VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds football team will find out pretty quick how they stack up against the best in the CIS when they play host to the five-time defending Canada West champions from the University of Calgary in their season opener Saturday afternoon at David Sidoo Field at Thunderbird Stadium. Kickoff is 2 p.m.
You can watch the game live on webcast at CanadaWest.tv or listen live on CiTR.
"Whether we play Calgary in week one or week four, it doesn't matter. What it will do is show us exactly where we stand right out of the gates," said head coach Shawn Olson who enters his fourth year at the helm.
Calgary is coming off a 9-2 record in 2012 which saw them lose in the national semi-final to McMaster. UBC finished 2-6 and out of the playoffs in a season that was filled with growing pains. However, after a productive off season there is much room for optimism entering 2013.
Offensively, the 'Birds of course lose former Hec Crighton winner Billy Greene at quarterback, but his understudy for the previous three seasons, Carson Williams, will get the start Saturday as he beat out Greg Bowcott in a tough training camp battle.
"Carson has been working hard all year long and it paid off. He has a great command of our offence and above all he was the most consistent quarterback in camp," said Olson.
Williams finished 8-for-15 for 84 yards in a 28-5 exhibition loss to the University of Saskatchewan last Friday, while Bowcott went 4-for-13 for 91 yards.
Look for last year's Canada West rushing leader Brandon Deschamps to get a lot of touches in 2013. UBC was the top rushing team in the conference in 2012 as Deschamps racked up 785 yards on the ground. He also had 35 yards on eight carries last week against Saskatchewan.
Defensively the 'Birds have shown much improvement from the 2012 group that gave up on average 37.1 points per game. The starters kept UBC in the exhibition last week and will be relied on more this year to get some key stops, create turnovers, and more importantly make some big plays.
"The key this season is the overall maturity of the unit," said Olson. "We have brought in a number of veteran junior players who will make an immediate impact and all the guys that were here last year are another year older. As well new defensive coordinator Jerry Friesen has added a number of new looks which should provide problems for the opposing team, plus he has brought back fun and energy to the group."
Look for junior transfers Donovan Dale, Boyd Richardson, Yianni Cabylis, and Bobby Davis all to be major contributors on the defensive side of the ball.
Ranked No. 3 in the CIS preseason Top 10 poll, the Dinos are coming off a 32-3 loss at the #1 University of Laval last week. They will be a new look team, especially on defence, as they lost 10 of 12 starters, including Linden Gaydosh and Mike Edem who were both selected in the first round of the 2013 CFL draft.
Offensively though, not much changes as they still have the reigning Canada West Player of the Year at quarterback in Eric Dzwilewski and All-Canadian receiver Chris Dobko. Last year the Dinos averaged a staggering 47 points and 592 yards of offence per game.
"You expect the same type of Calgary team that has been there for five years," said Olson. "Until somebody knocks them off they are still the best. It doesn't matter who they have or who puts on the jersey, we see ourselves as significant underdogs this weekend and know we need to make sure we execute what we need to execute if we want to have success on Saturday."
Calgary has dominated this match up over the years, as they enter Saturday's game on a nine-game winning streak over the 'Birds dating back to 2006. UBC did defeat the Dinos 36-23 back in 2011, but had the victory stripped due to the use of an ineligible player.
"This group has been impressive in terms of their work ethic and their consistency," said Olson. "We have had a core group of leaders come to the forefront over the last 6-8 months, so I'm excited to see where they are going to be and what this season brings."
Tickets to the game, as well as season's passes, are available at:Â http://www.gothunderbirds.ca/tickets
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