Apologies to the RSEQ, CW, and AUS in advance.
The OUA is MUST-WATCH this weekend.
Note: Click “where to watch” links to view games
Toronto Varsity Blues (3-4) vs McMaster Marauders (2-5)
When: Saturday, October 22 at 1 PM EDT
Where to watch: OUA TV
The OUA playoffs start next week, but this is essentially a playoff game in itself.
It’s simple: win and you get the final playoff seed.
#5 Queen’s Gaels (6-1) vs #9 Laurier Golden Hawks (5-2)
When: Sunday, October 22 at 1 PM EDT
Where to watch: OUA TV
After barely escaping with the win last week, the No. 5 Gaels cap off their season with arguably their toughest challenge since week 3 - when they took on Western - in the Laurier Golden Hawks.
The No. 9 Golden Hawks have one of the hottest offences in the nation at the moment, putting up 130 total points over the last three games.
Laurier’s offence has been led by quarterback Taylor Elgersma, who has had a spectacular sophomore campaign, having thrown for 1,583 yards (6th in U SPORTS) and 12 touchdowns (T-3rd in U SPORTS).
Elgersma's primary receiver, Ethan Jordan, currently sits third in the nation in total receiving yards (534) along with four touchdowns, while running back Quentin Scott is second in the nation in rushing yards (900) and tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns (7)
And of course, the Golden Hawks once again have one of the better defences in the nation, specifically when it comes to stopping the pass, only allowing 199.3 passing yards per game (8th lowest in U SPORTS)
A high-powered Laurier offence accompanied by a dominant defence. Michael Faulds has done it again.
#1 Western Mustangs (7-0) vs #7 Ottawa Gee-Gees (6-1)
When: Saturday, October 22 at 12 PM EDT
Where to watch: OUA TV
Is there actually a method to stopping the No. 1 Western Mustangs?
Through their first six games, many would have told you no.
But, after last weeks game against Windsor - where the Lancers kept the game within one touchdown with six minutes left in the fourth quarter - some might say such a method actually does exist.
Until a game clock actually strikes zero with the Mustangs not leading the way, though, all we can do is imagine.
What isn’t speculation, however, is how good the No. 7 Ottawa Gee-Gees have been this season.
Their defence has been among the top in the nation, only allowing 322.9 total yards per game (9th in U SPORTS) and 13.0 points per game (3rd in U SPORTS). Their secondary specifically has become one of the best defensive units in the OUA, having hauled in nine interceptions (T-3rd in U SPORTS) and allowing only 187.7 passing yards per game (7th in U SPORTS).
On offence, all eyes will be on JP Cimankinda who has the opportunity to lock up the 2022 rushing crown as he enters this weekend as the nation’s leading rusher with 929 yards. Among the speculated finalist for the OUA’s MVP award, Cimankinda’s case for being the recipient very well may come down to this weekend’s game against Western.
Cimankinda won’t be the only OUA MVP hopefully playing in this game on Sunday as the Mustangs will be fielding three of the conference’s brightest stars in Keon Edwards, Edward Wanadi, and Evan Hillock
Edwards sits third in the nation in rushing yards (877) and has eight touchdowns, while Wanadi sits fourth in the nation in rushing yards (735) and has nine touchdowns - the most dominant backfield tandem since Cedric Joseph and Alex Taylor. Hillock currently sits second in the nation in passing touchdowns (16) and has the highest efficiency rating in the nation (196.0)
With the status of Queen’s quarterback James Keenan up in the air as we step into playoff season, Saturday’s Western-Ottawa matchup has all the potential to be a Yates Cup preview.
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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