CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos (1-1) will look to get back to their winning ways when they head east to take on the Manitoba Bisons (2-0) at IG Field.
Action will get underway at 12 p.m. MT on Saturday, with coverage on CanadaWest.tv presented by Co-op.
Calgary will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the Regina Rams two weekends ago, but things won't come easy when they clash with the lone remaining undefeated squad in Canada West.
Headlines
- This is the first meeting between the two squads since the Dinos won an instant classic in the 2019 CW semi-final, hanging on for a 47-46 victory en route to their Vanier Cup title.
- Both teams should be well-rested after coming off the traditional Thanksgiving bye week.
- It's another matchup between U SPORTS Top-10 squads, as the Dinos sit No. 4, while the Bisons come in just behind at No. 6.
- Calgary held the No. 1 national ranking for just one week before their loss to the Rams knocked them down to No. 4.
- The Dinos have won nine of the last 10 matchups between the two squads dating back to 2015.
- In the last regular-season matchup between these two squads, the Bisons came away with a 43-29 victory at IG Field on October 19, 2019.
- This game will be the only contest between the two teams in the shortened 2021 season.
- It will be a matchup of strength vs. strength, as the Dinos lead the conference in nearly every offensive category, while Manitoba's defence tops CW in points allowed, giving up just 17 per game through the first two weeks.
No. 4 CALGARY DINOS (1-1)
Before bye: lost to Regina, 34-21
Next week: vs. Alberta
- After starting their national championship defence with a bang in Week 1, the Dinos were shocked by the Regina Rams in week two, falling 34-21 at Mosaic Stadium.
- Despite the loss, Calgary's passing attack continues to be deadly, as Josiah Joseph leads the nation in passing yards per game (371.5)
- A big reason why is the dynamic receiving duo of Tyson and Jalen Philpot, who lead U SPORTS in most receiving statistics, as well as being the top two players in all-purpose yards per game. Jalen leads the country with an absurd 189.0 all-purpose yards per game, while Tyson is just behind at 175.5. The next closest to the brothers comes in at 151.5 yards per contest.
- The Dinos will look to limit miscues in Manitoba, as a major reason for their loss to the Rams was the three interceptions thrown by the Dinos quarterbacks.
- Calgary will return home next weekend for a meeting with their provincial rival - the Alberta Golden Bears - Sunday at 2 p.m., from McMahon Stadium.
No. 6 Manitoba Bisons (2-0)
Before bye: defeated Alberta, 31-17
Next week: at UBC
- After Manitoba's starting quarterback Des Catellier went down with an ankle injury in Week 1, first-year pivot Jackson Tachinski has stepped in and barely missed a beat. The Winnipeg native led a comeback victory in Week 1, then threw for 180 yards and three touchdowns in his first-ever U SPORTS start - a 31-17 victory over Alberta.
- Dinos fans will probably have to get used to Tachinski's face not only on the field but also on the court, as he is also a guard on the Bisons men's basketball team.
- Manitoba receiver Gavin Cobb will look to pick up where he left off last week, after being named U SPORTS Special Teams Player of the Week. The fourth-year pass catcher had a 91-yard punt return touchdown in the win last week, as well as two receiving majors.
- Linebacker Brody Williams has been all over the field for the Bisons so far this season, leading the team in combined tackles with 13, including one sack.
- The Bisons will make their longest road trip of the season next weekend when they head out west to take on the UBC Thunderbirds.
