VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds (0-1) go in search of their first win of the 2013 Canada West football season Saturday evening in Edmonton when they take on the Alberta Golden Bears (0-1) at 4 p.m. PST at Foote Field.

The 'Birds are coming off a 41-31 loss to the Calgary Dinos, while the Golden Bears lost in an offensive shootout against Manitoba, 65-41.

"Last week we had a good effort and showed some good resiliency against Calgary, but we did not execute well enough," said UBC head coach Shawn Olson. "We made key mistakes when we needed to be at our best and that hurt us. However, it was a positive first step as we continue to build and determine our team identity."

This season marks a new era for Alberta football under new head coach Chris Morris. The 14-year CFL veteran and three-time Grey Cup Champion has brought a new direction and a new attitude that showed in their game against Manitoba in the opening week.

"There is more parity this year across the Canada West then there has been in a long time," said Olson. "Alberta did a great job, hanging tough with Manitoba and should provide a good test Saturday."

Don't let the fact the Golden Bears haven't won a game since the 2010 playoffs fool you (technically they won two games in 2011, due to forfeits by UBC over the use of an ineligible player), this team has some serious talent, including a starting quarterback who Olson coached for three seasons at Simon Fraser University.

"Ryan is a calm leader who has emerged as a starter in Alberta," said Olson. "He proved the kind of talent he is last week and that will be a big test for us to limit his effectiveness and his ability to extend plays with his feet."

Schwartz not only threw for 352 yards and four touchdowns, but rushed for another 150 yards and a score in the loss to Manitoba. Other Bears to keep an eye on include Ed Ilnicki who rushed for 104 yards and receiver Tylor Henry who made nine receptions for 103 yards in the opening week.

As for UBC's starting quarterback, expect both guys to get the opportunity to play Saturday. The one key, whomever is under centre, will be their completion percentage. Carson Williams and Greg Bowcott combined only to complete 42 per cent of their throws.

"We need to be better and make the easy completions, but it isn't just on our quarterbacks. Our receivers need to make some tough catches and against Calgary there were about five balls that should have been held on to," said Olson.

Of course you can expect the Golden Bears to receive a heavy dosage of running back Brandon Deschamps. Not only did he rush for 175 yards and a touchdown, but also added another 25 yards receiving and caught a touchdown pass.

Defensively, UBC looked much more confident against the Dinos, especially against the run. Two guys who made an early season statement were defensive tackle Steve Mawa (1.5 sacks against Calgary) and defensive back Miguel Barker (two pass break ups).

"Steve and Miguel proved last week they can be impact guys. That is what we expect of them. Now they have to show us they can do it week in and week out," said Olson. "As a whole our defence needs to way tougher in the red zone and limit the opposition to field goal attempts as opposed to touchdowns."