Different season, same situation for Tre Ford.

The Canadian quarterback will make his first start of 2024 on Saturday night when Edmonton (0-7) visits the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-2). Ford, of Niagara Falls, Ont., started his first game last season after the Elks had dropped eight straight and ended up leading the franchise to all four of its victories over his 10 starts.

The six-foot-one, 195-pound Ford again showed his athleticism and dynamic ability in last week’s 44-28 home loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He replaced starter McLeod Bethel-Thompson in the fourth quarter and quickly gave Edmonton fans something to cheer about, completing 10-of-15 passes for 121 yards and three TDs while running three times for 19 yards.

And it wasn’t just that Ford was effective, he provided excitement with his ability to escape a collapsing pocket and thread the needle on a completion downfield.

Then again, that knack for turning potential disaster into something good was on full display last season when Ford not only breathed much-needed life into Edmonton’s campaign but also provided long-suffering Elks fans with some optimism and hope.

But Edmonton’s ’22 first-round draft pick from Waterloo was relegated to backup status after Edmonton signed veteran Bethel-Thompson to a one-year deal in the off-season.

Unfortunately for Edmonton, Ford — Canadian university football’s top player in 2021 — won’t resolve its biggest issue this season.

Edmonton’s defence is ranked last in the CFL in offensive points allowed (30.9 per game), offensive TDs (23), offensive yards allowed (390.1 per game) and eighth against the pass (310.3 yards). The unit is sixth against the run (96.9 yards per game) but tied with Hamilton for most TD passes allowed (15 each).

Edmonton enters this week’s action fourth in offensive scoring (24.7 points per game) and Bethel-Thompson is fourth among CFL passers (69 per cent completion average, 1,788 yards). But the two-time Grey Cup champion has nearly as many interceptions (seven) as touchdowns (nine) and, most importantly, he’s 0-7 as the Elks starter.

By comparison, Shea Patterson will chase a third win in his fifth start for Saskatchewan. Patterson hasn’t been flashy since taking over for injured veteran Trevor Harris _ Patterson has just two TD passes on the season_ but the Riders remain tied atop the West Division standings with the B.C. Lions (5-2).

Ford will also face a Riders defence that’s tops in the CFL in turnovers forced (21), interceptions (12) and fumbles recovered (eight). And Saskatchewan does a solid job of protecting the football, leading the league in fewest turnovers (10), interceptions (four) and turnover ratio (plus-11).

After spending the majority of the season on the sidelines, Canadian quarterback Tre Ford is set to make his first start for the Edmonton Elks. The 22-year-old from Niagara Falls, Ontario, has been patiently waiting for his opportunity to showcase his skills on the field, and now that time has finally come.

Ford, who played college football at the University of Waterloo, is known for his dual-threat abilities as a quarterback. He possesses a strong arm and impressive accuracy when throwing the ball, but he is also a threat to run with his speed and elusiveness. This combination of skills makes him a dynamic playmaker who can keep defenses on their toes.

Despite not seeing much playing time this season, Ford has been diligently preparing for this moment. He has been studying film, working on his footwork, and building chemistry with his teammates in practice. His coaches and teammates have been impressed with his work ethic and dedication, and they have full confidence in his ability to lead the team on the field.

Ford’s first start comes at a crucial time for the Elks, who are looking to turn their season around after a slow start. With his playmaking abilities and leadership skills, Ford has the potential to inject some much-needed energy and excitement into the team.

As Ford takes the field for his first start, fans will be watching closely to see how he performs under pressure. Will he rise to the occasion and lead the Elks to victory, or will he struggle in his debut? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – Tre Ford is a talented quarterback with a bright future ahead of him in the Canadian Football League.