Lions at Riders GDT Sat 530PM CT

[gobombersgo]

[gobombersgo]

[gobombersgo]

Big-bodied Canadian receiver Jevon Cottoy returns for B.C. Lions in West Semi-Final
By 3Down Staff -November 1, 2024

The B.C. Lions are getting healthy at the right time, as massive Canadian receiver Jevon Cottoy will make his return for the Western Semi-Final.

The six-foot-five, 230-pound target hasn't played since Week 17 due to an ankle injury. In the 11 games he has played this season, Cottoy has put up 34 receptions for 401 yards. That is the lowest total of his career since his rookie season in 2019 and represents less than half of his 2023 production, but his absence has been felt as a blocker.

To make room for Cottoy, rookie Canadian Kieran Poissant has been placed on the practice roster. The 23-year-old has caught seven passes for 58 yards in 11 games this year.

On defence, Canadian safety Adrian Greene will return from a knee injury. The third-year pro has 26 defensive tackles, five special teams tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble this season, but will remain relegated behind rookie starter Cristophe Beaulieu. Backup Charlie Ringland has been returned to the practice roster as a result.

American linebacker Ace Eley, the team's nominee for Most Outstanding Rookie, is listed as a game-time decision after struggling with a back injury this week. The Georgia Tech product has recorded 60 defensive tackles, six special teams tackles, and a forced fumble in his first season. He is backed up by Canadian Ryder Varga, who sees substantial reps on defence in certain packages.

The B.C. Lions (9-9) will visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-8-1) for the Western Semi-Final on Saturday, November 2. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EDT at Mosaic Stadium.

https://3downnation.com/2024/11/01/big-bodied-canadian-receiver-jevon-cottoy-returns-for-b-c-lions-in-west-semi-final/

[gobombersgo]

Justin Dunk  @JDunk12

Riders dress two American running backs, Ryquell Armstead joins A.J. Ouellette for West Semi-Final vs. B.C. Lions


Double back: Riders to dress both RB A.J. Ouellette, Ryquell Armstead for West Semi-Final
By 3Down Staff -November 1, 2024

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be fielding a two-headed backfield in the Western Semi-Final.

After much debate over who would get the nod, the Riders have elected to dress both running back A.J. Ouellette and mid-season acquisition Ryquell Armstead. Fellow running back Frankie Hickson (head) will sit out this week.

Ouellette, the team's prized free agent signing this offseason, has battled injuries this year, appearing in just eight games. He has notched 130 carries for 550 yards and three touchdowns while catching 16 passes for 147 yards.

Armstead was brought in to help fill the void in September, rushing for 207 yards in his Riders debut before being sidelined with a shoulder injury the next week. In 13 games split between Saskatchewan and Ottawa, he has carried 160 times for 862 yards and three scores while adding 38 receptions for 298 yards through the air.

Ouellette was amongst a group of Riders who were late scratches from last week's regular-season finale, all of whom will return well-rested for the playoffs. That list includes Most Outstanding Defensive Player finalist Rolan Milligan Jr. at halfback, Canadian receiver Samuel Emilus, and his rookie American counterpart KeeSean Johnson. Curiously, high-profile defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II will remain a healthy scratch after a disappointing 2024 campaign.

Returning from a three-game absence with a knee injury is Canadian linebacker Adam Auclair, who will slot back into the weakside spot over rookie C.J. Avery. Canadian offensive lineman Peter Godber will also make his much-anticipated return from an ankle injury but will dress as a sixth blocker so as not to upset the unit's current chemistry.

American receiver Joe Robustelli (shoulder) will join Hickson on the one-game injured list. Defensive backs Deontai Williams and Kosi Onyeka, linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr., offensive lineman Noah Zerr, and receiver Colton Hunchak will all be healthy scratches.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-8-1) will host the B.C. Lions (9-9) for the Western Semi-Final on Saturday, November 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EDT at Mosaic Stadium.

https://3downnation.com/2024/11/01/double-back-riders-to-dress-both-rb-a-j-ouellette-ryquell-armstead-for-west-semi-final/

[BBRT]

Justin Dunk   @JDunk12

Riders dress two American running backs, Ryquell Armstead joins A.J. Ouellette for West Semi-Final vs. B.C. Lions

Interesting - the Riders must be wanting to run the ball a lot against the BC defense - probably a good idea as I am not sure how strong against the run  the BC DL and LB's are.

[dd]

Armstead is a game breaker, glad the Riders have him in their lineup. Ouellette isn't going to get it done vs the Lions, Armstead is.

[theaardvark]

That Riders DC is awful thin at starting Nat...

[pdirks67]

Interesting - the Riders must be wanting to run the ball a lot against the BC defense - probably a good idea as I am not sure how strong against the run  the BC DL and LB's are.

BC is middle of the pack in rushing yards allowed. And the Riders are towards the bottom of the league in rushing yards. A curious decision.

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[markf]

3downnation

"However, Adams has plenty of reasons for confidence after being stuck on the bench for that game. He has gone over 450 yards through the air in each of his last three starts against the Riders, including a victory in Week 6, combining for 1,364 yards and seven total touchdowns compared to just three interceptions."

I think Justin Macinnes will have a big game. let go by Riders, might be a shoulder chip type.

[Blue In BC]

Adams is hot and cold and not a cold weather QB. Weather, wind or rain are not situations which he would thrive in IMO. I haven't heard what the weather is like in Regina today?

All things considered, I think the Riders win.

[ModAdmin]

Adams is hot and cold and not a cold weather QB. Weather, wind or rain are not situations which he would thrive in IMO. I haven't heard what the weather is like in Regina today?

All things considered, I think the Riders win.

Partly sun and cloud.  Temperature around +8 or +9 degrees.  Wind SE at 24 kms per hour, gusts to 36 kms per hour.

[BBRT]

Partly sun and cloud.  Temperature around +8 or +9 degrees.  Wind SE at 24 kms per hour, gusts to 36 kms per hour.

Most of the folks over on the Riders site allready are planning to head to Winnipeg for the Western Final! I kind of think they might be putting the cart before the ox so to speak - I think the Riders should win but the football gods are a strange lot!

[bomb squad]

We'll see if the Rider defence can stop VA from getting on a roll. Limit their success on the deep shots. If they don't, BC takes it. Harris is competent and experienced, he will give them solid qbing. The crowd will really have to do their part to help. I sense their fans being a little flat for some reason. What happened last week in The Big Gust game was a real bummer for them I think, and why wouldn't it be. Maybe some of that rubs off on the team. We'll see. I see a real tight cfl playoff game here.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Did they sellout Mosaic?

[ichabod_crane]

BC has NO REAL RUNNING GAME and if Adams can't hit the deep ball, they are toast I think. They don't run a ball control offence at all. Maybe if he runs wild with solid passes on the rollout they will do well.  If I'm the CRYDERS, just pin your ears back and go after their QB or at least keep him in the pocket. If Adams craps the bed in the first half, Rourke may get a chance to redeem himself for this season.