Roughriders drop Alouettes 33-22

With the wind at their backs (literally) Kerry Joseph and the Saskatchewan Roughriders improved to 8 and 5 by dropping the Montreal Alouettes 33-22.

Going into this game both the 'Riders and Als were looking for an important win today. History was not on Saskatchewan's side before kick-off but KJ along with Andy Fantuz put huge points on the board in the 2nd quarter and sustained that momentum into the 3rd with a great 1-yard TD run by Corey Holmes.

Saskatchewan played a good game by moving the chains, keeping the pressure on Calvillo, and most importantly - making tackles! The Secondary really stepped up but more pressure will be needed next week. Additionally, I'm a little concerned with the way the D eased up in the fourth quarter. Even Kerry Joseph and Wes Cates eased up in the fourth when we really needed to get a couple first downs and run the clock.

The one player who was exceptional this game was Andy Fantuz. With Dominguez sidelined the Roughrider offense needs some big plays from some of our young talent. If Dominguez had gone down at the beginning of the year I wouldn't be so confidant in number 83.

Fantuz played extremely well and I'm really glad to see that he's got his hands back. Keeping the ball secure and getting those extra yards on second effort was everything I expected him to be doing at the beginning of the year and I'm glad to see that he's back in spectacular form.

Next week the Roughriders head out west to Calgary for the 3rd and final match-up against the Stamps. Hopefully Akili Smith is starting and we can get to him early and shut down guys like Rambo, Copeland, and definitely Reynolds to take the season series and set ourselves up for a run against Hamilton.

Great game boys, let's see more of that good stuff next week. All together now,

GO! RIDERS! GO!