After a rocky start to the 2019 Canada West season, the UBC Thunderbirds (0-1) hit the road for the first time this year when they visit the Saskatchewan Huskies (0-1) Friday, September 6^th.

It will be a rematch of 2018's Hardy Cup semifinal that saw the Huskies hand the T-Birds a heartbreaking 31-28 overtime loss while Saskatchewan went on to secure their first conference championship in 12 years with a win over Calgary the following week.

Both teams enter week two of the season less than thrilled about how things began. UBC suffered a 46-16 loss in their home opener against the Regina Rams last weekend while the Huskies lost 43-19 in Manitoba.



2018's playoff loss to the Huskies ended a three-game win streak for the T-Birds over Saskatchewan which included a 20-10 regular season victory in Vancouver earlier last season. This week marks the first trip to Saskatoon for the 'Birds since 2017 when UBC eked out a 29-25 win.

Kick off at Griffiths Stadium is set for 6:00 p.m. PT Friday in what should be a gritty battle with both sides more than eager to get into the win column.
 

Last Action

The new look UBC offence had its moments against the Rams, but penalties and stalled drives proved too much in the 'Birds' season opening loss. Rookie quarterback Tommy Yanchuk threw for 248 yards and a touchdown while running in another himself. But the T-Birds' defence struggled to keep Regina's passing game in check, allowing 441 total yards of offence, 378 of them through the air.



Saskatchewan amassed nearly 500 total yards of offence against the Bisons while third-year pivot Mason Nyhus threw for 313, but Manitoba racked up a 27-9 lead at the half and never looked back. 
 

Players to Watch

Jacob Patten (#81, REC) – The second-year receiver from Ontario led the 'Birds with 85 yards receiving against the Rams while catching UBC's only touchdown pass. But the big story from Patten was his 39 yard one-handed sideline grab that turned heads right across the country.

?? FB | ICYMI, this was potentially the catch of the year by 2nd year T-Birds receiver Jacob Patten (@KingPatten4K) @SportsCentre @SportsCenter @USPORTSca @CanadaWest @FarhanLaljiTSN pic.twitter.com/gSNBzuB41P

— UBC Thunderbirds / @UBCTBirds (@ubctbirds) September 1, 2019

Bashiru Sise-Odaa (#29, DB) – With nine total tackles, Sise-Odaa tied for the second most in the conference from week one while also setting a new career single-game high. The Surrey product is now in his third season and will be counted on to provide some veteran presence in the secondary.