Game Thread: Saskatchewan at Ottawa

[jerrym]

Can Ottawa halt its losing streak even after losing their kicker Lewis Ward? The Riders have the most scored on defence in the CFL, so I'll go with Ottawa, knowing there is a good chance they could blow it at the end of the game, partly because of Bob Dyce's choices as the clock winds down.

[ArgoRavi]

Can Ottawa halt its losing streak even after losing their kicker Lewis Ward? The Riders have the most scored on defence in the CFL, so I'll go with Ottawa, knowing there is a good chance they could blow it at the end of the game, partly because of Bob Dyce's choices as the clock winds down.

I am going with Ottawa in this one also. I have not been terribly impressed with the Riders all season to be honest.

[Mocha]

I was only able to catch the end of the first half, and what a turnaround for the Redblacks.

[Mocha]

Here's some of what the PFF guys said to look for. Seems on point thus far:


MATCHUP TO WATCH:
RT BRANDON COUNCIL, SASKATCHEWAN VS. EDGE LORENZO MAULDIN IV, OTTAWA

Saskatchewan is currently decimated with injuries and won’t have star RB Jamal Morrow this week. That means they’ll need to rely on their passing game, which means pass protection needs to hold up. Council has struggled at that when he’s had to play this year. His 39.1 pass-blocking grade is the lowest among tackles (minimum 300 snaps) this season. He’s allowed eight sacks and has lost over 14% of his pass-blocking snaps. Mauldin has been heating up as of late, with 11 total pressures in his last two games. He hasn’t recorded a sack since Week 5 but has 39 total pressures since then. A matchup against Council might be just what he needs to break that sack-less streak and really turn the tide of the game in Ottawa’s favor.

PLAYER TO WATCH:
QB JAKE DOLEGALA, SASKATCHEWAN

Dolegala has been going through growing pains, as one would expect for a young quarterback thrust into a starting role. Nonetheless, he played his best game of the season last week, finishing with two big-time throws, a 71.4% adjusted completion rate and an 84.0 passing grade. He was seeing the field well and making big throws while limiting the dangerous mistakes he had made in previous weeks. Without Morrow, Dolegala will be relied on more than ever. If Saskatchewan is going to come out on top, he’s going to need to prove that last week wasn’t a fluke and that he’s turning a corner as a CFL quarterback.

[jerrym]

It was the familiar story of turnovers killing the Riders.

[ArgofanIan]

Can't mail it in against the Red Blacks... They have been interesting team to watch this year... is so great to have football back in Ottawa...

[AngeloV]

Can’t believe this ended a 1 score game. Riders May just finish like last year and lose to be rest of their games.

[Mocha]

Can’t believe this ended a 1 score game. Riders May just finish like last year and lose to be rest of their games.

I was surprised to see the final score. I switched the Lions-Elks around the 3-minute warning.

At least the Redblacks didn't blow another huge lead.

[ArgoRavi]

Can't mail it in against the Red Blacks... They have been interesting team to watch this year... is so great to have football back in Ottawa...

They had a good crowd last night too of just under 20k.

[jerrym]

I was surprised to see the final score. I switched the Lions-Elks around the 3-minute warning.

At least the Redblacks didn't blow another huge lead.

Maybe that's the secret for an Ottawa victory, build such an almost impossible lead to blow and then hang on to win narrowly.

[Mocha]

With Calgary and Edmonton losing yesterday, Ottawa's shot at a crossover playoff spot remains alive. How could would it be for them to sneak into the WSF?