Official Game Day Thread - Saskatchewan at Winnipeg, October 17, 2025

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I've been thinking a bit more about what it'll be like if SSK does well in playoffs, and heaven forbid, makes it to the big game.  You know, like deciding if I'll go to the GC (which I will).

It dawned on me, that while I hated SSK under Dickenson The Lesser (DTL), I didn't hate them as much as I do now.  Because I really hate Mace.  I could have stomached Riders making it to 1 or 2 of the cups we beat them to get to under DTL.  But not with Mace.

All the Riderfans bash DTL for being too nice, too buddy-buddy, too many bowling outings.  But besides being dim and a bad HC, he was likeable.  Kind of like the dorky uncle you feel a bit sorry for.

But Mace is like Chris Jones, but with double the douchery.  I really don't want to see them go far in the playoffs, and definitely not make it to the cup.  And if they do, I'm not cheering for them.

What does this have to do with this game?  Well, we need to take them down a notch by creaming them, maybe instill some doubt into their heads.  And for ourselves we need to secure that crossover and start our 5 game streak.  Because if we are the crossover team, and it is SSK v WPG, I want to kick Mace down so hard in that game it'll be talked about for generations.

Stomping the Riders B Team shows nothing and may give them a false sense of confidence like it did in the WF last year.

[Jesse]

Unfortunately, it doesn't really seem to matter what team we play or who that team is putting on the field.

Our loses this season have been entirely of our own doing. Shooting ourselves in the foot. Turning the ball over. We've likely thrown more INTs for TDs than any other teams. Turned the ball over in scoring range right before the half to give the other tam free points.

We need to manage our own mistakes or it wont matter who Sask puts on the field.

[JockitchwithRich]

Sterns likely running and catching can help fill some of the Demski void.
Personally have wanted Ike to be more involved as an outlet, maybe this is where he gets more than one chance
Believe the team won't be missing Mitchell at all

[BBRT]

I've been thinking a bit more about what it'll be like if SSK does well in playoffs, and heaven forbid, makes it to the big game.  You know, like deciding if I'll go to the GC (which I will).

It dawned on me, that while I hated SSK under Dickenson The Lesser (DTL), I didn't hate them as much as I do now.  Because I really hate Mace.  I could have stomached Riders making it to 1 or 2 of the cups we beat them to get to under DTL.  But not with Mace.

All the Riderfans bash DTL for being too nice, too buddy-buddy, too many bowling outings.  But besides being dim and a bad HC, he was likeable.  Kind of like the dorky uncle you feel a bit sorry for.

But Mace is like Chris Jones, but with double the douchery.  I really don't want to see them go far in the playoffs, and definitely not make it to the cup.  And if they do, I'm not cheering for them.

What does this have to do with this game?  Well, we need to take them down a notch by creaming them, maybe instill some doubt into their heads.  And for ourselves we need to secure that crossover and start our 5 game streak.  Because if we are the crossover team, and it is SSK v WPG, I want to kick Mace down so hard in that game it'll be talked about for generations.

I could not disagree with you more. Mace has done a good job this year and Rider management has loaded the team with talent. And Mace is nothing like Chris Jones period. Give the Rider team and management credit they did a great job in 2025 with both on the field and off the field actions. They (management) did a far better job in bringing talent in then Bomber management did. And Mace appears to be a very good coach.

[theaardvark]

Do we play to the level of our competition?

This is not an uncommon thing.  Did we get "up" for the game against HAM, and then glide against EDM?  Not consciously, of course, but subconsciously...

I don't think we will have a problem getting "up" for the game against SSK

[gobombersgo]

[gobombersgo]

Keric Wheatfall, Demerio Houston return for Winnipeg Blue Bombers against Riders
By John Hodge -October 16, 2025

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will have receiver Keric Wheatfall and defensive back Demerio Houston back in the lineup when they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday night.

Wheatfall missed the team's last two games after taking a vicious shot during the club's win over the Ottawa Redblacks in Week 16. The 26-year-old native of Brenham, Texas has caught 40 passes for 619 yards and four touchdowns this season, his second with the team. Wheatfall will start in place of Dillon Mitchell, who has been placed on the one-game injured list as a healthy scratch.

Houston didn't dress for the team's loss to the Edmonton Elks last week after he was late coming back from the bye week due to personal reasons. The veteran defender, who has recorded 11 defensive tackles over three regular-season games this year, will start at boundary cornerback opposite Jamal Parker, who will start at field-side cornerback.

Dexter Lawson Jr., who has made nine starts in the secondary this season, has been moved to the one-game injured list as a healthy scratch.

The Blue Bombers will also have Canadian receiver Gavin Cobb in the starting lineup for the first time this season as Nic Demski is out due to a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old was a collegiate standout with the University of Manitoba Bisons and signed with Winnipeg as a free agent in February following a three-year run with the Edmonton Elks during which he caught 18 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns.

Winnipeg cannot clinch a playoff spot with a win on Friday night, though they will do so if the Edmonton Elks lose to the B.C. Lions. Though the Blue Bombers won the season series against the Elks, they will be the odd team out if there is a three or four-way tie in the West Division standings.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-8) will host the Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-4) at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday, October 17 with kickoff slated for 8:00 p.m. EDT. The Riders are coming off a win over Toronto that allowed them to clinch first place in the West Division, while the Blue Bombers lost to Edmonton, failing to clinch a playoff spot in the process.

The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of 11 degrees with rainy conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 620 CKRM in Regina and 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.

https://3downnation.com/2025/10/16/keric-wheatfall-demerio-houston-return-for-winnipeg-blue-bombers-against-riders/

[gobombersgo]

Saskatchewan Roughriders officially name QB Jake Maier starter against Bombers
By 3Down Staff -October 16, 2025

Backup quarterback Jake Maier will make his second start of the 2025 season when the Saskatchewan Roughriders face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday.

Veteran starter Trevor Harris remains on the roster as the team's third-stringer, but will not play after the team clinched first place in the West Division last week. That means Maier will handle the quarterback duties, with youngster Jack Coan potentially seeing time as a backup.

Maier started in Week 4 for the Riders while Harris was out with a head injury. He completed 13-of-23 passes for 170 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in a 37-18 victory versus the B.C. Lions, who started backup Jeremiah Masoli at QB.

In addition to Harris, running back A.J. Ouellette, right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick, receiver Samuel Emilus, and defensive tackle Micah Johnson will all be rested for load management. Defensive back Marcus Sayles (ankle) and receiver KeeSean Johnson (knee) will sit out with injuries.

Mario Anderson Jr. will draw into the lineup and get the start at running back, while fellow rookie Darius Washington gets the nod at right tackle. Shawn Bane Jr. will dress for the third time this year and get his first start at receiver, with Canadians Dhel Duncan-Busby and Ajou Ajou also getting upgraded to starter status.

Defensively, Caleb Sanders will start at defensive tackle, while Canadian cornerback Tevaughn Campbell makes his return from injury. Special teams ace Aubrey Miller Jr. is also back for linebacker depth, while American rookie Chico Bennett Jr. will make his first appearance as part of the defensive end rotation.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-4) will visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-8) at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday, October 17, with kickoff slated for 8:00 p.m. EDT. The Riders are coming off a win over Toronto that allowed them to clinch first place in the West Division, while the Blue Bombers lost to Edmonton, failing to clinch a playoff spot in the process.

The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of 11 degrees with rainy conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 620 CKRM in Regina and 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.

https://3downnation.com/2025/10/16/saskatchewan-roughriders-officially-name-qb-jake-maier-starter-against-bombers/

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Unfortunately, it doesn't really seem to matter what team we play or who that team is putting on the field.

Our loses this season have been entirely of our own doing. Shooting ourselves in the foot. Turning the ball over. We've likely thrown more INTs for TDs than any other teams. Turned the ball over in scoring range right before the half to give the other tam free points.

We need to manage our own mistakes or it wont matter who Sask puts on the field.

Should be near impossible for Jake Maier to beat them no matter the lineup he has at his disposal, the key will be Zach limiting turnovers and finishing drives.

[dd]

I wouldn't worry about the Riders roster, who they're sitting, Maier at Qb, or their coach, focus needs to be on ourselves, as we control our own destiny, win and everything will take care of itself, lose, and there will be consequences.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I could not disagree with you more. Mace has done a good job this year and Rider management has loaded the team with talent. And Mace is nothing like Chris Jones period. Give the Rider team and management credit they did a great job in 2025 with both on the field and off the field actions. They (management) did a far better job in bringing talent in then Bomber management did. And Mace appears to be a very good coach.

Funny thing is the the Riders have built a house of cards upon Trevor Harris's rickety old back, this has been his best season ever and one of the few he's managed to stay mostly healthy till the end. They've tied up first place and to congratulate their achievement President Reynolds was quick to hand out 2 year extensions to HC and GM, patting themselves on the back for a job well done, despite sucky attendance numbers.

IF the Riders come out of the West, they're going to discover as the Bombers have the last few seasons, the best team often lives in the East. Congratulations will be well earned if the Riders make the Grey Cup, but I find it hard to believe the stars will ever align well enough to repeat that experience again under Trevor Harris. 

Critical factor, the Bombers must find the next great QB before the Riders do.

[ModAdmin]

Unfortunately, it doesn't really seem to matter what team we play or who that team is putting on the field.

Our loses this season have been entirely of our own doing. Shooting ourselves in the foot. Turning the ball over. We've likely thrown more INTs for TDs than any other teams. Turned the ball over in scoring range right before the half to give the other tam free points.

We need to manage our own mistakes or it wont matter who Sask puts on the field.

We have certainly thrown more interceptions than any other team in the league - 26 to be precise.

[markf]

Should be near impossible for Jake Maier to beat them no matter the lineup he has at his disposal, the key will be Zach limiting turnovers and finishing drives.

Grey Cup v. Arbuckle?

[markf]

We have certainly thrown more interceptions than any other team in the league - 26 to be precise.

Not surprising, horrible fact. 

[blue_or_die]

The depth chart is exactly as I would have it ideally, minus of course Demski's absence. Love that secondary with Houston and Parker, and Vaval backing up.

Like Jesse said, if we lose it will be by our own doing, which is how most of those 8 games (gross).

Ideally, we simply play Bomber ball (which we apparently only decide to do from time to time this year) and then lock up a playoff spot. Depending if second place is somehow still in place, we either get to fight for that in our last home game (god willing) or rest key players, especially Demski if he's still hurt and then we can ready ourselves for playoffs on the road. But that's all a week away....gotta go 1-0 tomorrow. LFG.