Playoff-hopeful Lions, Roughriders face off in crucial matchup

The B.C. Lions presently have what the Ottawa Redblacks covet -- the CFL's final playoff spot.

The teams meet Friday night in a crucial matchup in Ottawa, where B.C. (5-6) can all but end the Redblacks' chances of repeating last year's playoff berth.

Ottawa (3-8) was hoping to contend for the East title but has been its own worst enemy, often coloring its efforts with costly penalties and crucial mental mistakes. A 30-20 home loss to Edmonton on Aug. 22 saw it trail 20-7 at halftime.

In the last three games, the Redblacks have fallen behind by a combined 65-29 at the break.

"We can't allow ourselves to get down the number of points we have and it's three weeks in a row," coach Bob Dyce said. "Every time you do that, it gets tougher and tougher to come back. It's hard to play a perfect half when you get down. You can't allow yourself to dig yourself a hole."

Dyce might have to construct a winning game plan without starting quarterback Dru Brown (knee), who was hurt last month against Winnipeg and missed the Edmonton game. Dustin Crum would start if Brown can't play.

Meanwhile, B.C. is also coming off a bye after a loss. The Lions suffered a 52-34 defeat Aug. 23 at Toronto after opening up a 14-3 first-quarter advantage. The Lions' James Butler rushed for a team-high 83 yards and two touchdowns.

The Lions are a game ahead of Edmonton for the last playoff spot, which at the moment would be a crossover spot that would send them to the East runner-up for a first-round game.

B.C. is hoping to correct its defensive problems. It's allowing a whopping 29.5 points per game (second-worst in the league) and is tied for second-worst in allowing big plays (33), which consist of runs of 20 or more yards, passes of 30 or more yards and kick returns of 40 or more yards.

"It really comes down to guys understanding where we are and our beliefs," first-year coach Buck Pierce said. "We're all in this together."

This is the first of a home-and-home series, with the Lions slated to host the Redblacks on Sept. 12 in Vancouver.

--Field Level Media