University Blitz: National Semi-Finals
Well, here we are.
The light of Nov. 24’s Vanier Cup is fast approaching at the end of the university football season’s proverbial tunnel, and we are down to our final four: The No.-2 Laval Rouge et Or (10-0) host the No.-7 St. FX X-Men (8-2) at 12:30 p.m. ET, followed by the top-ranked Western Mustangs (10-0) entertaining the No.-6 Saskatchewan Huskies (7-3) at 4 p.m. ET.
All four emerged from their conferences in relative style — winning by at least two scores — but make no mistake: The undefeated Mustangs and Rouge et Or are the firm favourites on home turf, and if everything stays on script both games could be over by halftime.
Uteck Bowl | St. FX at Laval (Sportsnet 360 and TVA Sports)
In addition to having to battle the elements this week at practice, the X-Men are up against AUS schools’ 11-year losing streak in National Semi-Finals and have an extremely one-dimensional offence. In 63 offensive plays in the conference final against Acadia, the X-Men ran the ball 55 times — that simply will not fly against a Laval team that has dominated the line all season long.
The Rouge et Or, meanwhile, have not lost since last year’s Vanier Cup defeat against Western in Hamilton; 10-0 Laval has blown all competition out of the water minus Montreal, who they still managed to beat comfortably (14-1) in the Dunsmore Cup last weekend. Glen Constantin’s program is also 7-0 at home in Quebec City in bowl games, and it’s unlikely that perfect record will be blemished this season.
Prediction: Laval 45, St. FX 7.
Mitchell Bowl | Saskatchewan at Western (Sportsnet 360 and TVA Sports)
The Huskies raised eyebrows around the country with their 511-yard performance in a 43-18 hammering (on the road) of Calgary in the Hardy Cup, and Scott Flory’s program is clearly on the upswing. After an eight-year playoff win drought, Saskatchewan knocked off Canada West’s two powerhouse programs — UBC (31-28, OT) and the aforementioned Dinos — in back-to-back weeks away from home.
This week’s challenge will be unlike anything the Huskies have faced, against a Western team that can run you to death, blitz well and also has Chris Merchant under centre. Simply put, the ‘Stangs are the most well-rounded team in the country; the defending Vanier Cup champions are strong at virtually every position, and are riding a 22-game winning streak dating back to the 2016 Yates Cup.
Prediction: Western 38, Saskatchewan 18.
#UniversityBlitz
Our panel of experts is once again riding the favourites, with all four picking Laval and Western. Toronto receiver Anthony Coombs continues to lead with a 30-14 record, while Ottawa’s J.P. Bolduc (28-16) and Edmonton’s Nate Behar (27-17) remain in contention. BC’s Mike Benson (25-19) has been eliminated.
