By Dashawn Stephens
It’s no surprise that a year away from the gridiron has left fans of U SPORTS football with more questions than answers, and rightfully so. In one way or another, every team has something to prove. Let’s set the scene, turn on the spotlights, and take a quick glimpse at the burning questions that all 27 teams face as we gear up for the 2021 U SPORTS football campaign.
OUA
1. Carleton Ravens
Is Tanner Dejong ready to step into the elite tier of U SPORTS quarterbacks?
2. Guelph Gryphons
With starters at every position having departed (graduations, transfers, CFL), how exactly will the Guelph Gryphons look in 2021?
Bonus: Is Michael Warner (QB) up next?
3. Laurier Golden Hawks
Will the Golden Hawks tap back into their tradition of excellence and rekindle their winning ways? Or will they miss the playoffs for a third straight season?
4. McMaster Marauders
How strong is McMaster’s hold over the OUA?
5. Ottawa Gee-Gees
Can the Gee-Gees finally engineer significant playoff success?
6. Queen’s Gaels
Do the Gaels rise to the top? Fall to the bottom? Or stay in the middle?
7. U of T Varsity Blues
Can the Varsity Blues recreate their top-ranked passing attack from 2019?
Bonus: Is this the year U of T steps into the playoff picture?
8. Waterloo Warriors
Before we begin any Yates Cup conversations, can the overly-talented Warriors finally go over .500?
Bonus: Does Tre Ford win the Hec Crighton?
9. Western Mustangs
What can we expect from the new era of Mustang football?
Bonus: Is Jackson White the next great Western quarterback?
10. Windsor Lancers
Hardest schedule in the conference: In what ways will the Lancers shine?
11. York Lions
Who sits at the center of York’s rebuild?
Bonus: After six long years, will the Lions finally play home games at the Pan Am stadium?
Canada West
12. Alberta Golden Bears
With the return of Jayden Dalke (DB) and Josiah Schakel (LB), how dominant will Alberta’s defence be?
Bonus: Will Brad Laundhart lead Canada West in passing yards?
13. Calgary Dinos
Can Calgary go undefeated?
Bonus: Does Calgary finish the season with the top-ranked passing offence in the country?
14. Manitoba Bisons
Entering his final year as the lead signal-caller, can Des Catellier finally lead Manitoba to Hardy Cup prosperity?
Bonus: Will the Bisons finally retire those Reebok uniforms?
15. Regina Rams
All grown-up: How far can Josh Donnelly take Regina’s offence?
16. Saskatchewan Huskies
How many yards does Adam Machart rush for?
Bonus: Does Adam Machart win the Hec Crighton?
17. UBC Thunderbirds
Do the Thunderbirds finally debut the chrome gold helmets?
RSEQ
18. Concordia Stingers
Now without 2019 RSEQ MVP and former starting quarterback Adam Vance, who emerges as the new leader on Concordia’s offence?
19. Laval Rouge et Or
It’s simple. Can Laval beat Montréal?
20. McGill Redbirds
After an impressive start to the season, which included a close contest with Laval, how high is McGill’s ceiling?
21. Montréal Carabins
It’s simple. Can Montréal beat Laval?
Bonus: As seen, Jonathan Sénécal is good, but how good?
22. Sherbrooke Vert et Or
Can Sherbrooke find a way to shake off their tough 0-2 start to the season?
AUS
23. Acadia Axemen
New faces, same intentions: Can the Axemen continue their reign over the AUS?
24. Bishop’s Gaiters
Can Louis-Philippe Gregoire finish the season as a top 5 ball-carrier in the country?
25. Mount Allison Mounties
Are Lucas Cormier and Daniel Bell the best DB duo in the country?
Bonus: Will Mount Allison ever get new uniforms?
26. SMU Huskies
It’s hard to gauge. Are the Saint Mary’s Huskies contenders or pretenders?
27. StFX X-Men
Moving past 2019: How does StFX find a way to become a contender in the AUS once again?
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