Travis Lulay after overtime win: 'That's what this team needed'

It was perceived as though the Saskatchewan Roughriders would seal their first victory of the season when running back Anthony Allen scored a touchdown with 2:21 to play in the fourth quarter against the BC Lions at BC Place. With the successful extra point from Paul McCallum, the Riders' 29-18 lead seemed out of reach for the Leos.

But a late surge by Lions quarterback Travis Lulay and subsequent overtime win was much needed for a team that struggled to close out a victory in the fourth quarter against the Ottawa RedBlacks a week ago.

An ebullient Lulay ran directly to head coach Jeff Tedford to congratulate him on his first CFL victory by wrapping him in his arms and going airborne. The play-caller went 34-for-44 for three touchdowns and 404 yards, while knowing how much the game meant to his coach.

"That was a phenomenal effort, I'm so proud of my guys," Lulay said.

The pivot acknowledged the implications an adversity win like that could have on his team going forward, especially with many teams hampered by significant quarterback injuries.

"What it can definitely be is a big boost in confidence and momentum and that's what this team needed."

The team improved to 1-1 on the season, to remain in the middle pack of the westward CFL standings. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers stand atop the division with four points, while the Edmonton Eskimos, Calgary Stampeders, and Lions are square at 1-1 on the season. The Riders, who have ample offensive weapons at their disposal, dwell at the bottom of the basement with a dispiriting 0-3 record.

"Obviously it doesn't mean anything unless we continue to build on it, so we will," Lulay confirmed.

Tedford was humble after the game, saying he was proud of his player personnel.

"I'm happy about the guys who put in so much work and energy to get it done," he said.

The Lions look to repeat their effort in Week 4 when they meet the Roughriders again, this time in the hotly contested Mosaic Stadium. The game goes Friday night and begins at 10:00 p.m. ET.