The Matchup

 
If the UBC Thunderbirds' (3-2) 53-50 quadruple overtime victory over Manitoba on Sept. 30th didn't instill a sense of 'swagger' in the 'Birds – then it will be hard to find anything that will. The Thunderbirds' offence is rolling right now, having scored 115 points in their last two games. Quarterback Michael O'Connor, wide receiver Trivel Pinto and the rest of the high flying 'Birds aerial attack hit the road for Saskatoon this weekend to take on the Saskatchewan Huskies (2-3) in a match-up under the 'Friday Night Lights'.
 

WATCH: The 35 yard Trivel Pinto TD that sealed the 53-50 #UBC Football win over @umbisons. #Epic #BarnBurner #GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/inSLlgHNlG

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) October 1, 2016

 
The Saskatchewan Huskies have been yelping of late. 'The Dogs' are on a three game losing skid after a very promising 2-0 start to the season. They've been a tough team at home this season, beating the Regina Rams in their home opener 41-39 and nearly outdueling the Canada West leading Calgary Dinos before dropping a 20-19 decision in the season's third week.
 
Kickoff is at 6pm (PT) and can be seen live on CanadaWest.TV
 

Last Action

UBC played what will go down as a CIS classic game versus the Manitoba Bisons on Sept. 30th at Thunderbird Stadium. The 'Birds racked up an astounding 713 yards in total offence and capped the magical night off with a 35 yard O'Connor to Pinto touchdown strike to seal the deal in quadruple overtime 53-50.


 
Saskatchewan was part of the historical first game at Regina's new Mosaic Stadium. Unfortunately they played the losing part and were defeated by the Regina Rams 37-29. 'The Dogs' mounted a late charge and outscored Regina 11-0 in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough to get past their cross-province rivals.
 

By the Numbers

 
254 – the amount of rushing yards UBC put up against Manitoba. 206 of those were courtesy of running back Ben Cummings. When the Thunderbirds can use a running game to set up their passing attack, O'Connor is capable of absolutely shredding an opposing secondary.


 
2- the amount of interceptions UBC's leading receiver Trivel Pinto has on the season. Yes, you're reading this correct. Pinto is a wide receiver that's played considerable time at defensive back this year. Will he be able to keep putting up stats on both sides of the ball? No matter what, it's one of the most compelling stories in CIS football this year.
 

Video Players To Watch

 
Michael O'Connor – (QB, #15) – 9 TD tosses in his last two games. Watch him drop a dime on Trivel Pinto into triple coverage.
 

WATCH: @TheTrueQB hits Trivel Pinto for 51 yards. 2nd quarter @umbisons 10 - #UBC Football 6. #GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/YNy2plmFZE

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) October 1, 2016

Ben Cummings – (RB, #4) – 206 yards rushing in his last game. Watch him find the edge for a clutch, game-tying touchdown.
 

With the extra point #UBC ties game at 30 w/ @umbisons. Ben Cummings with the major. #BarnBurner #GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/m1zrHGAys3

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) October 1, 2016

Stavros Katsantonis – (DB, #18) – the 'Bakersfield Bandit' has been at his thieving best this year. Watch him snag his team leading 5th interception.
 

The Bakersfield Bandit is thieving again! #UBC Football leads @umbisons 20-19 in 3rd quarter. #GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/KOKbRwkpQp

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) October 1, 2016