Roughriders Edge Blue Bombers 32-26 in OT Thriller

Summary:

• The Saskatchewan Roughriders defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 32-26 in overtime.
• Duncan Busby tied the game on the final play of regulation, producing a career performance with 10 catches for 140 yards.
• Trevor Harris moved past Doug Flutie into 10th place on the CFL’s all-time passing list.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders came through in a dramatic Labor Day Classic in the CFL on Sunday, September 6, beating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 32 to 26 in overtime in front of a record crowd of 34,352 at Mosaic Stadium.

The Game Went Down to the Final Moments

Winnipeg seemed to have forced overtime at the very last opportunity in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Zach Collaros found Dorian Singer for a five-yard touchdown pass on the final play, tying the game and sending the rivalry contest into extra time.

The Roughriders struck first in overtime, when quarterback Tommy Stevens powered into the end zone from one yard out for his third touchdown of the afternoon. Stevens now has 15 rushing touchdowns this season.

Saskatchewan didn’t manage to convert the following two-point attempt, and offered Winnipeg one final chance. However, the Roughriders’ defense stepped in when it mattered most, stopping the Bombers on a third-and-six play from the Saskatchewan 31-yard line to close out the victory.

Quarterback Harris, Crucial

Trevor Harris completed 23 of 33 passes for 362 yards and a touchdown. After the game, he admitted his team took too long to find its rhythm offensively but was pleased with the way the they battled through the game.

Receivers Samuel Emilus and Kian Schaffer Baker were riddled with injuries, forcing Dhel Duncan Busby to step up with the best performance of his career, catching 10 passes for 140 yards.

The Saskatchewan defence also delivered several important plays. Derick Roberson, Aubrey Miller Jr. and Seyi Oladipo recorded sacks, while the Riders held Winnipeg running back Brady Oliveira to just 28 yards on nine carries.

The victory moved Saskatchewan to 8 and 4, keeping the team second in the West Division behind the Edmonton Elks. Winnipeg fell to 6 and 6.

Harris also moved into 10th place on the CFL’s all-time passing list during the game. A 72 yard completion to Daniel Wiebe early in the second quarter took his career total past Doug Flutie. Harris finished the afternoon with 41,590 passing yards and now has Matt Dunigan’s 43,857 yards in his sights.

KeeSean Johnson also reached an important milestone, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for a second season in a row.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday, September 12, when the Roughriders travel to Winnipeg.