Pre-Game Notes

The University of Regina Rams will receive a stern test in their opening game of the season on Saturday when they travel to Winnipeg to square off with the Manitoba Bisons, winners of the 2007 Vanier Cup.

The Rams had a fine season in 2007, recording their first six-win season en route to a second place finish in Canada West. Regina defeated Saskatchewan in the first round of the playoffs to advance to the Canada West final game, but were defeated 48-5 by Manitoba. The Bisons would go on to win two more games to complete the perfect season and become the national champions.

Fifth-year quarterback Teale Orban will control the Rams' offence for one last season. Orban, a two-time Canada West Player of the Year, has been one of the most prolific quarterbacks in CIS history over the course of his first four seasons. Drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in April, Orban is the Canada West all-time leader in touchdown passes (66) and has a chance to reach the 10,000-yard barrier with a strong season. Also back for a fifth season is slotback Chad Goldie, who needs 24 catches to become Canada West's all-time leader in career receptions. Goldie could also become the U of R's career leader in receiving yards and touchdown catches by the end of the season.

The offensive line will lose two starters in Brendon LaBatte (CFL) and Max Ivanov (graduation), but will see tackles Ryan Ackerman and John Hashem return. Nick Hutchins played centre last season and is slated to slide over to right guard, with Devin Hillier moving up from a backup role into the starting left guard spot. Look for Brenden Bennett, who redshirted last year, to start at centre for the Rams.

At running back, any of three players could see action. Luke Derkson, Austin Kappel, and Dane Kerluke all have the opportunity to run the ball.

On defence, the Rams have a strong line anchored by fifth-year tackle Paul McDill, who was a Canada West all-star last season. Bjorn Person will be the other tackle, while Stan Van Sichem and Mike Picken will play on the ends. Rams head coach Frank McCrystal describes the line as “one of the strongest groups we've ever had.”

Fifth-year defensive backs Charlie McCrystal and Andrew Rumbaugh will lead Regina's experienced secondary. Rumbaugh and Tamon George will likely get the start at cornerback, with Darren Geddert and Aadon Fieger at halfback and McCrystal at safety.

With 2007 conference all-stars Mat Nesbitt and Steve Wilson gone, the Rams will have a different look at linebacker. Bruce Anderson or Thomas Irving (both newcomers) could get the start at mac, with Brandon Ganne expected to start at sam and either Irving or Scott Magee at will.

Manitoba will have a strong contingent on offence with returning Vanier Cup offensive MVP and starting quarterback John Makie back at the pivot position. Makie has not lost a game as a Bison starter in two consecutive regular seasons (16-0). Running back and Canada West All-Star Matt Henry is scheduled to make the field again after a horrific leg injury suffered in the CIS championship. Returning starters Terry Firr, Randy Simmons and Simon Blaszczak will bolster the receiving corps. The main changes will be on the offensive line, which lost two starters to the CFL.

The Bisons will return three defensive starters - linebackers Jim Jeavons and Kenton Onofrychuk and cornerback Ryan Payette - from last year.

Saturday's game is scheduled for 1 p.m. local time at University Stadium in Winnipeg. The game will be available live on 620 CKRM and on the Internet at 620CKRM.com.