It’s a must-win for Leos

Some things to watch tonight when the 3-5 Lions host the 4-4 Saskatchewan Roughriders :

1.

The scoreboard

This a must-win for the Lions. They ’re already a game back of the Green Machine for fourth place in the CFL West and what figures to be the crossover berth for the playoffs.

A loss at home would cripple the Lions’ chances at a post-season berth. The good news is the Lions have three of their next four games at home.

2.

Roughly speaking

The Roughriders surprised with a convincing 40-27 win over the previously unbeaten Calgary Stampeders last weekend. Are they that good?

We’ll find out today. Before that win, the Riders looked like an average team.

3.

Who are these guys?

Riders overlord Chris Jones, a serial lineup fiddler, has again revamped his team’s roster. The names might not be familiar to most CFL fans but, last week, Jordan Lambert-Williams caught 10 passes for 152 yards against the Stamps, Shaquelle Evans caught five more for 69 yards and DB Nick Marshall was named defensive player of the week.

First-year running back Tre Mason, a former standout at Auburn who was out of football for two years, has also made an impact.

4.

Rush delivery

Two weeks ago, the Lions’ pass rush turned around the game against Edmonton. Last week, it wasn’t a factor in the loss to Toronto. The Leos have invested significant resources into making their front four the strength of the defence. They have to pressure Zach Collaros.

5.

Mr. Clean

Last week it was a series of procedure and offside penalties in the second half that disrupted their offence. Until they clean up those details, they’ll struggle against good teams.

6

Inside the game

Import receiver Ricky Collins steps in for Canadian receiver Shaq Johnson in the only major lineup move for the Lions. Canadian DL Junior Luke will return to the starting lineup.

For the Riders, slotback Caleb Holley was placed on the six-game injured list after the Calgary game. He’ll be replaced by Kyran Moore.

7

Key matchup

Collaros has been sharp in his two starts since returning from a concussion, throwing for 261 yards in a close loss in Edmonton and 270 yards in the win over Calgary. Prediction: B.C. 27, Saskatchewan 23