2011 Grey Cup Predictions – Team Preview – Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will try for their third straight trip to the Championship Game in 2011 with hopes of breaking through with an overdue win. Gone is All-Star receiver Andy Fantuz (1,380 yards, 6 td) but remaining are Darian Durant (5,552 yards, 25 td) and running back Wes Cates (1,053 yards 15 td).
USE OUR INSIDER KNOWLEDGE TO GAMBLE ON CFL Futures in our TOP ONLINE SPORTSBOKS TODAY!!!
2011 Roughriders CFL Team Preview/Predictions
2010 record: 10-8
Home/Away: 7-2, 3-6
The offense will likely be fine but the defense is a bit of a question mark in 2011.
Darian Durant will be looking to build on a 2010 season that saw him elevate to elite status. Andy Fantuz will be a huge loss but Durant will still have the likes of Weston Dressler, Jason Clermont and Chris Getzlaf to throw the ball to. Rob Bagg was touted as the next big thing for Darian Durand but an injury has insured that he will miss at least the first nine games of the season. Will the Roughriders continue to throw – of course but when they don’t they have the luxury of a terrific running game to fall back on.
Perhaps the strength of the Roughriders going into the 2011 season is with their Offensive Line. Sure they lost their center to retirement but the Riders were able to get two experience non-import linemen in Free Agency. Alex Gauthier and George Hudson will be key cogs in the Riders offensive game plan. They should be able to protect Durant and let Wes Cates continue to pile up touchdowns. Offensively, Saskatchewan will be fine – the defense is key to their 2011 success. [ad-4437448]
Saskatchewan enters the 2011 with a new Head Coach (Greg Marshall) and a new second time Defensive Coordinator Richie Hall. Although it may sound bad, both men are extremely well respected and both are sticklers for detail. Saskatchewan may not be the flashiest of defensive squads but we know that this lunch bucket crew will play hard in their attempt to return to the Big Game once again.
They did cut their two cornerbacks from last season but if anyone can get the most of their squad it is Mr. Hall. Saskatchewan’s defense can bend because of their offense – the trick is not to break!
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are due aren’t they? They have finished second in the West and have finished as bridesmaids in the league the last two seasons. Motivation will not be a problem in the 2011 season and neither will leadership. Saskatchewan will play hard and should be able to use bitter defeat to their advantage this season. 2011 is Saskatchewan’s year!
Roughriders 2011 Future Odds
Odds to Win the Grey Cup: +700
Odds to Win the Western Conference: +250
Roughriders 2011 Predictions
Look for the Rough Riders to get over the hump in 2011, finish first in the West and win the Grey Cup in front of their legions of fans. 2011 will be Green! 13-5 sounds about right and so does a win in the Big Game!
At +700, the Riders are worth a look to win the Grey Cup for sure!
