By Jamie Nye

Preview: Saskatchewan Roughriders take on winless Tiger-Cats

Jul 16, 2011 | 7:43 AM

Saturday's matchup between the Saskatchewan Roughriders (0-2) and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-2) will be a battle of two teams struggling in many areas.

The Roughriders defence has given up the most points (81) through two weeks of the CFL season, while the Tiger-Cats have scored the fewest (26).

Something has to give

Roughriders Head Coach Greg Marshall said he believes both teams are feeling the same about one another that if they can get up on them early, they opponent will crumble. Marshall believes the defence needs to get off to a good start to generate some confidence and possibly rattle the confidence of the Tiger-Cats offense.

The Roughriders feel they'll see a lot more Avon Cobourne. The former Alouettes running back has been able to chew up the Roughriders in the past few seasons in Montreal and the defence will be keying in on the talented back.

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The Roughriders will not have to defend receiver Arland Bruce III. Bruce was placed on the one-game injured list after getting banged up last week, although some believe it's a move to send a message to the receiver after he publically announced his frustration with the lack of touches he's had to start the season.

Two fired up teams

Bruce is just one of the many players who are upset at their teams' start to the season on the both sides of the field. It's a mix, which Saskatchewan quarterback Darian Durant believes will make for a good football game.

“I think it's going to be a very high intense game, both teams need a win and they're playing at home so they'll come out fired up. They haven't played well and we haven't played well so both teams are looking for a little bit of consistency and trying to get a 'W' in the win column so you better believe it'll be a high intense atmosphere.”

Ivor 'Win' for Durant

One thing the Roughriders have going for them is the confidence Darian Durant has at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton. Durant burst on to the scene as a possible number one quarterback in his first start back in 2008 when he lead the Roughriders in a dramatic comeback victory. Last year, he threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns in his second career win in Hamilton.

“That's where I got my start so every time I go out there that stadium is always going to hold a place in my heart. Every time this game comes up me and (Weston Dressler) talk about it. It was the first time we hooked up for a touchdown and started developing the chemistry that we have today so every time this game comes up it's a big deal for me and Dress and it makes it that much more special.”

Last season, Durant chewed up a defence that was run by his current head coach Greg Marshall but with former Stampeders defensive backs coach Corey Chamblin now running things, Durant believes the secondary will be a lot more aggressive and susceptible to the big play.

Bring your own 'Baggs'

The Roughriders also know that defensive end Stevie Baggs will be eager to chase down his former teammate, Durant. Stopping Baggs is a task put on the shoulders of former Tiger-Cats Alexandre Gauthier and Dan Goodspeed, who also have to deal with Justin Hickman off the other edge of the defensive line.

Head Coach Greg Marshall said he believes the two veterans will be able to handle the pressure.

“Stevie is a very good football player, he's very athletic, he brings enthusiasm to the game, and it's infectious to his teammates. One of the things we have to do when you play against someone like that is not to allow him to get started because once he starts, he's tough to stop.”

Roster juggling

The Roughriders will be without James Patrick for the second straight week. Patrick has an ankle problem so rookie Craig Butler will get his second straight start at safety. With the hamstring of Chris Getzlaf being in question, the Roughriders have added receivers Patrick Brown and James Robinson to the 46-man roster, although if Getzlaf plays both receivers may be healthy scratches.

Offensive lineman Nick Hutchins has now joined the long list of Roughriders on the nine-game injured list with an undisclosed injury.

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