It may be approaching the mid-point of the season with plenty of football still to be played. Yet, it is hard to overstate the importance of the Stampeders upcoming game in Regina.
Simply put, someone will be in the basement heading into Labour Day. Labour Day is viewed as the unofficial second half kickoff. And if the Stampeders are in the basement, it doesn't end their season but does put them in quite a hole.
The Stampeders have struggled with consistency this season. At times, looking very strong. Other times, they have self-destructed.
Their penalty totals may not be at the top of the league charts but the impact of the penalties certainly seems to have the biggest impact. That has to be dramatically reduced.
The team has to find a way to unleash a more consistent running game. Part of their problem with their ground game is a regularly rotating cast of offensive linemen.
The team is reaching a crunch point in their season. Six of their next seven games are against western opponents. A chance, for sure, to make up ground. But also a chance to fall behind in head to head competition.
That stretch starts Saturday in Regina