The Edmonton Elks enter week 9 of their CFL season on the road vs. the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Coming off a week 8 loss last week at the hands of Hamilton Tiger-Cats by a score of 44-28, there was a great sense of optimism when Tre Ford was finally put in place as the quarterback due to the on-field struggles in that of McLeod Bethel-Thompson.

The final verdict would be too little too late as the score would dictate.  However, once Tre Ford entered the field at Commonwealth Stadium, the suffering fans would cheer once Tre Ford jogged towards the huddle. 

Tre Ford entered the game in the 4th quarter and made the most of his playing time as he engineered three touchdown passes.

What Tre Ford brought to the game was a spark in the offence that was so badly needed.  Ultimately, it was no secret that Coach Jarious Jackson would have no choice but to make Tre Ford the starting quarterback entering week 9 in Saskatchewan.

Simply put, with the Elks entering week 9 with a 0-7 record, Tre Ford gives you the best shot now game in and game out of obtaining a victory.

Quick Fact:

If the Edmonton Elks win tomorrow, they will obtain their 700th win in franchise history.

Game Details

Date / Location:  Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 / Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field / Regina, Saskatchewan

Kickoff Time:  7:00 pm EST

Channel:  TSN / TSN+ / CBS Sports Network

Weather Forecast:  25 Degrees Celsius.  It will feel like 27 Degrees Celsius with a mix of sun and clouds.  Light rain develops from late night to overnight.

Wind Gust:  35 kilometres per hour in a northeast direction.

Percentage of Precipitation:  70%

Odds

Spread: Saskatchewan Roughriders – 5.5 (-110) / Edmonton Elks + 5.5 (-110)

Money line: Saskatchewan Roughriders – 255 / Edmonton Elks + 205

Over / Under:  Over 51.5 (- 102) / Under (51.5 (-120)

Via FanDuel Sportsbook

Injury Report:  Edmonton Elks

Injury Report:  Saskatchewan Roughriders

Edmonton Elks Depth Chart

Saskatchewan Roughriders Depth Chart

As of now, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have not unveiled their depth chart.

Players to Watch:  Edmonton Elks

Tre Ford

From here on in, barring any injury, Tre Ford will be the signal caller for the Edmonton Elks.  There is no secret why he would not be a player to watch whenever the Edmonton Elks play.  His athleticism speaks for itself in which he can beat you with his legs and his arm.  For a player who has not seen too much playing time since he was drafted in 2022, he has shown more than enough talent for the Edmonton Elks coaching staff to place him at QB1.

Watch for Tre Ford to work the clock to his advantage and place the Elks in a good spot to cause a potential spoiler in one of the toughest environments in the CFL to obtain a victory.

He will be a thorn in the Saskatchewan defence as he brings a different dynamic to the game Tre Ford has a great vision for the field, along with making a defence think too much which results in a lot of missed tackles.  

Javon Leake

With Kevin Brown listed on the 1–game injured list, Javon Leake will get the call as RB1.  With the Elks’ thin at the running back position entering week 9, it will be all systems go to establish a running game against a stingy Saskatchewan defence.

Javon Leake has enough experience in coming into relief as he did so while playing in Toronto when he would fill in for an injured A.J. Ouellette or Andrew Harris.

In doing so, he has done a fine job in contributing to the running game, the passing game, and the pass protection to buy time for a quarterback to develop or extend a play. 

Samuel Emilus

He might only have two touchdowns entering week 9, but Samuel Emilus has been a receiver who makes it difficult to mark.  His initial foot speed off the line of scrimmage is explosive and he can create great separation on a defender for any quarterback to read the play.

He is a player that once he has the ball, Samuel will make a lot of players miss tackles when it comes to yards after the catch.

Look for Samuel Emilus to be a go-to target whether it is first and ten, or second and long to change the flow of the game for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Frankie Hickson 

The Saskatchewan Roughriders enter week 9 with the same situation when it comes to the running game as it is with the Edmonton Elks.  A.J. Ouellette will be out for this game with a hip injury.

Enter Frankie Hickson as a reinforcement for the Saskatchewan Roughriders running game.

Frankie Hickson is no stranger to being the second or third option in some cases for the running attack for the Roughriders.  He is a running back that can chew up valuable minutes in helping the Roughriders offense, and relieve pressure off your quarterback.  With Trevor Harris still out nursing his injury, he will make it easier to ease the load on whoever is under center for the Roughriders.

He might only have 123 rushing yards this season.  But in only two games played, he is averaging 7.2 yards per carry.

Keys to an Edmonton Victory

Pass Protection

The Elks’ offensive line has to open the holes to make it easier to establish the running game against one of the best defences in the CFL.  More importantly, they need to limit the holding calls as it has been their nemesis this season.  They cannot afford to put the offence in the position with a 1st and 20 from back–to–back holding calls as this was common for parts of this season.  They will have Tre Ford under center and this is a great problem to have.  With that said, do not put more pressure on Tre Ford to make up lost ground and cause more punting than positive yardage during an offensive series.    

Establish a Running Game 

It may be easier said than done, but the running game collectively needs to be solid for a great part of the game.  Anytime you get to establish the running game, it will only wear down the defence throughout the game.  If the Elks can be effective being run heavy on the offense, this will control the clock to Edmonton’s advantage, along with taking a load off of Tre Ford if he has to result on the passing game more than the running game.

The Defense Has Got to Show Up

There is no doubt that being 0-7 places you in a difficult spot in possibly punching a ticket to the 2024 postseason.  The offence has played well enough this season that the Elks could have had between 3 – 4 wins thus far.  Unfortunately, when the defence collapsed at the wrong time in the 4th quarter, it ultimately resulted in losses for the Elks when relinquishing a 10-point lead or more.  This is a game where they can finally close out a game, and obtain a win to build momentum.

Prediction

If the Edmonton Elks are looking for any inspiration, then they have two to look for.  One is Tre Ford orchestrating the offence, while the other was last night’s game when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers beat the BC Lions 25 – 0.

Winnipeg has been going through their issues with now being a 3 – 6 football team.  But the one important thing here is they made a statement against one of the best in the form of the BC Lions.  The Blue Bombers’ defence created a lot of issues for Veron Adams Jr. to make any plays for the duration of the game.  

Final Score

Edmonton Elks:  29

Saskatchewan Roughriders:  27

The Edmonton Elks play some inspired football when they enter Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field and grind out a victory.

The Edmonton defence makes costly mistakes during the game with some weak tackles.  But the offence makes plays at the right time to keep within arm’s reach throughout the game.  The Elks’s defense will be a bend but don’t break during the game.  However, they will recover at the right time to stall the Roughriders when it matters most in the game.  It might not be a perfect game by any stretch.  More importantly, the Elks finally find a way to close out a football game.   

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