First Major Step: Saskatchewan Roughriders Fans Receives More Tantalizing News to Cheer About

Head coach Corey Mace: ‘The guys are happy and I’m happy for them, but we wanna save those (Gatorade showers)’

After their 28-19 victory over the B.C. Lions on Saturday, some bold and perhaps forgetful Saskatchewan Roughriders players drenched head coach Corey Mace with green Gatorade. Mace, however, wasn’t particularly amused by the gesture.

“At least it wasn’t obsidian green; that stuff probably stains,” he remarked during his postgame press conference.

“(It felt) a bit like after the second game of the year,” Mace continued. “I’m not really interested in those kinds of Gatorade showers.”

His first dousing had occurred early in the 2024 season after his first win as a CFL head coach. While he appreciated the thought behind it, Mace has reiterated a clear message to his players: save the celebrations for when it truly matters. He emphasized that only winning the Grey Cup is worth such a commemoration.

It has been 11 years since the Roughriders last won or even appeared in a Grey Cup.

To reach this year’s championship game in Vancouver on November 17, they must face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday (5:30 p.m., TSN) and pull off an upset at a venue where they haven’t won since 2018.

Considering their ability to rebound after conceding a touchdown on the opening drive against B.C., the Roughriders appear well-equipped to cope with the loss of another offensive lineman (left tackle Trevor Reid) and heed their coach’s guidance.

Mace’s leadership has been evident since day one, and his players typically hang on his every word, reaction, and mantra. Although he has spent his career as a defensive player and coach, this is his first season at the helm as head coach.

Remaining composed on the sidelines—even during a challenging seven-game winless streak—Mace has been adapting to the dual roles of defensive coordinator and head coach. Earlier this season, there were some strategic errors, particularly when the Roughriders missed scoring opportunities right before halftime in several games.

In a recent match against B.C., the Roughriders found themselves ahead 13-6 late in the second quarter and faced a decision: punt from their end zone into a strong wind or concede a safety and kick off, potentially allowing the Lions another scoring opportunity. Mace chose to punt.

Unfortunately for Saskatchewan, a no-yards penalty gave B.C. possession at their 22-yard line, and just three plays later, Lions quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. connected with Justin McInnis for a game-tying touchdown. While this strategy seemed questionable, those two extra points could have changed the outcome in such a tight contest, and ultimately, Mace’s decision was the correct one.

Additional fortune played a role; Lions kicker Sean Whyte hit the uprights on both a conversion and a field goal, costing B.C. four points. Adams, a volatile quarterback likely to be traded in the offseason to make room for Nathan Rourke, was intercepted three times.

Saskatchewan’s defense, which led the CFL with 49 turnovers this season, had significant contributions from three defensive backs. It was a moment of redemption for the players who made the interceptions: Marcus Sayles, cut by B.C. during training camp; Nelson Lokombo, who fought back from a torn Achilles to start at safety for Saskatchewan, finally making an impact with his first pick; and Rolan Milligan Jr., the West nominee for defensive player of the year, whose game-clinching plays warranted consideration for the award.

While Saskatchewan’s defense played a crucial role in securing the victory, the execution of the offensive game plan was just as important.

For the first time, power backs A.J. Ouellette and Ryquell Armstead were both in Saskatchewan’s lineup. Ouellette scored two touchdowns—a 30-yard run and a one-yarder, the latter coming when he swapped positions with quarterback Trevor Harris. Armstead also contributed at times during the game.

This commitment to a late-season running game effectively set the stage for Saskatchewan’s passing attack.

Harris was precise, completing 26 of 33 passes for 279 yards without any interceptions, including a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jerreth Sterns with 11 minutes left in the game while benefiting from the wind at their backs. He then connected with KeeSean Johnson for a two-point conversion, which extended the Roughriders’ lead to 28-19.

Having a nine-point lead forces the opposing team to score twice, making it more challenging, especially into the wind.

The Roughriders established this dominant position thanks to coach Mace’s strategic choices. He opted to defer his choice of ends to the fourth quarter, and the two-point conversion created that critical nine-point cushion, which they maintained through solid offense, defense, and special teams. Good coaching made a difference too—just be sure not to get him wet!