Meet the Roughriders

Grey Cup week has begun and many Alouettes fans are prepping big game on Sunday. The Als will be facing the Saskatchewan Roughriders for the first time in the Cup's 97th appearance. So just like last week as we had Meet the Lions; this week we'll help you set the table for the match-up by learning more about the boys in green.

We'll give you a run down of Saskatchewan's key players that could be factors in this tilt.

This time we'll work it in order of position.

#4 QB Darian Durant: He is a patient man, waiting for his turn at the helm of the Riders offence. This past season Durant proved that he has the ability to be the number one guy. Cool and collected on the field and off the field. He did turn the ball over a little more than he'd like (21 INTs) however that is countered by the 24TD passes in the regular season and the 3 he threw against Calgary last week. He's got legs to create time for his receivers and throws a pretty ball. He has to play well for the Riders to have a chance in this game.

#20 RB Wes Cates: he did not have his best season when it came to numbers however he did miss some time due to injury. His 4.8 yards per carry is well below his 5.4 career average. He is a double threat; very much like Avon Cobourne is relied on for his hands as well as his legs. At the age of Thirty, you know he'll be motivated at his chance at the Grey Cup, because running backs life spans are shorter than most positions.

#6 WR Rob Bagg, #89 SB Chris Getzlaf, #83 SB Andy Fantuz: The great Canadian content rule need not apply for these three receivers, as all three can be the playmaker on any given night. Bagg and Fantuz's numbers are a little higher than Getzlaf's, however Getzlaf had a couple of break out games this year and would love to be the focus of attention come Sunday. The Als defense will have their hands full trying to figure out who Durant's top target will be.

On the defensive Side
#90 DE Stevie Baggs: Very dynamic player that can get to the quarterback in a hurry. His 55 tackles and two forced fumbles are nothing to sneeze at as that proves he is key in the Riders run defense. From a bull rush, to a swim move or spin out, Baggs can take advantage of any Offensive lineman if he's left in a one on one situation.

#97 DE John Chick: His 11 sacks on the season only trailed Baggs by one on the Riders. His power cannot be overlooked on the other side of the D-line. He is the perfect complement to what Baggs brings on the other side. If the Riders have their way Anthony Calvillo will see alot of #90 and #97.

#31 LB Sean Lucas: this is a defensive player that brings the whole package. Look for #31 to be added into the blitz package as he had 4 sacks on the season. He led Saskatchewan in tackles on the season with 81 so he is not shy to get involved in the play.

#15 DB Lance Frazier: picking off 5 passes this year he will be looking for any errant pass from the hands of Anthony Calvillo. He's a tough guy to separate from but if the Als can get a taller receiver on him, that could be the issue as he's only 5'10''.

The problem with the Roughriders is that they do play as a team, and even if these players, possibly excluding Darian Durant, don't play up to snuff the Riders could still come out on top because they have a long list of players that can be game breakers, these are just a few that had strong regular season.