Saskatchewan Roughriders to face Tiger-Cats helmed by Jake Dolegala

The Roughriders are set to face the Tiger-Cats on Sunday, with former Rider Jake Dolegala at quarterback. Lee Jones and Wes Cates discuss.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats today at Mosaic Stadium.

The Sunday matchup will be the first game the Ti-Cats will be without their star quarterback, Bo Levi Mitchell.

Mitchell’s absence means former Roughrider Jake Dolegala will lead the offence.

Dolegala spent two seasons with the Green and White from 2022 to 2023.

As a backup to both Cody Fajardo and Trevor Harris, Dolegala played 15 games including nine starts, where he threw for nearly 2,800 yards, 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

“I know the defensive players and the Riders in general have some history with Jake,” former Roughrider Wes Cates told CTV News’ Lee Jones. “… So, it’ll be interesting to see how things shake up.”

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Cates added the Riders’ offence may be in for a challenge with the Ti-Cats defensive line, based on past performance.

“Hamilton’s defense is also tops in the league as far as points against, I think they’re up there in sacks, and their linebacking core has been getting tackles all over the place,” he noted.

“So, it’s definitely going to be a tough one for the Rider offence.”

On the topic of backup pivots, Cates did highlight Tommy Stevens’ contributions to the Roughriders’ run game, especially in the team’s victory against Ottawa.

“He’s a smart guy. He understands the blocking schemes, and he’s looking to take it the distance,” Cates noted. “It’s not like he’s just trying to fall forward and get the first down. He’s trying to make plays out there.”

After Edmonton’s win over Ottawa on Thursday night, Saskatchewan sits two points back of the Elks for first in the west.

Hamilton comes in after losing to Winnipeg last week. They are currently tied for second in the east.

Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium.