Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-4) @ Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-8)
Mosaic Stadium – Regina, SK
1:00pm (CST) Kickoff
TV: TSN 1/3/4/5
Radio: Rider Radio Network (Pre-game Show begins at 10:00am)
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)
“Victory has 100 fathers and defeat is an orphan.” – John F. Kennedy
If any quote sums up how the Roughrider organization feels right now, this is it. When you feel like this, the only thing an organization can do is circle the wagons, and get things back on track.
It begins with the Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Historically the Riders have dominated this series, as evidenced by the current and well-documented 11-game winning streak.
The Riders have won in a variety of ways: when they have been heavy favourites, or heavy underdogs, they have come from behind, there have been blowouts and more than a few nail-biters. This season, with the Bombers coming in on a four-game winning streak, the Green and White are definite underdogs.
Much of the discussion has been on the former Riders returning to Mosaic Stadium, most specifically, Weston Dressler. The former Rider star will also be making his return to the lineup after a lengthy stint on the injury list.
Though Dressler will make an impact on a couple of plays, the player that has consistently had his way with the Riders during his career, running back Andrew Harris.
This season, Harris has done everything the Bombers have wanted and needed. Here’s a taste of what he has done for the Blue and Gold in 2016: he is Winnipeg’s top rusher, has the most receptions, leads the team in touchdowns and is third in reception yards.
As a member of the B.C. Lions, Harris was a Rider killer, especially the past two seasons.
His career stats against the Green and White in 15 games as a starter/regular (since 2011) in the Lions lineup:
Rushing:
139 Carries, 765 yards, 3TD’s, 5.5 yard Avg.
Receiving:
41 Receptions, 417 yards, 1TD, 10.2 yard Avg.
Harris has six games with 100+ yards from scrimmage and has done so in four of his past five games against the Riders.
He has been so good, he was also the focus of our Chalk Talk this week with Luc Mullinder. Watch here!
The former Vancouver Island Raider is the first, second and third option for Matt Nicholls and the Bomber offence.
What do the Riders need to do to stop Harris? First, eliminate the contain mistakes made by the defensive front that allowed the Eskimos’ Mike Reilly and Shakir Bell to have outstanding games last week.
Secondly, mix things up. Unique coverages, exotic blitz packages, and even have one or two players shadow Harris the whole game.
Thirdly, the biggest help could come from the Rider offence. Some of the long, time killing drives that were a staple of the second half last week in Edmonton would be the best of both worlds. Keep the ball out of the Bombers’ hands, and pick up touchdowns or field goals along the way.
Much of this pressure will be on Darian Durant. The Rider pivot is undefeated in Labour Day Classics (6-0) and will do everything in his power to will the Green and White to their 12th straight Classic victory!
Fast Facts:
School Ties:
- Jorgen Hus (SSK), Tevaughn Campbell (SSK) and Addison Richards (WPG) 2011-12 at the University of Regina
- Tevaughn Campbell (SSK) and Addison Richards (WPG) 2011-14 at the University of Regina
- Naaman Roosevelt (SSK) and Drew Willy (WPG) 2006-08 at the University of Buffalo
- Justin Capicciotti (SSK), Matthias Goosen (WPG) and Derek Jones (WPG) 2010-11 at Simon Fraser
- Greg Jones (SSK) and Johnny Adams (WPG) 2009-10 at Michigan State
- Matt Webster (SSK) and Brendan Morgan (WPG) 2010-13 at Queen’s
- Kacy Rodgers (SSK) and Shayon Green (WPG) 2010-13 at the University of Miami
- Ivan Brown (SSK) and Rory Kohlert (WPG) 2007-08 at the University of Saskatchewan
- Nic Demski (SSK) and Teague Sherman (WPG) 2011-12 at the University of Manitoba
Former Riders now Bombers: Drew Willy (2012-13), Weston Dressler (2008-15), Sam Hurl (2012-14), Chad Rempel (2014), Jermarcus Hardrick (2015), Keith Shologan (2008-13), Brandon Tennant (2015), Clarence Denmark (2016 TC), Paul LaPolice (coach 2007-09), Richie Hall (1988-91 player, 1994-2000 & 2011-14 coach), Bob Wylie (2009 coach), Avon Cobourne (2014-15 coach), Todd Howard (2014-15 coach), Tony Missick (2015 coach)
Former Bombers now Riders: Graig Newman (2014-15), Ivan Brown (2015), Mike Scheper (2014 coach), Markus Howell (2000-04 & 2010 player, 2011-15 coach.
- This will be Darian Durant’s 150th career CFL game.
- This is Shamawd Chambers 50th career CFL game.
- Welcome to the CFL Makana Henry.
- Welcome to the Green and White Bryn Roy and Greg Morris.
- Xavier Fulton, Otha Foster and Thaddeus Coleman have started every CFL game they have played.
- Last year’s starting quarterbacks in the Labour Day Classic: Brett Smith (Riders) and Brian Brohm (Bombers).
- Henry Burris was the last losing Rider quarterback in the LDC.
- Darian Durant is the Riders leading rusher with 141 yards.
