After one of its best games, if not the best, of the season so far, the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defence left a little meat on the bone. “We were really pleased with the performance,” head coach Corey Mace told reporters as the team returned to practice Wednesday. “That being said, there’s definitely plays and situations where we got to get better. We’re always focused on those kind of things.” Going into Sunday’s Labour Day Classic, Winnipeg as a team averaged more than 350 yards of total offence and over 100 rushing yards per game. Saskatchewan’s defence was up to the task, shutting down a duel-threat Bombers’ attack. The Riders held Winnipeg to just 307 yards of total offense, sacked quarterback Zach Collaros three times and kept star running back Brady Oliveira to under 30 rushing yards. “The goal for us is to be even better this week; not just the defence but as a team,” added Mace. Big shoes filled Making his first start of the season in place of an injured Josh Woods, Aubrey Miller Jr. had big shoes to fill at the weak-side linebacker position. Needing a spark, Miller Jr. brought the hammer; making two tackles, could have had more and recorded his first career CFL sack. “Can I do better? Yes. Are there plays I wish I could get back here? Yes,” the third-year linebacker said following Sunday’s win. “But the opportunity I had, I’m grateful I got it. Whenever they need me, I’ll be ready.” The Jackson State alum joined the Riders in 2024 after a short stint in Edmonton. Spending the majority of his time on special teams, he earned the opportunity for more responsibilities on defence due to the injuries throughout the lineup. Mace was more than impressed by Miller’s performance. “He had the big hit there, made a few splash plays – should’ve had another one, but took a penalty,” the coach said. “He’s definitely earned the right to be out there playing defense.” At the nickel linebacker spot – in his second CFL start – Seyi Oladipo also shinned. The rookie out of Boise State recorded a career-high six tackles, knocked down a pass and also notched his first career CFL sack. “It started out rough for me personally, honestly,” Oladipo admitted Wednesday. “But seeing how the defence came together; how we were able to uplift each other and push to get that win was amazing to see.” Defensive back DeMarcus Fields led the Riders’ Sunday with eight tackles, while middle linebacker Jameer Thurman had six; performances fans have come to expect, but others also had career days. First-year CFLer Derick Roberson had his best game defensively this season with six tackles; James Burgess Jr. – in his third career game – had two tackles and knocked down two passes. “It’s always a next man up mentality being able to carry the torch,” said Oladipo. “Aubrey stepped up tremendously, [Burgess] stepped up tremendously; there are guys who can come and play at this place and they can they take pride in their performance.” “We fought and made sure we finished,” added Miller Jr. “That was the best thing that happened.” Having just gone up against their interprovincial rival Blue Bombers, Saskatchewan is set to do it again Saturday – this time on the road in Winnipeg. Oliveria, the CFL’s leading rusher, needs just 16 yards to record his fifth-straight 1,000-yard season – a streak which would be the longest from a Canadian in CFL history. “Brady’s a big back, he’s a great back and obviously he’s a key person [in their offence],” said Oladipo. “He’s close to 1,000 yards and we don’t want him to get there on us. It’s a rivalry thing; it’s a pride thing.” “Brady brings the boom when he runs the ball,” he added. “and so we have to bring it back.”
