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VANCOUVER – In the words of UBC's veteran head coach, the opportunity to play for first overall in the final game of the season is really all you can ask for – and that is the precise scenario the No. 8 Thunderbirds (5-2) find themselves in as they host the No. 4 Saskatchewan Huskies (6-1) Friday night.
Perfect on home field this season heading into the week eight battle, the T-Birds' last loss came at the hands of the Huskies back on October 3 in Saskatoon, a 34-24 decision. But UBC can exact some revenge on their perennial foes and by winning with a margin of 11 points or greater, the 'Birds can finish the regular season atop the Canada West standings for the first time in three years.
"We're taking a balanced approach," said UBC head coach,
Blake Nill, whose team has already secured home field advantage for the Hardy Cup semifinal November 7. "We want to certainly try to go out and capture first place overall, and we understand it's a bit of a task, for sure. At the same time, you want to make sure your team is prepared for when the games really matter which is the next week. We're certainly going in there with the understanding that if we can have our best game of the year, we may have a chance to finish first overall and host playoffs throughout."
Of greater importance to the T-Birds, though, is heading into the post-season the right way. That means continuing the solid progression the team has seen throughout the course of the season.
Since week one's disappointing loss at Calgary, the 'Birds have been one of the country's most consistent programs, led by a staunch defence which continues to impress. Under Defensive Coordinator, Noah Cantor, the T-Birds head into week eight allowing an average of 19.6 points against while allowing just 113 rushing yards and 346 total yards per game. Compare that to a year ago where the 'Birds allowed a conference worst 30.6 points against and 454 yards per game.
The usual suspects – the likes of linebacker
Isaiah Cooper and defensive back Ches Rednour-Bruckman – were certainly big impacts once again in Regina, but it was the breakout performance of receiver turned DB
Damian Dumas which turned some heads, another indication of the depth of UBC's defensive roster.
"First and foremost, he's a Sauder student so obviously that speaks volumes to his work ethic, his time management, his ability to prioritize academics," Nill said of his newest DB weapon who was named Canada West defensive player of the week. "The way he approaches football is just the same – he manages himself well, keeps himself healthy, he's able to balance the schedules of being a Sauder student and a starting varsity athlete. The characteristics he possesses are quite unique for a young man of only 18 years old. It's a credit to the way he was brought up and his family life."
Aside from the fact the T-Birds and Huskies faced each other just four weeks ago, both teams have a season's worth of game film to pilfer through meaning there are few, if any, surprises when it comes to who they're about to battle against Friday night.
And one thing that certainly hasn't changed from a Huskies perspective is their ability to play a very physical, methodical brand of football.
"They're the exceptional program that everyone's trying to catch. They've earned that reputation because of their consistency, their work ethic, their success on field – we know what we have to do to continue to close that gap. They only know how to play the game one way and we have to match their physicality, match their craftiness – their systems are extremely efficient for them."
The Thunderbirds have not had success in recent years against the Huskies, but they're far from alone. The defending Hardy Cup champions have lost just twice in their last 17 regular season contests dating back to 2024. UBC has dropped each of their last five head-to-head matchups including the last two semifinal playoff battles.
Friday night's regular season finale will also mark the program's legacy night and an opportunity to honour some of UBC's most impactful athletes, coaches and builders who have contributed to the more than 100 years of football at Point Grey.
Kickoff for Friday night's impactful close to the regular season is set for 6:00 p.m. at Thunderbird Stadium.
Tickets are available online or at the door with the game also
streaming live on Canada West TV.
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