By Jamie Nye

Roughriders are dealt knockout punch

Oct 17, 2011 | 7:00 AM

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2001.

The Riders needed a win against B.C. to stay alive but were on the wrong end of a 29-18 score.

Saskatchewan held a 18-12 lead in the fourth quarter but the Lions scored on a 72-yard touchdown reception by Arland Bruce to take the lead. The Lions would deliver the Riders their final blow with a 42-yard catch and run by Andrew Harris.

“It's tough,” said Head Coach Ken Miller with a choked up voice, “I don't have a lot of words for it right now.”

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The Roughriders have dropped from being one of the best team's in the league to the worst in under 12 months.

How is that possible was a popular question following the team's loss.

“Coming into this season I thought we looked pretty good,” explained veteran offensive lineman Gene Makowsky, “We lost a couple of guys but we've always been able to reload in the past. I thought our personnel was just as good if not better. For some reason we're not cohesive right now on offense. I wish I had answers and I wish I could wave the magic wand to make it happen. So does everybody around here. The bottom line is we're not getting it done.”

Playing for pride/jobs

The Roughriders now find themselves in unfamiliar territory.

They haven't been eliminated this early from playoff contention since 2000 and will have to find motiviation from somewhere to finish off their final three games.

“You play football to play football regardless of your record, regardless of playoffs and things like that,” said defensive tackle Keith Shologan, “For any guy that's out there playing every game is a job interview and every play is a job interview.”

Game by numbers

The Roughriders still have not scored an offensive touchdown since their game against Toronto over a month ago. (265 minutes of football)

All Roughrider points came off the leg of kicker Christopher Milo. He was good on six of seven field goal attempts.

The Roughriders have been outscored 127-27 in their current four game losing streak.

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