‘Birds travel to Saskatchewan for with battle #2 Huskies (Brian Towriss interview video)

The new UBC coaching staff got their first look at this year’s Thunderbirds in action during last week’s 36-28 loss to the University of Alberta. Despite the final result, there were many positives to take from the season opener.

Quarterback Billy Greene proved himself to be a dangerous weapon on all fronts. Greene had 98 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown combined with 308 yards through the air and three passing scores.

However, the passing game suffered long dry spells. Greene will need to be consistent to give his team a chance to beat the Huskies, who will be a stiffer challenge than the Golden Bears.

The return of injured all-star running back Dave Boyd should also give the ‘Birds a shot in the arm. Boyd went without a carry in Week 1 but should be back in full effect for the trip to Saskatoon.

Spencer Betts promises to figure prominently into the passing offence once again, and will try to build on his solid performance last week, in which he caught seven balls including two touchdowns. Fellow receiver Victor Marshall had a pair of 40+yard catches, and will look to get his hands on the ball more frequently against Saskatchewan.

The T-Bird defence is also looking to put in an improved performance, particularly where defending the pass is concerned. Despite two interceptions by defensive back Chris Mark, the UBC secondary were exposed a few times against Alberta, which led to big plays and scores for the Bears.

Up front, the Thunderbirds will need to put pressure on Huskies quarterback Laurence Nixon. The ‘Birds were rarely able to hurry Alberta QB Julian Marchand in their home opener and finished the day without a sack.

A LOOK AT THE HUSKIES

The University of Saskatchewan had a big year in 2009, going 7-1 and putting up impressive numbers on defense, holding opponents to an average of 14 points per game. They kicked off 2010 looking even better by beating the #1-ranked Calgary Dinos 34-13 last weekend. That win avenged last year’s playoff loss to the eventual Canada West champs and Vanier Cup runner-up Dinos.

Saskatchewan’s auspicious debut was largely due to the efforts of running back Jeff Hassler, who notched 168 rushing yards among his 200+ yards of total offence. Ben Coakwell also rushed for over 100 yards. That two-pronged attack means the UBC defense are going to have to be on their toes on Friday.

Fifth-year quarterback Laurence Nixon put together a strong outing, launching 290 yards for two touchdowns. He also hit seven different targets, including receiver Jade Etienne for an 87-yard touchdown.

The Saskatchewan defence had an excellent day. Led by linebacker Peter Thiel and defensive back Bryce McCall, the Huskies kept the Dinos to 13 points, and shut them out completely in the second half.

Saskatchewan head coach Brian Towress is convinced that 2010 will be the Huskies’ year. His team has already redeemed last year’s narrow defeat to the conference champs and looked good doing it. That makes them a tough test for Shawn Olson’s burgeoning ‘Birds

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Thunderbirds haven’t had much success against the Huskies in recent years. Last season’s meeting was no exception, ending in a 44-7 Saskatchewan victory.

Dave Boyd rushed for 125 yards that game, and will be a key in the UBC offensive scheme again. Spencer Betts led all T-Birds receivers with four catches.

The Huskies put up 477 total yards of offensive in that meeting thanks to a balanced passing and running attack. Four of their five touchdowns came along the ground, while Grant Shaw contributed three field goals, including one 50-yarder.

On defense, UBC’s Alex Babalos had a big game with 8.5 tackles, while the Huskies’ Bryce McCall racked up 9 tackles to go with his interception.

COACH OLSON ON…

The key to improving on last week’s performance:

“Defensively we need to be better on pass defence,” says Olson. “By that I mean both pass rush – we need to pressure the quarterback more than we were able to against U of A – and we need to cover better. I thought our defence played well other than about seven plays in the passing game that ended up being huge. That was the difference in the game defensively.”

Preparing for the Huskies:

“Saskatchewan is a unique team,” says Olson. “They’re good every single year and they’re well coached, but they’re a bit simplistic defensively. So there’s the ability to scheme a bit for what you’re most likely to see. But it always comes down to how your players are going to play on game day. We’re always more interested in how we’re executing than what the other team is doing. We just need to make sure that our guys are ready and confident with what their doing and understand their responsibilities.”

By Happy Kreter

THIS GAME: UBC at Saskatchewan, Fri., Sept. 10, 6:00 p.m. PT, Griffiths Stadium

HOMECOMING
Mark your calendars – the 2010 Homecoming football game is next week! On Saturday, September 18, UBC hosts Manitoba in one of the most popular T-Bird events of the year. More than 3,000 fans came out in 2009 and this year, with another rocking tailgate party before hand, promises to be an awesome event. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

SHRUM BOWL 33
Despite SFU’s move to NCAA Division II, the biggest football rivalry game in the lower mainland is still on. UBC hosts Shrum this year on Friday, October 8 with Canadian rules the name of the game. Tickets are available for $15 or as part of a T-Bird football season’s pass ($25).