The Saskatchewan Roughriders are expected to make short work of the B.C. Lions tonight, and I believe the game at BC Place will play out that way.
The Lions gave up four sacks to the Edmonton Eskimos last week and this evening Danny O’Brien, who threw an interception against Edmonton, makes his first CFL start against a Saskatchewan defence that has been pretty good.
It was easy to pinpoint the Riders’ shortcomings in last weekend’s loss in Calgary. The Riders took too many penalties and weren’t disciplined enough in a two-point loss to the Stampeders.
The bigger issue for Saskatchewan is the team’s 3-4 road record this season. The Riders have beaten two teams that aren’t playoff bound (B.C. and Toronto) and put up just 17 points in a road win over Montreal.
Depending upon how the regular season finishes, the Riders may have to win in Calgary to get to the Grey Cup game, then win at McMahon Stadium to be declared Grey Cup champions. Better play away from Mosaic Stadium is required, and it’s a trend that needs to start tonight.