THIS GAME: Alberta at UBC, Sat., Sept. 4, 1:00 p.m., Thunderbird Stadium
RADIO: CiTR 101.9 FM
LIVE STATS
A LOOK AT THE THUNDERBIRDS
The T-Birds hit the field in 2010 with a drastically overhauled program and renewed sense of enthusiasm. This is rookie head coach
Shawn Olson's first test, and will give UBC fans their first look at the new direction of T-Bird football.
The offence will still be built around all-star running back
Dave Boyd, who carried a huge percentage of the offense last year. This year, the T-Birds hope to have a more balanced attack, especially in the passing game, but Boyd will still be the key figure when it comes to picking up yards. Third year quarterback
Billy Greene continues to improve and will have the support of a revamped offensive line led by veteran T-Bird
Cody Husband and a bolstered receiving corps that includes SFU transfers
Victor Marshall and
Mitch Shuster.
On defence, the Thunderbirds will rely on some familiar faces as well. UBC's linebacking corps will provide a constant threat with veteran
Devin Kavanagh leading the charge. Fellow LB
Nathan Kanya is back from injury and set to make an impact, while standout safety
Alex Babalos has made the transition to the SAM position, where his presence will be felt defending the run as well shutting down opponents in the secondary. Two new additions courtesy of the V.I. Raiders,
Levar Hayden and
Josh Williams are expected to contribute immediately – Hayden at safety and Williams on the defensive line.
One of the hallmarks of the new coaching staff is an emphasis on special teams. Some of the T-Birds best players will be getting more time during kicks – blocking, covering, and returning.
A LOOK AT THE GOLDEN BEARS
Led by long-time head coach
Jerry Friesen, the Golden Bears enter the 2010 season looking to expand on last year's improved output. The Bears made the playoffs for the first time in three seasons, and are hungry for another taste of the post-season.
The U of A offence is led by returning quarterback Julian Marchand, who steps in as a full time starter in 2010. Marchand is big and mobile, which gives the Bears' offense some versatility.
On defense, the Golden Bears have two of the best weapons in the Canada West. Safety Jason Hetherington led the conference with eight interceptions last year and should be dangerous again this season. Equally threatening is another conference leader, defensive end Craig Gerbrandt. Gerbrandt racked up ten sacks to lead Canada West in 2009.
U of A looks to field a more balanced defence to compliment Hetherington and Gerbrandt in 2010, which should result in better overall numbers than 2009's mediocre team output.
Special teams will once again be an area of considerable strength for the Golden Bears, with three-time All-Canadian kicker Hugh O'Neil booting the ball for the green and gold again this year.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The T-Birds edged out the Golden Bears 25-24 on September 4, 2009 in last year's season opener at Edmonton's Foote Field.
Dave Boyd pounded out 236 yards along the ground, including one of the two late fourth quarter UBC touchdowns that gave the Thunderbirds the comeback win. UBC racked up 480 yards of total offense compared to 354 for Alberta. In spite of the way things played out in Week 1, the Bears went on to a .500 season and a playoff appearance, while the T-Birds were never able to hit the win column on the field again in 2009.
COACH OLSON ON...
The key to being successful against U of A:
“We have to be us,” says Olson. “To be successful we need to run the football and we need to execute the quick play action pass. That's going to be our M.O. offensively. Defensively we need to be able to stop the run. If we can stop the run then we can get creative on second down and bring pressure. How we execute and how well we're prepared and what we do, in my mind, can very will determine the outcome of the game.”
The importance of Week 1:
“It's very important that we get off to a good start,” says Olson. “We need to come out and compete. The first game is always the toughest. We're trying to approach it by putting the focus on our guys, and make sure that we're doing our jobs, knowing our assignments, and being confident. In your first game especially, you've got to be who you are. You can't get tricky. You have to identify who you are as opposed to who they are. That's the key.”
HOMECOMING
Mark your calendars! The 2010 Homecoming football game is less than three weeks away. On September 18, UBC hosts Manitoba in one of the most popular T-Bird events of the year. More than 3,000 fans came out in 2009 and this year, with another rocking party before hand, promises to be an awesome event. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
SHRUM BOWL 33
Despite SFU's move to NCAA Division II, the biggest football rivalry game in the lower mainland is still on. UBC hosts Shrum this year on Friday, October 8 with Canadian rules the name of the game. Tickets are available for $15 or as part of a T-Bird football season's pass ($25).
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