It’s a playoff game this evening when the Saskatchewan Roughriders square off with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Both teams are battling for the final playoff spot in the CFL’s Eastern Division. The Riders are trying to crossover into the east after stumbling to a 6-9 record. A win by the green and white would reduce their magic number of clinching the final playoff spot to one.
But if Hamilton picks up the win, they will only trail Saskatchewan by two points in the playoff race with a game in hand. The Tiger-Cats automatically hold the tie-breaker between them and the Riders since they are the eastern team competing for the spot within their own division.
The Roughriders are trying to steer their season back on course after it has fallen off the rails over the summer with a 2-8 record over the last ten games, including a recent four game losing streak, the longest the club has suffered since September of 2016.
For the most part, Saskatchewan will field the same lineup as they did last week in Winnipeg. The biggest change is Shaq Cooper receiving the start at running back, making him the fourth different Rider to start at the position this season.
On defence the one change is Blace Brown replacing Amari Henderson.
The offensive line will experience some continuity this week with the same five offensive linemen starting for a second straight week. Last week Dan Clark returned from a broken fibula that sidelined him since Week 2. Logan Ferland and Terran Vaughn also drew back into the lineup. Kooper Richardson will receive the start again at right tackle.
Hamilton enters today’s contest with a 4-10 record but are coming in with a some rest. The last action for the Tiger-Cats was on Friday, September 23 where they were defeated by the Montreal Alouettes.
Dane Evans has been huge factor in determining wins and losses for Hamilton. He has a record 3-8 on the season, with 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His record is 3-0 when he doesn’t thrown an interception.
The Riders and Tiger-Cats opened up the 2022 season at Mosaic Stadium back in June with Saskatchewan picking up a 30-13 which included eight sacks for the green and white defence.
Coverage for today’s game can be heard on 620 CKRM beginning at 2:30 with Countdown to Kickoff. Michael Ball will have the play by play action wit the opening kickoff at 5:30.
