Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-4) @ Calgary Stampeders (3-1-1)
McMahon Stadium – Calgary, Alberta
8:00pm (CST) Kickoff
TV: TSN 1/3/4/5, ESPN2
Radio: Rider Radio Network (Pregame Show begins at 5:00pm)
CKRM 620AM – Regina
CJGX 940AM – Yorkton
CFWD (Cruz FM) 96.3FM – Saskatoon
CJNB 1050AM – North Battleford
CJNS 102.3FM – Meadow Lake
CKBI 900AM – Prince Albert
CKBI 92.5FM – Big River
CKBI 95.9FM – LaRonge
Estimated temperature at Kickoff: Partly Cloudy 18C (64F)
It seems like at this point of the football season and with the current state of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, everyone has written them off for tonight’s game against the Calgary Stampeders.
The Stamps are rolling and after a frantic come-from-behind win over the B.C. Lions in overtime last week, they are by far the favourites (-10.5) tonight at home against the Green and White.
Calgary’s offence is very similar to that of the Ottawa REDBLACKS: wide receiver screens, deep shots up the middle of the secondary and the receivers are very physical and great up-field blockers. The only mark is a banged up offensive line with two veterans on the six-game disabled list (Dan Federkeil and Karl Lavoie).
Bo Levi Mitchell has placed himself at the top of the pyramid of CFL quarterbacks with his play over the past few seasons. He has done this by starting as a game-managing rookie to now being a game-dictating veteran. Mitchell is at or near the top of every CFL passing category, and most surprising, has been one of the few pivots to remain healthy.
Since being named the permanent starter in 2014, Mitchell has started 31 of 36 Stampeder games (two of the non-starts were in the final week of both the ’14 and ’15 seasons where he wasn’t injured). So other than a three-week stretch in 2014, Mitchell hasn’t missed a start.
Consistency is key across the board for Calgary. With John Hufnagel heading upstairs and relinquishing his head coaching duties, the Stampeders haven’t missed a step with former offensive coordinator, Dave Dickenson taking over the reins.
The defence is dotted with veteran players across the field. The play of Deron Mayo, Charleston Hughes, Joe Burnett and Junior Turner has helped ease the pain of letting go of their defensive leader Keon Raymond in the off-season (free agency) and the release of linebacker Juwan Simpson in January.
Where does this leave the Riders?
Actually, even with the dud last week in Montreal, in a pretty good spot. Lessons have been learned and a devastated, injury plagued lineup is beginning to see the return of some familiar faces.
The biggest piece is Darian Durant. The veteran CFL star will be a welcomed back to the lineup, not just with his actions on the field, but with his leadership off of it.
Practice this week had a different feel with #4 under centre. It was calm, upbeat and efficient. This is not a slight against the play of Mitchell Gale, he has been by far the best back-up for Durant since the departure of Drew Willy to Winnipeg. But to have Durant leading the offence gives this Rider club a sense of confidence that no one else can give them.
Tonight will also see the return of Dan Clark to the offensive line and Buddy Jackson to the secondary. This can only help in this crucial West Division rivalry game.
So, what can we expect? First, a much better effort than that in Montreal less than a week ago. Secondly, an incredibly physical game with the Riders top rival. It will be an interesting, and hopefully, entertaining football game.
What to watch this week in Calgary:
1. Kendial Lawrence – the Rider returner will be making his first start at running back for the Green and White. We will see how he will hold up being the #1 back and not having to handle the majority of return duties.
2. Rider Defensive backfield – They will have their hands full with a great trio of receivers in Marquay McDaniel, Bacari Grant and Greg Wilson.
3. Pressure on Mitchell – This will be essential to the Riders success tonight. It is a must to make Bo Levi Mitchell’s night miserable.
4. One big play on Special Teams – It was the key to the victory over the Ottawa REDBLACKS in week four. The blocked punt for a touchdown lit a spark under the Riders and they rode that to their lone win of the year.
5. Darian – Need I say more?
Fast Facts:
– The Riders are a full year of experience younger (3.06 to Calgary’s 4.2 years) than the Stampeders.
– Welcome to the Riders Ivan Brown, welcome back to the Riders Kris Bastien and welcome to the CFL Quinn Van Gylswyk
– Darian Durant and Bo Levi Mitchell have never faced each other as starting quarterbacks in the CFL.
– Darian Durant is 5-10-1 in regular season games against the Stampeders with his last regular season victory in Calgary coming on August 1st, 2009. This is also the last time the Riders won a regular season game in Calgary.
– The Riders have 13 CFL rookies in the lineup tonight to Calgary’s seven.
– The last time the Riders won a road game against a West Division opponent…September 14th, 2014 in Winnipeg.
