Riders’ losing streak reaches 5 after 38-13 blowout loss to Ti-Cats

The Saskatchewan Roughriders continued to struggle as the team got handed its fifth straight loss in a 38-13 blowout to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday at Mosaic Stadium.

The Riders were able to hold Hamilton’s rushing attack in check for most of the game but gave up several big plays through the air.

The Riders’ defence gave up 400 passing yards to the Ti-Cats’ air attack helmed by quarterbacks Bo Levi Mitchell and then Matthew Shiltz.

Mitchell, who was on a snap count, was pulled from the game after the first quarter and had 129 passing yards and a touchdown by that point.

Mitchell found receiver Omar Bayless in the endzone for the first score of the game and the first touchdown of Bayless’ career.

“Never in a million years did I think we’d go out there — with all the things that we have to play for — playoffs, honouring George Reed and his family, the ’13 team, and just the intrinsic motivation of going out there and doing what we love to do. I just did not see that coming,” said head coach Craig Dickenson.

“I’m embarrassed. I feel like that’s embarrassing when you lose like that at home and you got so much to play for.”

Riders’ receiver Samuel Emilus led the team in receiving yards with 43 against Hamilton. October 7, 2023.
(Photo Electric Umbrella/Liam Richards)

The Riders didn’t have much success against Shiltz when Hamilton made the switch as he would go on to complete 16 of 19 passing attempts while throwing for 271 yards and two touchdowns, though Riders’ linebacker Larry Dean did manage to pick him off late in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, Saskatchewan’s offence struggled to get anything going in a game marred by stalled drives and turnovers.

Riders’ quarterback Jake Dolegala had 154 yards and completed 16 of 25 passes and was sacked three times.

“It wasn’t good, it wasn’t good enough across the board,” Dolegala said.

“(We) just couldn’t really do anything, to be honest.”

Dolegala said the team will have to take a good look in the mirror as they prepare to face the Calgary Stampeders next week.

RIders quarterback Jake Dolegala threw for just 154 passing yards on Saturday. October 7, 2023.
(Photo Electric Umbrella/Liam Richards)

Although the Riders’ defence was able to force three turnovers, offensively, they gave up five turnovers including two fumbles and getting stuffed twice turnover-on-downs.

Receivers Samuel Emilus, Jerreth Sterns and Shawn Bane Jr. led Saskatchewan in catches with 4 apiece and Emilus led in yards with 43 followed by Bane Jr.’s 42.

It was an explosive game for Ti-Cat receivers Tim White and Terry Godwin along with running back James Butler. The trio finished with 129, 71 and 77  receiving yards respectively.

White had an 88-yard catch-and-run which helped set up the first of Bayless’ two touchdowns.

Butler also added 107 yards on the ground as he reached 1,000 yards on the season. Butler became Hamilton’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2010.

Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Jamal Morrow rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday. October 7, 2023.
(Photo Electric Umbrella/Liam Richards)

Riders’ running back Jamal Morrow was one of the team’s few bright spots as Morrow rushed for 120 yards and scored Saskatchewan’s only touchdown with 34 seconds left in the half. Immediately after the 32-yard run, he pointed to section 34 in Mosaic in honour of the late George Reed.

Morrow was also chosen to run out of the tunnel waving George Reed’s No. 34 flag before the game.

Morrow said he felt disappointed in the team’s performance on a night like this.

“A game like this, you celebrate the 2013 Grey Cup Champions, George Reed and that was my salute to him, but to go out and play like that as a team is just disgusting,” Morrow said.

However, Morrow said he was still touched and honoured to be able to wave the flag for Reed before the game.

Riders’ kicker Brett Lauther hit a field goal against the Ti-Cats. October 7, 2023.
(Photo Electric Umbrella/Liam Richards)

Defensive tackle Micah Johnson voiced frustration about the Riders’ lack of execution and said they need to play well collectively.

“I just feel like at this point it’s on the players,” he said.

“I don’t know what else the coaches can do. The coaches can’t come play, the coaches can’t come tackle, I feel like they’re preparing us. Every week we know what situation we’re getting in and we keep lettting the coaches down.”

Outside of their lone touchdown, Saskatchewan got on the scoreboard through a first-quarter safety off of an intentional grounding call. They also got points from kicker Brett Lauther who hit a 42-yard field goal and a point-after. Punter Adam Korsak also scored a rouge.

For the Ti-Cats, Marc Liegghio went three-for-three on field goal attempts and was perfect on four extra-point attempts. Liegghio also scored a rouge of his own.