It's a big first-half matchup for these two ranked rivals, as the University of Regina Rams and the Saskatchewan Huskies bring identical 2-1 Canada West records into this Friday's clash at Griffiths Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on Access7 in Regina, as the Rams are one of the featured teams in the Shaw TV Game of the Week for the third time in their first four games. Michael Ball and Marco Ricci will also have the call on the dial at 620 CKRM.
RADIO - 620 CKRM (LIVE)
Broadcasters: Michael Ball, Marco Ricci
Listen live:
www.620ckrm.com
TV - SHAW GAME OF THE WEEK (LIVE IN REGINA ON ACCESS7)
Broadcasters: Jim Mullin, Laurence Nixon (Andy Neal host, Alanna Nolan sideline reporter)
• Available in Regina on Access7
• Available throughout Western Canada live on Shaw TV
GAME NOTES [
PDF ]
THE HEADLINES
• The winner of Friday's game will move to 3-1 and, at the very least, will remain in a share for second place in the Canada West standings
• Saskatchewan has a 17-5 edge in Canada West games and the Huskies have been especially tough in Saskatoon, going 9-1 against the Rams in conference games at Griffiths
• The Rams will be looking to break a three-game losing streak to Saskatchewan and are shooting for their first win over the Huskies in Saskatoon since Oct. 27, 2007
• Friday's game will be the only time the two teams meet this season, marking the first time since 2008 they've only played once during the conference schedule
• Only three players in the CIS have recorded three interceptions this season, and two of them –
Kirby Kezama and
Jamir Walker – are Rams as the U of R ranks second in the nation with eight total picks this season
• Saskatchewan receiver Kit Hillis leads the CIS in receptions (31) and receiving yards (430) and is the reigning Canada West Offensive Player of the Week
#9 UNIVERSITY OF REGINA RAMS (2-1)
The Rams recorded their second consecutive victory last Friday at Alberta, going into the fourth quarter tied with the Golden Bears but scoring three straight touchdowns in the final frame to end up with a 31-17 win.
Marc Mueller completed 26 of his 38 pass attempts in the win, throwing for a total of 316 yards and tossing three touchdown passes. Both
Jay Smith and
Catlin Schneider collected their first CIS touchdown receptions in the fourth quarter, while
Connor Haas hauled in a six-yard catch for a major in the second.
Michael Kiapway had his second consecutive 100-yard outing for the Rams, rushing 24 times for 124 yards in the victory.
All four starting defensive linemen hit the stat sheet last Friday, as
Logan Brooks,
Benton Gieni, and
Ryan Wellman each registered a sack and
Tyler Perkins – making his first career start in place of an injured
Stefan Charles – recovered a fumble.
Kirby Kezama had a pair of interceptions and two pass breakups and also handled placekicking duties for the Rams, hitting all four of his PAT attempts, scoring a 19-yard field goal in the second quarter, and averaging 50.8 yards per kickoff.
After the matchup against Saskatchewan, the Rams are back at home next Friday, Sept. 28 against Manitoba.
#7 UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (2-1)
After a 32-0 home win over Alberta to start the Canada West schedule, Saskatchewan has been involved in two tight road games.
The Huskies suffered a 31-28 loss to Manitoba back on Sept. 8 in a game that wasn't decided until Saskatchewan's last-minute drive fell short, but were able to hold on for a 39-34 victory over UBC last Saturday in Vancouver.
Third-year wide receiver Kit Hillis and first-year quarterback Drew Burko are enjoying breakout seasons for Saskatchewan. Hillis leads the entire CIS in both receptions (31) and receiving yards (430), while Burko has completed 65.3% of his passes this season and ranks third in the conference with 805 passing yards.
Fifth-year safety Bryce McCall leads Saskatchewan with 17½ tackles and continues his chase on Canada West's career interception record, as he trails former Huskie Bob Coffin's record of 21 by just one.
After facing the Rams on Friday, Saskatchewan will prepare for a matchup against No. 2-ranked and Canada West-leading Calgary. The Huskies and the Dinos will play on Saturday, Sept. 29 in Calgary.
RAMS MILESTONE WATCH
• QB
Marc Mueller needs 272 passing yards to join Teale Orban as the only University of Regina quarterbacks to hit 6000 in their career
• CB
Jamir Walker has three interceptions this season and is tied for sixth in Canada West history with 16 career picks (more below)
• SB
Jared Janotta needs 85 receiving yards to become the 12th player in U of R history to collect 1000 career yards
• DE
Logan Brooks had another sack last week against Alberta and now has 10½ in his career, ranking third on the U of R's all-time list – Brooks needs just one sack to overtake Sean Brimacombe for No. 2 and three to pass Stan Van Sichem as the school's career leader
CHARLES NO. 1, JONES NO. 9 IN CFL DRAFT RANKINGS
The CFL Scouting Bureau released its 2013 CFL Canadian Draft rankings on Wednesday, naming Rams DT
Stefan Charles as the No. 1-ranked prospect.
Brett Jones made it two Rams in the top ten, as the fourth-year offensive lineman checked in at No. 9.
CANADA WEST INTERCEPTION LEADERS ON DISPLAY
Friday's game between the Rams and the Huskies feature two of Canada West's most prolific defensive backs in the conference's history. Saskatchewan safety Bryce McCall ranks second in Canada West history with 20 career interceptions, while Rams cornerback
Jamir Walker is tied for sixth with 16.
