Lions (2-0) vs Roughriders (2-0)
Battle of the early-season unbeatens – Riders host Lions on Saturday afternoon
The BC Lions will attempt to remain the only unbeaten team in the CFL on Saturday when they hit the road for the first time and try to knock off Western Conference foe and co-unbeatenee Saskatchewan.
BC Lions (2-0) vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-0)
When: Saturday, July 14th, 2012, 3:00PM ET
Where: Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field
Broadcast: TSN
Lions vs. Riders Betting Lines from Bodog (Bovada if in USA)
Spread: Lions -3 (-115)
Moneyline: Lions -165: Riders +145
Over/Under: 53 ½ points
The Lions have been predictably good on both sides of the ball so far this season – the Riders – they have been doing just enough to win.
The BC Lions failed to cover the spread last week – blame the letdown on the defense that seemed to fall asleep in the second half against Hamilton.
BC is winning despite the offense not quite finding its form quite yet – Travis Lulay has been just OK so far completing only 60 % of his passes and Geroy Simon and Arland Bruce aren’t even in the top 10 in receiving! Imagine what will happen when these three get in sync.
Andrew Harris has overachieved so far in the Lions backfield and return man Tim Brown has been a true difference maker.
The sign of a great team – when one aspect is struggling others pick up the slack!
BC’s defense has shown signs that they are the best unit in the league but last week’s second half let-down served notice that no team is going to roll over in this league.
Consider it a lesson learned for the BC defense and thankfully not one that resulted in a loss!
The Saskatchewan Roughriders?
Are they for real?
Best guess – yes!
But the Riders let the Eskimos hang around last week for quite a while – leading 6-1 going into the fourth quarter before scoring 11 in the final frame.
Clik here to view.
Andrew Harris has overachieved so far in 2012 in the Lions backfield (Photo – Al Charest/QMI Agency)
Darian Durant has been good, Weston Dressler has been fantastic and Chris Getzlaf has been a great complimentary receiver.
Perhaps the surprise of the Riders this year however has been the play of running back Kory Sheets who is third in the CFL in rushing and in touchdowns.
The Riders have weapons for sure and will be a tough test for BC`s top defense.
Defensively, the Riders have been terrific – they gave up 1 point last week – 1!
Their pass rush is relentless and the unit is playing with a ton of confidence right now.
Dave’s Won’t Cost You Anything Free CFL Betting Prediction
The Riders have been a nice story early in the CFL season but they have yet to face anything like the team that they are about to go up against.
There is absolutely no chance that the Riders will hold BC`s offense down and once the Lions build a lead, Andrew Harris should take over.
With serious weapons in the passing game, the running game and especially in the return game, BC looks like the far better team in this one.
Look for the home town Saskatchewan fans to help keep this game close, but the three points still doesn’t scare me!
Pick: BC Lions -3
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