Saskatchewan Roughriders (11-8-0)
at Toronto Argonauts (9-9-0)
Sunday, noon, BMO Field
TSN, CKRM
THE FORECAST: Environment Canada is calling for a 60-per-cent chance of rain showers or flurries and a high of 4 C.
THE LOWDOWN: The Roughriders and Argonauts are to meet for the third time this season. Saskatchewan swept the regular-season games, winning 38-27 in Regina on July 29 and 27-24 in Toronto on Oct. 7 … This is the Roughriders’ first appearance in a division final since 2013, when they beat the Calgary Stampeders in the West final en route to winning the Grey Cup … It’s also the Argos’ first appearance in a division final since 2013. That season, Toronto lost to the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East final … Saskatchewan is the 10th West Division team to cross over into the East Division playoffs since the format was adopted in 1996. No crossover squad has ever reached the Grey Cup game … The Roughriders have won five straight road games, including the East semifinal last Sunday in Ottawa.
THE RIDERS’ ROSTER: Kevin Glenn starts at quarterback for the Roughriders after turning in a solid effort in the East semifinal. The 17-year veteran was 18-for-28 passing for 252 yards with a touchdown and rushed three times for 10 yards and a TD in Saskatchewan’s 31-20 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks. Glenn has started 12 playoff games in his CFL career and has a 5-7 record … When the Roughriders visited Toronto in the regular season, Brandon Bridge came off the bench and was spectacular (20-for-28, 292 yards, two TDs) in the come-from-behind victory … Marcus Thigpen retains the job as the Roughriders’ international tailback, in part because he’s healthier than Cameron Marshall and Trent Richardson. Thigpen’s showing last Sunday — 15 carries for 169 yards and a touchdown — likely also played a part in the Roughriders’ decision. Kienan LaFrance and Greg Morris will be the Roughriders’ national tailbacks … The Roughriders’ starting receivers once again will be Rob Bagg, Duron Carter, Bakari Grant, Chad Owens and Naaman Roosevelt … Guard Brendon LaBatte, who sustained an injury to his left leg in the Roughriders’ regular-season finale, remains out of the lineup. Derek Dennis, who filled in for LaBatte in Ottawa, starts again at left guard … The rest of the line remains the same as the Ottawa game, with Dan Clark at centre, Peter Dyakowski at right guard, and Bruce Campbell and Thaddeus Coleman at the tackle spots … The D-line rotation comprises Tobi Antigha, Rakim Cox, Makana Henry, Willie Jefferson, A.C. Leonard, Ese Mrabure and Eddie Steele … The starting linebacking corps remains the same, with Derrick Moncrief on the strong side, Henoc Muamba in the middle and Jeff Knox Jr., on the weak side. Sam Eguavoen, who had a key interception against the Redblacks, backs up Knox … The starting secondary remains intact, with Jovon Johnson and Kacy Rodgers II on the corners, Crezdon Butler and Ed Gainey at halfback, and Mike Edem at safety … Christion Jones once again will handle returns for Saskatchewan. Jones had a 45-yard punt return in Ottawa after accepting a lateral from Owens — a play that the Roughriders hadn’t run previously this season … Josh Bartel (punter), Tyler Crapigna (kicker) and Jorgen Hus (long-snapper) remain Saskatchewan’s specialists … The only change to the roster this week has backup safety Marc-Olivier Brouillette replacing receiver Chris Getzlaf. Brouillette missed the game in Ottawa because his wife gave birth to a son early Sunday morning.
