Western rivals set for second consecutive clash
The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Edmonton Elks are scheduled to meet again in Week 9, marking their second consecutive matchup. This game will conclude Week 9 on Saturday night. The Elks secured a narrow 36-34 victory in their previous encounter during Week 8. A win for Saskatchewan would bring them within two points of the first-place Elks in the West Division standings.
The upcoming game is set for a 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Canadian viewers can watch the game on TSN, while those in the U.S. can tune into CBSSN. International audiences have access to the game via CFL+.
Saskatchewan’s focus on defence and ground game
For Saskatchewan, a key area of focus will be their defence, particularly the secondary. In their last game, the Roughriders‘ secondary allowed 510 passing yards and four passing touchdowns to Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo. Defensive backs Tevaughn Campbell, DaMarcus Fields, Jaxon Ford, and Marcus Sayles are expected to aim for an improved performance. However, they will be without Rolan Milligan Jr., who has been placed on the six-game injured list.
Maintaining pressure on the opposing quarterback is another priority for Saskatchewan. Defensive linemen Mike Rose and James Vaughters, along with linebacker Antoine Brooks Jr., each recorded a sack against Fajardo in the previous game. Despite these efforts, Fajardo‘s performance remained strong, indicating the need for sustained pressure.
The Roughriders‘ running game will also be crucial. Running back A.J. Ouellette has been placed on the six-game injured reserve due to a knee injury and will not play in Saturday’s game. This means Quali Conley and Thomas Bertrand-Hudon will be tasked with carrying the ball. In the first matchup, Bertrand-Hudon rushed for nine yards on three carries. Ouellette had rushed for 288 yards on 63 carries in four games this season, his third with the Riders. Last season, he accumulated 1,222 rushing yards and eight touchdowns over 17 games.
Additionally, wide receiver Samuel Emilus is listed as a game-time decision for Saturday’s contest. He has recorded 31 catches for 448 yards and five touchdowns through eight weeks of the season.
Edmonton’s strategy: capitalizing on Fajardo and defensive improvements
The Elks will look to build on the momentum of quarterback Cody Fajardo, who delivered a strong performance in the last game. While replicating that exact level of play might be challenging, Fajardo is described as a veteran playing at his best, supported by various offensive options.
Fajardo‘s presence is expected to draw significant attention from the Roughriders‘ defence, which could create opportunities for running back Justin Rankin. Rankin has experienced two consecutive less productive games in the running department but is still considered a impactful player, similar to his form in the first five games of the season. The strategy suggests that openings for him to exploit will be present.
Defensively, the Elks aim to improve their performance. Head coach Mark Kilam‘s secondary allowed 386 passing yards and four passing touchdowns in Week 8. Defensive players Tyrell Ford, Kordell Jackson, and Kobe Williams will be looking to enhance their play against a quarterback of Trevor Harris‘s calibre. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBSSN in the U.S., and CFL+ internationally.
Source: cfl.ca
