The game I always look forward to during the CFL season is always Saskatchewan vs BC. The game always has a hostile feel, and always a playoff like atmosphere; those are the type of games I enjoy. Don’t ask me why, it’s too hard to explain. Anyway back to the topic at hand. While the Lions know it will be a very hostile crowd in green country, they are hoping for RB Shawn Gore and Defensive Back Ryan Phillips to be back in time for Saturday’s tilt between the two teams. Shawn Gore, who already has doubled his production from last year with two touchdowns this season, is nursing a hamstring injury which occurred in last game against the Ticats. Gore left the game during halftime. Phillips on the other hand also left the game against Hamilton in what the team reported as a sprained right ankle. Both players are questionable for Saturday’s matinee against the Riders.
The Lions will definitely get their first challenge of the season after blowing past Winnipeg in the first week 33-16 and then just squeaking past Hamilton 39-36. If the Lions will want to win this weekend against the Riders they will have to pick up their offense a little. After a up and down game from Lulay against the Tiger-Cats, he’s going to have a challenge against the high powered defense from Saskatchewan. The Roughriders only let 1 point scored on them against the Eskimos in their last game in what was titled as a “Defensive” battle, more like a sloppy battle, but that’s another story. The BC Defense could really pick apart the Rider’s offense if they play like they have been playing. Without Ryan Phillips could definitely serve as a problem for the Lions defense, but they should know already that one player doesn’t make a defence, let alone a team.
Leos will also be looking to the Superman Geroy Simon to have a better game. Simon only caught 3 passes for 33 yards with his longest catch being 17 yards in last game against Hamilton. The Lions are hoping for Simon will tap into his superhero powers and power the Lions past Rider Nation.
Keys to the game for the Lions: A consistent offence will hopefully bring a bruising defence. A better game from Geroy Simon and Arland Bruce who combined has 1 touchdown for both of them this season. Yeah I know it’s just three weeks into the season, but after having a promising camp, who didn’t have high expectations for both these players? Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I have high expectations from this whole team since they won the Grey Cup last season. Maybe that’s the reason?
After having a shaky ending against Hamilton, the Lions know they will have to be on the ball and alert against the Riders.
You can catch the game on TSN, listen to it on Team 1410 and you can follow me on twitter @KevinCawthra for in game analysis throughout the game. Kickoff is 12 PM.
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