It took a second half push, but the Roughriders are headed to the CFL playoffs.
Saskatchewan upset Calgary 30-7 on Friday night, snapping the Stampeders 11-game winning streak and clinching a spot in the CFL playoffs behind a 20 point second half rally.
IT'S A FINAL. WE MADE IT.
— Sask. Roughriders (@sskroughriders) October 21, 2017
We're back in the post-season, #RiderNation.🍉#RiderPride #CFLGameday pic.twitter.com/86OZDyOOaz
Second half push
The Roughriders held just a 10-4 lead entering the locker rooms at halftime. But a dominating third quarter quickly put Saskatchewan in control of the game.
Kicker Tyler Crapigna first drilled a 14-yard field goal to put the Roughriders up 13-4. Then, defensive back Jovon Johnson picked up a Calgary fumble and nearly returned it to all the way for a touchdown.
.@sskroughriders DB Jovon Johnson came within yards of taking a @calstampeders fumble to the house. #CFLGameDay pic.twitter.com/NUZ6sax2Wg
— CFL on TSN (@CFLonTSN) October 21, 2017
The return was quickly followed by a one-yard touchdown run from Vernon Adams Jr., and then a two-yard run by Adams Jr. to complete two-point conversion.
.@bigplay_va leaps his way into the end zone to help extend the @sskroughriders' lead to 21-4. #CFLGameDay #RiderPride pic.twitter.com/N0572ih5gq
— CFL on TSN (@CFLonTSN) October 21, 2017
Just like that, the Roughriders had a 21-4 lead. Though it didn't end there.
Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell attempted a pass to DaVaris Daniels early in the fourth quarter, but was intercepted by Duron Carter, who ran the ball back 37 yards for a touchdown.
Easy pickings for @DC_CHILLIN_8, as he takes a @BoLeviMitchell throw 37 yards the other way for a touchdown. #89 isn't looking half bad at DB! #CFLGameDay #RiderPride pic.twitter.com/mDS7Azzlce
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 21, 2017
The win clinches a playoff spot for the Roughriders, who currently sit in fourth place in the West. Saskatchewan next heads to Montreal, where they'll face the Alouettes next Friday.