It’s Week 7 of the Canadian Football League season as the Saskatchewan Roughriders face the B.C. Lions for the second time this season!
Right off the hop, there are no air quality concerns — unless the Lions get a little too excited with pre-game fireworks — as the contest is taking place inside B.C. Place in Vancouver.
The Riders (4-1) are coming off a tough showing last week as they suffered their first loss of the season, dropping a 24-10 decision at home to the Calgary Stampeders. The Lions (3-3) had a far better turn of events as they took a 32-14 victory over the Edmonton Elks in Edmonton.
The two teams met back in Week 4, with Saskatchewan taking a 37-18 win at Mosaic Stadium.
The Riders Broadcast Network pre-game show with Teagan Witko, Wes Cates and Justin Dunk is currently underway, and be sure to catch the game call from Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder at 5 p.m.
The Roughriders depth chart. The biggest news, of course, is the return of former 1,000-yard receiver Samuel Emilus after missing the previous three games with a foot injury. Defensive back Tevaughn Campbell is also back after missing last week's contest. The news isn't all good, though, as return specialist Mario Alford is out, with Drae McCrae playing his first CFL regular season game in his place.
Trevor Harris gets the start under centre and has completed 94 of 124 passes for 1,231 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. KeeSean Johnson has been his top receiver with 21 catches for 348 yards, Dohnte Meyes has 21 catches for 262 yards and two touchdowns. A.J. Oullette is one of the league top rushers with 62 carries for 356 yards. Linebacker Jameer Thurman leads the team with 34 tackles, Campbell and Rolan Milligan Jr. each have a pair of interceptions.
The Lions depth chart. The biggest difference from the Week 4 meeting between the two teams is the presence of quarterback Nathan Rourke, who was recovering from injury the first time around. He's since completed 87 of 129 passes for 1,270 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions and a 107.7 efficiency rating. Keon Hatcher is off to a great start at receiver with 30 catches for 516 yards and two touchdowns, Justin McInnis has 27 catches for 334 yards. James Butler leads their running game with 87 carries for 474 yards. Linebacker Micah Awe tops the defence with 46 tackles, cornerback Gary Peters has a pair of interceptions.
