Another week, another Roughriders win over the Tiger-Cats as the Green and White remain undefeated after a 36-20 victory at Mosaic Stadium on Sunday.
While having to complete comebacks throughout the first couple of weeks, Saskatchewan was in control all game this time taking a 17-point lead by the end of the first quarter and never looking back.
Status On Harris
The win was overshadowed by concern for Trevor Harris who suffered an injury late in the first half. The 38-year-old took a hit with 44 seconds left in half No. 1 and got up holding his left leg. He initially did not return to the sidelines for the second half but eventually made his way out of the tunnel with a brace on his left knee.
In his place for the entirety of the rest of the game was Shea Patterson. The 27-year-old won the backup job out of camp and took the reins after Harris went down. He completed 4-of-10 passes for 41 yards and had a rushing touchdown to put the cherry on top.
Welcome To The Party A.J.
This was A.J. Ouellette’s best game in a Rider uniform by far.
Coming into the week, the former Argonaut had the most carries (29) by any back but sat seventh in total yards (72) and last in yards per attempt (2.5) among running backs with double-digit carries. The team as a whole also sat last in rushing yards and yards per carry in the league.
This week, however, Ouellette was the most impactful player on the Green and White’s offence. He rushed the ball 20 times for 98 yards averaging 4.9 yards per carry. The 28-year-old also made an impact in the receiving game, catching all four balls he was targeted with for 47 yards to lead all players.
A Name So Nice You Say It Twice
Ajou Ajou once again stepped up and produced in a loaded Riders receiving core.
After filling in for the injured Shawn Bane Jr. last week making five catches for 41 yards, Ajou made his impact felt once again on Sunday. The seventh-round rookie only caught one ball this time around but it was a 40-yard touchdown.
It’s been impressive to see the Brooks, Alberta native make an impact so early on, especially with the likes of Bane Jr, Kian Schaffer-Baker, Sam Emilus, Jerreth Sterns, and Mitch Picton all ahead of him on the depth chart.
A Ton Of Turnovers
If you win the turnover battle by a lot, chances are you are going to win the football game. The Roughriders defence forced five turnovers (two fumbles and three interceptions) while Hamilton’s D only managed one pick.
Saskatchewan has yet to lose the turnover battle this year and that could be the key to keep the good times rolling.
C.J. Avery Can’t Stop
A major factor in turning the ball over for the Green and White has been rookie American linebacker C.J. Avery. After already having four defensive tackles and two huge interceptions throughout the first two weeks to seal comeback victories, the 25-year-old put on a clinic on Sunday.
Avery collected five tackles and another five tackles for loss, including tipping a pass that ended up in Jameer Thurman’s hands for an interception.
The Roughriders will enter their bye week and will play the Toronto Argonauts on the other side of it on July 4.
