2023 USports Football

[gilthethrill]

Another week filled with blowouts. The only bright spot thus far in the season is that Windsor (not a traditionally strong team) is looking good. Would be nice to see some new blood be a threat in the OUA.

At one time I always looked forward to attending an OUA game live, but when you know it’s going to be a blow out, I have lost interest.

[Mocha]

Some big games on the slate this weekend:

Montreal at Laval

Windsor at Ottawa
Western at Queens

Alberta at Saskatchewan

[Mocha]

Not sure about Western still at 2 after being challenged by Carleton last weekend. They have a couple of tough opponents coming up, so we'll soon see.



Full rankings (one guess at who's in last place):

https://usports.ca/en/sports/football/m/elo

[Mocha]

Argos QB intern makes player of the week for offense:



https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2023-24/releases/week_3_players_of_the_week

And not just for the OUA:



https://usports.ca/en/sports/footbal...rs-of-the-week

How cool would it be for the Argos to actually draft this kid?

[Mocha]

The gap between the top and bottom teams may be widening in the OUA, but there may be more teams in that top tier this year, with Windsor and Laurier off to strong starts.

https://www.prsvre.com/articles/4-ou...a-close-eye-on

[Mocha]

The upstart Golden Bears are up 10-0 over Saskatchewan after the first Q. If they can hold on to win, that'd shake up the rankings.

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20-14 Alberta at the half.

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That'll shake things up out west. I suspect UBC will also be right at the top with these two teams.

[Mocha]

I see Western was able to squeak past Laurier to remain unbeaten.

Anyone watch that game? Does Laurier have a decent shot to topple Western in the playoffs?

Edit:
I just read that Keon Edwards broke his foot and will be done for the year. And Hillock got a concussion--not sure if that'll keep him out of future games, but the loss of Edwards will hurt Western's chances in the playoffs.

[OV Argo]

I see Western was able to squeak past Laurier to remain unbeaten.

Anyone watch that game? Does Laurier have a decent shot to topple Western in the playoffs?

Edit:
I just read that Keon Edwards broke his foot and will be done for the year. And Hillock got a concussion--not sure if that'll keep him out of future games, but the loss of Edwards will hurt Western's chances in the playoffs.

I watched a lot of it (OUA TV) - tale of 2 halfs; Western out to a 27-0 first half lead; Laurier roars back with 28 straight points to take a 2nd half lead before a late Western TD pass to take the win.

Laurier have a talented offence - big, strong armed QB; good receivers and a talented RB; not sure their D is that great. But I think they can beat Western minus Keon Edwards, and especially if Hilock cannot return. Western does not have the D talent of some previous past great teams there (and cost them in last year's National semi loss).

I think I'd bet on the Carabins (or maybe Laval) to easily beat either of Western or Laurier in the National semi though; more complete teams from those top 2 Q big dogs, especially on defence.

[Mocha]

Anyone watch Queen's vs Western?

I only caught the last 3 minutes, but what a finish. Queen's scores a long TD drive to take the lead with a minute left, but Western races right back with a beauty of a throw for a TD.

[OV Argo]

Watched Laval vs. Carabins today (TVA Sports) - very good football game with diversity - big plays on both O & D.

Carabins QB Jon Senecal rushes for over 100 yards along with showing some good passing; late pick 6 by the Carabins D sealed the deal.

Over 18K in attendance in Quebec City - they love their team & Canadian football there; sad contrast to Toronnawannabeland

[Mocha]

Watched Laval vs. Carabins today (TVA Sports) - very good football game with diversity - big plays on both O & D.

Carabins QB Jon Senecal rushes for over 100 yards along with showing some good passing; late pick 6 by the Carabins D sealed the deal.

Over 18K in attendance in Quebec City - they love their team & Canadian football there; sad contrast to Toronnawannabeland

What USports football gameday can look like:

[Mocha]

Western and Laurier advance as expected.

Laval needed OT to squeak by Concordia.

Last I checked, Manitoba was leading UBC. That'd be a big upset.

[Mocha]

Semi-finals now set:

[Mocha]

Some tighter games among the top few teams this week.

I don't know the status of Ottawa QB Ben Maracle, who was injured early in week 1. But if the Gee-Gees get him back, they could be a threat to anyone.

[OV Argo]

Western are just not the OUA powerhouse who can trample any team there, like in the past. They don't have the talent on D, and their O-line lost 2 All-Canadians who have graduated - to the CFL.

Montreal will give Laval a run as usual in the Q. Lots of talent on other teams there too - QBs really strong in the Q

CanWest looks to have several title contenders (UBC, Alberta, Huskies), and the once mighty Dinos have fallen to the basement.

AUS - seems to be StFX are too strong and the dominant power now going on a few seasons.

[Mocha]

Western are just not the OUA powerhouse who can trample any team there, like in the past. They don't have the talent on D, and their O-line lost 2 All-Canadians who have graduated - to the CFL.

I notice that Keon Edwards is only 5th in rushing, but also that Western has both the #1 and #2 receivers right now. and Hillock is 5th in passing yards. We'll see how the team plays down the stretch, but that's a turnaround from the usual Western style of O.

In the OUA, I'm curious to see how teams that are perhaps in the 2nd tier (Ottawa, Queen's, Carleton) perform the rest of the way. Can any of them step up to compete with Western, Windsor, and Laurier?

[Mocha]

[Mocha]

Hmm, Saskatchewan still several spots ahead of Alberta?

[Mocha]

Ottawa vs Western and Queen's vs Windsor could be good ones.

And Alberta vs UBC out west will determine #1 in CW.

[OV Argo]

This Matthew Peterson at RB for Alberta continues to go off for huge yardage: 160 yds/game thru 4 with a 10 yard average !!!

UBC makes a statement though with a convincing win over Alberta in a high scoring game.