This is a date that Bomber fans have had circled on their calendar since the CFL schedule was released!
Preview
What is likely the best rivalry in the CFL Winnipeg will play host to Saskatchewan on Friday September 30.
The last time these two teams met, Winnipeg whopped Saskatchewan 54-20! Zach Collaros threw for 4 touchdowns in that game and 0 interceptions. Fajardo on the other sideline threw for 0 touchdowns. Their Labour Day game was a much closer 20-18, but in that game Winnipeg found themselves down 14-0 very quickly.
Winnipeg’s last game was a terrible outing where they got thrashed by Hamilton 48-31. I will not rehash the details of that game, but you can read some of the major takeaways of why that happened right here and why the Bombers should be just fine this week.
The Bombers are coming off a much needed bye week with multiple players nursing injuries.
However some of those on the injured list are still listed on the Bombers’ depth chart.
If you are wondering about Saskatchewan, they will be without a number of key players. Frankie Hickson has a broken wrist, and will not be playing.
And what about Duke Williams? Well, he will be a game time decision.
The Roughriders will also be with 3rd string quarterback Jake Dolegala.
Here is who the Roughriders have listed as playing.
Matchup
I would not read too much into the matchup graphics where the offence and defence are compared.
Where I do think that the graphic is telling is when it looks at the team leaders.
There is a distinct difference there.
Saskatchewan Tire Fire
This is a very winnable game for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers! Saskatchewan is a hot mess right now! Or maybe I should say they are still a hot mess, as I pointed this out three weeks ago.
Yet the reality is that Saskatchewan has not got that mess cleaned up. Recently Saskatchewan’s head coach came out and said,
“I’m just going to be honest: we’re not very good”
Well that did not sit well with all the players on the Roughriders team.
Well that did not sit well with all the players on the Roughriders team.
As reported in the Regina Leader-Post,
“Marshall responded on Instagram that Dickenson had been “telling us something different in our face,” only to “get in the media” and offer the candid critique that appeared above.”
As a result, Craig Dickenson offered this apology.
When a coach needs to issue an apology to a player like that, it sure illustrates that the culture is a disaster!
With all that going on, Saskatchewan should be ripe for the picking! However, do not expect a Mike O’Shea led team to look past anyone.
Around The Game
The Bombers and Roughriders will be observing and participating in the national truth and reconciliation day.
Additionally, fans are encouraged to bring some school supplies for the First Student School Supply Drive and donation bins will be located at all four entry gates.
Predictions
*Unless the Bombers completely implode they win the game.
Nothing is guaranteed once that ball is kicked off for the first time in the game. Winnipeg fans know that as they look at the two losses. Against Hamilton Winnipeg committed 2 interceptions, 1 fumble and allowed 5 touchdowns. In the loss to Montreal Zach Collaros only completed 1 touchdown pass and Marc Liegghio went 1-3 on field goals missing one at the end of regulation and in overtime. Rarely do the Bombers play that poorly! Like 2-14 games rarely.
*Saskatchewan keeps showing who they are right now, and it is ugly.
I do not expect a very inspired game out of Saskatchewan. At 6 wins and 8 losses, having lost 3 straight, sure they could technically catch up to Calgary or BC for 2nd or 3rd place, but it is not going to happen. I think Saskatchewan knows that they are going to be a cross-over team.
In fact I really would not be surprised to see some infighting on their sideline during the game.
You will not hear the players for Saskatchewan say as much, rather they are trying keep up a brave appearance. When asked about facing the Bombers Moncrief said,
“We ready, it’s playoff football from here on out.”
We will find out very quickly if those are simply words or is there is action behind them.
*I predict that Dalton Schoen eclipses the 1,000 yard mark on the season (he only needs 12 more to do it) and that he does it in style! The pass that puts him over the 1,000 mark on the season is going to be a bomb, a touchdown, or both! I am anticipating he puts up 132 yards!
*I predict that the Bombers will have Fajardo scrambling! Sure, Craig Dickenson has the offensive line that he hoped for.
However, they have not yet all played together this season. Chemistry, timing, blocking, and communication – especially at IG Field with over 30,000 fans in the stands – is going to be hard!
*Finally I predict that the Bombers have a much better all-around game than their last outing in Hamilton and treat the fans to some amazing fall football and a “W”!
I highly recommend watching Bonfire Sports weekly shows, and after the game check out their live postgame show GameDay After Dark! They provide an excellent commentary on the game and the live chat is always on fire! Find all their social links here.
What did I get right? What did you disagree with? Let me know in the comments.
Find all my articles here.
Written by a Bomber fan, for the Bomber fans.
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