High-powered Montreal offence faces stingy Saskatchewan defence in Saturday showdown

At first glance, Saturday's clash (3:30 p.m. Eastern, TSN/ESPN3) between the Montreal Alouettes and the Saskatchewan Roughriders looks like an example of the classic irresistible force meets immovable object paradox. The high-flying Alouettes' offence has been remarkably effective this year despite substantial injuries; heading into this week's games, Montreal had scored more touchdowns (43) than any other team, was averaging the most passing yards (300.1) per game and was third in total points. Meanwhile, the Roughriders' defence has led them back to prominence; Saskatchewan was second in first downs allowed (286), yards of offence allowed per game (329.0) and points per game allowed (21.8) heading into this week. The key question Saturday is which of these impressive units will come out on top.

For Montreal, the key is the passing game. 40-year-old quarterback Anthony Calvillo, who had his remarkable story brilliantly chronicled by TSN this week, has once again proven to be the focal point for the Alouettes. Heading into this week, he led the league with 4,499 passing yards and had also posted a reasonably impressive completion rate (60.2 per cent) and a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio (28:12). That's remarkable, as Montreal has not been able to run the ball consistently, especially since top RB Brandon Whitaker got hurt. On the year, Montreal was last in gain per rush (4.7 yards) and rushing yards per game (86.0) heading into this week. That's shifted further focus to the passing game, and top receiver Jamel Richardson's injury issues haven't helped either. Still, Calvillo has his team gaining the most yards (9.1) per pass and putting up the most aerial yards per game. Considering the issues the Alouettes have faced, that's awfully impressive.

The Riders' defence presents a formidable opponent, though, especially in the passing game. Before this week's action, they were allowing the second-lowest yards per pass (7.6) and the second-least passing yards per game (251.7) in the CFL. They're also playing in the friendly confines of Mosaic Stadium, where the famed "13th Man" crowd can make it very difficult for opposing offences to get their plays off. Saskatchewan's 5-2 at home this year, but just 3-5 on the road, so don't underestimate how much the Rider fans can affect a contest like this. Montreal's 3-4 road record doesn't exactly suggest the Alouettes are great at handling difficult road conditions, either.

What's interesting is that there's more on the line for Saskatchewan than Montreal. Toronto's loss to Winnipeg means the Alouettes have first place in the East locked up regardless of what happens Saturday, so they don't have a huge amount to play for. Meanwhile, the Riders are still in a dogfight for playoff position. B.C. clinched first in the West with their win Friday, but Saskatchewan's just one game back of Calgary for second, and just one game ahead of fourth-place Edmonton. A Riders' win itself would clinch a playoff berth for them, though, and it would put extra pressure on the Stampeders in Saturday's late game. Still, don't expect Montreal to roll over; Calvillo and company have plenty of pride, and they'll be looking to improve their form heading towards the playoffs following some less-than-top-quality showings. Much of this may come down to if the Alouettes' fearsome aerial attack or the Riders' formidable passing defence triumphs, but whatever the result, this game should tell us a fair bit about these teams.