Riders look to stop Edmonton’s Justin Rankin from taking over the game

The Saskatchewan Roughriders know they need to stop Justin Rankin this week.

The Edmonton Elks running back has emerged as one of the elite weapons in the CFL this season, with 756 yards and six touchdowns on the ground to go along with 618 receiving yards and four touchdown catches. Just a few weeks ago, against the Calgary Stampeders, the second-season CFLer had 204 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

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“It’s not a secret anymore how good of a player he is. I think a lot of people identified that last year and you’re not really surprised at the year he is having,” Riders head coach Corey Mace said. “He’s a strong runner, a patient runner and has good speed and can catch out of the back field. He can block. He’s a hell of a player. They have a good one.

“We have to be on it, whether it’s just understanding where he is at in the passing game, they do a good job running the ball. It can look like a two-yard run and turn into 109. He has that kind of skill set.”

One player who was able to see the talent Rankin had last season was defensive tackle Micah Johnson.

“Last year, I remember seeing him and thinking this kid has it — he has some juice,” Johnson said. “Very good contact balance, very explosive, good hands. In my opinion, he is one of the more complete backs and is a threat both ways. He’s a problem.”

The Riders will look to continue their dominant rushing defence against the Elks. Saskatchewan only surrenders 81.2 yards per game — the lowest in the CFL. Edmonton is in the middle of the pack when it comes to its rushing defence, averaging 98.8 yards per game (fifth in the league).

“We eliminate (Rankin), we make them one-dimensional and that’s when opportunities are there for us like we did the first time we played them,” linebacker Jameer Thurman said. “They are a different team from that time but it’s still the same people. We just have to go out there and do what we do and it will take care of itself.”

The Riders also could have an opportunity to clinch a home playoff game this weekend. If the B.C. Lions lose to the Toronto Argonauts, a Saskatchewan win over the Elks would mean a postseason game would take place at Mosaic Stadium.

Kickoff for the game against the Elks is set for 5 p.m. on Saturday. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.

The Riders could get some help back on offence for the game as wide receiver Sam Emilus (knee) has been listed as available, while slotback Kian Schaffer-Baker (foot) is questionable. Running back Thomas Betrand-Hudon (leg) is also listed as questionable.