They are the two hottest teams in the CFL at the moment, a position that nobody probably thought was possible when the Lions and Riders both got off to terrible starts.
When we kicked off the 2011 CFL season, there was much talk about what was wrong with Saskatchewan and British Columbia, the losses kept rolling on through July and into August as the two CFL West teams held the bottom of the division quite closely, watching with a sense of urgency as the Eskimos and the Stamps began to put a fair amount of distance between the upper and lower reaches of the division.
However, the turnaround for both has come with the turn of the calendar from August to September, more so for the Lions who currently ride a four game winning streak, putting that on the line today in Regina against the Riders who hold a three game run on the CFL schedule.
It is perhaps the most important game thus far for both, the prospect of a CFL West playoff position the tantalizing vision just off in the distance, a win for the Lions would solidify their hold on the final spot in the West and give the surging Leos a launching pad for run at second and maybe even first. For the Riders a win will tighten up an already congested West, making October a rally race for placement whether in the division or perhaps for a CFL crossover spot.
The Lions arrive at always loud and very Green Mosaic Stadium riding the hot hand of Travis Lulay, the Lions QB who has found much success through September, bringing a stable of sure handed receivers and a running game that earns every yard. On the Defence the Lions hope to continue to punish opposition squads, adding to their sack totals, forcing errors and turnovers that have been the hallmark of the Leos for the last five or so weeks.
The Riders who have had a remarkable turnaround since the return of Ken Miller to the sidelines are hoping to continue to build on their momentum since the Labour Day wars, this weekend another major test for the Green and White as to whether this is indeed the real deal or just the enthusiasm over a popular coach making his return.
While the records aren't among the best of the league thus far, this is perhaps the weekend's marquee game when it comes to importance.
Game Time 1 PM ST (Noon PT, 3 ET)
Pre Game
Regina Leader Post-- Lions remain Riders' focus
Vancouver Province-- Lions' Marsh may be hard not to notice soon
Vancouver Sun-- Lions to tackle Riders' '13th man' in noisy Taylor Field crowd
Canada.com-- One day at a time for Riders
Quick Snaps Saskatchewan Roughriders
Quick Snaps British Columbia Lions
Post Game
British Columbia 42 at Saskatchewan 5
Attendance-- 30, 048
Vancouver Sun-- Resurgent Lions crush Roughriders 42-5 for with straight win
Vancouver Province-- Give Buono credit for Lions revival
Regina Leader Post--Darian Duran'ts comments after Riders' 42-5 loss to B. C.
Globe and Mail-- B. C. Lions catching fire at right time of season
National Post-- B. C. Lions take a bite out of Roughriders
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