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The format rewarded doormats.

Back in 1981, the Ottawa Rough Riders and Montreal Alouettes undeservedly made the CFL playoffs despite combining for one fewer victory than the Saskatchewan Roughriders registered during the regular season.

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The Roughriders, who won all four of their games against Ottawa or Montreal en route to compiling a 9-7-0 record, were excluded from the post-season picture.

Saskatchewan placed fourth in the West Division. Ottawa and Montreal were second and third, respectively, in the East. Back then, the top three finishers in each division advanced to the playoffs. Period.

It was painfully obvious that something had to be done.

So the CFL introduced a cross-over provision … 15 years later.

To this day, it is irksome.

The 1981 Roughriders were fabulous fun to follow. Following back-to-back 2-14-0 seasons, the Green and White captivated the province with a nine-win performance.