Another full house would constitute three of a kind for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Roughriders have played before back-to-back sold-out crowds — home and away against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers — entering Saturday’s CFL game against the Montreal Alouettes (5 p.m., Mosaic Stadium).
Saskatchewan has also sold out each of its past two home games.
“All home games are amazing,” running back A.J. Ouellette said. “Coming in here with the atmosphere, it’s what you dream of as a kid.”
The Roughriders’ attendance boom began on Aug. 16, when all 33,350 of Mosaic Stadium’s permanent seats were occupied for a game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Then came an Aug. 23 showdown between the West Division’s top two teams — the Roughriders and Calgary Stampeders — at McMahon Stadium. Although that game wasn’t sold out, the Stampeders did welcome their largest crowd of the year (28,295).
Saskatchewan then established an attendance record for new Mosaic Stadium (34,243) when the Blue Bombers visited for the 60th Labour Day Classic, played on Aug. 31 before a standing-room-only audience.
Saskatchewan proceeded to improve its league-best record to 10-2 by winning 21-13 before 32,343 eyewitnesses at Winnipeg’s Princess Auto Stadium last Saturday.
“I think it’s great for the league,” Roughriders Head Coach Corey Mace said of the huge turnouts.
“Hopefully, as the years go on, you want to see that across every stadium. Even going into this week for us, it’s not Labour Day but I expect a lot of people to put butts in seats and continue to help us, which they’ve been doing all season.
“Most importantly, I think it’s just incredible for the guys to be out there to play in that atmosphere.”
Especially as the games increase in importance down the stretch.
“The fans are a huge help,” Ouellette said, “and we’re going to need them going into the playoffs.”
Saskatchewan can secure a post-season berth by defeating Montreal on Saturday.
RIDERS RANKINGS
The Roughriders are ranked first in the league in the following categories:
• Average yards of net offence allowed (335.5 per game).
• Average rushing yards (75.3).
• Average time of possession (31:40).
• Big plays (39).
• Fewest opposing big plays (22).
• Interceptions made (18).
• Turnover ratio (plus-9).
• Sacks (34).
Saskatchewan and the Toronto Argonauts are tied for first in completions of 30-plus yards (25).
Individually, Trevor Harris has the CFL’s best quarterback efficiency rating (112.2).
KeeSean Johnson is tied with the B.C. Lions’ Keon Hatcher for first in receptions (66).
Tevaughn Campbell is first in interceptions (six) and interception return yards (205). He has two more interceptions than anyone else in the league. He is 80 yards ahead of teammate Rolan Milligan Jr., who has the second-highest yardage total (on four picks).
ON A ROLL IN THE HONOUR ROLL
The Roughriders’ offensive line graded out first overall in the CFL during Week 14, in the assessment of Pro Football Focus — which released its weekly Honour Roll on Tuesday.
Saskatchewan’s O-line received a unit grade of 74.6. The team’s top individual grades went to right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick (75.2), left tackle Payton Collins (69.7) and centre Logan Ferland (66.6).
The Roughriders’ offensive line has made the Honour Roll after six of the team’s 12 games. (Saskatchewan has had two bye weeks to this point.)
The Green and White’s fine line was previously recognized after Week 1 (67.9), Week 2 (69.5), Week 4 (74.2), Week 9 (75.1) and Week 11 (62.1).
INJURY UPDATE
Campbell (head) was among six players who received the DNP (Did Not Practice) designation on Tuesday’s injury report.
He was joined by fellow defensive backs Marcus Sayles (leg), Jaxon Ford (knee) and Nelson Lokombo (ankle), cover linebacker C.J. Reavis (leg) and fullback Albert Awachie (hand).
Receiver Samuel Emilus, who was missed the past five games with a knee injury, was a limited participant in Tuesday’s walk-through. Receiver/returner Drae McCray (head) was also limited.
Receiver Shawn Bane Jr. (knee), quarterback Jack Coan (hand) and offensive lineman Daniel Johnson (shoulder) were full participants.