McMaster Athletics photo
University football returned last week as the U SPORTS football season kicked off; full coast-to-coast play begins this Friday with Week 2, as the Canada West conference gets underway.
The heavy hitters took care of business in Week 1, with No. 1 Laval, No. 2 Western and No. 3 Montreal all scoring steady wins, while the western contenders are on the brink of finally kicking off their campaign.
Let’s take a look at our expert panel’s picks for this week’s marquee matchups.
Friday | Concordia (0-1) at McGill (0-0)
This battle of Montreal’s English institutions will have plenty of onlookers, as the Stingers impressed in a narrow 10-3 loss to No. 3 Montreal last week and even received a few Top-10 votes; McGill, meanwhile, has been .500 just once since 2006 and has not won a playoff game since ’02.
Saturday | #4 Saskatchewan (0-0) at Manitoba (0-0)
The ranked Huskies travel to IG Field for a date with Manitoba in a classic Canada West matchup. Saskatchewan’s lost some pieces from the roster that made the national semi-final last season, while Manitoba will be hoping to build on last year’s improvements on defence.
Saturday | Saint Mary’s (0-0) at Mt. Allison (0-1)
The Mounties struggled offensively in a Week-1 loss at X, and will be looking to take positive steps on that side of the ball — they’re young at the skill positions — against a solid SMU team led by head coach and former Florida State DB James Colzie III.
Sunday | #9 Ottawa (0-0) at #6 McMaster (1-0)
Our marquee matchup pits the Gee-Gees against the Marauders in Hamilton in what could very well be a Week-2 playoff preview. At Mac, new — old? — HC Stef Ptaszek is aiming to get Mac back to contender status after a four-year Vanier Cup absence. Ottawa will get as far as sophomore QB Sawyer Buettner, who participated in the CFL’s QB internship program with the Bombers this off-season, takes it.
For the full U SPORTS football schedule and broadcast information, visit the U SPORTS website.
