Get ready for today’s West Division Final.
Expect a fierce matchup between the Roughriders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, with both teams laser-focused on a win.
“The Blue Bombers have made it to the Grey Cup the last two times without coming away with a win, so I’m sure they’re determined to get back and take it this year,” Trevor Harris, Saskatchewan’s veteran quarterback, said on Friday. “But they know they’ve got to get past us first.”
“And, honestly, I think our team’s as hungry as you can get. We’re locked in, focused, and if you’re a CFL fan and you don’t tune in (Saturday), you might need to check your pulse. This one’s going to be a heavyweight fight.”
The Bombers (11-7) and Roughriders (9-8) are closely matched, with no clear favorite going into Saturday’s showdown, which will take place in front of Winnipeg’s fifth straight sellout crowd of 32,343 at Princess Auto Stadium.
The teams split their season series, with Saskatchewan winning 19-9 at home in July, and Winnipeg edging them out twice in September: 35-33 in Regina and 26-21 in Winnipeg.
Winnipeg’s game plan will rely heavily on local star Brady Oliveira, the league leader in rushing with 1,353 yards this season and a contender for both the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player and Top Canadian awards. Oliveira has been consistent all season, but facing Saskatchewan’s top-tier run defense has kept his numbers lower, with only 49, 42, and 43 yards in their three matchups.
“I’m just going to stick to what I’ve done all season—play physical, stay consistent, and give my best for my teammates,” Oliveira said.
If Winnipeg is pushed toward a passing game, Saskatchewan’s defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr., the West Division’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player nominee, will be ready to disrupt. Milligan led the league with eight interceptions and had ten pass knockdowns.
“Everyone knows what kind of defense we bring,” Milligan said. “Taking the ball away is our thing. We couldn’t do it last time we played them, and that cost us.”
The Roughriders’ offense will counter with running backs A.J. Ouellette and Ryquell Armstead. Both teams have fought through tough stretches and injuries, rallying in time for the playoffs. Winnipeg started the season with four losses but bounced back with an eight-game win streak, taking the top spot in the division with a win in their final regular-season game. Saskatchewan endured a tough stretch with six losses and a tie but finished strong, winning five of their last six, including their West semifinal win over the B.C. Lions.
“There’s a lot of pride in that,” said Saskatchewan head coach Corey Mace. “We went through some rough times, but I could tell this team had something special. They just kept their heads down and found a way.”
If the Blue Bombers defeat Saskatchewan, they’ll join an elite group, with only three teams in CFL history reaching five consecutive Grey Cups.
“It’s been a special run,” said Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros. “But we’re focused on tomorrow.”
The Bombers defeated the Roughriders in both the 2019 and 2021 West Finals on their way to two national titles. In the past two years, they beat the B.C. Lions in the West final but fell short in the Grey Cup.
“Staying on top is always tough because everyone’s gunning for you,” said Winnipeg defensive end Willie Jefferson.
Game Details: Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-8) vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (11-7)
West Division Final
Saturday, Princess Auto Stadium
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
