The Tre Ford era has officially begun in Edmonton. First place in the West is on the line in Saskatchewan, as the Elks travel to Regina to take on the Roughriders. Kick-off is Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Elks fans finally get their wish as chants from the stands, and the keyboards have been begging for Tre Ford for months now. It’s been another disastrous year in Edmonton, and all the fans have now to root for is the future.
In Saskatchewan, it’s the complete opposite. Hopes were high in the off-season, but not this high, as the Riders could take over first place in the West with a win on Saturday. They’ve been without their starting quarterback for most of the season and have still found ways to win.
Don’t forget to check out our CFL Power Rankings as we get ready to make some money to finish out Week 9.
Edmonton Elks vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders Odds
Team |
Spread |
Total |
MoneyLine |
| Edmonton | +4.5 (-108) | Over 49.5 (-108) | +190 |
| Saskatchewan | -4.5 (-112) | Under 49.5 (-112) | -230 |
**Odds Subject to Change** |
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Elks vs. Roughriders Match Details
- Fixture: Edmonton Elks @ Saskatchewan Roughriders
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Date and Time: August 3, 7:00 pm EST
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Location: Regina, Saskatchewan
-
Weather: Sunny, 73 Degrees, Wind 12 MPH
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Field Type: Turf
Apex Tale of the Tape
| Edmonton | vs. | Saskatchewan |
| 0-7 | Record | 5-2 |
| 24.9 | Points Per Game | 26.1 |
| 67.0 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 85.9 |
| 273.3 | Passing Yards Per Game | 266.6 |
| 56 | Offensive Plays Per Game | 52.6 |
| 51.9% | 2nd Down Conversion | 43.7% |
| 30.9 | Points Allowed | 22.6 |
| 14 | Sacks | 16 |
| 7 | Interceptions | 12 |
| 96.9 | Rushing Yards Allowed | 47.9 |
| 310.3 | Passing Yards Allowed | 319.7 |
| 0 | Turnover Ratio | +11 |
| 28:06 | Time of Possession Per Game | 30:11 |
Key Stats
Edmonton Elks (0-7)
Tre Ford entered the game last week against Hamilton and promptly scored three touchdowns in the final 10 minutes. Was this because of a laidback Ti-Cats defense in a blowout? Maybe, but Ford still gives the Elks more options on offense with his ability to scramble, buy time, and pick up yards of his own. In his limited starts last year, Ford was 153-227, throwing for 2,069 yards and 12 touchdowns
The running game has been a letdown this season, ranking dead last in yards per game with 67. They took another hit, losing Kevin Brown to a shoulder injury. After racking up 1,141 yards last year, the Elks have done an awful job getting him involved this season, and without him, it’ll be hard to expect an uptick in running production.
Let’s be honest. Even if this offense was guaranteed to put up 40 points, it would still be hard to bet on the Elks due to their defense. They are last in net offense per game, eighth in passing yards against, and eighth in points allowed. They have also allowed 15 passing touchdowns, which is tied for last in the CFL.
Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-2)
When Trevor Harris went on the six-game IR after starting the season 3-0, Rider-Nation was unsure what to expect of this offense moving forward. Since then, Shea Patterson is 2-2, keeping this team afloat until Harris’ return. With a strong running game and an even stronger defense, 994 yards and two scores are all they have needed from here. The one interception doesn’t hurt, either.
RB Ouellette is questionable for tonight’s game. If he doesn’t start, Frankie Hickson will go in his place. Hickson had 117 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown last week against Montreal. If Ouellette does start, this two-headed monster should have a field day against an Elks defense that gives up just under 100 rush yards per game.
A big reason the Riders have been able to win without Harris is they have one of the best defenses in the CFL. The Roughriders are second in the CFL in points allowed, 22.6, and first in rush yards allowed 47.9.
Prediction
There’s no question that putting Ford behind center gives the Elks a better chance to win and a fresh look on offense. Still, this is a heck of a defense to play against, and for a team that is inconsistent on their best days, I don’t expect the Elks to be able to keep this one close. Six of their seven losses have been by one score, but this defense is a different animal, and quite frankly, the spread isn’t big enough. Take the Riders -4.5.
The other play in this game that we like is under 49.5. The Riders score just enough points to win, and their defense will be too much for a young Ford and an abysmal running game. Both teams may get over 20 points each, but not much more than that.
As good as Saskatchewan’s defense is, it is the worst pass defense in the CFL, allowing 319.7. Considering the pass will most likely be the only option they have without their star back against this run defense, Ford should easily clear a total of 237.5 yards. Take the over at -115.
Final Pick
Saskatchewan Roughriders -4.5 (-112), Under 49.5 (-112)
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