2023 USports Football

[jerrym]

Here's the rosters for the East-West Bowl

https://usports.ca/en/sports/football/m/news/2023/05/1595904104/east-west-bowl-20230511

[jerrym]

Team East crushed Team West in the East-West Bowl game to win 37-0 with Sherbrooke QB Anthony Robichaud going 18/23 for 228 yards.

https://usports.ca/en/sports/football/m/news/2023/05/3366876864/2023-east-west-20230513

[jerrym]

Below is a look at which U Football players were selected in the CFL draft with Montreal LB Michael Brodrique leading the way with the second overall pick by the Elks.



Overall, 57 U SPORTS standouts were selected (https://usports.ca/uploads/cis/special_events/CFL_Bureau_Rankings/2023_U_SPORTS_Selections.pdf) out of 72 total picks (79.17 per cent) over eight rounds. The OUA led the way with 23 selections, followed by Canada West with 17 – with the Ottawa Gee-Gees, Saint Mary’s Huskies and Western Mustangs each having the most players picked with five.
In all, 24 of the 27 U SPORTS programs had at least one player chosen.

Since the CFL draft was expanded in 2013, 577 U SPORTS athletes have been drafted into the CFL - more than 75 per cent of the total players selected, while approximately 200 Canadian university football alumni annually start the season on the league’s nine teams. This is the seventh time in the past eight drafts to see at least 50 U SPORTS players selected, with the only exception being 2021 when the draft was shortened to six rounds.
View the full CFL Draft Tracker (https://www.cfl.ca/draft-tracker/).U SPORTS players selected in the 2023 CFL Draft (57)

ROUND
SELECTIONS


1
4


2
8


3
8


4
7


5
8


6
7


7
8


8
7




CONFERENCE
SELECTIONS


OUA
23


CW
17


AUS
9


RSEQ
8




SCHOOL
SELECTIONS


Ottawa
5


Saint Mary's
5


Western
5


Regina
4


Saskatchewan
4


Alberta
3


Guelph
3


Montréal
3


Queen's
3


UBC
3


Laurier
2


Laval
2


Manitoba
2


McMaster
2


Mount Allison
2


Bishop's
1


Calgary
1


Concordia
1


McGill
1


Sherbrooke
1


STFX
1


Waterloo
1


Windsor
1


York
1


Acadia
0


Carleton
0


Toronto
0




TEAM
SELECTIONS


Edmonton Elks
8


Ottawa Redblacks
8


Winnipeg Blue Bombers
8


Calgary Stampeders
7


Hamilton Tiger-Cats
6


BC Lions
5


Montreal Alouettes
5


Saskatchewan Roughriders
5


Toronto Argonauts
5


https://usports.ca/en/sports/football/m/news/2023/05/247622973/2023-cfl-draft-20230502

[jerrym]

The 2023 Vanier Cup will be played at the Richardson Memorial Stadium of Queens University in Kingston on November 25, with kickoff time at 1:00 PM.

[Mocha]

Wish I knew enough about the OUA rosters to predict.

From the OUA twitter account:

https://twitter.com/OUAsport/status/1691125135514783754?s=20

(https://twitter.com/OUAsport/status/1691125135514783754?s=20)You know what they say about the crème of the crop!Ahead of the 2023 #OUA (https://twitter.com/hashtag/OUA?src=hashtag_click) football season, we want to know who YOU think will rise to the top of these statistical categories! Let us know in the comments below!

http://www.argofans.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1014&d=1692058688

1014

[Mocha]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F3sBbTtWgAE6W1B?format=webp&name=small

[Mocha]

Here we go. So much Canadian football to choose from this time of year!

Friday:

7 PM
Laval at Sherbrooke


Saturday:

1 PM
Acadia at Mount Allison
https://austv.ca/watch/22

Toronto at Guelph
https://oua.tv/watch/17

Western at York
https://oua.tv/watch/18

2 PM
Bishops at St.FX
https://austv.ca/watch/23

McGill at Montreal

3 PM
Laurier at Queens
https://oua.tv/watch/19

7 PM
Windsor at McMaster
https://oua.tv/watch/20

Sunday

4 PM
Waterloo at Ottawa
https://oua.tv/watch/16

[Mocha]

AUS announced format adjustments for the upcoming season today in the sports of football, soccer and basketball.
Football
This season, AUS football fans will be treated to more playoff action with the conference moving from a single semifinal matchup in the postseason to two semifinal games.
Saturday, Nov. 4, the regular season leader will play host to the fourth-placed team in one semifinal matchup, while the third-placed team visits the second-placed team in the other.
The winners of each will advance to the 2023 AUS Loney Bowl which will be played Saturday, Nov. 11 and hosted by the top-seeded team.

[Mocha]

https://www.prsvre.com/articles/27-questions-2023

OUA

1. Carleton Ravens

Managing to stay competitive, but not being seen as a viable threat, it feels like the Carleton Ravens have been a mid-tier, retooling program for the better part of the last four seasons. What will it take to push this group into legitimate Yates Cup contention?


2. Guelph Gryphons

Was 1-7 just a one-year thing? Or, are the Guelph Gryphons actually a rebuilding program?
Bonus: Is Scott Murray now the best defensive end in the nation?


3. Laurier Golden Hawks

Elgersma, Scott, Jordan, and Thorne: With a talented offence that has now matured, are the Laurier Golden Hawks a legitimate Yates Cup contender?
Bonus: Serious, but not serious - Are Laurier’s gold uniforms cursed?


4. McMaster Marauders

With Justice Allin and Andreas Dueck now gone, what’s in store for the new-look McMaster offence?
Bonus: It sounds crazy, but it’s been four years since the Mauraders’ last OUA playoff appearance. Can Stef Ptaszek regain control of this team’s direction on the field and coach them back into the postseason?


5. Ottawa Gee-Gees

With 2023 CFL Combine standout Amlicar Polk taking over as the starting Running back - after the departure of JP Cimankinda - can the Gee-Gees remain consistent in having one of the top rushing attacks in the nation?
Bonus: Will Kevin Vitcome become a 2x All-Canadian?


6. Queen’s Gaels

In 2023, Queen’s head coach Steve Snyder stated he believes Alex Vreeken has what it takes to be the best quarterback in the nation. Those words have not been forgotten. The time has come. Does Vreeken truly have what it takes?
Bonus: It’s time to have the conversation - Is Ashton Miller-Melancon the best defensive back in the nation?


7. U of T Varsity Blues

After an impressive first year as a starter, what does the leap look like for Varsity Blues quarterback Kinsale Philip?


8. Waterloo Warriors

It got to a point last season where a few opposing offensive coordinators felt they didn’t have to gameplan - can Waterloo’s defence finally get it together? If not, what can be done to repair this defence that has consistently struggled for the better part of the last five seasons?


9. Western Mustangs

Let’s just keep it 100 - Can anyone in the OUA stop Western this season?
Bonus: With running back Keanu Yazbeck expected to take on a bigger role, what can we expect from the Montreal native who’ll be entering his third season?


10. Windsor Lancers

Last season spoke for itself - is this the year that JP Circelli’s Windsor Lancers finally step into Yates Cup contention?
Bonus: Many considered him a snub for OUA Rookie of the Year honours last season - Can Windsor running back Joey Zorn put together an OUA All-Star-worthy campaign?


11. York Lions

Can York (actually) win a game this year?
Bonus: With Nathaniel Griffith and Brian Jones being named associate head coaches, can this program finally turn a new leaf and take the appropriate steps toward establishing a new - and healthy - culture?

[jerrym]

Four U Sports football players made the fall edition of the CFL Scouting Bureau list of 20 top draft eligible players.



UBC offensive lineman Theo Benedet is the highest-ranked U SPORTS player in the Fall Edition of the Canadian Football League (CFL) Scouting Bureau. The North Vancouver, B.C., native is joined by three outstanding U SPORTS athletes in the ranking of the Top-20 eligible prospects for the 2024 CFL Draft.
Theo Benedet | OL | UBC | North Vancouver, B.C.

In eight games last season, UBC’s offensive line only allowed 10 sacks, while the offence averaged 6.1 yards per rush
J.P. Metras Trophy (2022)
2022 Canada West All-Star and First-Team All-Canadian
2022 East-West Shrine Bowl
25 career games with the Thunderbirds with 19 starts
The CFL Scouting Bureau, comprised of CFL scouts, as well as player personnel directors and general managers from the league’s nine clubs, releases its rankings three times each year: in the fall, winter and spring.
Rank | Name | Position | School | Hometown

3 | Theo Benedet | OL | UBC | North Vancouver, B.C.
8 | Giovanni Manu | OL | UBC | Pitt Meadows, B.C.
15 | Nick Wiebe | LB | Saskatchewan | Okotoks, Alta.
17 | John Bosse | OL | Calgary | Calgary, Alta.


https://usports.ca/en/sports/football/m/news/2023/08/1830691068/four-u-sports-football-players-make-cfl-scouting-bureau-s-fall-edition

[OV Argo]

Western 83, York 0 - wow ! - brutal / embarrassing

[Mocha]

Western 83, York 0 - wow ! - brutal / embarrassing

If only we could get that super-conference for the likes of Laval, Montreal, Western, Saskatchewan, etc.

["Issues"Mcgee]

Here we go. So much Canadian football to choose from this time of year!

Friday:

7 PM
Laval at Sherbrooke


Saturday:

1 PM
Acadia at Mount Allison
https://austv.ca/watch/22

Toronto at Guelph
https://oua.tv/watch/17

Western at York
https://oua.tv/watch/18

2 PM
Bishops at St.FX
https://austv.ca/watch/23

McGill at Montreal

3 PM
Laurier at Queens
https://oua.tv/watch/19

7 PM
Windsor at McMaster
https://oua.tv/watch/20

Sunday

4 PM
Waterloo at Ottawa
https://oua.tv/watch/16

Thanks for posting this. I signed up today and had the Waterloo/Ottawa game on, which just ended.

I will be streaming many more this season.

[Mocha]

Thanks for posting this. I signed up today and had the Waterloo/Ottawa game on, which just ended.

I will be streaming many more this season.

It's nice to get some of these games for free, eh.

And I'm always blown away by the fast pace of the USports game after a couple months of watching CFL broadcasts. Very little dead time between plays at the amateur levels.

[Mocha]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F4ksNCYXYAAH96o?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

https://twitter.com/GF_NWO/status/1695935432783990866?s=20

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F4ksQKjXYAADI7p?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[Mocha]

OUA Players of the week:

https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2023-24/releases/week_1_players_of_the_week

Offensive Player of the Week – Evan Hillock, Western

After an all-star campaign a season ago, Western quarterback Evan Hillock picked up right where he left off when his Mustangs took home the big win over the York Lions in Week 1.

The third-year pivot showcased his precision and poise under centre, completing 13 of his 18 passes on the day for a total of 305 yards in the air. His longest passing play was a 66-yard major to Savaughn Magnaye-Jones, the second such connection between the two on the day, and it didn’t stop there. The Hamilton, Ont. product tossed another two touchdowns the way of Seth Robertson, good for 15 and 22 yards, respectively, before adding his fifth and final major on a 12-yard play to Mohsen Jamal before the half.

Hillock’s numbers would be impressive for a full game’s worth of work; however, he managed the feat in just a single half after helping his team build a sizeable lead at the break and sitting out the rest of the game thereafter.

[Mocha]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F4ttbv5XcAAJ5US?format=webp&name=small

[Mocha]

Top 5 OUA Plays

Nice to see some big hits make the list.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omcInhSE0p0

[jerrym]

U Sports Top ten rankings are out. Do you agree or disagree with any of them?



U SPORTS today announced its first Top 10 rankings for the 2023-24 season.
The defending Canada Life Vanier Cup champion Laval Rouge et Or remain the team to beat on the gridiron after securing a 37-14 victory over RSEQ rival Sherbrooke Vert & Or in the season opener.
https://usports.ca/uploads/cis/Top_10/2023-24/082923/FB_RANKINGS_08_29_23.png
Click here for full rankings (https://usports.ca/en/sports/football/m/elo)
U SPORTS uses the Elo rating system for the calculation of its weekly national rankings., Elo calculates team rankings on a game-by-game basis, using an algorithm that generates a statistical calculation based on certain customized variables which have been adapted across the range of U SPORTS team sports. For more information, click here.
The Top 10 in football and men’s hockey is generated by a combination of Elo rankings and a media poll, with each component worth 50 per cent of the final total.

https://usports.ca/en/sports/football/m/news/2023/08/62568420/u-sports-rankings-laval-rouge-et-or-open-season-atop-football-rankings-after-decisive-victory

[jerrym]

WR Rhett Vavra, along with other 700+ yard WRs Daniel Perry and Caleb Morin, had a breakout year in 2022 and is expected to be a major contributor for Saskatchewan as it challenges for the top this year.

https://www.riderville.com/2023/08/31/rhett-vavra-hopes-to-help-huskies-become-top-dogs-in-2023/

[Mocha]

U Sports Top ten rankings are out. Do you agree or disagree with any of them?


https://usports.ca/en/sports/football/m/news/2023/08/62568420/u-sports-rankings-laval-rouge-et-or-open-season-atop-football-rankings-after-decisive-victory

Real early to tell. I suspect St.FX shouldn't be ranked that high, just cause they're in the AUS.

I also have a feeling UBC might crack the top 5 by season's end. They were able to pick up quite a few players from SFU.

[Mocha]

This week's schedule:


Friday

Montreal at Concordia
Sherbrooke at McGill

Alberta at Calgary
Saskatchewan at Manitoba
UBC at Regina


Saturday

2 PM EDT
StFX at Acadia
https://austv.ca/watch/32

3 PM EDT
St. Mary's at Bishop's
https://austv.ca/watch/33


Sunday

1 PM EDT
Carleton at Laurier
https://oua.tv/watch/21

6 PM EDT
York at Waterloo
https://oua.tv/watch/22

7 PM EDT
Ottawa at Toronto
https://oua.tv/watch/25

Guelph at Windsor
https://oua.tv/watch/24

McMaster at Western
https://oua.tv/watch/23

[Mocha]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F4-798iW4AAac7h?format=webp&name=small

Well well well . . . that's an interesting halftime score. Have the Huskies fallen from last season, or are Bisons just that much better.

----------

Edit:

I posed those questions too soon. Sask turns it on in the second half to win 30-27!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F4_S0cXWUAAX40J?format=webp&name=small

[jerrym]

Montreal Carabin second year QB Jonathan Senecal was named U Sports Player of the Week last week while going 26/30 for 397 yards with 4 TD passes in a 43-11 win over McGill.
St. Francis Xavier DE Alex Fedchun was named Defensive Player of the week after recording 2.5 sacks and eight tackles.
Kicker Thomas Veinot won ST player of the week after kicking a winning last minute FG.

https://3downnation.com/2023/08/30/montreal-carabins-qb-jonathan-senecal-headlines-u-sports-players-of-the-week/

[Mocha]

So the UofS Huskies had a new QB making his debut last night. Maybe some early jitters, but he figured it out in the second half.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5C1231W8AE7Vy3?format=webp&name=small
https://twitter.com/PRSVRE_/status/1698057017129148509?s=20

[Mocha]

York hanging tight with Waterloo so far--early in the second half.

Edit:

Lol, and things fall apart for the Lions in the 3rd Q.

:ohno:

[OV Argo]

Windsor with a big thumping of Guelph with a big ground game attack = love to see that in Canadian ball still.

Western's run game shut-down but they beat Mac in a pass heavy affair = WTF ?

[Mocha]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5R-dWBWkAATg4Z?format=webp&name=small

[jerrym]

Latest weekly rankings



https://usports.ca/uploads/cis/Top_10/2023-24/090523/Top_10_FB_090523.png

https://usports.ca/en/sports/football/m/news/2023/09/1042465285/football-u-sports-announces-its-weekly-top-10

[jerrym]

Usports Players of the Week: Alberta QB Eli Hetlinger - Offence; Montreal LB Nicky Farinaccio - Defence; and K Kieran Flannery-Fleck.

https://usports.ca/en/sports/football/m/news/2023/09/2140908959/hetlinger-farinaccio-and-flannery-fleck-named-u-sports-football-players-of-the-week

[Mocha]

Usports Players of the Week: Alberta QB Eli Hetlinger - Offence; Montreal LB Nicky Farinaccio - Defence; and K Kieran Flannery-Fleck.

https://usports.ca/en/sports/football/m/news/2023/09/2140908959/hetlinger-farinaccio-and-flannery-fleck-named-u-sports-football-players-of-the-week

Hetlinger and his Golden Bears receivers were putting up huge plays against Calgary. I'm not sure how much was Alberta's skill and how much was Calgary's lack thereof, but it's worth keeping an eye on the Alberta offense.

[Mocha]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5dKZzkWcAAGTfz?format=webp&name=small

[Mocha]

This weekend's schedule:

Friday

6 PM EDT
St. Mary's at Acadia
https://austv.ca/watch/46

Concordia at Sherbrooke

Regina at Saskatchewan

Manitoba at Alberta

Saturday

1 PM EDT
St.FX at Mount Allison
https://austv.ca/watch/51

Laurier at Guelph
https://oua.tv/watch/27

Windsor at Waterloo
https://oua.tv/watch/28

York at McMaster
https://oua.tv/watch/26

3 PM EDT
Queen's at Toronto
https://oua.tv/watch/29

Calgary at UBC

7 PM EDT
Western at Carleton
https://oua.tv/watch/30

McGill at Laval

[Mocha]

Carleton up on Western late in the first half. That's a bit of a surprise, but let's see if Western takes over in the 2nd half.

[OV Argo]

Carleton up on Western late in the first half. That's a bit of a surprise, but let's see if Western takes over in the 2nd half.


Western ground game back in order to beat Carleton.

Windsor is looking good with the power ground game - 3 headed RB monster.


Western travel to play Windsor on Sept. 30 - that might be a real interesting game of smash mouth, ground game football.

[Will]

Why does York even bother with a football program? This question is directed more out of anger, it is clear that the football program is not given the resources to succeed. It isn't like the NCAA where you have Div. 1 schools beat up on a Div. 2 school in the first few weeks of the season. With a 27-team field, it's harder in U Sports to hide disparity like this.

[Mocha]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5qjO2JXEAAern3?format=webp&name=small

[Mocha]

Why does York even bother with a football program? This question is directed more out of anger, it is clear that the football program is not given the resources to succeed. It isn't like the NCAA where you have Div. 1 schools beat up on a Div. 2 school in the first few weeks of the season. With a 27-team field, it's harder in U Sports to hide disparity like this.

Sadly, even having a second, lower division might not help this York team much.

Oh well, maybe they'll keep it relatively close against Toronto on October 6. Lots of lopsided losses between now and then, though.

Heh, just going through the USports stats and one positive for York might be that CFL teams will have loads of film on Alfred Olay as a kick returner. He has far and away more kickoff returns than any other player and is third best in yards/return.

[Mocha]

Western ground game back in order to beat Carleton.

Windsor is looking good with the power ground game - 3 headed RB monster.


Western travel to play Windsor on Sept. 30 - that might be a real interesting game of smash mouth, ground game football.

This week Windsor plays Ottawa, who's also doing quite well on the ground with Polk as their feature back.

[Mocha]

Some big games on the slate this weekend:

Montreal at Laval

Windsor at Ottawa
Western at Queens

Alberta at Saskatchewan

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5ouFdSXMAAHmjp?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[AngeloV]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5qjO2JXEAAern3?format=webp&name=small

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.

[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]

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.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F52AOfDXUAAy2HT?format=jpg&name=small

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://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5586qsXQAAXzua?format=webp&name=small

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

A (https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2023-24/releases/week_3_players_of_the_week)nd not just for the OUA:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F56uhVQXsAEjjDr?format=jpg&name=small

https://usports.ca/en/sports/football/m/news/2023/09/3698353876/elgersma-chappus-and-hadley-named-u-sports-football-players-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-oua-storyline-to-keep-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.

----------

20-14 Alberta at the half.

---------------

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6HlDq8XAAAWBJX?format=webp&name=small

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

[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:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6Qv4VTWsAAR5BT?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[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.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6Oa3T1XEAAUPh9?format=webp&name=small

[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]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6Y82_eXUAAgH1s?format=webp&name=small

[Mocha]

Hmm, Saskatchewan still several spots ahead of Alberta?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6aDluGXoAA6Z9i?format=webp&name=small

[Mocha]

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

And Alberta vs UBC out west will determine #1 in CW.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6Qh4B0WYAMoEKL?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[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.

[Mocha]

Cool story in Manitoba today as Maya Turner, the first female to suit up for regular season action in USports football, kicks the game winning FG in OT.

https://x.com/CanadaWest/status/1705711701855805860?s=20

[Mocha]

The Top-3 in the OUA keep rolling. But something's gotta give in the coming weeks.

Big matchups this week: UBC at Saskatchewan, Western at Windsor, Panda Game
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6wAnFdWwAAODxc?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[ArgoGabe22]

Crainey who has at York for years before leaving after some investigation must have been some recruiter. York lost 88-7 yesterday. I know York was never great and Crainey had losing seasons but they had some good players. Not sure why anyone would want to go to York who currently has two head coaches sharing the duties. One being former Argos draft pick Brian Jones

[Mocha]

I'm not sure about having Bishop's at 10, or at having Saskatchewan ranked over Alberta (who beat Sask in Sask).

But Windsor and UBC are proving they deserve to be ranked up withe the perennial powerhouses.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F69mz0ZWoAA6vv1?format=jpg&name=small

[Mocha]

Panda Game, Ottawa-Carleton rivalry highlight how local rivalries can power U Sports events
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/u-sports-notebook-sept-27-panda-game-1.6978919

[Mocha]

USports changing its scholarship rules, making it easier for young athletes:

https://usports.ca/en/news/2023/09/2231723207/u-sports-announces-significant-policy-changes-to-athletic-scholarships-and-eligibility-alignment

Beginning next year, first-time entering student-athletes will be permitted to participate and receive an athletic scholarship so long as they have been accepted to a member university and enrolled in degree-granting courses.

The new direction replaces the existing policy that requires entering student-athletes to have an 80% average in their final year of high school or CEGEP to be eligible for an entering athletic scholarship and a 60% average to participate athletically in their first year of study.

Hopefully, this will grant opportunities for a few more young football players who don't have the highest grades. Might impact the CJFL pool a bit.

[AngeloV]

I was watching the 1993 Vanier cup on YouTube last night, and it made me sad to see what has happened to the Toronto based Usport teams. Also brought back memories of many of the offensive stars on that team playin in the Scar-Durham touch football league in the spring of that year to stay sharp. They didn't win our league though, because as I found out when I first started playing touch ball, it is a different game than tackle, but damn was the athleticism there.

[AngeloV]

USports changing its scholarship rules, making it easier for young athletes:

https://usports.ca/en/news/2023/09/2231723207/u-sports-announces-significant-policy-changes-to-athletic-scholarships-and-eligibility-alignment

Beginning next year, first-time entering student-athletes will be permitted to participate and receive an athletic scholarship so long as they have been accepted to a member university and enrolled in degree-granting courses.

The new direction replaces the existing policy that requires entering student-athletes to have an 80% average in their final year of high school or CEGEP to be eligible for an entering athletic scholarship and a 60% average to participate athletically in their first year of study.

Hopefully, this will grant opportunities for a few more young football players who don't have the highest grades. Might impact the CJFL pool a bit.

I haven't read the story, but is this only for Canadian kids, or does it include American kids? I couldn't help but notice that Windsor has 20 Americans (and not just from across the border) on their team, and UBC's QB is from Texas. It seems to have worked for Windsor, and UofT and York may need to start recruiting that way too to stay competitive if high level local kids don't want to go play for them.

[Mocha]

Top two teams in AUS going at it now. Bishop's actually up on StFX in the 2nd Q

https://austv.ca/watch/112


E (https://austv.ca/watch/112)dit:

And StFX pulls out the win in triple OT. 34-31.

[Mocha]

I haven't read the story, but is this only for Canadian kids, or does it include American kids? I couldn't help but notice that Windsor has 20 Americans (and not just from across the border) on their team, and UBC's QB is from Texas. It seems to have worked for Windsor, and UofT and York may need to start recruiting that way too to stay competitive if high level local kids don't want to go play for them.

Good question, I haven't seen that addressed anywhere in what I've read.

[Mocha]

Battle between two of the top 3 teams out west, UBC vs Saskatchewan.

14-14 early on.

https://universitysport.prestosports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/boxscores/20230929_i6lt.xml

[Mocha]

Saskatchewan ended up topping UBC last night, so the top 3 out in CW are all 1-1 vs each other. Rock-scissors-paper.

I see Western beat Windsor today, which was a tight game till the 4th. I also notice in the stats that the Lancers now have Javonni Cunningham (son of Jimmuy the Jet). Maybe trying to catch the eye of some CFL scouts.

https://3downnation.com/2023/01/29/cornell-receiver-javonni-cunningham-son-of-jimmy-the-jet-added-to-2023-cfl-draft-class/

[OV Argo]

Listened to some of the Panda Game today on local TSN radio (game was on CHCH TV a few years back); GGs win with a last play 55 yard FG !

[Will]

Ravens suck

[OV Argo]

Ravens suck

There might be another, gentler way to say that? Ravens are wimps ? ;o)

[Mocha]

Anyone else watching Laurier at Ottawa? Great game so far, with Ottawa up 19-18 just before the half.

https://oua.tv/watch/60

[Mocha]

There's a really solid 8 among the top 10. Not sure how well St.FX and Queen's fit, but all the rest might be able to knock off the others in the list on any given day.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F8FkV0YXYAA5BBO?format=jpg&name=small

[OV Argo]

Yeah - some real interesting battles shaping up in all Conferences.

Laval/Carabins in the Q as usual (real toss-up IMO)

Can Laurier take out Western (they face each other last game of the reg. sched.) ?

UBC, Sask. or Alberta in the West.

And I think Bishops might be able to give FX a run in the AUS.

[Mocha]

Yeah - some real interesting battles shaping up in all Conferences.

Laval/Carabins in the Q as usual (real toss-up IMO)

Can Laurier take out Western (they face each other last game of the reg. sched.) ?

UBC, Sask. or Alberta in the West.

And I think Bishops might be able to give FX a run in the AUS.

Yeah, I'm pumped for the home stretch.

IIRC, Bishops took FX to OT (or close to it?) a few weeks ago, so their playoff game could be a good one.

And I'm really excited to see what Laurier does against Windsor this weekend and Western the following weekend. I'll be pulling for the Argos intern to lead his team over the Lancers and Mustangs.

https://3downnation.com/2023/10/10/wilfrid-laurier-golden-hawks-enter-top-five-of-u-sports-football-rankings-following-win-over-ottawa/

[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]

Semi-finals now set:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F9kG31IXoAAkqOH?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[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.

[OV Argo]

4 very interesting Conference finals coming up.

Montreal are the big dog IMO - very good D and their QB Senecal is outstanding - a real dual threat QB; but in one game, Laval can still be dangerous

Love to see Alberta win the West with a strong run & pass game - nice to see the balanced offences and applied ground games in Canadian ball. UBC has a similar balanced offence it seems. Might come down to who has the best D.

[OV Argo]

Argos 6th round draft pick from last year - LB Ife Onyemenam (Laurier) - named a 1st team OUA all-star.

Lotsa Canadian LBs in the Argo fold for the future ?

[OV Argo]

Final 4 decided: very disappointed the Alberta Bears could not hold a late lead and lose on a last play TD; StFX continue to be the AUS king and I think could give UBC a tough game; Western's ground game still rolls strong without star RB Keon Edwards, to beat Lauirer. Carabins win a real defensive battle vs. Laval who are not the power they once were.

UBC vs. Montreal is my prediction - they met 2 straight times a few years back in the Vanier. Haven't seen UBC this season but the Carabins have a very tough defence and a good dual threat QB.

[ArgoRavi]

Any thoughts on the Vanier Cup today? It certainly won't go down as a classic. This guy really stood out for me though, as I don't believe I have ever seen a bigger lineman in my life: https://carabins.umontreal.ca/football/equipe/lachance-adam/

I always find it interesting that the two offences that make it to the Vanier Cup - and this year was no different - run simplified versions of a CFL offence. I also thought that QB Rooker for UBC (from Texas btw) needed to pull the ball down and run with it a couple of times late in the 4th quarter.

[ArgoRavi]

I haven't read the story, but is this only for Canadian kids, or does it include American kids? I couldn't help but notice that Windsor has 20 Americans (and not just from across the border) on their team, and UBC's QB is from Texas. It seems to have worked for Windsor, and UofT and York may need to start recruiting that way too to stay competitive if high level local kids don't want to go play for them.

Any concerns about this, OV?

[Mocha]

I didn't get to see the game, but read an amazing stat about Montreal: they didn't surrender a single TD in the playoffs, and they played only powerhouses: Laval, Western, UBC. I suspect a lot of players from the Carabins D will be CFLers in the not-too-distant future.

[OV Argo]

Any concerns about this, OV?

Literally hundreds of Canadian kids have been getting to go down to get nice US college ball training for decades now, so why would i be concerned if the Canadian football system including U Sports ball, attracts a few good American players who want to play here plus get University educated ? Do you think Americans are up in arms that 2 Canadian QBs (the Rourke brothers) have been leading the Ohio Bobcats - a Div I team - for something like 8 straight years now ?

When U Sports or other Canadian ball, like Junior, starts following the CFL model of hiring mostly Americans to run their teams and those guys in charge favor their fellow Americans for spots and playing time, especially at select positions, then let me know and I might voice some concerns.

And BTW, for those of us who like defensive football, this was a good Vanier Cup game. I know a lot of people prefer lots of spectacular scoring in the game of football and I do - sometimes - but also love variety in football, including low scoring defensive games (and this game still featured some diverse offence - and although most U Sports offences have copied basic CFL offence now, we still get to see wayyyyyyyy more offensive variety in U Sports ball - much more commitment to the ground game often; and UBC used a tight end / H-back for a number of nice pass receptions in this game). You need to pay a bit more attention perhaps if you think powerhouse teams like Western or Laval or Sask. Huskies just copy CFL offences - they do not, and have way more diversity and imagination, plus often something called a powerful and applied ground attack, that is beyond the grasp of CFL GOB offences nowdays.

IMO, Vanier Cup games have beaten Grey Cup games for solid, entertaining football games for the title, in a good number of years - and I always watch both and have for decades. This year's GC was a more entertaining game IMO, but it was still a good hard fought Vanier; and some of us just prefer Canadian football over the American version, while liking and respecting both games.

[argolio]

Gord Randall really gave it to USports on this week's Gridiron Nation. Fully deserved.