The Saskatchewan Roughriders are preparing to face the winless Ottawa Redblacks at Mosaic Stadium on Friday, determined not to underestimate their struggling opponents despite contrasting records. Saskatchewan, the defending Grey Cup champions, hold a 5-2 record and are second in the Canadian Football League’s West Division. Ottawa enters the matchup winless at 0-7.
Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris and head coach Corey Mace both reminded that teams without victories can still pose a threat, citing a 2024 example when a winless Edmonton Elks team upset Saskatchewan 42-31 on the road. Harris, 40, emphasized the inevitability of adversity in football and the need to remain focused. He pointed out that Ottawa’s recent performances, including a near-comeback against Winnipeg and a competitive game against Montreal, indicate the team is capable of responding positively after setbacks.
“We’ve just got to make sure that we know that adversity is going to come tomorrow, and anybody that thinks they’re a bad football team doesn’t watch film,” Harris said. He stressed that the Roughriders’ priority is executing their own game plan rather than reacting to the Redblacks’ desperation.
On the Ottawa side, head coach and general manager Ryan Dinwiddie, in his first season leading the Redblacks after six years as head coach of the Toronto Argonauts, acknowledged the challenges of a prolonged losing streak but insisted the locker room remains focused and positive. Dinwiddie urged his players to tune out external negativity and concentrate on improving internally.
“We’ve got to find ways to get better, and we obviously got to critique some things. But I think we’ve got to keep that locker room positive,” Dinwiddie said. “I just tell the guys don’t read the outside noise … It’s all about the guys in this building. I’m sure there’s people who have picked us to lose this game going into Saskatchewan. We’re 0-7 but it doesn’t mean we can’t go in there and capture a win.”
Saskatchewan has faced significant injury challenges this season, with key players including receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker, defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr., cornerback Tevaughn Campbell, running back A.J. Ouellette, receiver Sam Emilus, and offensive lineman Zack Fry all sidelined and placed on the six-game injured list.
Coach Mace highlighted the team’s “next-man-up” culture and praised the work ethic that has helped the Roughriders remain competitive despite absences. He described a disciplined environment where position groups are regularly tested to ensure all players are prepared to step in when needed.
“I’m not shocked at that because I see these guys work nonstop,” Mace said. “Our coaches do a good job. They keep everybody accountable and attentive, so it just keeps the environment here.”
Friday’s game will test whether the Roughriders can maintain their momentum and avoid another upset, while the Redblacks will look to secure their first victory of the season on Saskatchewan’s home turf.