"Those are game-changing plays that we need, and what better time to do it when we're at home," Thurman said.
Thurman added that the players remain fully aware of the situations they expect to encounter on the field.
"There's opportunities," Thurman said.
The defender expressed confidence that the team will take advantage of these moments during the game.
"Guys know that they're going to be there, they've just got to take advantage of it when it comes their way," Thurman said.
Thurman concluded that the defensive group expects these plays to manifest through focused execution.
"We expect them to happen, and we just got to go out there and make the plays that come to us," Thurman said.
Saskatchewan defensive coordinator Josh Bell took over the role from Mace this season, and the head coach expressed no worry regarding the lower takeaway numbers compared to 2025.
"No concern," Mace said.
Mace indicated that the defense has been close to making multiple big plays already this year.
"Just this, let's capitalize," Mace said.
The coach maintained an optimistic perspective regarding the positioning and development of his defensive players.
"I think we probably should have about five of them right now," Mace said.
Mace acknowledged his own tendency to view the team's defensive progress in a positive light.
"Maybe to a detriment sometimes for myself, the glass is half full, we're there," Mace said.
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