WINNIPEG — The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers will try to one-up their Labour Day Classic thriller in the second game of Saturday’s Forty Creek Quadruple Header.
It was Saskatchewan that came away with a 32-26 overtime victory in front of a raucous Mosaic Stadium crowd last Sunday.
With the scene shifting to Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg is looking to even the home-and-home.
Here’s three keys to victory for both teams ahead of Saturday’s 4:00 p.m. ET kickoff, which can be watched on TSN, CTV or Crave in Canada, as well as on CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.
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SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
1. BRINGING THE ENERGY ON DEFENCE
Linebacker Seyi Oladipo Jr. was playing like he had something to prove on OK Tire Labour Day Weekend, recording six defensive tackles and a sack. It’s the type of enthusiasm the Riders’ defence prides itself on and needs to emulate to have success again this week.
2. THE KICKING GAME
The Riders had kicked the fewest field goals of any team coming into the week with 24, and Alex Hale was converting at just 75 per cent. It’s forced head coach Corey Mace’s hand, as he’ll go with newly signed kicker Dawson Hodge in the rematch.
3. QUALI CONLEY IN THE… PASS GAME?
His main job is to find holes on the ground, but any production running back Quali Conley can add in the pass game is a bonus. He connected with Harris twice for 42 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, and simply posing a threat again is enough to keep the Bombers’ defence on its toes.
Watch live. Saskatchewan Roughriders @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Sept. 12, 22:00 CET (10 pm, 4 pm ET)
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
1. BRADY OLIVEIRA STILL CHASING 1,000
Personal milestones are great, but running back Brady Oliveira knows he has to produce more than the 28 yards he did in the first meeting to give his team a chance to win. Just 16 yards shy of hitting the 1,000-yard milestone for the fifth consecutive year, he’ll look to learn from his most recent performance, blow past the mark and lead his team to victory.
2. OLD FRIENDS
Once teammates and now foes, defensive lineman Willie Jefferson and Riders offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick will go head-to-head for a second time. Jefferson’s job is to make life difficult for quarterback Trevor Harris, whether that’s by adding to his seven pass knockdowns or six sacks.
3. NOT-SO-FRIENDLY CONFINES
The Rider fans showed what home field advantage can do when they helped disrupt the Bombers’ offensive communication and timing. Now, it’s the Bombers fans’ turn. With a rowdy crowd expected to return the favour, the Winnipeg defence will look to leverage it.
NEED TO KNOW:
- Saskatchewan is looking for its second straight sweep of the two-game Labour Day-rematch set.
- Collaros is 5-1 in the Banjo Bowl, including four wins with Winnipeg and one with Saskatchewan.
- Jameer Thurman is five defensive tackles shy of becoming the 23rd player to reach 600.
- Willie Jefferson’s next sack will tie Willie Pless (84) for 20th all-time.