CFL: Semi-Final Saturday heads to Toronto and Saskatchewan

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Eastern and Western Semi-Finals set for 3 and 6:30 p.m. ET on November 2

TORONTO – The Canadian Football League’s (CFL) Division Semi-Final matchups are set for Saturday, November 2.

The Eastern Semi-Final will feature the Ottawa REDBLACKS visiting BMO Field to take on the Toronto Argonauts. The winner will face the Montreal Alouettes.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will host the BC Lions in the Western Semi-Final at Mosaic Stadium. The victor will advance to take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The Division Finals will be played on Saturday, November 9.

Media accreditation during the 111th Grey Cup Playoffs is managed by the competing teams, and it is subject to CFL approval.

Playoff records for the teams in the 111th Grey Cup Playoffs:

  • Montreal – 1946-86, 1996-2023: 40-36 (.526)
  • Toronto – 1936-2023: 45-39-1 (.535)
  • Ottawa – 1936-96, 2002-05, 2014-2024: 44-41 (.518)
  • Winnipeg – 1936-2023: 67-52-2 (.562)
  • Saskatchewan – 1936-2023: 44-53-2 (.455)
  • BC – 1954-2023: 23-35 (.397)

EASTERN SEMI-FINAL

Ottawa REDBLACKS at Toronto Argonauts ​
​BMO Field
​Saturday, November 2 at 3 p.m. ET
​Canadian broadcast: TSN1, TSN4, CTV, RDS ​
​US/International broadcast: CFL+
Purchase tickets

NEED TO KNOW

  • Toronto is hosting a playoff game for the fourth consecutive season, the team last hosted the Eastern Semi-Final in 2012.
  • The REDBLACKS and Argonauts have never met in the playoffs. Ottawa and Toronto last faced off in the postseason in 1990, featuring starting quarterbacks Damon Allen (OTT) and Willie Gillis (TOR).
  • Toronto owns a 32-17-1 (.650) home playoff record since 1936.
  • The REDBLACKS’ have not played a road playoff game. Ottawa football clubs are 10-28 (.263) on the road in the postseason.
  • The teams split the season series:
  • Head coaches’ playoff records: Ryan Dinwiddie (1-2) and Bob Dyce (0-0).
  • Chad Kelly (0-1) will start in his second playoff game; Dru Brown will start in his first.
  • In the season series,
    • Kelly totalled 794 passing yards, including a career-high 463 in Week 14, six touchdown passes, one rushing major and four interceptions.
    • Makai Polk registered ten catches for 209 yards.
    • Dru Brown passed for 749 yards, including a 400-yard effort in Week 20, five touchdowns and one interception.

WESTERN SEMI-FINAL

BC Lions at Saskatchewan Roughriders ​
​Mosaic Stadium ​
​Saturday, November 2 at 6:30 p.m. ET
​Canadian Broadcast: TSN1, TSN3, RDS
​US/International Broadcast: CFL+
Purchase tickets

NEED TO KNOW

  • Saskatchewan is hosting its first playoff game since 2021.
  • The two teams last met in the playoffs in the 2013 West Semi-Final with Saskatchewan claiming a 29-25 victory.
  • Since 1936, Saskatchewan is 23-18-1 (.560) as the home team in the playoffs.
  • Since 1954, BC’s road record in the playoffs is 11-26 (.297).
  • The season series was split:
  • Head Coaches’ playoff records: Rick Campbell (5-3) and Corey Mace (0-0).
  • Trevor Harris will make his first playoff start as a Roughrider. He is (3-4) in the postseason.
  • Vernon Adams Jr. is 1-2 in the playoffs, while Nathan Rourke is 1-1.
  • In the season series,
    • Justin McInnis totalled 20 catches for 362 yards.
    • Samuel Emilus collected 14 receptions for 255 yards.
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CFL Editor
Profile: A seasoned Canadian football analyst with a deep understanding of the league’s tactical and cultural dimensions. This columnist delivers weekly coverage that blends data‑driven insight, historical context, and storytelling that connects fans to the heart of the three‑down game. Background: With years of experience following the CFL’s evolution, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and regional broadcasts, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and player development. Academic training in sports media and analytics informs a methodical approach to coverage, emphasizing clarity and accuracy. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and tactical breakdowns Player performance analytics and scouting reports CFL Draft and free‑agency analysis Historical retrospectives and Grey Cup features Style & Approach: The writing combines statistical precision with narrative depth, translating complex strategies into accessible insights for fans and bettors alike. Each piece reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, respect for the CFL’s heritage, and enthusiasm for its modern evolution.