calgary, with Stampeders players like Shawn Lemon and Charleston Hughes using it as their Twitter avatar and getting into social media wars with Edmonton's Odell Willis and Almondo Sewell. Here are some of the back-and-forth tweets (language warning):

So, there's definitely some emotion on both sides ahead of this one. There should be some good on-field action, too, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Heading into this week's games, Calgary and Edmonton were #1 and #2 in scoring defence, allowing 15.1 and 17.8 points per game respectively. The Eskimos had allowed the league's lowest completion percentage (54.2 per cent; the Stamps were fourth with 61.9 per cent) and the second-lowest gain per pass (6.6 yards; Calgary was third with 6.9 yards per pass), while the Stamps had allowed the least yards per run (4.7) and the least rushing yards per game (79.1); Edmonton was second in both of those categories, though, allowing 4.9 yards per run and 82.1 rushing yards per game. The Eskimos also led the league with 14 interceptions (Calgary was tied for second with nine) and were second in sacks (29; the Stampeders were fourth with 25). Both defences have been great so far; which one will prevail Monday?

The question of who comes out on top here may depend on the offences, and health may play a role there. Calgary's lineup recently got a boost thanks to the return of running back Jon Cornish, the CFL's reigning Most Outstanding Player. Cornish, who had been out since June 28 with a concussion, came back last week against Ottawa. His 74 rushing yards on 16 carries in that game were more solid than spectacular, but he has game-breaking ability, and his return to the lineup gives the Stampeders ratio flexibility. Meanwhile, Edmonton quarterback Mike Reilly's thumb hasn't completely healed from an injury he took last week against Toronto, and his starting status is up in the air. The Stamps also lead the league in touchdowns (21) and yards gained per pass (8.3) and are second in offensive yards per game (358.6), so they might have the offensive edge; home-field advantage might also favour them. They won't have an easy time against that turnover-hungry Edmonton defence, though. Will the Stampeders be able to come out on top and live up to the taunts, or will the motorcycle boasts backfire against them? We'll find out Monday evening.