VANCOUVER, BC - Fresh off an opening week loss in Regina, the UBC Thunderbirds return home for Homecoming Weekend and a tilt with the No.2 ranked Calgary Dinos Saturday September 13th at 2:00 pm at Thunderbird Stadium.
UBC showed flashes last week as the Canada West regular season kicked off, but in the end they would lose 33-23 to the Regina Rams. Meanwhile, the Dinos are coming off a 71-3 mauling of Alberta.
"From my experience, the biggest improvement our team sees during the season is between week one and week two," said UBC head coach Shawn Olson. "Because we didn't play an exhibition game, last week was our first live action and I could tell at times our guys were just feeling their way through it. We didn't play poorly, but we did have a number of mistakes that hurt us and we will have to clean that up this week."
The Thunderbirds have always played the Dinos tough over the last number years. Despite losing three times to Calgary last season (twice during the regular season and once in the playoffs), UBC had their chance to win. In fact they led going into the fourth quarter in two of the three games last year.
"Games are won in the second half, " said Olson. "We need to ensure that our best players are our best players in the fourth quarter and most importantly we need to learn how to close out games."
On the offensive side of the ball, look for the Thunderbirds to stretch the field and be a little more aggressive. Olson sets a weekly goal of 15 explosive plays of at least 15 yards and last Friday versus Regina they only managed five explosive plays.
Defensively UBC needs to focus on finishing plays, especially when they have their sights set on the quarterback with the opportunity for sack. Last week, the Thunderbirds managed just one sack against Regina quarterback Cayman Shutter who threw the ball 51 times.Â
Calgary are the five-time defending Canada West champions and lost to Laval in last year's Vanier Cup. They return a number of their key playmakers from last year including quarterback Andrew Buckley, running back Mercer Timmis (led the country in rushing and touchdowns in 2013), and Canada West defensive player of the year, linebacker Doctor Cassama.
Despite putting up 71 points last week, Olson isn't too concerned.
"It would be a different story if they put up 71 against Laval. We put up 60 on Alberta last year. As long as we take care of the football and make an improvement from week one, we should be just fine."
Saturday's game is the marquee event of UBC's Homecoming Weekend. For all the details on Homecoming and to purchase tickets, click here.
Fans should be advised there will be no parking at Thunderbird Stadium Saturday. The best place to park is Thunderbird Parkade.Â
Homecoming Weekend Events
Friday September 12
Pep Rally & BBQ
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location SUB North Plaza
Saturday September 13
Great Thunderbird Trek
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Starting at Martha Piper Fountain
Homecoming Street Party
11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Thunderbird Stadium Parking Lot
Calgary Dinos vs UBC Thunderbirds
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thunderbird Stadium
