The Saskatchewan Roughriders (3–0) host the BC Lions (1–2) at Mosaic Stadium in a rematch of the 2024 Western Semi-Final, with the undefeated Riders aiming to extend their division lead and the Lions fighting to avoid falling further behind in the CFL West standings.
Lions’ quarterback uncertainty looms large
BC’s offense hinges on Nathan Rourke’s availability, listed as a game-time decision due to a core injury. Backup Jeremiah Masoli, who threw for 281 yards but tossed two interceptions in Week 3, would start if Rourke is sidelined. The Lions face a Roughriders secondary allowing 336 passing yards per game, presenting opportunities for receivers like Justin McInnis (94 yards in Week 3) to exploit mismatches.
Roughriders’ offensive firepower meets defensive questions
With starting QB Trevor Harris out, Jake Maier makes his 2025 debut for Saskatchewan, tasked with maintaining a league-leading offense averaging 32.7 points per game. Maier, who has 11,685 career passing yards, must leverage a deep receiver corps featuring Samuel Emilus, KeeSean Johnson, and breakout Week 3 star Dohnte Meyers (125 yards, 2 TDs). The Riders’ ground game, led by AJ Ouellette (187 rushing yards over two games), complements their aerial attack.
Watch live. BC Lions @ Saskatchewan Roughriders, June 29, 01:00 CET (1 am, 7 pm June 28 ET)
Defensive vulnerabilities under scrutiny
- Saskatchewan’s pass defense, allowing 1,000+ yards through three games, must tighten against BC’s aerial threats. DB Rolan Milligan Jr. anchors a unit needing improved performances from Tevaughn Campbell and Marcus Sayles.
- BC’s secondary, conversely, has been stellar (201 passing yards allowed/game) but faces a Riders offense with four different 100-yard receivers this season.
Special teams and intangibles
- Saskatchewan kick returner Mario Alford (600 combined yards, 4 career kickoff return TDs) threatens to swing momentum. His record-setting 380 kickoff yards include a game-winning TD with 0:09 remaining in Week 3.
- Penalties plague both teams: Saskatchewan drew 18 flags last week, while BC’s discipline (6-of-6 opponent third-down conversions allowed) remains a concern.
Playoff implications and historical context
A Riders win would replicate their 4–0 start from 2024 and solidify their West dominance. The Lions, 2–3 in their last five trips to Mosaic Stadium, need to reverse road struggles (3–7 away since 2023) to stay relevant in the playoff race.
Keys to victory
- BC: Early scoring to silence Mosaic Stadium’s crowd, reduce turnovers, and contain AJ Ouellette’s rushing lanes.
- Saskatchewan: Maier’s poise in his first start, defensive adjustments to limit big plays, and leveraging Alford’s return game.
Kickoff at Mosaic Stadium (7:00 PM ET) on Saturday sets the stage for a high-stakes clash between a surging Saskatchewan squad and a desperate BC team seeking redemption.