Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look back at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week's list ...
After back-to-back losses, the Saskatchewan Roughriders will look to right the ship against the Toronto Argonauts today.
Saskatchewan lost 30-16 to the B.C. Lions last week as penalties and miscues plagued the Riders throughout that contest.
Read more:
- StatCan figures show minor economic bump from FIFA World Cup soccer matches
- ‘A Hollywood story’: Huskies’ Amundrud returns from cancer battle in pre-season win
- UEFA prepares criminal complaint in Swiss courts against FIFA’s Infantino over World Cup sell-off
Quarterback Trevor Harris knows in order for this team to reach the heights it did last season, both he and the team need to play better.
“We will. I think we made some great strides in practice. I think we made some great strides in meetings and discussions in what we are doing. I’m excited to see this version of us … and see how we’ve progressed. I think you will see an improved version and I am very excited about tomorrow’s game,” Harris said.
Starting quickly could be a focal point for the Riders this week. Saskatchewan is the CFL’s lowest-scoring team in the first quarter with just 34 points. The Riders have bounced back in the second quarter with 114 points. That’s the second most in the league.
The loss to the Lions dropped the Riders to 6-4 and further behind the CFL West Division-leading Edmonton Elks (8-3). While it’s not a must-win game for the Riders this week, they want to avoid falling further down the standings.
Riders head coach Corey Mace said his team needs to put some urgency into their game.
“Let’s put some urgency into how we approach everything, whether that’s how we start the game or how we approach each day, each meeting, each practice, each rep. Let’s be urgent and try to fix the things we need to fix.
“It’s a results-driven business and we haven’t gotten the results that we like the last two weeks and nobody likes that feeling,” Mace said. “Only one way to fix it and that’s to be focused and dial in with a sense of urgency.”
Toronto won the last meeting between these two teams in a 40-34 decision at Mosaic Stadium. Argos quarterback Chad Kelly threw for 321 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the win.
“He’s a heck of a quarterback. He’s a former MOP of the league. He has a live arm and he’s not afraid to use it,” Mace said.
“Super competitive, and he has been a winner. For us defensively, it’s another tall task.”
The Riders’ defence will see some changes this week as they juggle injuries and what appears to be a production-based move.
Safety Jaxon Ford was put onto the one-game injured list with an ankle injury, moving Nelson Lokombo back to his normal starting spot in that position. Defensive back James Burgess Jr., who was released after training camp and brought back on June 23, will make his first CFL start this week.
“It means everything to get this opportunity,” Burgess Jr. said.
“Just knowing the grind I put in and being able to come out here and play in front of this wonderful crowd. I’m just ready for the game and ready to show I can contribute to the team.”
Antoine Brooks Jr. has also been placed on the reserve roster as Seyi Oladipo will start at SAM linebacker as the team looks to shake things up there.
On offence, Saskatchewan will have a new weapon available to them as Shemar Bridges makes his 2026 debut. The former East Division nominee for Most Outstanding Rookie signed with the Riders earlier this week.
Mace said you can expect Bridges to go out there and make the plays he is supposed to make.
“We wouldn’t put him out there if we didn’t feel comfortable with him being able to do that,” Mace said.
“Just being in the environment and talking to his teammates, he will understand that if (his) number is called, he has to be there to make that play.
“He fits in perfectly. He is the pro’s pro and I think him being able to play this week proves that.”
Saskatchewan has had to rely on the passing attack more as the rushing game hasn’t been able to produce over the past two games. They average just 57 yards per game.
Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.
Read more:
