Vancouver, BC - The UBC Thunderbirds football team is set to host their final regular season home game of the year this Saturday as they welcome the number six ranked Regina Rams to town.
Coming off their first victory of the season and a much needed bye week, the Thunderbirds will have their hands full with Regina (4-1), who after losing their first game of the season have won four straight games. For UBC, despite being 1-4 on the year, the playoffs are not out of the question, as they sit just one win behind the Saskatchewan Huskies for the fourth and final playoff spot.
"Desperation is the word we are using around here," said UBC head coach
Shawn Olson. "Whether it be at practice or in the games, we need to play desperate if we want to have any shot of earning a spot in the post season."
Health has been the biggest concern this season for Olson. The team has over 60 man games lost due to injury. The defence alone has been a revolving door of players, especially in the secondary. Only
Bryan Rideout (Victoria, BC) has managed to start every game this year in the defensive backfield. The linebackers have not been much better, especially on the weak side, where they have platooned through a number of options.
"We needed that bye more then any team," said Olson. "Saturday will be the healthiest we have been since week one of the season."
It doesn't mean they still aren't banged up.
Matt Walker (Vernon, BC), Donovon Gratton (Lynden, Washington),
Joseph Malabuyoc (Vancouver, BC), and most likely
David Scott (El Paso, Texas) are all done for the season with various injuries.
Saturday marks the second meeting of the season between the Thunderbirds and the Rams. UBC led Regina 13-7 at the half back in week two, before allowing 42 straight points in the second half to lose 49-20.
"This is a difficult match up," said Olson. "The Canada West is a dog fight and all three games we have left are versus good teams. Regina is the best of the bunch with four wins on the year. They are a veteran team, with a veteran quarterback (Marc Mueller) who is playing with a ton of confidence."
Marc Mueller is second in the Canada West in passing yardage, averaging 323.6 yards passing per game. He has thrown 11 touchdowns, compared to just two interceptions. He had 241 yards passing and three touchdowns against UBC earlier this year. His go to target is Kolten Solomon, who has a team high four touchdown receptions on 351 yards receiving. They are no slouch when it comes to the ground game either; Michael Kiapway is third in the conference in rushing with 401 yards on the year. He racked up 118 yards and two touchdowns versus UBC in week two.
Defensively the Rams are led by one of the country's premier defensive backs, Jamir Walker. He leads the Canada West with four interceptions, including two against the Thunderbirds, one which he returned for a touchdown.
With such a high powered offense, the key once again will be UBC's ability to shut them down. They are coming off their best performance of the season in which they surrendered just 10 points to the University of Alberta.
"Execution is the key on defence and being healthy will certainly help us," said Olson. "Defence is all about trust and knowing where your help us. The only way that happens is constant repitions together in practice and in games. Hopefully by having a more veteran group that is used to playing with each will be able to limit some of the errors that has plagued has this season."
From the offensive point of view, the Thunderbirds are the top rushing team in the conference, averaging just over 250 yards a game on the ground.
Brandon Deschamps (Prince George, BC) and
Billy Greene (Surrey, BC) are the top two rushers in the Canada West.
"We would love to run the ball forty times a game, but I defintiely wish we were passing the ball better," said Olson. "We are built to be a passing team and we need to get it going. Everybody has to be better. We need more consistent starts from Billy and we have to get
Jordan Grieve (Salmon Arm, BC) more involved. Fortunately, because of our ability to run the ball, it makes it much easier to do multiple things."
Grieve has been the biggest surprise this year. After a 2011 season in which he was named a Second Team All-Canadian with 41 catches, 768 yards receiving, and five touchdowns, he has just 13 catches, 129 yards, and one touchdown through the first five games this year.
"Jordan just hasn't been able to make the plays this year," said Olson. " It comes down to confidence and cohesion in the offense. There are multiple factors involved, but Jordan has had a couple of drops, he has been dealing with some bumps and bruises, and Billy has been off. One big game though can turn it all around. Jordan is an outstanding receiver, who rights great patters, and has good hands. It just a matter of getting a couple of early catches and letting it snowball from there."
Kickoff is set for 2:00 pm at David Sidoo Field at Thunderbird Stadium.
It is the football team's Think Pink game in support of breast cancer. All fans are encouraged to wear pink to support breast cancer awareness. Many of the players will be using pink tape and gloves in honour of the event.
As well, fans are encouraged to ride their bikes to the game. The Thunderbird Bike Valet will be on hand, offering up free tune ups from the AMS Bike Co-Op.
BIKE VALET DETAILS HERE
