I’m posting this on behalf of Charles Atlas Sheppard:

More sport writers should read The Art of War by Lao Tzu.

“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”

I will boldly say that whatever Rider QB Darian Durant (pictured) does in the first quarter will set the tone, not only for this game but for the rest of the season. He has no choice. B.C. will capitalize on every single mistake that Saskatchewan makes. Durant has to punch through that strong B.C. Lion defense in the first quarter to get a touchdown. Once he does, once he does …

I’ve had this long-held belief that the Riders only lose when I DON’T watch. I am a very busy guy, the devil is in the details and I have things to do. I don’t bleed green like the rest of the Rider Nation. That doesn’t mean I don’t care or bleed any less. It just means my life doesn’t revolve around the Riders. They win when I watch them. And they lose when I don’t.

This time I have a Rider ticket and I will be in the stands instead of sipping on a martini in front of my TV. My whole theory of my being present or not for a Rider’s win will be proven for good or ill.

I am going to cover my ass right now by saying that we all know that the Lions are playing great defensively. In fact, the Lions and the Riders are the most feared to teams to be reckoned with. I think this will be one of the best games of this year. Fantuz is out. Lance Frazier might be out too. The Thursday scare was that Getzlaf injured himself in practice. He’s okay but it’s thrilling to know how one man can make such a difference as to scare the Rider Nation.

I reckon this will be the game of the week. The Lions are favoured but I think the Riders are too desperate and hungry. They have been fed last year’s drippings of the winning feast. They can smell and taste it. It’s still within their range.

Game time on TSN is 2 p.m. My prediction? Riders by 5 points.