FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
THE JOY OF RUNNING: The Lions boast a fine tailback (Jeremiah Johnson) and the interior of the Roughriders’ defensive line is suspect. Although the Lions boast a potent passing attack, offensive co-ordinator Khari Jones would be wise to test the Roughriders up the middle. Any success at establishing the run would force Saskatchewan to honour the line of scrimmage — creating favourable matchups when the Lions opt to pass. The multi-talented Johnson can also be a factor in the aerial game, especially when isolated against a linebacker.
MOSAIC MYSTERY: The Riders are two different teams. At home, they have registered regulationtime point totals of 37, 37 and 38. On the road: 16, 10 and 15. And the 15 points in B.C. last week were scored in garbage time, after the Lions had assumed a 30-0 lead. Saskatchewan is traditionally energized by its fervent fans. The Lions will want to subdue them as early as possible.
HOLDING THE LINE: The Roughriders’ offence was anemic in Vancouver, largely because quarterback Kevin Glenn received little or no protection. Glenn had produced 10 touchdown passes over a four-game stretch before being thrown to the Lions at BC Place. Somehow, the Roughriders must find a way to buy some time for their 38-year-old quarterback. Glenn is normally calm and composed, as is to be expected from a 17th-year CFLer, but he looked uncomfortable in the pocket when the teams last met.
SECONDARY MATTERS: The Lions boast a talented receiving corps, which will go up against a substandard Saskatchewan secondary. Last week, the Lions were 7-for-9 on pass attempts of 20 yards or more. Ed Gainey is the only Roughriders defensive back who possesses shutdown capabilities.
WEST WOES: Since mid-September of 2014, the Riders are 3-26 against the West Division. Can they finally break the ice against a divisional foe? Under Chris Jones, Saskatchewan is 6-5 versus the East but 1-12 against the West. Moreover, the Lions have won their past seven games against the Roughriders. If the Riders cannot get some positive reinforcement early — and they are prone to sluggish starts — this one could be over early.