It was the final time this season that the Riders took to the field for practice, and what a scene it was. As snow fell, media from all parts of the country hoarded the team in green in hopes of getting that final quote before the biggest game of them all. I kind of just stood there and tried to realize the enormity of what was taking place in front of me… but it almost became too much.

The first and most notable thing I noticed, which wasn’t very difficult to notice I guess, is that these guys are done with all of the hoopla this week brings. Tired eyes and short answers during media scrums were the norm today, as players just want to kick things off already.

Eddie Davis ranted and raved about how great it is to be playing in another Grey Cup, especially seeing that it’s in a place he used to play in and has fond memories of. John Chick, Defensive player of the year (Congrats by the way John), was bombarded by media, and by the end seemed pretty stunned by it all.

Stevie Baggs was his usual charismatic self. He often refers to himself as Shakespeare, because all he does is makes plays. Well this afternoon he reminded the national media that they better watch out for him on Sunday because, “we all know the bigger the stage, the better Shakespeare performs.”

Wes Cates was his usual calm and cool self, sweet-talking the media with loaded answers. You know Wes wants to have a big game, and his coach Ken Miller said in the media conference after practice that despite him not getting 1000-yards on the season, he may just run for 150-200 yards when his team needs it the most. We’ll find out.

Darian Durant has got to be the coolest guy in the world. You would have thought he was a rock-star the way people crowded around him today, but his answers, demeanor and attitude didn’t change one bit. He did mention that on his website he quoted Anthony Calvillo because he has so much respect for the guy. Of course last night
Calvillo said if there was any one quarterback in the league he would build a team around, it would be Durant.

Ken Miller was his vintage Ken Miller today during his daily media conference. What did he say about his team? Well he stressed the fact that this is a team that plays with poise and discipline, is calm and confident. I’d say they follow their coach’s lead pretty well. When asked about what coaching in a Grey Cup game as head coach of the Roughriders, Millers said “it’s a dream come true.”

Marc Trestman gave the Riders sparkling reviews in his media gathering today, and said that the Riders “are a beautiful team to watch”, because they play as an ultimate team. Honestly, the way Trestman’s been talking about the Riders this week makes me think he thinks he may just lose on Sunday.

When asked what coach Miller will tell his team before the game, he said he say a few things, but that “we better be making hay when the sun shines”. Despite the fact that there wasn’t any sun here in Calgary today, the Rider Nation along with the rest of Canada has put the spotlight on this team, which should be enough sun to propel Saskatchewan to victory.

I’m off to enjoy the Grey Cup pandemonium that has gripped Calgary over the past couple of days. I’m serious you guys! This place is ready to go off! Green is the colour this week… and everyone is hoping for a Rider win.

I’ll be blogging again tomorrow with my Grey Cup predictions and last chat before the season ends.

Go Riders!