Sheets powers Roughriders to 101st Grey Cup victory

Roughriders running back sets Grey Cup record in win

Kory Sheets set a record setting performance on Sunday night as the Saskatchewan Roughriders won the 101^st Grey Cup.  The Roughriders defeated the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats 45-23 in front of Rider Nation at Mosaic Stadium.

Sheets was named MVP for racking up 197 rushing yards on 20 carries and scored two touchdowns in the win. In the first half alone, the Roughriders running back commanded the field as he amassed 128 rushing yards and scored a touchdown. He broke the record of rushing yards in a Grey Cup championship which was previously set by Edmonton Eskimos Johnny Bright in 1966.

This performance capped off a stellar CFL campaign in 2013 as Sheets finished second in the league for rushing with 1,598 yards.

With this victory, the Roughriders win their fourth Grey Cup in franchise history.  This is their first championship win since 2007.  The Roughriders become the third consecutive team to win the Grey Cup on their home turf and they did so in front of 44,710 Rider Nation fans at Mosaic Stadium.

The running game played a significant role in the Roughriders Grey Cup victory.  The Roughriders accumulated 268 total yards against the Tiger-Cats.

Geroy Simon, who was traded over from the BC Lions tallied his first two majors in Grey Cup championships on Sunday as well as 67 receiving yards on three catches. Earlier this season, Simon catapulted into the CFL record books as the league’s All-Time leading receiver.

Chris Getzlaf was named the Grey Cup’s top Canadian.  The Roughriders slotback had 78 receiving yards on three receptions.

Roughriders pivot Darian Durant had 17 completions in 24 attempts, three passing touchdowns and 245 passing yards in the game. Additionally, he rushed for 26 yards on seven carries.

Weston Dressler and Jock Saunders also tallied majors for the victors, while kicker Chris Milo was successful on conversion attempts and added a field goal for the Roughriders.

Defensively, the Roughriders held their opponents to only five first downs and three rushing yards in the first half.  The Roughriders defensive unit continued to be a menace to their opposition as they’ve shown throughout the season – allowing only 22.1 points per game and 24 interceptions caught in 2013.

At halftime, the Roughriders enjoyed a 31-6 lead.

In the first half, The Tiger-Cats dug themselves in too deep of a hole as they could only amass 130 total yards and 127 passing yards.

Tiger-Cats quarterback Henry Burris had 20 completions in 43 attempts for 272 passing yards and one interception.  He also led the team with 34 rushing yards, including an 18 yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

C.J Gable also tallied a major for the Tiger-Cats in a losing cause.  Kicker Luca Congi was successful on two conversion attempts and also booted a field goal.

Photo credit:  Saskatchewan Roughriders website/TSN