The first regular season game of the last decade was the best according to CFL fans.
The Game of the Decade was decided in a tournament-style bracket with the final two tilts vying for the crown. The final vote was between the Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2010 on Canada Day against the 105th Grey Cup game between the Calgary Stampeders and Ottawa Redblacks.
In the end, the Als-Riders overtime shootout took the Game of the Decade title in a contest that featured 105 total points.
After trading touchdowns in the final five minutes of regulation, OT was needed to decide a winner. In the shootout style, Darian Durant hit Andy Fantuz for the go-ahead touchdown and found Chris Getzlaf on the two-point convert. Anthony Calvillo responded by spotting S.J. Green for a major and went back to him again for the two-point convert — one of the greatest grabs in CFL history tied the game at 48 apiece.
After kicker Damon Duval converted a field goal on Montreal’s second OT possession, it allowed Saskatchewan the chance for a walk-off win. Durant dropped a ball in for a diving Weston Dressler which netted 32 yards. On the next snap, the legendary quarterback threaded a low throw to Dressler who made a sliding reception for the game-winning touchdown — 54-51 Riders the final.
Riders 2010 Canada Day barnburner ‘by far’ the best regular season game Darian Durant ever played
Game of the decade key notes
Montreal at Saskatchewan
July 1, 2010
- Third highest-scoring regular season game in CFL history with 105 points and highest-scoring game since 2000
- Highest-ever scoring season-opening game
- Tied for No. 1 all-time with 13 total touchdowns in a single game
- First time that overtime applied the then-new rule for mandatory two-point convert attempts after a touchdown
- The game featured nine touchdown passes
- Saskatchewan overcame a 21-point deficit to win — down 33-12 in third Quarter — the second-largest comeback in team history
- Darian Durant threw for five touchdowns and 481 yards
- Anthony Calvillo threw four touchdowns and 386 yards
