The relief of their first win of the season and last week's much-needed bye have both come and gone for the UBC Thunderbirds (1-5) who prepare to host the No. 3 Saskatchewan Huskies (4-2) for their final home game of the 2019 season on Saturday, October 19
th.
In addition to officially recognizing the T-Birds' graduating seniors, UBC will also be honouring legendary former head coach Frank Smith who earlier this year was officially inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
The T-Birds have officially been eliminated from playoff contention despite picking up a win in their last game back on October 4
th, while the Huskies are gunning for home field advantage.
UBC would certainly be keen to play the role of spoiler for Saskatchewan while also avenging their 40-7 week two loss. The Huskies have won their last two meetings against the T-Birds including last year's Hardy Cup semifinal.
Kick off for the Frank Smith Legacy Game is 3:00 p.m. PT Saturday at Thunderbird Stadium.
Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster.
Last Action
Jacob Patten caught a 41-yard touchdown pass while
Garrin McDonnell kicked four field goals for the T-Birds who earned a 33-28 win on the road over the Regina Rams.
The Huskies hammered the visiting Manitoba Bisons 49-21 two weeks ago for their second straight win while clinching a Canada West playoff berth. Saskatchewan quarterback Mason Nyhus threw three touchdown passes and Running Back Adam Machart ran for 219 yards and two majors.
Players to Watch
Sharique Khan (#27, RB) – The second-year running back put up a career high 112 yards rushing in Regina. The Fort McMurray, Alberta product leads UBC with 227 rushing yards this season and boasts 320 all-purpose yards heading into week seven.
Gabe Olivares (#17, QB) – Olivares threw for 353 yards and a touchdown pass while running in another of his own in Regina to pick up his first career Canada West win. The second-year pivot's 61.8 percent completion rate is second highest in the conference.
Coach's Take
Playoffs are no longer on the table for the T-Birds, but the intensity of practice and the expectations for Saturday remain unchanged.
"The guys came out and have been working hard and they understand that the game against Saskatchewan this weekend is going to be a very physical game and going in we just have to be mentally prepared for the challenge we're facing," said UBC head coach
Blake Nill who will miss the post-season for the first time in his five years with the 'Birds. "I just want our guys to leave this season feeling good about the potential of this program and a good effort this weekend against a very tough opponent can enable that."
UBC put up 488 total yards of offence against the Rams in week six, by far their best production of the season and a good sign moving forward for a young group.
"I thought that was the best game our receivers have had in two years," said Nill. "The group as a whole stepped up and made plays and that's what's required when you have a young quarterback.
Gabe Olivares played very well. I've coached numerous high end quarterbacks and I don't think any of them have played the way Gabe did in game two of their careers."
While the 'Birds are focussed on a win on the field Saturday, they're also excited to honour the legendary Frank Smith, who coached UBC to two Vanier Cups.
"This is a tremendous tribute to a man who made a difference for hundreds and hundreds of students who were players of his, and others. Many of them have gone on to have outstanding post-playing careers and opportunities because of the skillsets learned under coach Smith."
