X-Files, haven't looked at this one at all but I'm thinking head coach Richie Hall who is the former Sask D.Cord and was part of the Riders organization for over 20 years may have a pretty good read on Sask. Also he was passed over twice for the head coaching job here in Regina so a little motivation of sorts as well. A few people I have talked to here are liking Edmonton but like you they're wondering why the line isn't 8ish, we'll see 7 + here (sask) by game time locally and that will be bring in Esk money.
Here's a writeup I found
Edmonton Eskimos vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Chalk Wire - The Edmonton Eskimos and the Saskatchewan Roughriders will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field.
Oddsmakers currently have the Roughriders listed as 6-point favorites versus the Eskimos, while the game's total is sitting at 56.
The Eskimos lost to Montreal 33-23 as a 6-point underdog in Week 2. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (55.5).
Ricky Ray passed for 340 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for Edmonton, and Arkee Whitlock rushed for 99 yards on 15 carries.
Darian Durant threw for 252 yards with a touchdown as the Roughriders defeated the Lions 37-18 in Week 2. The Roughriders won that game as 2.5-point underdogs, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 53.
Wes Cates had 82 yards rushing with a touchdown, while Luca Congi booted three field goals in that win for Saskatchewan.
Current streak:
Edmonton has lost 2 straight games.
Saskatchewan has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Edmonton: 0-2 SU, 0-2 ATS
Saskatchewan: 2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS
Edmonton most recently:
When playing in July are 5-5
When playing on turf are 3-7
After outgaining opponent are 3-7
When playing within the conference are 3-7
Saskatchewan most recently:
When playing in July are 8-2
When playing on turf are 6-3-1
After outgaining opponent are 5-4-1
When playing on within the conference are 6-3-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Edmonton's last 9 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Edmonton's last 9 games when playing Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Saskatchewan's last 9 games when playing at home against Edmonton
Saskatchewan is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Saskatchewan is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Edmonton
Next up:
Edmonton at Winnipeg, Saturday, July 24
Saskatchewan at Calgary, Saturday, July 24