Preview: Roughriders and Lions battle of the basement

Running from the competition

A common theme for both teams going into Friday's game is their lack of a running attack. The Roughriders and Lions are ranked seventh and eighth respectively in rushing yards per game.

A reason for a lack of run game could be linked to both teams playing from behind most of the season but both teams have been reluctant to hand off the ball in close games as well.

Head Coach Greg Marshall is conscious of that, “I don't think you necessarily have to get out to a lead (to establish the run), as long as the game is close. The clock runs the same except for the last three minutes of the game whether you run the ball or throw the ball. It's just that you're apt to hit long throws then you are a 50-yard run and that's why teams might tend to get away from the run. We'd like to get our running game going a little more and help out our offensive line as well, they like to tee-off a little bit.”

The Roughriders will likely have Hugh Charles as their main back again this week as Wes Cates continues to nurse an undisclosed injury suffered two weeks ago.

“(The run game) is huge because it opens up the pass game and if you can't open up the run game coach isn't going to see confidence and he's going to keep throwing the football and your opportunities are gone.”

On the other side of the football, the Lions have been reluctant to give the ball to Jamal Robertson so far this season. Robertson has just one game in which he's gone over 30-yards rushing but it's Tim Brown the Riders may have to be wary of after his nine carry game for 74-yards last week.

“That's probably one of the reason's their offense has struggled and we have to make sure we keep him from getting loose because with the running game they get the play-action and the deep ball, I mean alot of stuff comes off the running game,” explained Barrin Simpson.

Double dose of frustration

Both the Roughriders and Lions have let their seasons get off to slow starts because of a lack of execution. Both teams receivers can't seem to grab on to the football and missed tackles are common on the defensive side of the football.

“I'm sure they feel a certain frustration level just like we do because no one anticipated them or us being in the position we're in right now,” said Marshall before flying out to Vancouver.

The Roughriders have been unfamiliar with a lack of success over the last five seasons but quarterback Darian Durant is leaning on experience gained from some lean years while he was leading the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.

“I've been down this road before, it happens, you just can't get discouraged. Every year is a new year and it's going to be a dog fight and if things don't go your way you just have to put your head down and keep plugging.”

A 'Tad' familiar

The Roughriders will face former teammate Tad Kornegay this week as he makes his debut with the Lions after being released by the Roughriders three weeks ago.

Quarterback Darian Durant says it'll be an interesting night against one of his closer friends in the league.

“He knows he better hush up now because we know some things we can advantage of but he's a good player and a good friend so it'll be fun.”

History will be made

On Friday, Gene Makowsky will make Saskatchewan Roughriders history by playing in his 272nd game with the Green and White. Suiting up against B.C. will mean Makowsky will have played more games as a Roughrider than any other player in the history of the organization.

He'll pass Roger Aldag, who will be in attendance at Empire Field.

News and Notes

The Roughriders and Lions have split their last 10 meetings, with the Roughriders winning three of the last four.

Geroy Simon is 221 yards away from passing Darren Flutie for 3rd all-time in career receiving yards.

The B.C. Lions traded for receiver Arland Bruce III earlier this week for a 3rd round draft pick and a conditional pick. He'll be in attendance but will not play.

by Jamie Nye