The undefeated Saskatchewan Roughriders, perhaps still getting used to that title after last year's meltdown take their record across the line into Alberta tonight, looking to remain atop the pack of the CFL at the expense of the Calgary Stampeders.
The Riders, who have turned around last years misery rather nicely in the first three weeks will once again look to quarterback Darian Durant to keep the momentum moving, Durant has helped to banish those bad memories of 2011 with some impressive leadership on the field, leading drives, taking long runs across the prairie and most importantly putting points on the board when the opportunity arrives.
A combination that has provided for six points thus far in the standings and for the most part accounted for the Riders 83 total points on the scoreboard over those three games.
Combined with a defensive squad playing with renewed confidence and head coach Corey Chamblin is looking to be the toast of Saskatchewan if this keeps up through to November.
The only cloud on the horizon in Saskatchewan these days is the placement of Wide Receiver Rob Bagg on the injury list for nine games, which is sizable hole for a lengthy period of time, but one which coach Chamblin seems to be using as a teachable moment for his squad.
The Stamps on the other hand have struggled through the first three weeks, losing 2 of their three games and now looking to move forward through the year without starting quarterback Drew Tate. It was announced over the weekend that Tate, who was injured in the Montreal game will miss the majority of the season owing to the need for shoulder surgery,
And while they perhaps are a bit ahead of other teams in the backup department with Kevin Glenn, he is going to have to knuckle down and provide the kind of leadership that doesn't leave them on the wrong end of a scoreboard when they held the lead heading into the final moments.
Coach John Hufnagel must be a little concerned about where his QB situation is at in the short term after watching his team self destruct last week in Montreal, where the Als stormed back as Anthony Calvillo led the perfect last minute offence to not only control the clock, but put points on the board.
That was something that the Stamps couldn't seem to accomplish, nor on the defensive side were they able to prevent. Turnovers and miscues gave the Als the opportunity to reclaim what seemed lost, something that the Stamps must be aware of should they want to find progress in the 2012 season.
The Riders game tonight provides their toughest test yet in the early season, it showcases a determined and confident team coming into the home of one which is perhaps struggling to reinvent itself on the fly after but three weeks. The kind of scenario that surely gives an edge to the visitors from the east, but should make for a most entertaining contest.
Game Time 7 PM MT 9 ET, 6 PT McMahon Stadium (TSN)
Saskatchewan 38 at Calgary 41 (32,228)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Kevin Glenn ready to lead Stampeders against unbeaten Roughriders
National Post-- Explaining the Roughriders' dramatic turnaround
Calgary Sun-- Tidy up time for Stamps
Calgary Herald-- Stamps eager for West Division litmus test
Regina Leader Post-- What's right with the Riders?
Team Backgrounders
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Calgary Stampeders
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Stampeders erase 17 point deficit to beat Roughriders in OT
National Post-- Stampeders storm back to top Riders in wild west shootout
Calgary Sun-- Wow! Stamps rally for late win
Calgary Herald-- Never say die Stamps beat Riders 41-38 in OT
Regina Leader Post-- Anatomy of a collapse
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