The football crazies of Saskatchewan have been waiting for this moment for a few years now, since as far back as 1989, the last time that a representative wearing the legendary Green and White made a successful pilgrimmage to the Grey Cup.
On Grey Cup Sunday, the Roughriders will enter Rogers Skydome as the favourites to complete a remarkable season and claim Lord Grey's Championship Cup. It's not often that the Riders find themselves listed as a favourite and that could be perhaps the most worrisome thing for Kent Austin and his coaching staff.
It's much easier to motivate when everyone suggests you don't have a chance to win, the US against the world approach always seems to provide for helpful results.
But with Winnipeg sending their back up quarterback into battle on Sunday, quite a few of the pundits have already run up the white flag for the Bombers and all but handed the Riders the Cup.
As always it will depend on what happens on the field not in the newspapers, and Saskatchewan which has played solid football for most of the year, rightfully should be held in high esteem for what they have accomplished thus far.
Kerry Jospeh this years most outstanding player, will have this final chance for 2007 to showcase his skills, a combination deep passing threat and a rumbling running back all rolled into one package.
He faces a strong Winnipeg defence, one that has made an impression on CFL fans all year for their ability to bend but not break, to wreak havoc with a teams offensive plan and to cause misery for opposing quarterbacks.
They will be more than aware that most observers have decided that their team does not have a chance and they will most likely be ready to show that football is not all about offence, that defense can do its share to shut down an attack.
The two long time CFL rivals frequently put on an entertaining show, and though this is the first time that they will meet in the Grey Cup, they'll no doubt bring much of the Labour Day and Banjo Bowl intensity with them with a championship on the line.
Saskatchewan is going to be a pretty vibtant place today, Grey Cup parties will rule the day and the anticipation of a deliverance from their Grey Cup demons will be watched with care.
If all goes as planned in Toronto on Sunday, the province wide giant celebration party will be in full throttle by the time the Riders and Bombers strip off their gear.
If it doesn't go as planned, well Saskatchewan will be a very quiet place for a few days.
The Canadian Press--Saskatchewan Roughriders a relaxed bunch on eve of Grey Cup game
National Post--Twice as nice
Regina Leader Post--Tillman knows it's now all in the players' hands
Saskatoon Star Phoenix--Riders have the right stuff
Regina Leader Post--What a party it would be!
No comments:
Post a Comment