Mark it as a fresh start for the No. 6 UBC Thunderbirds (1-1) as they head back on the road to visit the Regina Rams (1-1) Friday, September 14 at Mosaic Stadium.

It's a chance at redemption for UBC after a 57-7 drubbing in Calgary last week, while the Rams are looking to string together consecutive wins for the first time this season.

UBC needs to right the ship after suffering their biggest margin of defeat in four seasons and a win over the Rams would certainly put them back on track. The 1-1 start through two weeks also shouldn't be cause for concern, it's the same start the 'Birds had en route to a 6-2 regular season last year as well as in 2015 when they ended the year with the Vanier Cup.



Regina enters week three of the season with the second best offence in the conference averaging 579.5 yards per game. The Rams also boast the second best defence in the Canada West allowing 460 yards per game while leading the way with five sacks. Needless to say, a win for the blue and gold could be a big boost to their season.

Kickoff Friday is set for 6:00 p.m. PT at Mosaic Stadium and the game can be streamed live on Canada West TV.
 

Previous Meeting

The T-Birds advanced to their third straight Hardy Cup last season thanks to a 28-21 win over the Rams in the semifinal, one week after handing Regina a 44-15 loss in the final game of the regular season. UBC lost the 2017 season opener in Regina by a 36-20 margin.
 

Last Action

The T-Birds suffered a 57-7 defeat to the Dinos in Calgary last week, their biggest loss margin in the Blake Nill era.

Regina is fresh off a convincing 51-13 win over the Alberta Golden Bears in Edmonton. Rams quarterback Noah Picton threw for 449 yards and three touchdowns.
 

By the Numbers

85.5 – The average number of penalty yards per game by UBC through the first two weeks, the highest total in the conference. UBC will look to improve discipline this week in a tough building to play in.

1 – UBC quarterback Michael O'Connor needs just one passing touchdown to set a new program record. The fourth-year pivot is currently tied with Dan Smith for the most touchdown passes as a Thunderbird with 71.
 

Players to Watch

Trivel Pinto (#1, WR) – The fourth-year receiver is expected to return to the lineup providing a big boost to UBC's offence after missing last weekend's tilt in Calgary. The 2017 first team All-Canadian wide receiver led the T-Birds in receiving yards for the second straight season last year with 717.



Ben Hladik (#52, LB) – The Vernon, B.C. product leads the T-Birds with 12.5 total tackles, the third most in the Canada West. As a rookie in 2017, Hladik put up 30 tackles and a conference leading three fumble recoveries.
 

Coach's Take

While not many things went right in Calgary last week, UBC's veteran head coach likes what he's seen so far in terms of response.

"The last two practices have been two of our best of this young season and so we're just going to have to see how we respond," said Blake Nill who knows he has the tools he needs in the locker room to have a successful season. "We just need to find a way to get our momentum going again and start caring about one another in the program."



Nill believes the biggest difference he needs to see from his team this week is very simple: intensity.

"We just need to play to our potential. Each and every week, any team has to bring their A effort or you don't have a chance for success. We just need to be bigger, faster, stronger. We need to play with passion and that's what I'm looking for from my team going forward. The question is, how important is football to you and can you be accountable to your teammates."