To avoid triggering any unnecessary controversy, we’re tossing out these challenge flags to keep the CFL Command Centre from interfering with tonight’s game between the league-leading Montreal Alouettes and the West Division-leading Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Despite last week’s controversial tie against the Ottawa REDBLACKS, the Riders hold the top spot in the CFL Western Division.
However, with Nathan Rourke returning to the B.C. Lions this week, there’s little room for error if they want to maintain their lead.
Tonight, the green and white have a second chance to stop rookie Montreal QB Davis Alexander, who led an impressive comeback against a fatigued Roughrider defense a few weeks ago. Here are some challenges for the Riders as they aim to reclaim their winning form at Mosaic Stadium.
Returning Backfield Stars
Tonight is the much-anticipated return of Saskatchewan's starting QB, Trevor Harris, after a six-week absence.
His understudy managed to keep the Riders atop the division with a 2-3-1 record during his absence, but Harris's return is expected to significantly boost the offense. While there may be some rust, Harris’s leadership and quick release should help the offense move more efficiently through the air.
At the time of his injury, Harris led the CFL in passing yards per game, and his return should add much-needed balance to the Roughriders' offensive attack.
In addition to Harris, starting RB A.J. Ouellette will also return to the backfield.
Despite Ouellette's absence, the running game thrived with Frankie Hickson tearing through opposing defenses.
Due to current ratio constraints, the Riders couldn't dress both RBs, but having both back soon would be ideal given their contrasting running styles.
One thing is certain: both Ouellette and Harris are locker room leaders for the 2024 team, and their return should provide a much-needed boost to the recently sputtering offense.
Shuffle continues along the O- line
Good news and bad news for the Riders upfront this week.
The positive: the same five offensive linemen will dress and start for the first time in five weeks.
The bad news: for the 6th week in a row, they'll have a new right tackle.
Stepping up to the task is 2023 Outstanding Offensive Lineman nominee Logan Ferland, making his first CFL start at tackle.
A former Saskatoon Hilltop, Melfort Comet 9- a side football stud, Ferland is no stranger to the tackle position from his junior days.
He's already filled in admirably during the 2023 and 2024 seasons due to in-game injuries, but this will be his first significant test, facing one of the CFL's top defensive units.
The corresponding move sees American Nick Jones shifted inside to right guard. It will be interesting to see how this new unit performs together with a less mobile QB behind them.
Trevor Harris is known for his quick release, but lacks the pocket mobility that Shea Patterson has displayed in recent weeks.
More of the same on defence
After a couple of weeks' absence, the Saskatchewan Roughriders' defense returned to their early season's dominant form last week in Ottawa, holding them to 10 points through regulation time in a sloppy Thursday night affair.
They also answered one of our recent challenges by adding some much-needed pressure on the REDBLACKS QBs, picking up five sacks and another interception for All-CFL DB Rolan Milligan.
Tonight, the same men are up front on the D-line, along with the return of Jameer Thurmon to the linebacker crew.
The return of Thurmon as an on-field leader should work wonders for this group, a group that should have a chip on their shoulder from their recent performance against Davis Alexander a couple of weeks back in Montreal. The defense will have to find a way to make life more difficult for Alexander this evening, as their zone coverage has been much more effective when they’ve generated a pass rush up front.
Will they be able to serve up a plate of prairie revenge on Prairie Proud night? We will find out starting at 7:00 pm tonight at Mosaic.
