Arthur Ward/CFL.ca
Thanks for the memories, Wally. Although Rider Nation is likely thinking ‘thanks for nothing’ after the Lions loss to Calgary ended Saskatchewan’s dream of hosting the Western Final.
Instead, the Western Semi-Final will be a classic matchup between two of the biggest rivals in the game. The last time the two teams played against each other in a playoff game was the 2007 Grey Cup. Prior to that, it was 2003 in the West Semi-Final. Previous to that, 1975 West Semi-Final.
Yes, with the Bombers splitting time between divisions over the last 30 years, playoff games against the two prairie rivals have been few and far between.
The Riders have to feel fairly confident about their matchup coming up, despite the 31-0 loss they just suffered in Winnipeg a few weeks ago.
Saskatchewan got a week off to rest up, which should allow Zach Collaros the time he needs to shake off that hit from Odell Willis in the Riders’ season finale.
When you look at the two victories by the Riders over the Bombers this season, the defence was able to rattle Matt Nichols. They got to him so badly even head coach Mike O’Shea pondered making a quarterback change.
He didn’t however, and Nichols has rewarded him with much improved play to head into the playoffs on a roll. The Bombers were the hottest team down the stretch, while the Riders were the best team in the CFL in the back half of the season overall.
Turnovers were the big difference in all three games for the two teams this year. In the first two games, both wins by the Roughriders, Nichols threw seven interceptions and the Bombers turned the ball over a total of eight times. The Riders turned the ball over just three times.
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The 31-0 game was flipped. Saskatchewan turned the ball over four times, with Winnipeg just coughing it up once.
So, I look at the matchup, not so much as which offence makes the most mistakes but rather flipped.
Which defence makes the most plays as Winnipeg leads the league in turnovers forced (48), with the Riders sitting in third (41).
The field will be full of playmakers on Sunday as Adam Bighill matches up with the Riders Sam Eguavoen. Ed Gainey and Kevin Fogg both have four interceptions with Tobi Antigha and Fogg with a respective three fumble recoveries.
The impact of all those turnovers were the Bombers and Riders were #1 and #2 in points off turnovers heading into the final week of the season with Winnipeg topping the league with 151. The Riders are just four points back.
The best offence for both teams has been making game-altering plays on defence.
The offences are eerily similar. The biggest blip for Collaros and Nichols on the season has been their lack of 300-yard passing games. Nichols just got his first of the season last week, while Collaros has just two this season.
Balance is the name of the game for both offences. They don’t need their quarterbacks to light up the sky in order to win, like you see from Hamilton or Edmonton.
The Riders and Bombers are also at the top of the league in rushing yards per game, while in the bottom half in passing yards.
Andrew Harris had a huge game in the first matchup of the season, but the Riders were able to keep him relatively quiet in the following two. Although, Harris had a pretty good rest in the second half of that 31-0 victory three weeks ago.
Now, let’s not ignore the third phase of the game as special teams can decide a hard fought playoff game.
Brett Lauther has had a sensational season kicking field goals for the Riders, and many of the Riders returners are near the top of the league in kick and punt return average. Once again, Riders special teams coordinator Craig Dickenson has his groups ready to perform day in and day out.
The Bombers are led by the consistent kicker/punter Justin Medlock, although they haven’t seen the same consistency from their return guys.
While it seems to be a saw off for the first two phases, this phase is clearly in the Riders favour.
The bottom line, is you have two of the hottest teams down the stretch going head-to-head and I think it’s fair to ponder whether or not the winner of the Semi-Final heads to the Grey Cup?
They’ve played more consistent football down the stretch than any other team.
