Using one statistical measure, the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defence has just turned in its best performance since Corey Mace was a youngster of, well, minus-14.

The Mace-coached Roughriders are coming off Saturday’s 29-9 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Saskatchewan improved its record to 8-1 while holding the opponent without a touchdown for the second consecutive game.

Until Saturday, such a feat had last been accomplished by the Green and White over the first two games of the 1970 CFL season.

“We were happy to do something as far as the defence is concerned to help the team win a game,” said Mace, 39, who doubles as the Roughriders’ defensive co-ordinator. “All that other stuff is just cool to look back on.”

Looking further back, the Roughriders have prevented a touchdown in back-to-back games seven times in the team’s post-Second World War history.

The streak reached four games in September of 1963.

There were three-game runs in 1951 and 1968.

With a two-game streak, the 2025 Roughriders matched the teams of 1949, 1964 and 1970.

In the latter case, the Roughriders opened the 1970 season by winning 42-9 (against the host B.C. Lions on July 28) and 23-11 (versus Edmonton on July 31 at Taylor Field).

The gap of 55 years between two-game streaks underlines the degree of difficulty that accompanies keeping a team out of the end zone over an extended period, especially in a wide-open league such as the CFL.

“It’s doesn’t happen often,” Mace said. “It’s tough to do, so it’s definitely something to champion a little bit.

“At the same time, in a heartbeat things can turn if you’re not on your P’s and Q’s. Let’s focus on staying on our P’s and Q’s.”

That is the priority as the Roughriders prepare to face the Calgary Stampeders (6-3) on Saturday at McMahon Stadium in a battle of the West Division’s first- and second-place teams.

BRETT’S PERSPECTIVE

The first-half performance of kicker Brett Lauther has been a matter of some discussion, even though the team is 8-1 and atop the CFL’s overall standings.

Lauther — the Roughriders’ All-Time leader in field-goal percentage (82.0) — is an uncharacteristic 22-for-33 on three-point attempts this season.

“(If asked) before the season, I would trade being the worst player in the league if it meant team success,” he said after Tuesday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium. “It’s awesome to have that for the guys.

“Everyone in the room has been unreal. You kind of dream about being on teams like this, with how supportive and how good everyone is.

“I feel selfish taking away time here to do interviews when we should be talking about all the successes of the team.”

Saturday’s game was not without its successes for Lauther. Although he went 2-for-5 against Hamilton, his first field goal of the day was a career-best 59-yarder that is tied for the third-longest in team history.

“I would trade making that 59-yard kick for just being able to go out and be more consistent and do my job to the standard that the rest of the team’s doing it right now,” Lauther said.

“I haven’t really thought about it. I just came in on the off day and got some kicking in. It went well. Today went well. But, I mean, it should be going well. There’s no wind. It’s 30 degrees.

“I’ve just got to find a way to translate it into the games.”

O-LINE IS 5-FOR-9

The Roughriders’ offensive line graded out as the best in the CFL during Week 11, according to Pro Football Focus — which released its weekly Honour Roll on Tuesday.

Saskatchewan received a unit grade of 62.1. The top individual marks went to right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick (77.3), centre Logan Ferland (62.6) and left tackle Payton Collins (56.9).

Hardrick had the best individual grade of any CFL offensive lineman in Week 11.

The Roughriders also received the top unit grade in Week 1 (67.9), Week 2 (69.5), Week 4 (74.2) and Week 9 (75.1). In other words, Saskatchewan’s O-line has earned top grades after five of the Riders’ nine games.

Hardrick previously led his position in Week 1 (72.0).

CALL TO THE HALL

Former Roughriders receivers Steve Mazurak and Rob Bresciani are among five individuals who will formally enter the Regina Sports Hall of Fame when this year’s induction ceremony is held on Oct. 9.

Mazurak played for the Green and White from 1973 to 1976. Bresciani was on the roster in 1988 and 1989.

They are being inducted as athletes, alongside Dale Derkatch (hockey), Janine Polischuk (athletics) and Mervin Tran (figure skating).

As well, the 2013 Regina Thunder will enter the Hall in the team category.

Tickets for the 22nd annual induction ceremony are available by clicking HERE.