LIVESTREAM CFL: Saskatchewan Roughriders @ Hamilton Tiger-Cats, June 15, 01:00 CET (1 am, 7 pm June 14, ET)

| American Football | 06/14/2025

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-1) host the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-0) at Tim Hortons Field on Saturday night, as the Roughriders aim to extend their winning start while Hamilton seeks redemption after a Week 1 loss to Calgary.

Roughriders’ ground game vs. Tiger-Cats’ run defense
Saskatchewan’s rushing attack, led by AJ Ouellette (cleared to play after a Week 1 injury) and backup Ka’Deem Carey (1,060 yards in 2024), faces a Hamilton front that allowed 158 rushing yards to Calgary. Ouellette’s return bolsters a backfield that saw Thomas Bertrand-Hudon step up with 57 yards and a touchdown against Ottawa. Hamilton’s defensive line, featuring Casey Sayles and TyJuan Garbutt, must tighten gaps to avoid a repeat of last week’s struggles.

The Roughriders’ offensive balance—31 rushes vs. 28 passes in Week 1—contrasts with Hamilton’s reliance on Bo Levi Mitchell’s arm (50 pass attempts). If Saskatchewan controls the clock via the run, Hamilton’s defense risks fatigue, a critical factor in late-game scenarios.

Watch live. Saskatchewan Roughriders @ Hamilton Tiger-Cats, June 15, 01:00 CET (1 am, 7 pm June 14, ET)

Quarterback duel: Experience vs. precision
Hamilton’s Bo Levi Mitchell, one win shy of 100 career victories, seeks to rebound from a 304-yard, two-interception outing. His 50-pass effort highlighted the Tiger-Cats’ lackluster ground support (26 rushing yards). Improved production from Greg Bell (14 yards in Week 1) is essential to ease Mitchell’s load.

Saskatchewan’s Trevor Harris brings surgical accuracy (59-52-2 career record) against a Hamilton secondary that intercepted Calgary twice. Harris’s connection with Samuel Emilus (8 catches, 133 yards vs. Ottawa) will test Hamilton’s Stavros Katsantonis and Jonathan Moxey, who combined for two picks last week.

Third-down battles and pressure points
Hamilton’s defensive front, led by Mario Kendricks and Isaiah Bagnah (one sack each), must disrupt Harris to counter Saskatchewan’s efficient offense. The Roughriders allowed zero sacks in Week 1, but Malik Carney’s four-sack 2024 season underscores their ability to pressure Mitchell.

For Hamilton, protecting Mitchell is paramount. A clean pocket could unleash receivers Tim White (300+ career catches) and rookie Isaiah Wooden (214 all-purpose yards vs. Calgary), who must exploit a Saskatchewan secondary missing linebacker C.J. Avery (bicep injury).

Special teams and historical context
Mario Alford’s electrifying returns (27.8-yard average in Week 1) give Saskatchewan a field-position edge. Hamilton’s Marc Liegghio, with 18 consecutive made field goals, must capitalize on every scoring chance.

Historically, Saskatchewan dominates this matchup (56-43-4), including a 33-30 Week 2 win in 2024. However, Hamilton holds a 3-1 home record against the Riders since 2019.

Injury impacts and milestones

  • Saskatchewan loses receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker (foot) but retains Emilus’s deep-threat prowess.
  • Hamilton’s Brendan O’Leary-Orange (ribs) is sidelined, increasing pressure on White and Wooden.
  • Mitchell’s quest for 100 wins faces a stiff test against Harris’s 11-6 record as a Roughriders starter.

Outlook
The Roughriders’ balanced offense and stifling run defense pose a multifaceted challenge for Hamilton. Mitchell’s experience and home-field advantage offer the Tiger-Cats a path to redemption, but containing Harris’s precision and Emilus’s explosiveness is non-negotiable. With playoff implications looming early, this clash hinges on trenches and turnovers—a litmus test for two teams with postseason aspirations.

Watch live. Saskatchewan Roughriders @ Hamilton Tiger-Cats, June 15, 01:00 CET (1 am, 7 pm June 14, ET)

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