The Matchup

It may only be week two of the Canada West football season but it's a massive home opener matchup for the UBC Thunderbirds (0-1) hosting the Manitoba Bisons (0-1) Saturday, September 9th at 1:00 p.m. PT at Thunderbird Stadium.

The 'Birds and Bisons are both hungry for a win and if their growing rivalry over the past few seasons is any indication, this weekend's critical battle should prove to be yet another classic.



The last time these two met UBC ended a quadruple overtime marathon with a 35-yard Michael O'Connor touchdown pass to Trivel Pinto for the 53-50 win.
The T-Birds have taken the last four regular season and playoff matchups with the Bisons, a fact Manitoba likely hasn't forgotten either.
 

Last Action

The T-Birds struggled early on offence while racking up over 200 yards in penalties in last week's season opening 36-20 loss in Regina. Down 33-6 heading into the fourth quarter, UBC put up a fight with a pair of touchdowns but the comeback bid fell short against the fifth-ranked Rams.

Manitoba had an equally frustrating first week falling 44-23 at home to Saskatchewan. The Bisons came within four points of the Huskies but were shutout 17-0 in the final quarter of play. Manitoba's defence finished the game allowing a total of 563 net yards against.
 

By the Numbers

253 – The number of total return yards by UBC last week in Regina. Stavros Katsantonis racked up 92 yards alone including a 58-yard kickoff return.

45 – The average number of points the 'Birds have put up during their four-game regular season and playoff win streak over the Bisons.
 

Players to Watch

Will Maxwell (#3, DB) – The fourth-year defensive back had eight total tackles along with a 30-yard interception return in Regina, both career highs.



Ben Cummings (#4, RB) – The third-year running back from Abbotsford led the 'Birds on the ground last week with 71 yards on 15 rushing attempts. In UBC's last home game against the Bisons last season, Cummings amassed a whopping 230 combined yards, 206 of them on the ground with two touchdowns.
 

Coach's Take

Following a disappointing result in Regina to start the season, UBC head coach Blake Nill fully expects a very focused and prepared group for Saturday's home opener.

"I think everyone's had to look in the mirror, coaches included, and make sure that this week we go above and beyond in our preparation," said Nill who is now into his third year at the helm.



"We're very serious about our potential here but ultimately we have to show it on the field."

The 'Birds and Bisons have played some of the most entertaining matchups in recent Canada West history and Nill expects another very hard-fought effort from both sides.

"This is a tough contest for us. Coach (Brian) Dobie always has very physical, very athletic programs. You're going to see a major effort from that group. It's going to be a very, very telling matchup."