It is not often that the Saskatchewan Roughriders and B.C. Lions meet in the CFL playoffs, and for the first time in nearly two decades, both will go head-to-head with a Grey Cup berth on the line.

Both teams bring championship-level credentials — Saskatchewan with a well-balanced roster, defence and depth. B.C. with a high-octane aerial game and momentum.

The Roughriders’ blueprint to this game has been clear all year — physical defence, balanced offence and steady quarterback play from Trevor Harris.

For the Lions, it’ll be up to Nathan Rourke to bring the form that made him a nominee for the CFL’s MOP award into what will likely be a hostile environment in Regina.

Here’s a capsule look at the West Final:

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 — Kickoff at 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. CT) from Mosaic Stadium, Regina.

The Roughriders were favoured by 3 points as of Thursday by BetMGM.

A cold, clear night is expected in Regina, with game-time temperatures near -6 C and a light northwest wind.

The winner goes to the Grey Cup on Nov. 16 in Winnipeg to face the winner of the East Final Saturday between the visiting Montreal Alouettes and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

This season also features a new champion in the West after the Blue Bombers claimed five-straight berths to the Grey Cup.

Saskatchewan took two of three meetings with B.C. during the regular season, averaging 30.3 points per game in those contests, but B.C. managed to win the most recent matchup.

This marks the first West Final meeting between the clubs since 2004, when B.C. edged Saskatchewan 27-25 in overtime.

The Roughriders are seeking their first Grey Cup appearance since 2013, while the Lions last reached the title game in 2011. Both franchises have since undergone coaching changes and roster overhauls, making this year’s matchup a fresh chapter in a long-running rivalry.

Rourke vs. Saskatchewan’s secondary

Few quarterbacks in the CFL command attention like Rourke does. The Lions pivot has reestablished himself as one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat playmakers, capable of taking over a game with his arm or legs. His poise and quick release have been central to B.C.’s late-season push, and he enters the West Final with momentum after beating the Stampeders in the semifinals.

Saskatchewan’s secondary, however, has been among the league’s stingiest. Cornerback Tevaughn Campbell continues to be a difference-maker with his ball-hawking instincts, while veterans Amari Henderson and Rolan Milligan Jr. have excelled in coverage across multiple looks. Under Corey Mace, the Riders’ defensive scheme thrives on disguise — mixing man and zone pressures to bait quarterbacks into mistakes.

Rourke’s challenge will be identifying those coverages pre-snap and staying patient against a defence that rarely gives up deep shots. If he can force Saskatchewan to defend sideline-to-sideline and extend drives with his legs, the Lions’ offence could find rhythm. But if the Riders can keep him contained and capitalize on any hurried throws, turnovers could quickly tilt the game.

Saskatchewan’s pass rush vs. B.C.’s offensive line

It’s strength versus strength — the CFL’s most relentless front against arguably the league’s best protection unit. Saskatchewan led the league in sacks and pressure rate thanks to a deep rotation that includes Malik Carney, Micah Johnson and Mike Rose. Their ability to collapse pockets and generate interior push has been a key part of Mace’s defensive identity.

B.C.’s offensive line, meanwhile, has been the backbone of its success. Anchored by centre Michael Couture and tackles Jarell Broxton and Kent Perkins, the Lions allowed the fewest sacks in the CFL this year. They pride themselves on quick communication and pre-snap recognition, particularly against heavy-blitz teams like Saskatchewan.

The chess match will come down to timing. If the Riders can win early downs and force long-yardage situations, they’ll unleash their full pressure packages. But if the Lions can keep Rourke upright and dictate tempo, they’ll neutralize Saskatchewan’s front and open up play-action opportunities. This battle could decide not just drives, but the entire outcome of the game.

Corey Mace vs. Buck Pierce

The coaching duel adds intrigue to an already balanced matchup. Mace, in his second year as head coach, has built the Roughriders into a composed group that thrives on situational football. He has been to his fair share of Grey Cups, but he’s certainly carrying the weight of missing out last season

Across the sideline, Buck Pierce is navigating his first year in charge of the Lions, but he has felt the pressure of performing in the playoffs as a former player and during his time in Winnipeg. His creative play-calling and willingness to challenge defences horizontally have kept B.C. among the CFL’s most exciting units. Pierce’s offence leans on motion, tempo and spacing — the kind of traits that can stress even an elite defence like Saskatchewan’s.

Their approaches couldn’t be more different: Mace preaches structure and discipline, while Pierce embraces pace and unpredictability. Saturday’s chess match will likely hinge on adjustments — how Mace disguises coverages to limit explosive plays, and how Pierce counters with formations and tempo changes. Whichever coach solves the other’s puzzle first could end up heading to Winnipeg.