Vancouver, BC - Fresh off their first win of the season, the UBC Thunderbirds (1-3) look to make it two in a row this weekend as they head to Saskatoon to take on the No.7 ranked Saskatchewan Huskies (3-1) Saturday evening at 6:00 pm PST.
After starting the year 0-3, the Thunderbirds finally got in the win column last Saturday with a convincing 49-13 victory over the Alberta Golden Bears. The offence came alive, exploding for 583 yards of total offence, led by rookie receiver/returner Marcus Davis who was named the CIS/Canada West Special Teams Player of the Week. He finished the day with 253 all-purpose yards, including 158 yards on punt returns and a pair of touchdowns (one receiving and one rushing).
The Huskies only blemish on the season was a 38-24 loss to Calgary in week two of the season. They opened up the 2014 campaign with a 44-24 win over Manitoba, needed overtime to beat Alberta 42-41 and last week held on to defeat Regina 21-16. This year marks the 31st season for Brian Towriss at the helm of the program and as fans and opponents alike have come to expect this year's team is a balanced, competitive, well-disciplined team that is tough to play against especially on their home field at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon.
"Getting a win last week takes a little weight off our shoulders, but we know we have another tough test this weekend against Saskatchewan," said UBC head coach Shawn Olson. "Playing in Saskatoon is one of the best Canadian university experiences any athlete can have. It's a great atmosphere in a packed house and our guys should have no problem getting up for it."
At the midway point of the season, the Thunderbirds can ill afford a slip up down the stretch if they hope to return to the playoffs. Calgary, after having a win taken away earlier this week due to the use of ineligible player, sit atop the Canada West standings with a record of 3-1. Saskatchewan also is 3-1, but the Dinos currently hold the tiebreaker over the Huskies. Alberta, benefiting from Calgary's ineligible player, are now 2-2 along with the Manitoba Bisons, while Regina and UBC round out the group sitting at the bottom of the standings with a record of 1-3.
UBC's schedule down the stretch will not be easy as they play Saskatchewan twice, Regina, and Calgary.
The game can be seen live on Shaw TV or canadawest.tv.
