REGINA, Saskatchewan — They’re the overwhelming favorite as Grey Cup hosts and are carrying the weight of an entire province’s expectations.

Yet the biggest burden is off the Saskatchewan Roughriders, according to head coach Corey Chamblin. He says getting to Sunday’s CFL championship against Hamilton was the real challenge.

“The biggest pressure for our team was making sure no one else sat in our locker-room,” Chamblin said. “It’s about working all offseason, all year to protect your house, and that was the biggest thing and the biggest pressure we had.”

Riders general manager Brendan Taman made it clear early this offseason he was serious about fielding a Grey Cup contender with Regina hosting the big game. He acquired receiver Geroy Simon from the B.C. Lions before adding defensive linemen Ricky Foley and John Chick and defensive back Dwight Anderson in free agency.

The Roughriders, who will face the Tiger-Cats at Moasic Stadium on Sunday, lived up to that billing, winning their first five regular-season games and eight of nine before sustaining three straight losses.

Saskatchewan (11-7) lost its final two-regular season games.