Winnipeg, Manitoba - Looking to keep their post season hopes alive, the UBC Thunderbirds (2-4) football team goes in search of their third straight win this weekend when they pay a visit to the Manitoba Bisons (3-3) Saturday afternoon in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Playing their best football of the season the 'Birds currently sit on the outside looking in when it comes to the Canada West playoff picture. They are in a battle with Manitoba and Saskatchewan (3-3) for the final two playoff spots. Saturday marks the second meeting of the season between the Thunderbirds and Bisons. Manitoba won at UBC back in the first week of the season, winning 31-24.
It's no coincidence the Thunderbirds best football of the season has come with their healthiest line up of the year. UBC defeated Regina last week 24-17 and two weeks prior defeated Alberta 29-10. The biggest difference has been on the defensive side of the ball, where UBC has limited the opposition to under 20 points in their last two games. As well, they have been forcing turnovers. The Thunderbirds have five interceptions and two fumble recoveries over those last two games.
Bryan Rideout (Victoria, BC) leads the defense and was honoured for his play following the win over Regina as he was named the Canada West and CIS Defensive Player of the Week.
Offensively, the 'Birds running game continues to be the best in the Canada West conference, averaging just over 255 yards on the ground per game.
Brandon Deschamps (Prince George, BC) has rushed for a league best 592 yards. He also has three touchdowns.
Billy Greene (Surrey, BC) seems to be finding his groove after some early season frustrations. He has seven touchdown passes to go along with seven interceptions. Greene will be looking to exploit a Manitoba pass defense, which gives up on average 341 yards passing per game.
The Manitoba Bisons started the season 3-1, but come into Saturday's game having lost their last two games by a combined eight points, 30-27 to Regina and 44-39 to Saskatchewan. Offensively the Bisons are averaging over 31 points per game and are led by running backs Kienan LaFrance (356 yards rushing and 4 TD's) and 2011 First Team All-Canadian Anthony Coombs (347 yards rushing and 2 TD's). Cam Clark is their starting pivot and the BC product has thrown 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions this season, averaging 252 yards passing per game.
The biggest challenge though maybe on special teams where Coombs and Nic Demski are a threat everytime they touch the ball. Demski had a 98 yard punt return for a touchdown in the Bisons win over the Thunderbirds earlier this season.
On the defensive side of the ball, watch out for defensive lineman Lauren Kroeker who leads the Canada West with 4.5 sacks on the year and 2011 First Team All-Canadian safety Teague Sherman.
Kickoff is set for 11:00am PST. The game can be seen live on Shaw TV.
