In a thrilling West Division final, the Saskatchewan Roughriders clinched a spot in the Grey Cup with a 24-21 victory over the B.C. Lions. The decisive moment came in the final seconds, as Tommy Nield caught a three-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Trevor Harris with just 11 seconds remaining.
Game Highlights
The Riders trailed 21-17 with only 1:03 left on the clock. They orchestrated a remarkable 74-yard drive in a mere seven plays, culminating in the game-winning touchdown. This pivotal score secured their place in the championship game against the Montreal Alouettes on November 16 in Winnipeg.
Match Recap
- First Half: Defensive Battle
- Saskatchewan held a 14-7 advantage in the third quarter.
- B.C. Lions surged back, scoring two touchdowns to take a 21-14 lead.
Before the game-winning touchdown, the Riders faced a first-and-goal situation at the B.C. five-yard line. After two unsuccessful passes, head coach Corey Mace opted for a field goal. Brett Lauther successfully made a 13-yard kick to narrow the gap to 21-17 with 2:42 left in the game.
Defensive Resilience
The Riders’ defense played a crucial role down the stretch. They forced two consecutive two-and-out possessions from the Lions. This gave the Riders’ offense the chance to secure the game.
Looking Ahead to the Grey Cup
The Roughriders will face the Montreal Alouettes in the Grey Cup after the Alouettes overcame the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 19-16 in the East Division final earlier the same day. This marks Saskatchewan’s first appearance in the Grey Cup since their 2013 triumph over Hamilton.
Crowd and Atmosphere
The playoff atmosphere was electric, with a sellout crowd of 33,350 at Mosaic Stadium. Fans witnessed a game primarily dominated by defensive strategies, evidenced by the combined 11 punts in the first half.
As the Riders prepare for their championship match, quarterback Trevor Harris emphasized that it’s “our time,” reflecting the team’s determination and readiness for the Grey Cup challenge ahead.
