In an intense playoff showdown, the Saskatchewan Roughriders edged out the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 in the 112th Grey Cup, marking back-to-back playoff deficits for Montreal due to turnovers. This match demonstrated the pivotal role of turnovers, as the Roughriders forced four, which significantly impacted the outcome.
Key Events of the Match
The performance of Roughriders quarterback Davis Alexander was instrumental in leading his team to victory, despite throwing three interceptions. His counterpart, Shea Patterson of the Alouettes, also contributed to the turnover struggle with a critical fumble near the end zone, which proved costly for Montreal.
Turning Point Moments
- Montreal managed to capitalize on a missed field goal by Roughriders kicker Brett Lauther, which kept the game within reach.
- In a crucial moment, Tevaughn Campbell forced a fumble from Patterson, allowing Marcus Sayles to recover it, which effectively ended the Alouettes’ chances of a comeback.
Although the Alouettes regained possession with just over a minute remaining, they failed to advance toward the Roughriders’ end zone. Alexander appeared to struggle with an injury during this final sequence, diminishing the team’s hopes.
Scoring Summary
- Touchdowns by Tommy Stevens (two) and A.J. Ouellette.
- A 48-yard field goal by Lauther added to the Roughriders’ total.
- Touchdowns for the Alouettes were scored by Patterson and Stevie Scott III, with Jose Maltos-Diaz contributing a 23-yard field goal.
First-Half Performance
The Alouettes struggled to establish their offense early in the game. Their initial sequences resulted in ineffective drives, including an interception on the 22-yard line of the Roughriders. Although they managed to score a touchdown early in the second quarter, the Saskatchewan defense maintained pressure, limiting further scoring opportunities.
The Roughriders took advantage of this defensive success, with their quarterback completing 13 of 16 passes for a total of 156 yards. Key performances from receivers like Emilus, who caught six passes for 56 yards, and Ouellette, who rushed for 54 yards and scored a touchdown, solidified the Roughriders’ dominance.
Second-Half Dominance
The Roughriders continued to assert their control after halftime. A standout play from Mario Alford set a tone with a 38-yard kickoff return, leading to another touchdown for Saskatchewan. They scored 24 unanswered points, capitalizing on the Alouettes’ mistakes.
Despite late efforts from Montreal, the inability to recover from the multiple turnovers ultimately sealed their fate. The Roughriders secured their fifth Grey Cup title, overshadowing Alexander’s previous 13-game winning streak.
