KEN MURRAY BREAK DOWN THE GAME

THE BALTIMORE SUN

THE MATCHUPS

QUARTERBACKS

Rookie Marvin Graves has started seven games for the Argos; Baltimore's Tracy Ham has played eight seasons. With 30 touchdown passes and only 13 picks in a new offense, this may be Ham's best season. Ham is only 3-5 in the postseason, though, and got to the Grey Cup only once as a starter in Edmonton. Graves, 2-5 as a starter, offers poise and leadership in lieu of experience. Edge Baltimore

RUNNING BACKS

Toronto's Pinball Clemons has rushed for 190 yards and two TDs two games against Baltimore. In backup Muhammad Shamsid-Deen, the Argos have a potent 1-2 punch. With Mike Pringle out, the CFLs counter with Robert Drummond and fullback Peter Tuipulotu, who may turn up prominently in the passing game. Drummond has yet to rush the ball for Baltimore. Edge Toronto

RECEIVERS

The Argos' top two receivers, wide-out Paul Masotti and slotback Robert Gordon, have 18 TD catches between them. Masotti, with a 19.1-yard average, is the deep threat. For Baltimore, Chris Armstrong has 18 TDs among his 72 receptions, averaging 22 yards a catch. Walter Wilson (50 for 900 and 4 TDs) is also a deep threat. Edge Baltimore

OFFENSIVE LINE

Baltimore's all-American line has given up the second fewest sacks in the league (27) and unleashes the best running game (158.8). Tackles Shar Pourdanesh and Neal Fort are the anchors. Toronto has given up 40 sacks and averages 101.9 rushing yards a game. Guard Pierre Percheval was chosen Toronto's outstanding lineman. Edge Baltimore

DEFENSIVE LINE

Baltimore's defensive front is third against the rush and 10th in sacks. Toronto is second against the run, and fifth in sacks. Argos Rodney Harding has 16 sacks and Swift Burch 9. Baltimore's top sackers were O. J. Brigance and Robert Presbury with six each. On paper, then, Toronto looks better. Edge Toronto

LINEBACKERS

Toronto's middle linebacker Calvin Tiggle led the league in tackles with 121. Baltimore's top tackler was strong-side linebacker Tracey Gravely with 64. Gravely and Matt Goodwin are former defensive backs who've made the transition to

linebacker. Alvin Walton is Baltimore's third starter today, replacing injured Malcolm Goodwin. Edge Baltimore

SECONDARY

Toronto ranks last in pass defense, giving up 324.3 yards a game. Baltimore gave up 278.9 to rank eighth. DBs Irv Smith, Charles Anthony, Michael Brooks, Karl Anthony and Ken Watson accounted for 18 of Baltimore's 24 picks. Edge Baltimore

SPECIAL TEAMS

Toronto blocked five punts this season and returned one for a touchdown. Led by Matt Goodwin, Baltimore blocked five and returned all five for TDs. The CFLs also blocked two field goals. Edge Baltimore

COACHES

Toronto's Bob O'Billovich is 111-104-3 in 13 seasons, including 6-7 in the postseason. Baltimore's Don Matthews has a career record of 108-65-1 in 10 seasons, including 5-6 in the postseason. Both have won Grey Cups. Edge Baltimore

THE BOTTOM LINE

Toronto must keep the pass rush off Graves, get the ball to Clemons with room to maneuver and stay away from a passing duel. Baltimore must hold onto the ball after last week's obscene 11-fumble fiasco. On offense, the CFLs need to establish balance between the run and pass. Ham isn't likely to have two bad games in a row. Ultimately, it could come down to Baltimore's pass rush. The CFLs didn't have one the first two games against Toronto. Now they do. Getting to Graves early will be critical. Getting to him often will win. Edge Baltimore

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