The Canadian Football League is calling it a home game for the Toronto Argonauts.
But the reception they’ll get in Regina on Friday night when they “host” the Saskatchewan Roughriders figures to be anything but friendly. Mosaic Stadium is the home of the Roughriders.
The Argos’ home facility is unavailable because World Cup matches are being played there. Toronto is essentially a traveling road show until Aug. 6, when it can finally use BMO Field for its home opener with the Calgary Stampeders.
So Toronto will wear its double-blue home unis in enemy territory, although it doesn’t really matter to Saskatchewan coach Corey Mace.
“We’ll just be wearing different-colored jerseys,” he said. “We’re looking at it as a home game. I don’t know what is actually happening … business as usual.”
It has been just that for the Riders so far as they’re off to a 2-0 start after walking off host Calgary 40-37 in overtime on Saturday. Short-yardage quarterback Tommy Stevens plunged in from a yard out to win the game.
Saskatchewan will go without starting running back A.J. Ouellette (ankle), who was hurt last week and is listed as doubtful. He did not practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thomas Bertrand-Hudon is expected to start with Ouelette on the shelf.
Meanwhile, Toronto (1-1) gave new head coach Mike Miller his first win on Saturday with a 44-24 decision at Ottawa. Chad Kelly threw for 424 yards and four touchdowns, overcoming four interceptions in the victory.
The Argos have rolled up 74 points in two games and could have more if they weren’t so loose with the ball. They’ve also committed six turnovers, five of them Kelly interceptions. The Riders have yet to force a turnover.
Middle linebacker Jameer Thurman said there will be opportunities for his defense to make big plays.
“Guys know that they’re going to be there,” he said. “They’ve just got to take advantage of it when it comes their way. We expect them to happen and you know, we just got to go out there and make the plays that come to us.”
–Field Level Media
