Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Saskatchewan Roughriders Sunday, 4:30 p.m.

Turnovers will be a crucial key to victory in the CFL West Division semifinal.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will entertain the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in that game Sunday afternoon. During the regular season, the two teams sported identical 10-0 records when they won the turnover battle.

Converting off turnovers was a big part of Winnipeg’s success as the Blue

Bombers (10-8) scored a CFL-high 151 points in that category. Saskatchewan (12-6) won the season series 2-1 but the Bombers intercepted starter Zach Collaros twice in their lone win, a 31-0 decision at Investors Group Field on Oct. 13. The Riders, meanwhile, won only two games this year while losing the turnover battle. By comparison, Winnipeg never won a game in which it lost the turnover battle.

Both teams sport solid defences but Saskatchewan defensive ends Charleston Hughes (CFL-high 15 sacks) and Willie Jefferson (10 sacks) were especially hard on opposing quarterbacks. What’s more, Jefferson added two interceptions — returning one for a touchdown against Winnipeg — two forced fumbles and scored two TDs overall. The Bombers’ offensive line, anchored by stalwart tackle Stanley Bryant, surrendered 36 sacks, tied for thirdlowest overall.

Bombers starting quarterback Matt Nichols completed 34-of-64 passes (53.1 per cent) for 486 yards with two TDs and five interceptions in the three games versus Saskatchewan. But over his final five regularseason starts — all wins — Nichols threw seven TD passes against just one interception. Winnipeg also boasts the CFL rushing leader in Andrew Harris (1,390 yards, 5.8-yard average, eight TDs). It was Harris’s fourth 1,000-yard campaign and second straight. The Bombers’ defence is anchored by linebacker Adam Bighill, who had eight tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble in the shutout win over Saskatchewan. Prediction: Saskatchewan

Last week: 4-0.

Overall: 53-28.

All games on TSN