The Saskatchewan Roughriders are set to take on the Montreal Alouettes in the 112th Grey Cup game, scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. ET in Winnipeg. Here’s an overview of the upcoming championship showdown:
Saskatchewan is heavily favored to break its Grey Cup dry spell. The team hasn’t secured a championship since 2013, the same year they last competed for the Grey Cup. Despite the seemingly short span of 12 years in a nine-team league, it has been a lengthy drought for the Roughriders. Only the B.C. Lions have also not made it to the title game since the Riders’ last appearance.
The Roughriders faced challenges over the years, with an overall regular-season record of 83-92 and just three playoff victories in the 10 seasons from 2014-2024 (with the 2020 season canceled due to Covid).
This season, Saskatchewan has dominated the CFL, starting strong with a 4-0 record and eventually finishing with the best league record of 12-6 after two inconsequential losses at the end of the regular season post clinching the West Division title.
Following a first-round playoff bye, Saskatchewan staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the B.C. Lions 24-21 in a thrilling West final last Saturday. Trailing 21-17 with only 63 seconds left in the fourth quarter, quarterback Trevor Harris led the Riders on a 74-yard drive in seven plays, culminating in a game-winning three-yard touchdown pass to Canadian receiver Tommy Nield with just 11 seconds remaining.
The spotlight now shifts to Harris and his team to bring home a rare and well-deserved championship to the devoted watermelon-hatted fans of Saskatchewan. The Riders have only clinched four out of the 111 Grey Cup games to date, with a losing record of 15 games, amounting to a modest .211 winning percentage. Yet, the Riders are favored by a significant four-point margin for Sunday’s game, suggesting a strong likelihood of victory.
Montreal’s prospects hinge on the recovery of their injured player. Alouettes supporters can empathize with the Roughriders’ struggles. It took them 13 years between Grey Cup appearances before finally winning it in 2023 by upsetting the heavily favored Winnipeg.
This season, Montreal secured a 10-8 record to finish second in the East. They further dashed the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ hopes in the playoffs by outscoring them 42-33, ending Winnipeg’s bid for a record-tying sixth consecutive Grey Cup game. In the East final last weekend, the Als triumphed over the first-place Tiger-Cats with a game-winning 45-yard field goal by Jose Maltos Diaz.
Montreal’s quarterback, Davis Alexander, boasts an impeccable 13-0 record as a starter in the CFL. With Alexander in the lineup this year, the Als have maintained a perfect 9-0 record. However, Alexander’s left hamstring issues caused him to miss 11 games, leading Montreal to a 3-8 record with backup McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
Despite reaggravating his hamstring during the East final, Alexander is expected to start at the Grey Cup, albeit not at full health. Alexander’s participation in the Alouettes’ practice on Wednesday, although limited, is an encouraging sign.
When it comes to the Grey Cup, defense may play a decisive role in the outcome. Both teams boast talented offensive players, but the defensive units could be the game-changers.
Saskatchewan’s defense excelled this season, ranking third in average points allowed by opponents at 22.7 per game and second in interceptions. In the West final, they limited the Lions to 21 points, significantly below their regular-season scoring average.
Montreal’s defense closely trails Saskatchewan, surrendering an average of 22.8 points before containing the Tiger-Cats to just 16 points in the East final, well below their regular-season offensive output.
In terms of net yards allowed, Montreal had the most restrictive defense in the league this season, with Saskatchewan close behind in second place. Additionally, Montreal’s defense stood out in yards per play allowed, showcasing their defensive prowess.
With strong defensive lineups on both sides, the Grey Cup outcome may hinge on defensive performances, just like in recent years of the championship game. The battle for the Grey Cup will unfold on Sunday night in Winnipeg, where defense could be the ultimate game-changer.