3 keys to victory for Edmonton, Saskatchewan in Week 21
Arthur Ward/CFL.ca
Player in dark green uniform runs with football.
REGINA — The Edmonton Elks head to Mosaic Stadium for a date with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday afternoon to close out the regular season.
Saskatchewan clinched a playoff spot with a 16-12 win over the Montreal Alouettes in Week 20.
Edmonton downed Winnipeg 35-27 last week and has already secured its spot in the Western Final.
The winner takes the season series after the Elks won 36-34 in Week 8 and the Riders came away with a 28-26 victory in Week 9.
Here’s three keys to victory for both teams ahead of Saturday's 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff, which can be watched on TSN and RDS2 in Canada, and on CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.
RELATED
» Depth Charts: EDM | SSK » Game Notes: Elks at Roughriders » Tickets: Edmonton at Saskatchewan » Injury Reports: Stay up to date » Who’s gonna win? Play CFL Pick ‘Em presented by Old Dutch now! » Sign up and watch CFL games on CFL+ in the U.S. and Internationally
EDMONTON ELKS
1. SETTLING INTO THE GAME UNDER CENTRE
Head coach Mark Kilam is turning to quarterback Taylor Powell in the regular season finale. In 17 games, Powell’s completed 11 of 12 passes for 122 yards. Given his lack of action this season, the offensive game plan may centre around easy reads early as he gets comfortable.
2. THE HANDOFFS
ShunDerrick Powell and Javon Leake should both get touches in the run game. Powell has yet to face the Riders' defence, while Leake will be looking for redemption after being held to 11 yards on four carries in two games.
3. DOWNFIELD DEFENCE
The secondary has been a key to Edmonton's success all season. Defensive backs Royce Metchie and Kobe Williams will be tasked with maintaining that standard for a defence that enters the week allowing the third-fewest passing yards per game at 276.7.
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
1. JACK COAN
Quarterback Jack Coan will see the field for the second time this season, taking over for starter Trevor Harris. He completed two passes for 15 yards in a Week 19 loss to Montreal and has totalled 153 yards through the air in three seasons in Saskatchewan.
2. REPS FOR SAMUEL EMILUS
Receiver Samuel Emilus pulled down six passes for 50 yards last week in his first game since Week 12. Getting him going will help the Riders’ chances of winning this week and beyond.
3. SECOND DOWN DEFENCE
Which defence is more successful on second down will be something to watch. Edmonton ranks first in opposition second-down conversion rate at 45.4 per cent, just ahead of Saskatchewan, second-best at 46.1 per cent. Linebacker Jameer Thurman needs one defensive tackle to reach the century mark for the first time in his career and should be eager to make an impact when the opportunity to get off the field arises.
NEED TO KNOW:
With a victory, Edmonton can register the franchise's third-ever season with 14 or more wins.
Saskatchewan is 6-3 at home.
The Elks are 5-3 on the road and 7-2 against West Division opponents.
Emilus is two catches away from 250 for his career.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET and can be watched on TSN and RDS2 in Canada, and on CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.