WINNIPEG - For the first time since 1972, the CFL’s Western Division champions will be crowned in Winnipeg as the defending Grey Cup Champions, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers host the Saskatchewan Roughriders Sunday afternoon at IG Field.
The Bombers finished the 2021 season 7-0 at home, the first time they have been perfect at home since going 8-0 at the old Winnipeg Stadium in 1984. It should be noted the Blue Bombers won the Grey Cup that year as well. IG Field is proving to be a tough place for visiting teams; Winnipeg is now 18-1 in their last 19 at home dating back to the fall of 2018.
The Blue Bombers have a chance to win back to back cups for the third time in franchise history; they did it in 1958 and 1959, then again in 1961 and 1962.
The Roughriders earned their way into the final last week with a 33-30 overtime win over the Calgary Stampeders. During the regular season the Bombers manhandled the Riders twice, beating them in Regina on September 5th 23-8, then a week later in Winnipeg, 33-9. Saskatchewan was unable to score a touchdown against the fierce Blue Bomber defense in either game. The Bombers offensive line has been stellar vs. Saskatchewan as well led by Stanley Bryant and Jermarcus Hardrick. Riders defensive lineman A.C. Leonard and Jonathan Woodward finished first and second respectively in CFL sacks this year but neither had one vs. the Big Blue.
Dress warm. Kickoff is at 3pm. The game will be on TSN, however, a better bet would be to listen to it on 680 CJOB as Bob Irving will call his final game. Bob will also be inducted on Sunday into the Bombers Ring of Honour.
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