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The Saskatchewan Roughriders had already secured a playoff spot heading into Saturday’s game, but they were unable to tighten their grip on a home playoff date, falling 48-31 to the visiting Montreal Alouettes at Mosaic Stadium.
Montreal struck first on a 52-yard field goal by Jose Maltos Diaz, but Saskatchewan answered immediately with Brett Lauther’s 46-yard field goal to tie the game at 3. The Alouettes then pulled ahead with a 59-yard touchdown pass from McLeod Bethel-Thompson to Tyson Philpot, who got behind the Riders’ Kerfalla-Emmanuel Exume.
Saskatchewan’s offense struggled with turnovers throughout the first half. Trevor Harris’ pass intended for KeeSean Johnson was initially intercepted by Wesley Sutton, only for the call to be overturned after a Montreal challenge. Later, Tommy Stevens fumbled on a short-yardage attempt, setting up another Alouettes touchdown by former Rider Shea Patterson.
The Riders showed some life midway through the second quarter when Harris connected with Johnson for a 38-yard touchdown, trimming Montreal’s lead to 14-10. However, Philpot added his second touchdown before halftime, putting the Alouettes ahead 28-10.
Saskatchewan attempted a comeback in the third quarter with a one-yard touchdown run by Stevens following a 27-yard reception from Harris to Tommy Nield, cutting the deficit to 31-17. Yet Montreal responded with a 77-yard catch-and-run by Philpot, setting up Patterson’s one-yard touchdown, extending the lead once more.
The Riders managed another short touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter with a one-yard sneak by AJ Ouellette, but Montreal capitalized on a fumble recovery in the end zone by Donald Ventrelli, sealing the 48-31 victory.
Saskatchewan now heads into a bye week before facing the Edmonton Elks on Sept. 27. Despite the loss, the Riders can take solace in their secured playoff berth, while Montreal’s offensive firepower remains a concern for the Roughriders’ defense.