By Daniel Federico & Dashawn Stephens
Outside of Western’s dominance, and York’s mediocrity at the leadership level, It’s safe to say the OUA has become the most confusing conference in Canadian university football - Canada West is a close second, though.
At the halfway point of the season, here are five things we now know about the OUA.
Western - Still Up
Let’s just get the most obvious out of the way.
Currently the number one ranked team in the nation, the Western Mustangs are still the favourites to hoist the Yates Cup in November as they head into week five with a 3-0 record.
Through the first month of the season, Western has once again recreated one of the top rushing attacks in the country - in the nation for that matter.
Keon Edwards currently leads the OUA in rushing yards per game (124.0), second in total rushing yards (373), and is tied for rushing touchdowns (2).
Alongside Edwards is second-year back Eduard Wanadi, who is currently fourth in the OUA in rushing yards per game (100.3) and seventh in total rushing yards (301)
Together, Edwards and Wanadi have created a one-two punch that has proven to be lethal for opposing front-sevens.
To the surprise of many, Western’s passing attack is just as dominant as their ground-game as 2021 OUA Rookie of the Year and 56th Vanier Cup MVP Evan Hillock currently leads the OUA in passing touchdowns (9).
On the defensive side of the ball, the Mustangs are only allowing 13.7 points per game (6th in U SPORTS), while the defensive line has a nation-leading 12 sacks.
Guelph - Off Tradition
What much can we say? Currently sitting at 1-3, the Guelph Gryphons have shocked many through the first month of the season, and not for the right reasons.
Traditionally known for their defence, the 2022 Gryphons have shown immense defensive struggles allowing 143 total points and 35.8 points per game.
They’ve also experienced offensive struggles with three different quarterbacks having touched the field this season so far. For now, it seems like South Carolina transfer Jake Helfrich has won the starting job after his 370-yard performance in Guelph’s week three win over Waterloo.
With still another half of the season left to be played, Ryan Sheahan and his squad are looking to turn things around in the second half of the season as they have looming matchups with Queen’s, McMaster, Laurier and Carleton. With three losses already on their belt, the Guelph Gryphons will have to enter playoff-mode over the next four weeks if they aspire to qualify for the actual postseason.
Windsor - Earned Not Given
The Windsor Lancers have been one of the most surprising teams in the nation this season.
Through four weeks, the Lancers are 2-1 and fourth in the OUA. With impressive wins coming against the Guelph Gryphons and U of T Varsity Blues, Windsor has made a solid case to be a top 10 ranked team in the nation.
Freshman running back Joey Zorn is making a solid case for OUA Rookie of the Year candidacy. Currently averaging 123.3 yards per game (2nd in the OUA), Zorn has played a pivotal role in Windsor’s success.
The life and soul of this team, however, has been on the opposing side of the ball. Patrick Donnovan’s defence is second in the conference in stopping the run and second in the conference in stopping the pass. In addition, they’re giving up only 15.5 points per game (2nd in the OUA).
The second half of Windsor’s season sees them take on Carleton, Laurier, York, Western, and Waterloo.
Having not qualified for the playoffs since 2014, the Lancers have the opportunity to make 2022 a season to remember. Behind one of the best defences in the nation and a top-three run game, the Windsor Lancer are a legitimate threat to any team in the OUA.
Don’t Disrespect: McMaster Isn’t A True 1-3 Team
The standings will tell you the McMaster Marauders are currently 1-3, tied with York, U of T, and Guelph for last in the OUA. But, if you watch the film, it’s clear that McMaster isn’t a true 1-3 team. In fact, they might be one of the greatest 1-3 teams in OUA history.
The Marauders started their season with a close 24-18 loss to Carleton, a forfeit loss to York, and another close 20-14 loss to Ottawa. Through their first three games, outside of their forfeit to York, the Marauders lost their games by an average margin of just six points.
It may have taken some time, but the Marauders finally picked up their first win of the season in a 43-0 frustration-dump performance over Waterloo.
Through four games, the Marauders have the top ranked passing attack in the conference as quarterback Andreas Dueck has already thrown for a conference-leading 1082 yards. McMaster also has the top ranked defence in the conference, allowing only 11.3 points per game (1st in the OUA), as well as 157.0 passing yards per game (lowest in the OUA) and 90.5 rushing yards per game (lowest in the OUA).
With a remaining schedule consisting of Western, Guelph, Queen’s, and Toronto, the Marauders have fallen into a deep hole earlier and things won’t be getting any easier.
They aren’t a true 1-3 team, but, McMaster certainly has their back against the wall after four weeks. In any situation, a playoff appearance by this team in 2022 would require them to win at least three of their next four games.
Some way, Some how, Queen’s Has Improved Immensely
Sitting 3-1 at the halfway point of the season, Queen’s is ranked fourth in the nation - a ranking that’s been well earned.
The Gaels have seemed to improve immensely in 2022. After fielding one of the top rushing attacks in the nation last season behind Rasheed Tucker, the Gaels have brought back a running back core that now features three extremely talented ball-carriers in Jaden Blackman, Anthony Soles, and Yann Longa - all of whom can go for over 100 on any given Saturday.
The defence is continuing with their dominant ways as the front-seven has recorded nine sacks on the season so far (3rd in the OUA), while their secondary has hauled in six interceptions (T-1st in OUA and U SPORTS).
Where things get taken to a whole new level for the Gaels is through the improvement of their passing game. Senior quarterback James Keenan just came off the most impressive passing performance of his career in a 364 yard, four touchdown performance against Carleton that saw him throw over 100 yards to two different receivers and two touchdowns to a third.
It’s pretty obvious that we are watching a much-improved Queen’s team that is continuing to get better week-by-week before our eyes. But, with a little over a month remaining until the postseason, the only thing left to wonder is whether this group can make a run back to the Yates Cup and put up a solid fight - this time around - against Western.
About 57th Vanier Cup
The 2022 Vanier Cup is the 57th edition of the championship and will be hosted at Western Alumni Stadium in London, Ontario on November 26th with kick-off at 1pm. The winner of the Uteck and Mitchell Bowl will face off against one another for the right to engrave their school’s name onto this historic trophy. The Western Mustangs are the defending champions, making it only the second time in U SPORTS history that the defending champions will be hosting the game and have the opportunity to defend their title on home turf. Tickets are on-sale now starting at only $25! Visit www.VanierCup.com to learn more and to purchase your tickets today!
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