Nov 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Redblacks receiver Ernest Jackson (9) is handed the ball he scored the game winning touchdown by receiver Greg Ellingson (82) as the Redblacks win the 104th Grey Cup fina with a 39-33 overtime victory over Calgary Stampedersl at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

EDITORIAL BY GRAYDON FOX

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If there are ties, a random drawing will determine the winner.

Top 5 Winners:

1. Chili_wili7 (350 points)
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Overview:

On Thursday, June 21^st, the (1-0-0) Saskatchewan Roughriders will be on the road to take on the (0-0-0) Ottawa Redblacks.

 The Crowd:

“The Crowd” projects a final score of Ottawa 28.0 – Saskatchewan 24.6 with an over/under of 52.5.

2017 Statistics (9 total teams):

Point differential: Saskatchewan +80 (2^nd) > Ottawa +43 (4^th)

Points per game: Saskatchewan 28.3 (3^rd) > Ottawa 27.5 (5^th)

Points allowed per game: Saskatchewan 23.9 (2^nd) > Ottawa 25.1 (3^rd)

Passing yards per game: Ottawa 300.1 (4^th) > Saskatchewan 293.4 (5^th)

Rushing yards per game: Ottawa 94.6 (4^th) > Saskatchewan 82.1 (9^th)

Summary:

Saskatchewan won their opening game 27-19 against the Toronto Argonauts.  Zach Collaros completes 18-25 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown.  The Roughriders had 111 yards rushing and dominated the time of possession.  Saskatchewan held Toronto to under 300 total yards and were able to force two turnovers.  The Roughriders finished the 2017 campaign with a (10-8-0) record.  Saskatchewan ranked 3^rd in the CFL last season averaging 28.3 points per game and ranked 3^rd in points allowed (23.9).  The Roughriders had a potent passing attack capable of outscoring anyone but they averaged the least amount of rushing yards in the league (82.1).  The Blue Bombers were (5-4) on the road last season with a (+5) point differential.

Ottawa was on bye so they didn’t play in the opening week of the season.  In 2017, the Redblacks finished with a (8-9-1) record.  Ottawa ranked 5^th in points per game (27.5) and 3^rd in points allowed (25.1).  Trevor Harris is one of the better quarterbacks in the CFL and he has a big play receiver in Greg Ellingson.  William Powell is coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season and provides much need balance for the Ottawa offense.  The Redblacks were (3-5-1) at home last season and had a (+1) point differential.

Bottom Line:

Saskatchewan is facing a quick turnaround and will be up against a well-rested Ottawa on their home field.  Both teams have strong offenses but Ottawa should be able to control the clock with their strong rushing attack.  This game should be close but I’ll take the Redblacks by a field goal.

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