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Showdowns between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Calgary Stampeders usually feature a lot of physicality.
That is expected to ring especially true this week as the showdown between the CFL West Division rivals features the top two running backs in the CFL.
Riders rusher AJ Ouellette currently leads the way with 347 yards on the ground. Right behind him is Stamps running back Dedrick Mills with 311.
“It’s always good. Every week you want to outperform the other running back, whether that’s just helping your team in blitz pickups, more rushing yards, more receiving yards, you just want to help your team win,” Ouellette said.
The Riders have been the league’s best when it comes to stopping opposing rushers. Saskatchewan has only surrendered 66.5 yards per game on the ground. Calgary gives up 111.3 yards per game — third worst in the CFL.
“We saw it last year with Dedrick — you see the explosiveness. In my opinion, one of the best things about him is that he is an explosive runner, but he still has the ability to run in between the tackles. He can make guys miss,” said Riders defensive tackle Micah Johnson.
“He has great vision, so he can make you pay if you’re undisciplined in your gaps.”
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Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium on Friday. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 5 p.m.
Saskatchewan is currently the final undefeated team in the CFL after the Stamps knocked off the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 37-16 in the Stampede Bowl last week.
While that was happening, the Riders were on their first bye week and are back and refreshed ahead of the showdown.
“The guys came out energized. The guys are excited to be back. That’s what is good about our group — the bye is always good to just refresh the body, but they are eager to play football, so they would rather be here than be on a bye,” Ouellette said.
The Riders could have another all-star rusher to pair with Ouellette this week. Due to an injury to Thomas Bertrand-Hudon, it appears likely Ka’Deem Carey will play in his second game as a member of Saskatchewan.
Carey was released by the Toronto Argonauts after training camp and signed with the Riders after Week 1. He suited up in Week 2 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, rushing four times for 26 yards.
The Riders will be without wide receiver Sam Emilus (foot) for another week, as well as defensive back Tevaughn Campbell (groin) in this game.
