The BC Lions travel to Saskatchewan in a crucial match that will likely determine where the West Division Semi-Final will be played. Both teams are coming off a victory over a divisional opponent. Last week saw BC defeat Calgary 32-15 and Saskatchewan won 28-24 over Edmonton. The Lions beat the Roughriders in their previous week 6 meeting 35-20.

Game Details:

Date/Location: Friday, October 4 /BC Place, Vancouver, BC

Kickoff Time: 10:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM PT

Channel: TSN (Canada), CFL+ (USA, Global)

Odds: 

Spread: B.C. +1.5 (-110), Saskatchewan -1.5 (-110)

Moneyline: B.C. +102, Saskatchewan -122

Over/Under: 50.5 (Over -120, Under -120)

B.C. Lions: The BC Lions have an opportunity to jump into 2nd place in the division and knock Saskatchewan down to 3rd. Last week saw Nathan Rourke complete 20 of his 24 passes for 218 yards in the Lions win. 

Saskatchewan Roughriders: The Saskatchewan Roughriders currently hold 2nd place in the West and can clinch 2nd place with a victory over BC this week and thus would secure home-field advantage in the West Semi-Final.

Lions Keys to the Game

Stop the Run

A.J. Ouellette is starting at running back after missing time due to injury. It is his first game since week 11.  Ouellette has rushed 114 times for 466 yards and a touchdown this season, 4.1 yards per carry. His average rush is lower in large part due to struggles in Saskatchewan’s run blocking that was present early in the season.

Tight Pass Coverage

BC so far this season has the highest QB efficiency rating allowed from their opponents at 107.5. BC will need their secondary to play at a high level against the dangerous combination of Trevor Harris and the Riders’ talented receiving room.

Strong Play From the Receivers

Alexander Hollins returns to the lineup this week after missing time to injury. Last week saw Keon Hatcher catch 4 passes for 97 yards. It feels like Hatcher is back to his elite form that we saw from him last season. Stanley Berryhill, Ayden Eberhardt, and Justin McInnis will be among the other receivers starting. Rourke will have plenty of strong options to distribute the ball to against the Riders.

A Big Game From William Stanback

Stanback is second in the league in rushing yards after rushing 217 times for 1,112 yards and 3 touchdowns, 5.1 yards per carry. Last week saw him held to 3.3 yards per carry. BC will greatly benefit from a big game from him this week in hostile territory.

5 Lions to Watch

#4 WR Keon Hatcher

Hatcher was once again the most-targeted Lion last week as he caught 4 of his 6 targets for 97 yards.

#25 RB Jeshrun Antwi

Antwi dressed in his first game as a BC Lion last week after being acquired by trade days before the game. This week he is listed as the 2nd string running back and has now had a full week of practice for the team to get him acclimated to the offense.

#64 LG Kory Woodruff

Woodruff returned to the lineup last week and did not allow a single pressure. The Lions pass protection has been unstable at times this season and Woodruff has provided a strong boost in this area.

#1 CB Garry Peters

Peters saw only 1 target come his way last week which resulted in an incompletion. Over the last 4 games, only 1 completion has come his way which was a 17-yard completion in week 17.

#90 Mathieu Betts

Last week Betts had 5 QB hurries and an additional QB hit as he led the way in the pass rush for the Lions. He also intercepted a pass and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown in the win.

5 Roughriders to Watch

#7 QB Trevor Harris

Harris has completed 71.4% of his passes for 2,993 yards with 18 touchdowns and 9 interceptions over 10 games this season.

#19 WR Samuel Emilus

Emilus led the team in receiving as he caught 4 of his 8 targets for 126 yards and a touchdown last week. Leads the team with 81 receptions for 970 yards and 5 touchdowns over 16 games.

#3 WR KeeSean Johnson

Caught all 5 of his targets last week for 103 yards and a touchdown. Has 51 receptions for 688 yards and 5 touchdowns over 11 games.

#0 DB Rolan Milligan

Milligan leads the team in tackles with 89 while leading the league in interceptions with 8.

#4 DL Micah Johnson

Johnson is tied for first in sacks on the team with Bryan Cox Jr. with 6 each. 

Injury Report:

Depth Charts:

Score Prediction:

I predict the Lions to win 26-24 in a close game with a lot of drama. Perhaps a Sean Whyte game-winning field goal in the final moments or from Brett Lauther if Saskatchewan takes this game.

@JonathanClink on Twitter