CFL Week 2 Saskatchewan at Ottawa: Preview and Prediction

The Saskatchewan Roughriders opened the season with an impressive win over the defending Grey Cup Champion Toronto Argonauts. What was most impressive about the win had to be the Roughriders suffocating defense that held the Argos to just 4 first-half points. Ottawa, on the other hand, did not play last week and will be opening the season this week. The Redblacks did an overhaul of their roster and the question that most will be asking is how long will it take the Redblacks to come together as a team.

Key to victory for the Redblacks

Stopping the Riders rushing attack

Jerome Messam and Tre Mason combined for over 100 yards rushing in last week’s win and it will be imperative for the Redblacks to limit the yards on the ground for the Riders. If they don’t, the Riders will easily top 30 points and the Redblacks would have to win a shoot-out. With the way the Riders defense looked last week, I do not like the odds for the Redblacks in that scenario. I expect with new defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe in the fold from Montreal, the Redblacks defense will be more aggressive. Will that be enough to stop the Riders running game?

Keys to victory for the Riders

Slowdown Trevor Harris

Trevor Harris has only been slowed down in the past by injuries, and if he stays healthy he is as good as anybody. The Redblacks are loaded at the skill positions and the key to defeating Harris will be to pressure him and make him uncomfortable. Charleston Hughes will play a big part in deciding this game, as he was part of a dominant Riders’ pass rush that harassed Toronto Quarterback Ricky Ray the entire game last week.

Prediction: The Riders are a complete team and even though they are going on the road in a hostile environment, the Riders pass rush and running game will be too much for the Redblacks to handle.

Saskatchewan 31  Ottawa 17