THIS GAME: UBC at Manitoba, Sat., Oct. 30, 11 a.m. PT
TV: Shaw TV

A LOOK AT THE T-BIRDS    
The combination of a loss to Saskatchewan and Alberta's defeat of Manitoba last weekend spelled the end of the UBC Thunderbirds' playoff hopes. In the T-Birds final game of 2010, they'll be looking to redeem an earlier loss to the 1-6 Manitoba Bisons and complete the season on a high note.

Injuries have plagued the 'Birds this year, and their running game in particular has struggled in the absence of some key figures, including all-star Dave Boyd, back-up Robert Giorno and recent standout, Tibi Banica.

The return of Nathan Kanya at linebacker has given the defence a boost and his presence will make a difference in UBC's second meeting with the Bison in 2010. Kanya is the conference leader in tackles per game, averaging 6.6 over his four appearances this season. Kanya is also fifth in tackles-for-loss, despite having played three fewer games than anyone else among Canada West's top 10.

UBC ranks third in Canada West in passing yards with 1,873, and will try to exploit a Bison defense that ranks last in the conference in pass defense efficiency.

Quarterback Billy Greene will lead the charge to that effect. Greene leads Canada West in total yards with 2,360, 1,846 of those through the air. His favorite target all season has been Spencer Betts, who has 27 receptions for 424 yards and four touchdowns. Receiver Victor Marshall has been a deep threat this season, and recorded UBC's lone touchdown last week. He will look to get behind the Manitoba secondary on Saturday.

Cornerback Chris Mark has also had a big impact. He is second in Canada West in passes defended, with seven, and tied for first with four interceptions. He also has two forced fumbles on the year.

Finally, Billy Pavlopoulos showed his incredible leg power last week by launching a 48-yard field goal, and kicking several big punts. His ever improving performance through the season gives the Blue and Gold a special teams boost for the future, as he is finishing up just his second CIS season.

A LOOK AT THE BISONS
The Manitoba Bisons are in a rebuilding year. As such, the young squad ranks low in many statistical categories in Canada West, and has struggled to win games in 2010. That said, their lone win this season was against the Thunderbirds.

Senior running back Matt Henry has been a bright spot for the Bison, rushing for 575 yards through seven games. Quarterback Khaleal Williams has also shown promise, throwing for 1,433 yards and nine touchdowns so far in 2010. Stu Schollaardt is the Bison's top receiver. Schollaardt has caught 29 balls for 453 yards and two touchdowns. All three players had outstanding games in the earlier meeting with UBC this season.

The Bisons are also a special teams threat with kick returner Quincy Hurst among the fastest players in Canada West. Hurst has the second best kick return average in the conference with 20.4 yards per return.

Linebacker John Tietzmann leads the Manitoba defence with 33.5 tackles and three sacks. In the secondary, Pete Adams is the most effective Bison. Adams has 32 tackles on the year, and has broken up a conference best six passes.

HEAD-TO-HEAD
Manitoba's only win of the year came with a lopsided 40-17 defeat of the T-Birds in week three. That marked the third consecutive UBC loss to the Bisons.

Manitoba have made a habit of trampling the Thunderbirds in recent history. The 'Birds lost every meeting with the Bisons for three seasons leading up to a 2008 win. Before that, UBC came out on the winning side of both 2004 meetings with the University of Manitoba.

Overall, UBC is 3-7 against the Bison over the past five seasons.

COACH OLSON ON...

His team's attitude since being eliminated from playoff contention:
"I think our guys are a good group of guys who will continue to come and work. Our motivation has changed, but everyone has to take responsibility for the way the season has gone. We haven't been as successful as we would have liked to have been. This is part of the building process. There's definitely some motivation here, and if we end up 3-5 I think that's a step in the right direction of this program. We're trying to lay the foundation for the culture of UBC football moving forward."

What to expect from Manitoba, who are also out of the playoff picture:
"They're in a similar situation to us. They're fairly young, and they're playing for pride and hoping that the way they finish the season will carry over into next season. I'm expecting a good battle. At the end of the day it's football and you're playing because you love the game. Every time you step on the field you want to win."