Written by Mytchell Brush
For the better part of the 21st century, the Laval Rouge et Or have dominated the football scene within the RSEQ. Since their inception in 1996, the Rouge et Or have engineered seven undefeated regular seasons, claimed 15 conference championships, and have made 22 total trips to the Vanier Cup, all establishing them as not only a powerhouse program, but a model of consistency in U SPORTS football.
In light of Laval’s stranglehold over the RSEQ - which has lasted nearly 2 decades - recent years have shown signs of a shift in where power truly lies in the conference. With programs such as Montréal, Concordia, Sherbrooke and even McGill all making considerable strides in recruiting, coaching, and player development, one would have to ask: Is the RSEQ no longer just a “1-team” conference?
With the shift towards a more well balanced conference, let’s take a look at what 2022 has told us so far.
Montréal Carabins
Having started the year without his number-one target from 2021, Hassane Dosso, Montréal quarterback Jonathan Sénécal, along with the defence, have the Carabins back in position to possibly be top team in the RSEQ this season.
Last season, the Carabins completed a sweep of the Rouge et Or, which culminated in their victory over Laval in the Dunsmore Cup - their fourth in program history. Their upper-hand over Glen Constantine’s squad continued last weekend as the Carabins were able to escape with the win in their matchup with Laval on a game-winning field goal.
Through two games, Sénécal’s numbers haven’t been flashy (570 Pass YDS, three TDs, two INTs), but he's still done enough to effectively spread the ball and place the Carabins in positions to put points on the board.
On the opposing side of the ball, the Carabins’ defence have not disappointed. Through two games they’ve only allowed 165.5 passing yards per game (4th in U SPORTS), and 96.5 rushing yards per game (5th in U SPORTS). It’s worth noting that these two standout performances have come against Concordia (Produced the top passing offence in the country last season) and Laval (Currently fielding the second ranked passing attack in the nation)
Concordia Stingers
Finishing last season with a 4-4 record, Concordia entered 2022 looking to join Laval and Montréal in the upper-echelon of the RSEQ - and possibly even challenge for a Dunsmore Cup too.
Equipped with weapons in the reigning U SPORTS Rookie of the Year Jaylan Greaves, veteran receiver Jacob Salvail, and the arm of their reigning RSEQ MVP quarterback Olivier Roy, all eyes were on the Stingers to replicate the exciting offence we saw from them just a year ago.
Safe to say, however, it hasn’t gone that was so far.
A 26-18 week one loss to Montreal followed by a heartbreaking 24-23 loss to Sherbrooke in week two currently has Concordia sitting at 0-2, and fourth in the five-team conference.
Unlike last season, where their primary struggles were just on defence, the Stingers have struggled on both sides of the ball this season. With opposing defences game-planning for their passing attack, and looking to shut down Greaves and Salvail, Roy has been forced to lean on a run game that’s still in its developing stages.
Compared to 2021 - where they averaged 420.1 yards per game - Concordia’s offence has only been able to produce 301.0 yards per game (currently 22nd in U SPORTS).
Starting 0-2 in an eight game season is nothing to hit the panic button for, but entering next week’s matchup against another 0-2 team in the McGill Rebirds, the question surrounding Brad Collinson’s team is whether or not they’ll be able push past their early season heartbreaks and regroup as a unit.
Sherbrooke Vert Et Or
Starting their season 2-1, the Sherbrooke Vert et Or are turning a few heads this season.
Operating under a two-quarterback system, both Zach Cloutier and Charles Picard are vying to become full-time starters. But, until that competition is settled, the two will continue to steer an offense that has averaged a decent 242.3 total yards per game through its first three contests.
Seen as a mid-pack team entering this season, Sherbrooke continues to make a bid at reshaping the narrative of their program. Building on the flashes of success they saw last season - which really was just their win over Laval, if we’re being honest - the Vert et Or will look to improve their 23rd ranked offence, while riding on the shoulders of the 11th ranked defence entering week three.
With a record of 0-4 on the road in 2021, the Vert et Or will begin their 2022 away schedule at Montréal on Saturday. With the Carabins coming off a win over the Rouge et Or - the team that blew out Sherbrooke in week one - the Vert et Or will have another opportunity to gain the respect of U SPORTS football fans, as well as their opponents.
McGill Redbirds
2022 might not be the season we see McGill breakthrough to becoming a must-watch team in the RSEQ, but don’t be surprised if they do in a few years behind rookie quarterback Eloa Latendresse-Regimbald.
The first-year QB threw for 381 yards and rushed for 132 yards in his U SPORTS debut against Laval back in week one.
He’s also currently fifth in the nation in passing yards per game (280.0), seventh in the nation in passing yards per game (97.5)
The potential is there, and only time will tell if they are able to build a team around this promising prospect.
Laval Rouge Et Or
Has much really changed with Laval?
They’re currently sitting at 2-1 and ranked fourth in the nation, boasting an offence and defence that are among the top five in the nation.
Yes, they lost to Montréal last weekend, but a three-point loss on a field goal as time expired would suggest that the Rouge et Or are where they need to be in their quest to regain the conference from the Carabins - it’s just a matter of possessions.
With their next meeting against the Carabins scheduled for October 16th, the Rouge et Or will embark on a three-game stretch where they take on Concordia, Sherbrooke and McGill.
If they handle their business, Laval’s next meeting against Montréal will surely be must-watch TV.
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