The Matchup
The sixth ranked UBC Thunderbirds (4-2) have already wrapped up a playoff spot but can get one step closer to a home berth as they play their final road game of the regular season Saturday, October 21
 against the Manitoba Bisons (1-5).
It's a rematch of UBC's home opener that saw the 'Birds post a 32-18 win over the Bisons who occupy last place in the Canada West but still have a sliver of hope of getting into the post-season.
The T-Birds are tied with Regina for second place in the conference while the Rams hold the tie-breaker for the second home berth after beating UBC back in week one.
Kickoff at Winnipeg's Investors Group Field is set for 12:00 p.m. PT.
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Last Action
UBC survived a fourth quarter push by the Huskies to earn a 29-25 win in Saskatchewan last Saturday.
Michael O'Connor threw for 446 yards and three touchdowns while running one in himself.
The Rams held Calgary to under 40 points for just the second time this season but lost 36-27 to the Dinos.
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By the Numbers
23.5 – The average number of points allowed per game by the T-Birds' defence, tied with Calgary for the best in the conference. UBC has allowed the second fewest yards per game and boasts the best run defence in the Canada West holding the opposition to an average of 103 yards on the ground.
458.7 – The average number of total offensive yards per game by UBC. Last week in Saskatchewan the 'Birds eclipsed 500 total yards for the second time this season.
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Players to Watch
Alex Morrison (#85, WR) – The veteran wideout hauled in two touchdowns last week along with a total of 99 yards on four catches. Morrison has averaged a touchdown a game over the last four weeks and currently sits second on the team in receiving yards with 355.
Elliot Graham (#90, LB) – The first-year out of Hamilton continues to impress and now leads the T-Birds in total tackles on the season with 30. Graham also has an interception TD return to his credit and is tied for fourth in the conference with four pass knockdowns.
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Coach's Take
While the 'Birds continue to battle for a home playoff berth the Bisons are playing for their lives, something UBC head coach
Blake Nill says his team is prepared for.
"(Manitoba) is a program that has athletes that are capable of making big plays, we're not going to have any problem realizing the dangers they represent," said Nill. "I really feel we'll be ready to play to our fullest and I'm also certain coach Dobie will have his group ready to play to their fullest."
With 500 total yards last weekend and four touchdowns, Nill likes how UBC's offence is coming along but emphasizes the need for better ball security.
"We're moving in the right direction, we're getting better and I think we are getting more consistent but we still have a way to go," said Nill. "You can't turn the ball over. We will be better with that, we will certainly emphasize that and do what we can to try to assure that we're better at it."
A win this week followed by a win over Regina at home in the regular season finale would go a long way to helping UBC host a Hardy Cup semi final game, now it's up to the team to play with the confidence that comes with being in the driver's seat.
"Where we might struggle the most is recognizing the reality of the situation, recognizing the reality of what we're capable of and just executing to that level," said Nill. "It comes with youth, we certainly do have youth on our team but we also have a number of veterans and I think there has to be a balance there. Now we're at the point of the season where we're counting more on guys that have now had two months of football at this level, they need to be able to start carrying a little bit more weight."
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