It's one of the most heated rivalries in the CFL, a prairie border war that features back to back weekend games, taking fans from Winnipeg to Regina and back to River City, with much more than just two points up for grabs, but bragging rights for the fall run to the Grey Cup.
Though, this year, the two points are probably more valuable than the bragging rights, considering both Winnipeg and Saskatchewan have stumbled and struggled their way through the summer months, the Bombers tail spin eventually costing their coach his job, the Riders dash through mediocrity leaving the fans anxious that a total collapse may not be far behind.
So, Sunday's match up will offer one team a respite from the wrath of the fan base, for the other a loss will mean just a little bit more heat from the home side, regardless, neither team will want to be on the wrong side of the scoreboard by the time game number two of the weekend Classics comes to an end.
The Labour Day weekend showdown between Winnipeg and Saskatchewan will mark Tim Burke's debut as Bombers head coach, the one time assistant to the recently dismissed Paul LaPolice will seek to turn around the fortunes of the team that challenged the Lions for the Grey Cup less than a year ago, but over the course of the summer has crashed to the bottom of the standings in spectacular fashion.
The Riders on the other hand had a pretty impressive July, starting the CFL season looking as though they would be the team to beat, however, as August comes to an end, the Riders more resemble the squad that anyone can beat, especially in fourth quarter implosions which have cost Saskatchewan points on numerous weekends.
Something will give on Sunday, one team or the other is going to find that the Labour Day weekend is as a good a time as any to get things untracked, setting the stage for the return engagement back in Winnipeg in week 11.
Game Time 2 PM (ST), 4 PM ET, 1 PT, Mosaic Field (TSN)
Winnipeg 0 at Saskatchewan 52 (33,427)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Riders hope to contain the Bombers' running game
National Post--Bomber's Terence Jeffers-Harris gets in trouble on twitter after Paul LaPolice fired
Winnipeg Free Press-- Fired up Willis, Lobendahn pumped to face old pals
Winnipeg Sun-- Critical clash in Regina for Bombers
Regina Leader Post-- Riders looking to end losing streak in Labour Day Classic
Team Backgrounders
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Review
Globe and Mail-- Riders end skid with 52-0 spanking of Bombers
National Post-- Roughriders show Blue Bombers no mercy in shutout
Winnipeg Free Press-- In case your need reminding
Winnipeg Sun-- A debut to forget for Bombers new head coach
Regina Leader Post-- Roughriders roll over bumbling Blue Bombers
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