Saskatchewan Roughriders

Well fifteen weeks are currently in the books and the Saskatchewan Roughriders find themselves at the top spot of the CFL Western Conference standings. They currently sit tied with the Calgary Stampeders for best record in the West at 8-6, but due to the tie breaker rules, the Roughriders are at the top spot with the Stampeders right behind.

The Roughriders beat the Toronto Argonauts on Thanksgiving day weekend (in Canada) by a score of 32-22. Roughriders' quarterback Darian Durant had what was probably his best game of the season as he threw for almost 200 yards and 3 touchdowns on 14-23 attempts. The Argo quarterbacks on the other hand did not fair as well. Kerry Joseph got the start, but both QB's played. They combined for 116 yards and 1 interception with no touchdowns on 13-28 attempts.

Both teams' run games did well as the Argo rushers combined for 145 yards with Jamal Robertson getting the most at 14 carries for 86 yards. The Riders' rushing game was also balanced among different players as they ran for 156 yards, with Wes Cates getting the bulk of the carries with 17 which resulted in 80 yards.

The biggest story of the game however was probably not the Roughriders at the top spot in the west. Unfortunately, it was the fact that the Riders' best offensive player Weston Dressler will be out for the rest of the season with a broken fibula and a severely sprained ankle.

Coach Ken Miller announced that non-import receiver Adam Nicolson will be taking his spot in the starting rotation which leaves some fans wondering why him, and not Jason Clermont. Although Clermont, the former 1000+ yard receiver won't be a starter, I'm sure he will play a lot more after the injury to Dressler.

Special teams had it's ups and downs for the Riders on Saturday. Jason Armstead had his best game as a Rider this season with 2 kick returns for 93 yards for a 46.5 average and had 5 punt returns for 67 yards for a 13.7 yard average. Luca Congi was 1-1 on field goals as well. The part of the special teams that didn't go well was kickoffs and punts. With Jamie Boreham out with injury Luca Congi handled the kickoffs and punts and did not do a very good job. He had 5 punts for an average of 26.8 yards which leaves Rider fans quite concerned.

With Weston Dressler out, rumors have been spreading that the Riders will either sign a big import offensive lineman, an import punter who can really boot the ball, or re-sign receiver Matt Dominguez back to the team. No matter which one they do, it should help better the team.

It will be a clash of the titans next week as the two teams at the top of the Western conference will play at McMahon Stadium. The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be in Calgary to face the Stampeders on Saturday October 17th.

The annual Banjo Bowl has official come to an end as the Saskatchewan Roughriders embarrassed former Rider Michael Bishop and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 55-10. Saskatchewan lead in nearly all categories as the only place the Blue Bombers really beat the Roughriders was in kick returning, but I think it's fair to say that definitely wasn't enough.

Roughriders slot back Andy Fantuz finally returned from injury this game and had his ups and downs. He had 2 catches for 64 yards and 1 touchdown, but also had some plays that left Rider fans slightly worried. There were at least two passes that quarterback Darian Durant through beautifully, but it looked as though Fantuz didn't even bother to stick his arms out or dive for them. Although he had 1 spectacular touchdown reception thrown by WR Jason Armstead on a reverse play, on many plays Fantuz looked like he didn't want to put his body on the line to make a grab.

Wes Cates had a great game with 100 all purpose yards on only 15 touches. His display was better than the CFL's leading rusher Fred Reid who had 82 all purpose yards and one less touchdown then Cates who had 2.

The quarterbacking battle was definitely won by Saskatchewan as the Riders' QB's combined for 262 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception on 20-38 attempts. The Bombers also used 2 quarterbacks that game, but for different reasons. Michael Bishop and Bryan Randall both got in that game and combined threw 30 passes but only completed 11. They also didn't throw for any touchdowns, had only 124 yards and had 4 interceptions. Which brings me to my next point, turnovers.

Turnovers were a huge factor in the game as the Blue Bombers had 8 and the Riders only had 1. The Riders had 21 points off turnovers which made it real tough for the Bombers to stay in the game.

Many Rider fans didn't understand how off-season acquisition Jason Clermont was a healthy scratch. Clermont has been heavily under utilized this season and the fans have noticed. He has not been close to living up to expectations but I do not think it is fair to blame him for all of this. There have been many plays this season where Clermont has been wide open, but Darian Durant has failed to find him. When Clermont does get the ball, he has made good things happen. Whether it is yards after the catch or drawing pass interference calls, when he does get the ball, he makes the most of it.

It is unknown why Clermont was a healthy scratch when players such as Adam Nicolson were still on the roster. The Roughriders have seemed to have intrest in Bombers middle linebacker Barrin Simpson who recently asked to be traded, which is my guess on why Clermont didn't play. My hypothesis is that the Riders have a trade proposition for Simpson which included Clermont going to the Bombers, and the Bombers didn't want to risk him getting injured before the trade. I would assume the trade would include Clermont, either Stephen Jyles or Dalton Bell and another defensive player going to the Bombers for middle linebacker Barrin Simpson. This would be a great trade for both teams as the Riders are in need of a middle linebacker with starter Rey Williams being injured and it would work out well for Winnipeg as well since they are in need of a quarterback.

Whether this trade goes through or not, the Riders are currently in very good position as they are tied for 1st in the West with the Calgary Stampeders and only seem to be improving.

Another week has passed in the CFL and myself and a few other writers have come up with an idea, it's called the Bleacher Report CFL Writers' Game Ball Presentation. What that means, is after each week, each writer decides what player or players deserve a game ball for their performance in the week that has passed. So ladies and gentlemen, here it is:

Jonathan Hamelin's Game Ball Goes To:

Weston Dressler

The Saskatchewan Roughriders may have lost to the Montreal Alouettes, but Weston Dressler was easily the most impressive offensive player on either team. Dressler caught eight passes for 179 yards. His longest catch of the day was a 62 yarder. All game long, the Montreal Alouettes seemed to know the ball was going to Weston Dressler, but it didn’t matter. Dressler used his pure speed to burn the Alouettes secondary. Weston Dressler is pure heart, and this was evident on Friday night.

Giants27's Game Ball Goes To:

This article is meant to sooth and calm the nerves for all fans in the Rider Nation.  Filled with anxiety as the injuries pile up, as Darian Durant gets mishandled, as the offensive line crumbles, as Western opponents start to right themselves, fans of the Roughriders need to relax and get a grip on themselves. Let's try meditation.

Get out an old photo of the Riders winning the Cup two years ago, something like the one I have posted for this article. Stare at it deeply for a long time...relax and meditate.

Close your eyes. You are getting sleepy. You've worried too long and you are tired. Close your eyes and relax. Sleep...deeper...sleep.

You will sleep like Rip Van Winkle...longer...deeper.

When you wake up, try not to trip over your long beard or fret about grey hairs.

When you wake up it will be September...September 3rd.

September 3rd was a remarkable day for Oliver Cromwell. He massacred an Irish town on that day and on the following two September 3rds won battles at Dunbar and Worcester. He capped it off by dying a few years later on, you guessed it, September 3rd.

But this September 3rd is Labor Day, the day of all the CFL "classic games," where each team battles against its bitter archrival: Calgary-Edmonton, Toronto-Hamilton....

So on this September 3rd, the Roughriders will travel north from Regina, away from Taylor Field or whatever a new sponsor wants to call it, up the turnpike through the wheat fields to Microslob Diefenbaker Stadium in Saskatoon to battle the Scavengers.

It is an important game for both teams. Regina sits third in the CFL Midwest division, ahead of Kitchener and Winnipeg, but behind London and Windsor.

Saskatoon is doing even better as they sit in second place in the West Division, behind Edmonton but ahead of Vancouver, Calgary, and Victoria. Whoever wins this classic will take a big step to making the playoffs.

The Roughriders, in their road white and green uniforms, will emerge on the field to a chorus of heavy booing from 50,000 Scavenger partisans. You'll notice there are a few patrons who dare flaunt the green and white, but Microslob is a sea of turquoise and orange that lets out a huge roar as their similarly clad team takes the field.

While the provincial anthem is being sung, you look at the scoreboard and see the results of the other classic games that have already been played.  

In the far east, Moncton has decimated Halifax, while in Quebec, the Alouettes have narrowly lost to their bitter rival in the stadium on the Plains of Abraham. Trois Rivieres has also managed to defeat Sherbrooke.

In Ontario, Ottawa has beaten Oshawa while the Argonauts have gone down as usual to the Tiger-Cats. 

But your interest centers on your own division rivals. Bad news. Division-leading London has defeated cellar-dwelling Kitchener. Winnipeg is currently ahead of Windsor.

Later, Calgary will play Edmonton and Vancouver is at Victoria. The twenty-team CFL is certainly the place to be on Labor Day.

Now at centre field, the coin is tossed and the Scavengers win. They chose to defer until the second half, so the Roughriders get the ball.

Back to the end zone goes Gimmic Williams to await the kickoff from James Cutler.

There's the boot...Gimmic takes it at the five and brings it out to the 33. The Riders huddle up and then come to the line for the first play. They have to go on the silent count due to the obnoxiously loud noise from the stands.

To no one's surprise, it's a hand-off from quarterback Burt Lancaster to his halfback Darrius Reed, the leading rusher in the CFL. Five yards are gained. The Riders break huddle... it's a quick hitch to East Gates but it is broken up by Larry Allbald. The Riders will have to punt. The crowd roars its approval.

The Scavengers get the ball at their 43 following a 10-yard return. They break the huddle, led by all-star quarterback Warrant Sun.  He calls a draw play to Harry Lumsden, but Lumsden gets taken down at the 49.

And stays down. Lumdsen tries to get to his feet, but starts hobbling. This is his first game back since missing the last four. The trainer and a teammate help him off the field, but it doesn't look like he will be back. Such is football.

Without his top runner, Sun drops back to pass, hitting flanker Terror Owens for a first down. A short pass to one of his slot backs gains another five.

Sun drops back yet again. Blitz! Sun can't escape and is taken down by Ed MacQuarterpounder. Their fans gnash their teeth and call for a penalty.  

The Scavengers are just out of field goal range so they have to punt. Gimmic takes the ball and concedes a single point. The Scavengers have drawn first blood.

Lancaster goes back to pass deep down the middle to Glued Hugh Heinz for a first down in Saskatoon territory.  

Next is a hand-off to Reed, but the Scavengers are waiting and he only manages three. A quick post to slotback Chris Getsflat takes the Riders to the 20.

But there the drive stalls. Dave Rockhead comes on to try a field goal...it's good. Coach Fred Autistic is satisfied, but disappointed his team didn't finish the drive.

The quarter is played out, but that's it for the scoring.  As expected, it's a tough defensive battle: Regina 3, Saskatoon 1.

But midway through the second quarter the Riders get going. Lancaster is getting great protection from his offensive linemen, Roger Oldhead and Ted Urness IV. Again they drive deep into Saskatoon territory. But just when the drive seems to stall, a roughing-the-passer penalty puts the ball at the five.

Saskatoon knows what is coming but they still can't stop it and Reed takes it in. Rockhead converts and the Roughriders now have a commanding 10-1 lead.

But not for long. The Regina kickoff team plays carelessly and the ball is returned inside their own 10. Sun makes quick work of things and slotback Allen Pitstop adds to his league-leading touchdown count. Just when the Riders looked like they were breaking away, the score returns to a tight 10-8 knot.

Again it reverts to a defensive struggle, with Regina managing to kick another field goal for a 13-8 lead. This closes out the first half scoring.

You turn on your Blockberry to watch the televised half-time show. There is a special guest in the stands at Microslob, Bill Sostuburn, the rich billionaire who owns the Scavengers and is currently trying to bring an NHL team to Saskatoon.

Sostuburn has recently set up an Internet link, MakeItSeven, in imitation of the attempt of the late James Balsillie, who tried to get a team for Hamilton so long ago.

The NHL of course has grown to 40 teams, 34 American and 6 Canadian. It was only a few months ago that New Orleans defeated Jacksonville for the Stanley Cup.

Sostuburn is not too optimistic about getting a team. He is in competition with Shreveport, Toledo, Green Bay, and Tuscon for the next expansion, but vows to do all he can.

After the interview is over, you watch the rest of the halftime analysis, view the stats, and get ready for the second half. On the sidelines, a TSN reporter is interviewing Rider General Manager Falcon Locks, who confirms that the roster is set for the remainder of the season.

The Scavengers get the ball, and they mean business. They've obviously made adjustments and march down the field, chewing up six minutes on the clock before Sun sneaks in from the one. To add insult to injury they convert a two-point attempt, giving them a 16-13 lead.

There is bedlam in Microslob. That Scavenger fan standing beside you who had his head down now punches your shoulder with joy. You grit your teeth and vow to come back.

Lancaster does just that. Runs by Reed and passes to Heinz and Getsflat take the ball to the Saskatoon 30s. But Saskatoon's defense stiffens and Rockhead kicks the tying field goal.

Sasktoon gets a good kick return and starts at its own 43. Pitstop makes a spectacular catch at the Regina 25. A draw play to backup running back Avon Colburnt fools the defense and moves it to the eight. Sun makes no mistake and hits Tommie John Greentea for the major.

You endure more taunts from that Saskatoon fan and say, "Watch this drive."

And it happens sooner than expected. Lancaster throws the bomb to Heinz, who got behind the Saskatoon defense, and goes all the way. There is a stunned murmur in Microslob. The third quarter ends with score tied at 23-23.

Coach Autistic has huddled with his defense to tighten up and stop the Saskatoon offense that has become so dominating.

It pays off. On the first drive of the fourth quarter, defensive ends MacQuarterpounder and Bill Butcher put pressure on Warrant Sun. He hurries his throw and it is picked off by linebacker Don Itchison.

The Riders are in business at the Saskatoon 51. Lancaster gets a couple of first downs but the drive is stopped, and Rockhead puts the Riders ahead 26-23.

But Sun hasn't set yet. He drives down the field and, with under three minutes remaining, hits Pitstop in the end-zone for the go-ahead touchdown. There is delirium in Microslob as the Scavengers take a 30-26 lead.

And things go from bad to worse. Each time he has been challenged, Lancaster has responded. But this time the Saskatoon defense, knowing he has to pass, finally sacks him and forces a two and out.

The Saskatoon fan gloats and grins at you, knowing all the Scavengers have to do is run out the clock. They get a first down. There is despair on your face.

Then the ball is handed off and MacQuarterpounder and Butcher converge. MacQuarterpounder hits the runner and Butcher strips the ball. There is a scramble, but Bobby Juradistic falls on it. The Riders have one last gasp at the Saskatoon 22 with under a minute left.

The tension mounts and you begin to sweat. So much is riding on this Labor Day game. You pray that Oldhead and Urness can give Lancaster time to work a miracle.

Lancaster passes out in the flat to Heinz, who takes the ball out-of-bounds at the 11. The tension is suffocating. Only time for one or two more plays.

Sasktoon is obviously playing for the end-zone. Their safeties are already posted there.

Lancaster goes back to pass. There is no blitz as Urness, Oldhead, and their fellow linemen are giving him time.

Lancaster is looking to the end zone...No!... it's out in the flat to the Reed! He's at the five... they're trying to gang tackle him at the two... touchdown!

Saskatoon was fooled on the play, not expecting Lancaster to use Reed as a receiver.

Rockhead kicks the extra point and the game-ending on-side kick wins the game for Regina at 33-30.

The Saskatoon fan snarls,  "We'll see you in the Western Final!"

And Roughrider fans, you can wake up now.

We all know how bad the injury situation for the Riders was last year. After a season where the team had perhaps the most and worst injuries a team has ever had in one year, the Riders were happy to move forward to this season.

It was hopefully going to be a fresh start, where the Riders could have a season with all their players healthy, and fight there way to the Grey Cup. Well, so far, that hasn't worked to well.

The Riders currently lead the league in injured players (13) and players on the 9 game injured list (9). There are a few teams tied for second in the injury category and 11, but no one has as many as the Riders.

The amount of injuries isn't necessarily the worst part for the Riders, but who the injured players are. The last two games the Riders have played were the first back to back games this season with the same starting offensive line. That is due to Wayne Smith, Belton Johnson and Jordan Rempel, who are all currently on the nine game injured list as well as other offensive lineman such as Gene Makowsky being injured from time to time.

The Riders offensive line has been heavily criticized this season, but it isn't that surprising considering Wayne Smith, Belton Johnson, and Jordan Rempel were all expected to be starters before the season began.

The offensive line isn't the only part of the offense that has been hampered with injuries. Wes Cates missed the first few games of the year with a shoulder injury, and has just recently shaken all the rust off.

Neil Hughes is a another running back down with injury. The local boy has missed the entire season so far and is currently on the nine game injured list.

The injuries to the receiving core haven't been as bad as last year, but bad none the less. Star slot back Andy Fantuz has had a nagging hamstring injury which has caused him to miss the last 3 games, and by the looks of things, that won't stop until after the Riders' bye week.

Dave McKoy is a another receiver who is down with injury. He has missed the entire season so far and is currently on the nine game injured list. Before the season, McKoy was expected to be a starting wide out, and many believed he was going be a star in the future.

The defensive side of the ball is missing key players as well. S

tarting middle linebacker Rey Williams had some ligaments torn in his knee in the loss against BC, kept on playing and is now on the nine game injured list and might miss the rest of the season. Leron Mitchell who was expected to be the Riders' starting safety, got injured in training camp which has forced James Patrick to leave his natural position to play at safety.

The Riders have been a very unlucky franchise in the last few years injury wise. Hopefully for the Riders, (I'm having Deja Vu right now) their injury situation will clear up near the end of the season. Also hoping that Fantuz will get back to full health, Mitchell will be back at safety, the original offensive line will be back in time to start a few games together before playoffs and Rey Williams will be able to play at least half the time.

I cannot see all of these things happening, but for the Riders' sake, I hope at least half of them can.

It was an up and down game to say the least, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders managed to overcome the new and improved Hamilton Tiger Cats. The Riders owned the entire first half scoring 23 points while holding the Ti-Cats to zero points and -11 net yards. The Ti-Cats however turned it up in the third quarter as they eventually tied the game up at 23. In the end, the Riders were just to much for the Ti-Cats as they came up with the victory, in a 33-23 thriller.

The Riders seem to be now moving in the right direction as they snapped a two game home losing streak and had a few players with break out games. Wes Cates had yet to have a game over 100 yards rushing before today, and only had 1 over fifty. Today, Cates finally got the ball as much as he deserves and had 117 yards rushing on 19 carries. Jason Clermont also started getting balls thrown his way which is great to see. Clermont had 4 receptions for 66 yards and was the Roughriders' leading receiver. Darian Durant played a decent game, and certainly a much better game then his stats indicate. He threw 30 passes in which he completed 15 for 193 yards, but had to throw many passes out of bounds for lack of open recievers. Durant also had 49 rushing yards and but got pulled in short yardage situations where 2 touchdowns were scored. John Chick played fantastic in his first game back from injury. Chick had 2 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. The Riders are very pleased to see him back to his old self being a serious threat on the line.

Hamilton had a terrible first half and just couldn't muster up enough points to win. Quinton Porter played only the first quarter and did not do good. Porter went 1-5 for only 3 yards before being pulled for Kevin Glenn who played the rest of the game. Glenn faired better, but not well enough to get the job done. He went 12-27 for 183 yards and 1 touchdown. Play calling was also a bit questionable for the Ti-Cats. The rain was clearly affecting the passing abilities of their quarterbacks. Multiple passes slipped out of the hands of both teams quarterbacks but especially those of the Tiger Cats. Deandra Cobb, one of the leagues best rushers had only 6 carries for 29 yards and 1 touchdown. Now there is no way in a normal game that Cobb should only have 6 carries, but in a game where it was pouring rain it should be even more. Now I know the Tabbys were playing from behind the whole game, but they needed to find more ways to get the ball to their star player. Even from behind, they should still run plays such as outside handoffs and screen passes. Not only did they not run the ball with him often, he only had 2 receptions for 4 yards. I don't know if it was all the media critisism or what, but the run stopping defense of the Riders did a great job of containing Cobb.

Both of these teams now have the same records at 4-3. The Riders managed to put there home woes to a hault and also captured a tie for first in the West while the Tiger Cats continued their struggling ways against the Riders. The Tabbys still sit second in the East, and in my opinion, even despite this loss, they will stay there for the rest of the season.

It’s official, Saskatchewan Roughrider’s defensive tackle and fan favourite Scott Schultz has retired from the Canadian Football League. Unexpected and sort of untimely, the announcement is definitely surprising and saddening for the "Rider Nation."

A retirement during the beginning of the season is rare, but Scott Schultz is apparently pursuing a promising career opportunity in the insurance business.

Though Scott Schultz is still young, the 31-­­­year-old Moose Jaw native has had a lasting impact on the Saskatchewan Roughriders organization.

In college, Scott Schultz spent his entire career with the North Dakota Fighting Soux. The gritty nose tackle was a team captain in 2000, and had 146 career tackles and 11.5 sacks. Schultz definitely had a successful career in college and was named first team all-NCC in 1999 and 2000.

Scott Schultz was then selected with the first overall pick in the 2001 Canadian Football League College Draft. Schultz didn’t make an immediate impact for the Riders, as he also spent time with the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers during his first two years.

2003 was the beginning of great things for the Moose Jaw boy. In 2003, Schultz had six sacks and 32 defensive tackles. He also started in both the Western Semi-Final and Western Final, where he recorded one sack. The next season, Schultz finished with 27 tackles and eight quarterback sacks.  

Scott Schultz continued his success over the next couple of seasons, and he was named a CFL all-star in 2005.

Throughout his career, Schultz perhaps had the most success when he was teamed up with fellow defensive tackle Nate Davis. Davis and Schultz created a deadly combo at the tackle position, helping form a tough defense for the Riders. Schultz and Davis also forged a solid friendship.

But the crowning moment in Schultz’s career, along with many of the long-time Saskatchewan Roughriders involved, was the Grey Cup victory in 2007. Schultz was a integral part of the Saskatchewan Roughriders Cinderella run to the Grey Cup finals, where they beat the rival Winnipeg Blue Bombers to claim the Grey Cup.

Schultz shared in the glory of the victory. He was able to lift the cup high and proud, as he helped deliver glory to a province that had been long starved of the Grey Cup.

Scott Schultz meant so much to the Riders, more than the stats could ever tell.

He was a consummate pro and a leader on the Saskatchewan Roughriders team. Anyone who has been to a Rider game has seen Scott Schultz right in the middle of team huddles, pumping up the team and the crowd. Schultz always brought a level of emotion to the game that made him a fun player to watch.

Schultz also meant a lot to the community. He did and still works in Regina, and has always taken time to give back to Regina. He has been running a football camp for some time now, giving advice to players who share the same dream that he did.

Always friendly with the media, Scott Schultz always came up with the most interesting one-liners He was always willing to take time out for the fans.

Being a former high-school defensive tackle in Saskatchewan, I know that Scott Schultz was always a player you aspired to be. A player who always gave it his all and was always a tough match for any offensive lineman. I still remember meeting Scott Schultz for the first time and getting his autograph. It was a great experience.

Whether it was signing an autograph, taking time to talk to the media, or bringing the crowd to its feet with an amazing tackle, Scott Schultz represented what it meant to be a Saskatchewan Roughrider.

On behalf of the Rider nation I’ve got to say: congratulations on your retirement and a great career Scott Schultz, and we will miss watching you creating havoc in the backfield.

As you all know by now, Graham Harrell decided to sign with the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders after getting cut by the Cleveland Browns in training camp.

This is big news as Harrell was a Heisman candidate as a college star and is obviously big news no matter where he goes.

All the hoopla aside, the question is will Graham Harrell live up to the hype and become a great quarterback in the CFL?

I say yes, and while it may be easy to say there are several reasons for this.

He can obviously play as he absolutley tore up every defence he came accross in college and will probably be remembered as one of the most prolific passers in Big 12 history.

He is also a winner as he nearly lead his texas Tech Red Raider squad to the BCS National Championship game this year, pulling off an epic game winning drive against in-state rival Texas in the process.

Even more importantly he is not coming to the CFL for off-field or injury realated issues, he was just severly overlooked during the scouting process at the combine and such. Harrell is coming into the CFL without a drug problem or injury issues which is what plagues most NCAA stars who come to Canada.

Harrell will also transition nicely into the Canadian game as the extra receiver and wider field will play into his skills in the spread and as a pinpoint passer. Harrell can absolutley pick off receivers left and right and the CFL is a passing league.

The only question is wether he will get the playing time in Saskatchewan. When he signed the consensus was that he would basically be parked on the bench behind Darian Durant and Steven Jyles, leaving many scratching their heads.

The Riders abysmal offencive performances during the first month of the season have created a quarterback controversy in Regina and if the lackluster play of Durant and Jyles continues, it is only a matter time before we get to see Harrell in game action.

Once he gets adjusted to the system and all the differences between the Canadian and American games, it is only a matter of time before Harrell becomes a star in the Canadian Football League. He'll be an example to NCAA players that there is life after the NFL and it resides north of the border.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders just lost there second game of the season and have now dropped to 2-2 on the season. Many fans are very quick to blame the young quarterback Darian Durant for our recent woes, but he should be the least of us Rider fans' worries.

Durant didn't play fantastic, but he led the Riders to 24 offensive points, he had 238 yards, 1 passing touchdown, 1 rushing touch down, a 57% completion percentage and threw no interceptions. It wasn't a great game, but when you consider how little time he had that entire game, it was quite, quite good. The Roughriders' offensive line has been absolutely pathetic this season, Durant has had no time, and Wes Cates, who is one of the top running backs in the league, has bad numbers due to the fact that he has had no holes to run through. The o-line is decimated by injuries, but Eric Tillman should really get a big import from somewhere who is good, and get him playing, fast.

Cates' lack of yardage this season isn't only the fault of the offensive line. It seems that the only running plays the Riders run are right up the middle out of the shot gun. All the running plays are very predictable and with an offensive line that can't push people around, we need some creativity. Their offensive coordinator Paul LaPolice really needs to start calling much better plays to free up Wes Cates, (screen passes, counters and tosses) and plays that better suit our offense. With the players on offense that they have, (quarterback with weak arm, amazing slot backs and weak outside receivers) the Riders should be running quick crossing patterns to Andy Fantuz, Weston Dressler and Jason Clermont who are all great receivers and will be able to get some yards after the catch. The play calling has been been sub par and really needs to improve.

On the other side of the ball, the Riders' biggest problems are their defensive tackles and Canadian corner Donovan Alexander. Both of our defensive tackles are too slow, and are getting pushed around. Marcus Adams is not strong enough and is constantly getting pushed forward instead of getting to the quarterback, and whenever Scott Schultz breaks through the offensive line, he is way to slow to catch up with the quarterback or running back. The inside tackles on most teams are usually the ones who are getting double teamed, but on the Riders, Stevie Baggs and John Chick are constantly being doubled because Schultzy and Adams can be covered easily with one guy each. Donovan Alexander is also a problem as he was heavily exploited by Ricky Ray in their last game, he gives way to big of a cushion to the receivers and then goes for the big hit and misses instead of breaking down and tackling like you should.

Coaching isn't going well either, the Riders' new kick return formation is terrible and doesn't work. The wedge formation needs to be improved to give Darian Durant and the rest of the offence good field position. Also, little things like having Johnny Quinn, an import slot back who is slow and average at best in the game, instead of Canadian Chris Getzlaf in is just a bone headed move. Becuase of this, speedy back Hugh Charles can't dress because there would be too many imports.

Although this article has been very negative, the Riders do still have a shot to do well this year if their injured offensive lineman return. Gene Makowski will be back for their week five game against Calgary which should give the Riders a boost.  

Well it is that time of year again. The NBA and NHL seasons are over and free agency is winding down, the NFL is still in the minicamp stage, and the only thing to watch on the tube is baseball, right?

Wrong, there is one shining beacon of hope—and that is the CFL. As a Canadian I must introduce you to the savior of summer sports boredom.

The Canadian Football League is the only pro football league in North America that plays its games in summer, and with the Arena League being on hiatus, it is your only chance to get your football fix during the NFL offseason.

The game may be different than the NFL; three downs instead of four; twelve players a side; and a bigger, wider field are some of the fundamental differences. The league is exciting and fast, allows group celebrations, and is an entertaining product off and on the field.

Here are five reasons why you should watch the CFL

5. The Saskatchewan Roughrider Fans

The fans of the Saskatchewan Roughriders may just be the most eccentric fans in pro football—from wearing watermellons on their heads to making cowboy hats out of beer boxes (I have worn both), the Rider fans always have a great idea. They travel to every game no matter where it is in Canada, and when they have a home game they always bring the thunder.

They didn't host a home playoff game for nearly twenty years till their Grey Cup run in 2007, and believe me Taylor Field was rocking from week one.

If you want to see how football can succeed in small markets look at the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

4. The Wide Recievers

The CFL always has great wide receivers. From Rocket Ismail during his days in Toronto to Milt Stegall, the all-time leader in CFL touchdown receptions; to present day all stars like Andy Fantuz, and Arland Bruce III, the CFL's Chad Johnson—who infamously honored Michael Jackson by taking off his uniform and pretending to be buried. The CFL has great receivers who always want to entertain.

Combine that with quarterbacks who love to let it fly and you have the league that puts the points on the board.

3. Former College Stars

If your favorite college player didn't make the NFL, don't worry, chances are he will be in the CFL. We have many former BCS college starters in the league, and Graham Harrell is making his way to the CFL, he is sure to light it up in the run and gun renegade league.

If you want to take a trip down memory lane and watch your favourite players on Saturday as pros. The CFL has it covered.

2. Games Spread Out Accross The Weekend

Unlike the NCAA or NFL, which mainly have their games on Saturday and Sunday respectivly, the CFL has games from Wedsenday through to Saturday, with the staple being Friday Night Football, and trust me, high school kids have nothing on us.

If you want to get your football fix all week and have memorized every single play of NFL Replay, it might be time to check out the CFL.

1. It's easy to find.

With the internet it is easier than ever to watch the CFL. Go to www.cfl.ca to check out the American TV schedule, and I'm sure the games are on ESPN360. If you are tech savy, www.channelsurfing.net streams the games.

It's fast and convienent to watch some summer football.

I hope you check out North America's "Other Pro Football League"

Chase's Lists is on Twitter. Check in to see more of my random thoughts about sports and media in general www.twitter.com/ChaseLists