The B.C. Lions, trying to get again within the CFL playoff image, might want to cease Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Zach Collaros and his teammate Tre Mason tonight at B.C. Place Stadium.
The B.C. Lions must maintain their unbeaten streak at house alive after they face the Saskatchewan Roughriders in a pivotal CFL recreation on Saturday evening at B.C. Place Stadium.
NEXT GAME: SATURDAY
Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-4) at B.C. Lions (3-5)
7 p.m., B.C. Place Stadium, TSN, Staff 1040 AM
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
1. The scoreboard
It doesn’t overdramatize the purpose to name this a must-win for the Lions. They’re already a recreation again of the Inexperienced Machine for fourth place within the CFL West and what figures to be the crossover berth for the playoffs.
A loss at house would cripple the Lions’ probabilities at a post-season berth. The excellent news is the Lions have three of their subsequent 4 video games — and 4 of their subsequent six — at B.C. Place Stadium. They’ll must run the desk at house to remain within the playoff hunt.
2. Roughly talking
The Roughriders stunned the CFL with a convincing 40-27 win over the beforehand unbeaten Calgary Stampeders final weekend. Are they that good? We’ll discover out Saturday. Earlier than the win over the Stamps the Riders regarded like a mean group.
3. Who’re these guys?
Riders overlord Chris Jones, a serial lineup fiddler, has once more revamped his group’s roster. The names won’t be acquainted to most CFL followers however, final week, Jordan Lambert-Williams caught 10 passes for 152 yards in opposition to the Stamps, Shaquelle Evans caught 5 extra for 69 yards and DB Nick Marshall was named defensive participant of the week.
First-year operating again Tre Mason, a former standout at Auburn who was out of soccer for 2 years, has additionally made an influence.
4. Rush supply
Two weeks in the past the Lions’ move rush turned across the recreation in opposition to Edmonton. Final week, it wasn’t an element within the loss to Toronto.
The Leos have invested important assets — they began 4 import D-linemen in opposition to the Argos — into making their entrance 4 the power of the defence. They must strain Zach Collaros.
5. Mr. Clear
The Lions proceed to be their very own worst enemy. Final week it was a collection of process and offside penalties within the second half that disrupted their offence. In previous video games, self-discipline has been an issue. Till they clear up these particulars, they’ll wrestle in opposition to good groups.
STATS PACK
Factors per recreation
Sask. 23.9 (6) B.C. 22.5 (7)
Dashing yards per recreation
Sask. 117 (2) B.C. 93 (7)
Passing yards per recreation
Sask. 210 (5) B.C. 253 (8)
Whole yards per recreation
Sask. 326.5 (7) B.C. 346 (6)
INSIDE THE GAME
Import receiver Ricky Collins steps in for Canadian receiver Shaq Johnson in the one main lineup transfer for the Lions. Consequently, Canadian DL Junior Luke will return to the beginning lineup. Towards Toronto final week, the Lions coughed up a 10-point lead late within the third quarter, largely as a result of Argos quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson transformed on second-and-eight or longer 5 occasions on two lengthy landing drives.
The Lions have teased their fan base with moments of impressed soccer however there have been main points with consistency. A few of that has to do with the 14 new starters of their lineup, 15 for those who rely Travis Lulay, however their season is now within the steadiness.
For the Riders, slotback Caleb Holley was positioned on the six-game injured record after the Calgary recreation. He’ll get replaced by Kyran Moore.
KEY MATCHUP
Zach Collaros in opposition to the world
Collaros has been sharp in his two begins since getting back from a concussion, throwing for 261 yards in a detailed loss in Edmonton and 270 yards within the win over Calgary.
When he’s proper, Collaros is an elite CFL quarterback and an elite CFL quarterback makes the Roughriders a Gray Cup contender. The Lions defence had their arms full with Bethel-Thompson final week. They must be significantly better in opposition to Collaros this week.
ED’S TAKE
It’s tough to get across the Lions’ house and away information. At B.C. Place, they’re coming off come-from-behind wins over Winnipeg and Edmonton. However they’re 0-5 on the street and appear to be a unique group. The house-field benefit and the enormity of this contest ought to maintain up for the Lions.
Prediction: B.C. 27 Saskatchewan 23
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