Welcome to the 2014 CIS Conference POWER RANKINGS. Each week we will rank the conferences one through four as well as look at the top teams, reasons, etc. that they are where they are. The difference between a top ten rankings or say the actual standings and the POWER RANKINGS are simple. Our POWER RANKINGS reflect, who the hottest conference is at the time, they may not have the top team or the best records, but it’s who we believe is playing the best each week. Within each POWER RANKING we’ll dive into the power teams of each conference, trends and who’s hot in a short point form manner.. With the season kicking off next weekend this week’s piece will be simple, ranking the four conferences and identifying the top team in each conference.
#1 OUA
Top Team: Western
The OUA kicks off week one at the top of our CIS Conference POWER RANKINGS and why not. Last season the OUA had four teams in the top week every week of the season. Western is the class of the league but traditionally 4-6 teams have a shot and 2014 will be no different as Guelph, Queens and Mac look to join Western in the top ten, with Ottawa and Windsor nipping at their heels.
#2 CANWEST
Top Team: Calgary
I am sure I am going to get some heat for this one, how can the RSEQ not be in the top 2, the RSEQ has won 7 of the last 13 Vanier Cups, 3 of the last 4 and two straight…Only one problem it’s been the same team. In fact Laval has won eleven that’s right eleven straight RSEQ crowns. That’s why I have CANWEST number two, and in my eyes a very big threat to claim the number one spot. Despite having to “share” players with Regina, U of S is still a perennial power, factor in wildcards in the form of U of M and Regina and you have the #2 conference in our Power Rankings.
#3 RSEQ
Top Team: Gee I wonder??
Laval is to CIS football what UCLA was to NCAA hoops in the late 1960’s early 70’s. Always a factor since their first surprise win in ’99, the Rouge et Or have become the gold standard of CIS football. For years there seemed like no one would take them down. Then Along came Montreal and Sherbrooke and things got interesting. But guess what, neither has managed to wrestle away the crown, and although it’s getting closer, this ain’t horseshoes. Look for Bishops to drop off with the graduation of Hec Crighton winner Jordan Heather and with Sherbrooke being a bit of a question mark, Laval and Montreal look to be the only top ten teams coming out of the RSEQ.
#4 AUS
Top Team: Acadia
A league once owned by SMU, the last three seasons have seen a bit of a pendulum swing. This is good football, make no mistake, problem is the other three conferences are a little better. Show me something AUS!
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