Trevor Harris has a suggestion for CFL fans: buckle up for the West Division final on Saturday.

The veteran Saskatchewan quarterback believes the Winnipeg Roughriders and Blue Bombers are equally hungry and motivated for a win.

“(The Blue Bombers) were in the Gray Cup the last two times and they didn’t win it, so I think they want to go back and win it,” Harris said Friday. “And they can’t win the Gray Cup unless they win (Saturday).

“And, shoot, I think we’re about as hungry as we can be as a team. We’re about as locked in and focused as we can be, so I think if you don’t tune in (Saturday) and “If you’re a CFL fan, I think your pulse is gone. This is going to be a heavyweight fight.”

Saturday’s game between the Bombers (11-7) and the ‘Riders (9-8) has no favorite, although Winnipeg will be buoyed by a fifth consecutive sellout of 32,343 at Princess Auto Stadium.

Saskatchewan hosted the Bombers in mid-July and won 19-9, but Winnipeg beat them 35-33 in Regina on September 1 and 26-21 a week later at home.

Star running back Brady Oliveira will play a key role in Winnipeg’s game plan.

Competing for CFL MVP and top Canadian awards this season, Oliveira led the league in rushing with 1,353 yards on 239 carries, including three touchdowns. He also caught 57 passes for 476 yards with one touchdown.

But playing against Saskatchewan and its rushing defense didn’t provide many highlights for Oliveira.

He only rushed for 49 yards in the first game, 42 in the second and 43 in the third.

“I will continue to be who I have been in every game this season: consistent, physical, going on the pitch and honoring my teammates,” Oliveira said.

If Winnipeg is forced to launch an aerial attack, Saskatchewan defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. is ready to help regain momentum.

He is the West Division candidate for Most Outstanding Defensive Player. Milligan led the league with eight interceptions and added 10 pass knockdowns.

“Everybody knows the type of defense we are,” said Milligan, whose group led the league with a plus-26 turnover rate.

“Winning the ball back is one of our great things. We couldn’t do that the last time we played them and I think that played a big part in our loss.”

Saskatchewan’s running game counters with the duo of AJ Ouellette and Ryquell Armstead.

Both teams overcame significant losing streaks and injuries, but bounced back in time for the playoffs.

Winnipeg started the season with four straight losses and then went on an eight-game winning streak. The Blue Bombers won their regular season finale to take first place in the division.

Saskatchewan had a period that included six losses and one tie. However, the Roughriders have won five of their last six games, including the Western Semifinal victory over the BC Lions.

“It has a lot of value,” Saskatchewan head coach Corey Mace said. “There was a point in our situation where I knew we had something special, just seeing how the guys reacted.

“No finger pointing. Everyone just wanted to put their heads down and find a way to find a way.”

If the Blue Bombers beat Saskatchewan, they will join the CFL’s elite company. Only three teams in league history have qualified for five consecutive Gray Cup games.

“It’s been a really special ride, that’s for sure,” Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros said. “Historically speaking, it’s really cool, but tomorrow is our priority.”

When Winnipeg defeated the Roughriders in the 2019 and 2021 West Finals, the club won two national titles. The last two division final victories came against the BC Lions and were followed by Gray Cup losses.

“It’s always hard to stay at the top, because at the top you have a target behind you,” Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published November 8, 2024.