Game Preview
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will battle the Calgary Stampeders in an important CFL clash on Saturday, June 24th. Both teams are looking to make a statement early in the 2023 CFL season, and a victory in this game could serve as a stepping stone towards their ultimate goals. This game has all the makings of a classic CFL showdown, and fans can expect plenty of fireworks when these two teams take the field.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders finished the 2022 CFL season with a not so impressive 6-12 record, missing the CFL playoffs. In the 2023 CFL season, the Roughriders have started off strong, winning their first game of the season against the Edmonton Elks.
Offensively, the Roughriders are led by quarterback Trevor Harris, who has started the season on fire. In the first two games, Harris has thrown for 592 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Harris made WR Samuel Emilus his preferred target in the Riders’ Week 2 loss to the Blue Bombers. Emilus scored 3 touchdowns in the loss and has made himself into a bonafide star in the Queen City. The Roughriders also have a strong ground game, led by running back Jamal Morrow. Morrow has rushed for 100 yards and zero touchdowns in the first two games of the season, and he will be a key part of Saskatchewan’s offensive attack against Calgary.
Defensively, the Roughriders are anchored by their front seven, which includes standout defensive linemen A.C. Leonard and Micah Johnson. The Roughrider defense was stingy in the first game of the season, allowing just 13 points from the Edmonton Elks. The Calgary Stampeders had a successful 2022 CFL season, finishing with a 12-6 record. However, they have come out flat in the early part of the 2023 season, going 1-1 and not seeming to have much going for them offensively and defensively. The Roughriders will try to make the Stampeders fall below .500 on the season.
Injury Report
The following players are listed as “OUT” for tonight’s game: DL Nic Dheilly; FB Albert Awachie; RB Frankie Hickson; WR Juwan Brescacin; DL DeMarcus Christmas; DB Jayden Dalke; DB Rodney Clemons. OL Peter Godber is listed as QUESTIONABLE.
Prediction
So who will win this game? Both teams are playing at a high level early in the season, and this promises to be a close game. However, I think the Roughriders have a slight edge in this game. Their offense has been clicking on all cylinders, and I think they will be able to put up enough points to win this game. Saskatchewan wins 31-28.
