Many of us have watched and been impressed by Saskatchewan’s success in Corey Mace’s first season as the Head Coach. They began the season 4-0 but since their week 5 bye, they have hit a midseason slump winning just one of four games having been outscored 86 -106. Can the Redblacks hand the ‘Riders another loss and continue to control their destiny tonight?

Return from Injury

The Redblacks have been winning without a handful of starters on defense, in particular in the secondary where Brandin Dandridge, Alijah McGhee, Money Hunter, and Justin Howell returned to full participation in practice this past week. They also had Frankie Griffin return after missing several weeks. Davion Taylor playing in his absence started 3 games and collected 15 tackles in the last four games since Griffin was injured. Ottawa opted to give Dandridge and Hunter one more week before allowing them to return to the lineup. That means Bennett Williams, typically the top back-up behind Ardarius Pickett at strongside linebacker will continue to start at halfback. Alijah McGhee steps back in as a starter at cornerback as well. Devonte Dedmon steps back in as the depth behind Ryquell Armstead, while Bralon Addison who carried the load in the backfield last week due to an ejection for Armstead is not on the depth chart this week. Dontae Bull returns to the injured list once again while Zach Pelehos has been removed from the list.

All of this movement sparked the Redblacks to make two moves, including releasing 2023 CFL Draft Pick running back, special teams ace Amlicar Polk, and defensive back Sherrod Baltimore. Paving the way for McGhee, and Howell to return to the lineup.

The Riders made a couple moves of their own bringing in a pair of linemen this week. Eric Black began the year with Edmonton before being let go. Black is technically a CFL rookie having graduated from college in 2023 and joined the Elks in 2024. He attended rookie mini-camp with the New York Giants in 2023. Black produced 7 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks as a senior with Stony Brook. Braydon Noll is a former Toronto Argonaut, who won a Grey Cup in 2022. He stuck with Toronto in 2023, but ultimately was released and now finds his way to Saskatchewan.

Key Statistics

The Redblacks are currently 4-1 against Western opponents, and they are hoping that they can improve that number tonight against Saskatchewan. Ottawa also has started undefeated at home this season, a feat they had not accomplished since the 70’s. The Redblacks are 3-5 versus the Roughriders since they changed their name. So far this CFL season has favored the home teams dramatically as only 12 away teams have managed to defeat their opponents in their house, while 24 home teams have won their games. Saskatchewan has compiled the 7th most offensive yards this season, with the second-to-last first downs produced along the way. Ottawa however has the 4th most offensive yards this season with the lowest number of first downs, and offensive plays run in the league. With only 377 plays run, the offense has converted 141 first downs, meaning 37% of their offensive plays have accounted for a first down.

Keys to Victory

Ottawa has a few things to focus on in this game, none more important than running the ball. This will not be an easy task, given that the Roughriders boast the second-best run defense in the league in terms of overall yardage. They have also faced the least amount of rushing attempts and even allowed a league-leading 5.9 yards per carry. This is impressive given that Edmonton ran all over that defense last week as Javon Leake managed 169 total rushing yards, with Justin Rankin, Tre Ford, and Dakota Pruop combining for 16 rushing attempts and 107 more yards. As a team, Edmonton ran for 276 yards with many of those runs turning into big plays. If Ottawa can get their run game going with Ryquell Armstead, who has at least one 11-yard or longer run in all but one game this season. We might see him break a few long runs himself this week. While Saskatchewan’s defense has been one of the best against the run, they have been susceptible to the pass this year, which is why balance is so important against them. If Ottawa can get the run game going, it will help Dru Brown continue to put up solid numbers in the passing game. Ottawa will live or die by Dru Brown’s ability to protect the ball and take what the defense gives him along the way.

Get Brown in a Rhythm

If Dru Brown can find his stride this week, it could turn into a long day for Saskatchewan. The Roughriders have allowed the most passing yards in the league, faced the most passing attempts in the league, and allowed the most completions. They are allowing the 5th highest completion rate as well. Despite all of this, they also lead the league with 13 interceptions. If you come out firing against this Roughriders defense and don’t make a concerted effort to protect the ball this defense can and will beat Ottawa. All it takes is a poorly timed-interception or a forced fumble to change the entire trajectory of the game. Ottawa has done a great job of avoiding these mistakes so far but they need Brown to start finding the endzone at a higher rate if they are going to continue winning games. Six touchdown passes in seven games is nothing to write home about, even if Brown has looked like the real deal this year.

Betting Odds and Predictions

If you are so inclined, this may be a good game to bet on at BetUs.com. Right now the Redblacks are 4-point favorites with the money line +140 for Saskatchewan and -170 for Ottawa. The over/under is 48.5 points.

My Prediction for this game: Ottawa continues to remain undefeated at home in week 10. Ottawa wins 24-18.

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