We have been treated to some exciting football in the last two weeks.  That being said, I wouldn’t mind the guys coming up with a win in regulation for us!  A lot of people have called this a nothing game in Hamilton.  Not necessarily.  A win would clinch second place.  The only thing that can’t be done this week is to make any headway on clinching first.  It will be nice to watch a game a little more relaxed, knowing there isn’t as much at stake as in previous weeks.

Offense

Quarterbacks:

At the start of the year, Quinton Porter was everyone’s consensus “next one”.  Step aside Quinton, Darian Durant has taken that torch and run with it.  Imagine what Darian’s numbers would be if he didn’t have to play the Lions and Barron Myles 4 times a season.  The negative for me is when Darian keeps giving us good performances, it makes it hard to find something to write about.  The Tiger-Cats have given the reigns to Kevin Glenn in recent weeks to kick start their offence on their playoff run.  We’ve seen Glenn enough to know what he will show.  He makes quick reads and had a quick release.  He’s got the arm to get the ball deep.  He doesn’t provide the mobility that Porter did.  Edge Riders

Running backs:

That was an interesting game for Wes Cates.  He hasn’t shown explosiveness or cutback ability that he’s had in the past.  However he made a huge catch on the drive at the end and picked up the Lions blitzes many times, allowing Darian to make the throw.  But I guess when you keep in mind that running the ball is the primary goal for a tailback, we need more from him in that area.  BTW, congrats to Regina’s newest Councilor, Chris Szarka.  Can’t wait for the Mayor to hear complaints that Szarka is not on enough committees.

After a very hot start, DeAndra Cobb has slowed down in recent weeks.  At 981 yards he should still hit 1000 this week.  Edge Tiger Cats

Receivers:

In the last two games, the following Rider receivers have caught late 4^th quarter or OT passes for TDs or two points converts:  Fantuz, Bagg, Getzlaf, Quinn.  This is what makes our passing attack so hard to defend.  We will use any receiver in any given situation.  By the way, I feel Johnny Quinn needs a hipper name and am starting a movement to have him referred to as J.Q. or Johnny Q. from this point on.  Sounds like we will go in with the same group of receivers this week as last week. 

I wonder where Hamilton’s passing attack would be without Arland Bruce, because the numbers for everyone else are off from last year.  He is one the top receivers in the league.  Dave Stala is having a good year for the Cats.  Chris Bauman’s numbers are off from last year.  Edge Riders

Offensive line:

That was one of the better displays our pass protection that our line has shown this year.  Compared to previous games vs. the Lions, The run blocking wasn’t bad, definitely better than previous.  It’s strange,  how come when Szarka has gotten the ball on short yardage the last couple of games, he’s gotten the necessary yardage with no problems, yet with everyone else it seems to be an adventure?

Hamilton’s line has performed well for them all year.  Veteran Dan Goodspeed was a good addition for them.  Even

Defense

Defensive line:

The Riders managed to put some good pressure on Casey Printers last week, and it was his elusiveness the kept our guys from racking up more sack numbers.  They did a good job of stuffing the run. Bagg and Chick having been playing well all year, but Shologan and Adams did a good job this past week as well.  Justin Hickman (DE) is coming off a POW performance.  Khari Long on the other side is their sack leader.  Overall, this group hasn’t really distinguished itself and hasn’t put a lot of pressure on the passer.  Edge Riders

Linebackers:

Gabe Freeman is the most recent backup who was pressed into duty and preformed well.  He came in with the shuffling after the Eddie Davis injury.  Rey Williams played much better this week.  It will be good to have Kornegay back at his normal position this week.  Juan Johnson has been very good for Hamilton this year and leads the league in tackles.  Otis Floyd started strong but his numbers have come down in recent weeks. Markeith Knowlton rounds out the 3 ex-Lions playing LB for Hamilton.  Slight Edge Hamilton

Secondary:

The Riders are going to have to adjust to not having Eddie Davis to end the season.  It’s a tough loss, but other teams in the West have been hit by injuries too so we can’t whine about it.  Considering he went up against Geroy Simon for a lot of the game, I thought Chris MacKenzie did well for his first start.  It’s funny that both of James Patrick’s interceptions were game savers against the Lions.

Hamilton’s secondary started the year as one of the league’s best, but their numbers have come down.  I’ve been really impressed with Bo Smith on the corner.  With the injury to Sandy Beveridge, Moose Jaw’s own Dylan Barker looks like he’s getting a chance to play.  Edge Riders

Special teams

Return game:

This has to be the most amazing turnaround of any part of the Rider game.  There is no doubt that Jason Armstead’s return has been the catalyst.  I agree that better play overall with the return of guys like Kitwana Jones and Neal Hughes has helped, but there is no doubt that Armstead has provided the big chance.  He has that ability to make the first man miss that Eric Morris just didn’t show.  Marquay McDaniel will handle the majority of the returns for Hamilton.  In important situations, Arland Bruce will return punts as well.  Edge Riders

Placekicking:

Luca Congi came oh so close to being the hero with that long field goal at the end of regulation.  I didn’t think he had the leg to get it there, so in a way, getting it up off the upright was surprising to me.  Luca’s percentage is better than Setta’s.  Edge Riders

Punting:

I am expecting Louuuuuis Sakoda to handle at least some of the punting this weekend.  They worked him in slowly with kickoffs last week where he didn’t face a rush.  This will be the next step.  I know we are all pretty excited with Sakoda’s credentials, but he has to show it in a game first.  Until then, we have to give Setta the edge.  Edge Tiger-Cats

When the Riders have the ball

The last time these teams met, the Riders ran a pretty balanced attack.  I am looking for the same here.  Wes Cates had success the first time around with 117 yards.  The Cats have not been that strong against the run so I expect him to have success again this week.  That was one of the first games where Darian didn’t hesitate to take off as well.  That’s something he’s done a lot of since so look for that as well.

Darian’s passing numbers were not that great last time.  Keep in mind, that game was played in some pretty miserable conditions.  Interestingly, that was a game where Jason Clermont was our leading receiver.  The way Durant has spread the ball around in recent weeks, it’s hard to say where he will attack a defense.  Andy Fantuz has good games when he goes home to play in front of friends and family so I look for him to have a good game.  I always get a kick out of the rows of Rider fans wearing # 83 jerseys in Ivor Wynne,  Andy missed the first game against Hamilton this year.  After that, the next closest sure thing is that Rob Bagg is going to make some big catches. 

Since the Tiger-Cats have had trouble putting pressure on the QB this year, I expect them to come after Durant with some blitzes.  If you didn’t notice it last week, watch for the job Cates does in picking those up.

When the Tiger-Cats have the ball

The Riders did a good job of limiting Cobb in the first meeting.  Due to big Rider lead early, he only got 6 carries.  I am sure he will get more work than that on Saturday.  The Cats love to get him involved in the passing game too.  With the reputation the Riders have of getting pressure off the edges, look for the Cats to run screens to slow the rush down.

I would be stunned if the Cats game plan didn’t involve getting Bruce matched up on Chris MacKenzie.  I don’t fear the speed factor in that matchup as apparently MacKenzie has some major wheels.  What I worry about is the size mismatch, and Bruce beating MacKenzie in jump ball situations.  Being a rookie, MacKenzie probably doesn’t have his technique down to make up for his lack of size.  I wonder if the Riders will try and get him some help and put two guys on Bruce, forcing Glenn to go elsewhere.

Hamilton has decent receivers, but outside of Bruce, I don’t see any matchups on the field that concern me.  The key will be to get to Kevin Glenn.  He’s only average as a scrambler, so unlike last week against Printers, our linemen should be able to track him down if they beat their blocks. 

Outlook:

These are two teams that are moving in opposite directions as the season winds down.  The Riders have a chance at finishing first in the West.  Hamilton has struggled in the last few weeks, and is now in a fight for their lives to make the playoffs.  That’s what they have going for them in this game, home field and desperation,  The Riders can afford to drop this game and still know that it will all come down to next week at home to Calgary.

Despite Hamilton having more to play for, I think the Riders will prevail in this one.  This team has shown in recent weeks that if they limit mistakes like turnovers etc, they can play with and beat any team in this league.  I expect another good game out of them Saturday.

My score:  Roughriders 31 Tiger-Cats 22