CW Football: Week 5 Headlines

Sept. 27, 2024 - Four games down. Four to go.

Canada West football has lived up to its "wild west" reputation so far in 2024, as you can make a playoff case for all six teams as the schedule enters the second half.

Manitoba is 4-0 for the first time since 2007, looking to make Head Coach Brian Dobie's final season a memorable one.

UBC, Alberta and Regina are in a group that sits at 2-2. The Golden Bears and Thunderbirds got back to .500 with wins last week, while the Rams started hot but are now looking to end a two game slide.

Saskatchewan and Calgary are both 1-3 but have good reason to believe they still have a path to the playoffs. The road weary Huskies will play three of their final four games at home, while the Dinos are coming off two heartbreaking defeats that could have easily gone the other way.

This weekend features three crucial matchups that will set the tone for the second half.

Here's everything you need to know heading into Week 5.

Alberta Golden Bears at Saskatchewan Huskies

Fri, Sept. 27 | 7 p.m. CST at Griffiths Stadium

How to watch:

Quick Overview: It's an eagerly anticipated rematch of last year's semifinal that saw Alberta advance past Saskatchewan with a 40-17 win. While disappointed in a 1-3 start, the road weary Huskies are looking forward to home cooking, with three of their final four games being played at Griffiths Stadium. They'll look to shore up the defensive end, as the Huskies have just one sack in four games and are still looking for their first interception of the season. Alberta will look to exploit the ground game, as they lead U SPORTS with an average of 230.5 rushing yards per game. ​

Head-to-Head: The Golden Bears won all three matchups against Saskatchewan in 2023, including their 40-17 Hardy Cup semifinal win at Foote Field. It is the first three-game win streak for the Bears over the Huskies since 2003/2004.

Saskatchewan Preview: Huskie Happenings (Sept. 26-29, 2024)

Alberta Preview: Bears look to extend win streak against Saskatchewan

UBC Thunderbirds at Calgary Dinos

Sat, Sept. 28 | 2 p.m. MDT at McMahon Stadium

How to watch:

Quick Overview: It's a crucial game for both teams. The Dinos (1-3) have suffered two heartbreaking defeats in a row and need a win to stay in the playoff chase. The Dinos offence continues to improve each week out, racking up 430 total yards in last week's narrow loss to Manitoba. Meanwhile, UBC (2-2) has battled back to .500 and seem to be clicking on both sides of the ball. Last week's 38-24 Homecoming victory over Saskatchewan saw UBC put up five touchdowns on offence without turning the ball over once. Defensively, the T-Birds came up with a pair of second half interceptions while limiting the Huskies to just seven points in the final 30 minutes.

Head-to-Head: The teams split a pair of contests last year, both winning on home turf. UBC dominated a Week 2 matchup in a 45-15 win, while Calgary got their revenge with a 20-6 victory in Week 6. They'll square off again this year in Week 7.

UBC Preview: Confident T-Birds take win streak into Calgary

Calgary Preview: Saturday matinee sees Dinos welcome UBC to McMahon

Regina Rams at Manitoba Bisons

Sat, Sept. 28 | 5 p.m. CDT at Princess Auto Stadium

How to watch:

Quick Overview: No. 8 Manitoba enters play at 4-0 for the first time in 17 years. The ground game has been key to their success, being one of only two teams in the conference rushing for over 200 yards per game on the year. 

The Rams started the year hot but now look to snap a two game slide. QB Noah Pelletier will look to get the Rams offence back on track after a tough outing against Alberta that resulted in a 30-6 defeat. Pelletier's 75 completions are third in the conference, while receivers D'Sean Mimbs, Nicholas Sirleaf and Renzel Arinaza are all averaging over ten yards a catch on the year.

Head-to-Head: The Herd have had the upper hand as of late against the Rams, winning seven of their last nine matchups dating back to 2018. That includes last year's double overtime thriller, a 27-24 win where Bisons kicker Maya Turner became the first female to dress, and score points in a regular season U SPORTS football game. 

Manitoba Preview: No. 8 nationally ranked Bisons football aim for 5-0 start against Regina

Week 4 in 60

Got a minute? Catch up on last week's action with our 60 second recap.

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