CW Football: Week 3 Headlines

Sept. 13, 2024 - We're only two weeks in, but not even a crystal ball could have predicted the early state of the Canada West football standings.

The Manitoba Bisons and Regina Rams have both charged out to impressive 2-0 starts, working their way into the U SPORTS national rankings.

Meanwhile, the UBC Thunderbirds and Saskatchewan Huskies - who entered the season as nationally ranked sides - are still searching for their first victory.

The Huskies hope their homecoming game will reverse their fortunes, with a large crowd expected as they host Calgary tonight at Griffiths Stadium.

The action continues Saturday afternoon with Alberta visiting Manitoba, followed by Regina hosting UBC.

Here's everything you need to know heading into Week 3.

Calgary Dinos at Saskatchewan Huskies

Fri, Sept. 13 | 7 p.m. CST at Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park

How to watch:

Quick Overview: It's been a rare slow start for the Huskies, who are 0-2 in conference play for just the third time since 2002. Saskatchewan will look to use a raucous homecoming crowd to their advantage and know they need to get off to a strong start, having dug themselves early first quarter holes in each of their last two outings.

Huskies second year starter QB Anton Amundrud leads Canada West in passing (295.5 YPG) and is tied for the conference lead in passing touchdowns with four.

The Dinos will be riding momentum after upsetting #5 Alberta last week, scoring three defensive touchdowns in a convincing 36-22 win. Defensive back Nate Beauchemin had two of those pick-sixes for the Dinos, racking up a combined 148 return yards in the process. Beauchemin now holds the program record for single season INT return yardage, doing so before halftime of last week's win. 

Head-to-Head: The Dinos and Huskies squared off twice last season. Saskatchewan claimed a 28-12 road win back in Week 4, before Calgary returned the favour with a 13-12 win in Griffiths Stadium in Week 7.

Calgary's Week 7 win last season snapped a four-game losing skid in the long-standing rivalry with Saskatchewan. The two teams are split down the middle in their last 10 conference meetings, with the road team winning three of the last four.

Friday's showdown between the Huskies and Dinos will be the first of two meetings this season, with the second coming in the final week of the regular season. 

Calgary Preview: Road trip continues with Friday night showdown in Saskatoon

Saskatchewan Preview: Huskies Return to Griffiths for Homecoming Debut

Alberta Golden Bears at Manitoba Bisons ​

Sat, Sept. 14 | 2 p.m. CDT at Thunderbird Stadium

How to watch:

Quick Overview: Could this be a potential Hardy Cup preview? Expect offensive fireworks in what could be a high-scoring contest on Saturday. Alberta and Manitoba rank first and second in Canada West in scoring, offensive yards, first downs, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and 3^rd down %.

The Bisons leapfrogged Alberta in the U SPORTS national rankings this week, moving from No. 9 to No. 6 after an impressive 33-10 win at UBC in Week 2.

Meanwhile, the Golden Bears fell from No. 5 to No. 9 after falling to Calgary 36-22.

It's homecoming for Manitoba, with the Bisons compiling an 8-2 record in their last ten homecoming contests. Bisons QB Jackson Tachinski has been dangerous to start the season, passing for 286 passing yards and two majors in last week's win. Tachinski is tied for the Canada West lead with four passing touchdowns.

Head-to-Head: The Golden Bears had the Bisons' number last season, wining both head-to-head matchups. Alberta took a 37-16 Week 2 win at home, then won 35-25 with a great road effort in Week 7.

Alberta Preview: Fireworks expected as Bears visit Bisons on Saturday

Manitoba Preview: Bisons look to keep homecoming success going against Alberta

UBC Thunderbirds at Regina Rams

Sat, Sept. 14 | 2 p.m. CST at Mosaic Stadium

How to watch:

Quick Overview: After a difficult campaign in 2023, Regina has already surpassed last season's win total after a big 33-28 victory over rival Saskatchewan in Week 2.

The 2-0 Rams have even charged their way into the national rankings, debuting at No. 10.

Meanwhile, the reigning Hardy Cup champions from UBC are hoping their first road trip of the year will alter their fortunes. While there's no sense of panic, there's certainly a sense of urgency to finally get into the win column.

It should be an interesting QB battle. UBC's Garrett Rooker has put up great numbers despite the tough start, ranking second in the conference with 285 yards-per-game.

On the other sideline, Rams QB Noah Pelletier has been superb since being called into action in Week 1. He completed 26 of his 31 passes in last week's win, setting a new U of R single-game record with an 83.9% completion percentage. 

Head-to-Head: UBC swept the season series last year, taking a season opening 25-10 win at Mosaic before downing the Rams 31-20 in Week 7. The T-Birds have come away victorious in each of their last five visits to the Queen City. 

UBC Preview: T-Birds visit the Rams in search of first win in 2024

Week 2 in 60

Catch up on all the action from last week with our 60 second recap.

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