The Saskatchewan Roughriders are heading into their first bye week of the 2024 season with a perfect 3-0 record after a 36-20 victory over the Hamilton Ti-Cats.
Running Back AJ Ouellette had his best game in a green uniform with 98 rushing yards along with 47 receiving yards.
Saskatchewan’s defence had a solid night, forcing three interceptions including one returned for a touchdown by former Ti-Cat Jameer Thurman.
Quarterback Trevor Harris left the game in the second quarter with a leg injury and didn’t return. He was 16 for 21 with 177 passing yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Following the game, Riders Head Coach Corey Mace said they didn’t want to risk further injury to Harris.
It didn’t take the Roughriders long to send the fans at Mosaic Stadium into a frenzy, forcing Hamilton’s Lawernce Woods III to fumble the opening kickoff. Saskatchewan capitalized on the turnover when Harris found Samuel Emilus in the endzone for a touchdown.
Late in the 1st quarter, the green and white extended their lead after rookie Ajou Ajou hauled a 32-yard touchdown.
With a 18-7 lead at halftime, the Roughriders delivered the knockout with linebacker C.J. Avery deflecting Ti-Cat QB Bo Levi Mitchell’s pass to Thurman, who returned it for a touchdown.
QB Shea Patterson added a rushing touchdown for Saskatchewan. In relief of Harris, the former Michigan Wolverine 4 for 10 with 41 yards through the air.
Defensive tackle Charbel Dabire had a big night with a pair of sacks and a forced fumble.
Rolan Milligan and Demarcus Fields also had interceptions.
The Roughriders are now off until Thursday, July 4, when they welcome Mace’s former team, the Toronto Argonauts (2-0) to Mosaic Stadium.