Watch above: The Vanier Cup will be in the house as the Huskies and Thunderbirds clash in the blackout game
SASKATOON – Through four weeks of action, the Canada West Conference has been dominated by offence; more specifically, the passing game. That could change Saturday night when UBC arrives at Griffiths Stadium to face the Saskatchewan Huskies.
Unlike the majority, the Thunderbirds attack on the ground more than the air.
“They rely on the run for sure,” says Huskies linebacker Dylan Kemp.
“Lots of teams in this conference are more passing teams, so it will be kind of a different game we are playing.”
Huskies head coach Brian Towriss agrees.
“They are more of a run, play action first (team) opposed to a pass threat.”
UBC currently resides in the Canada West basement at 1-3 while the Huskies sit tied for first with the Dinos at 3-1.
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The Dogs will be hosting a desperate squad Saturday night, and can’t afford to take them lightly.
“Every game is must win at this point of the season,” says Huskies leading receiver John Trumpy.
“Every team is right behind the other. This is not the time to let up.”
To add intrigue to Saturday night’s game, the Vanier Cup, the holy grail of Canadian university football, will be in the house. Players will get a glimpse at what it is they are sacrificing so much for.
“The guys can take a look at it and see it,” says Towriss, who’s won three Vanier Cups as Huskies head coach.
“Just about everyone of our coaches have had our hands on it and not many of the players.”
“That’s the ultimate goal,” claims Trumpy.
“That’s why we’re here. That’s why we work as hard as we do. Having it in our house and getting a glimpse of it will definitely be motivation.”
“Lots of guys on this team have never seen a national championship trophy,” adds Kemp, who’s won multiple Canadian Bowls with the Saskatoon Hilltops.
“So I think that should be the extra motivation just to play a little bit better, a little bit harder and you know, maybe at the end of the season it will be here in the clubhouse.”
The Huskies and Thunderbirds kickoff Saturday at 7:00 p.m. in the annual Blackout game at Griffiths Stadium.
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