OUA announces 2013 playoff scenarios

HAMILTON  – Ontario University Athletics (OUA) has determined the possible football playoff scenarios depending on game outcomes this Saturday, Oct. 19.

Heading into the final week of the regular season, the Carleton Ravens (0-7), Laurier Golden Hawks (1-7) and York Lions (2-5) have been eliminated from playoff contention.

The top three positions have been claimed by the CIS top-ranked Western Mustangs, the Guelph Gryphons and the Queen’s Gaels, but their playoff seeding will be determined by Saturday’s results.

Both the Western Mustangs and the Guelph Gryphons enter the final week with identical 7-0 records. The Mustangs host the York Lions at home on Saturday, while the Guelph Gryphons have the difficult task of facing off against the Queen’s Gaels (6-1) on the road in front of a tri-colour clad Homecoming crowd.

If both Western and Guelph win on Saturday, it will mark the first time that two single division CIS teams have finished the regular season with perfect records. However, OUA tie breaking procedures dictate that the Mustangs finish in first place and the Gryphons will finish in second place based on point differential. If the Gaels defeat Guelph, Queen’s will clinch second place. With a quarter-final bye on the line, tune in to see the Gaels and Gryphs fight it out on Sportsnet U, live on Sportsnet 360 at 1 p.m.

The two-time defending Yates Cup champions McMaster Marauders were victims of key personnel losses and a difficult schedule in 2013, entering the final week of competition sitting at 4-3. With a 14 or more point win against the Carleton Ravens, McMaster solidifies a fourth place finish and the right to host an OUA quarter-final on Oct. 26.

The Windsor Lancers to travel to the nation’s capital on Saturday to face off against the Ottawa Gee-Gees. Both teams enter the battle with identical 4-3 records and the winner of this head to head matchup game is likely to finish as the fifth seed.

Of the four remaining teams competing for three playoff spots, the 3-4 Toronto Varsity Blues have the most difficult path to the playoffs. Though it is mathematically possible for the Blues to clinch sixth, the squad must beat Waterloo but still needs help from around the league.

For full playoff scenarios and the implications of this weekend’s games, please see the file below.

2013 OUA Football Playoff Scenarios

Watch Sportsnet U: OUA Saturday Football live on Sportsnet 360 as the Queen’s Gaels host the Guelph Gryphons at 1 p.m.

OUA FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

OUA Quarter-finals*

Saturday, Oct. 26
No. 6 @ No. 3
No. 5 @ No. 4

OUA Semifinals**

Saturday, Nov. 2
Lowest remaining seed @ No. 1
Highest remaining seed @ No. 2

106th Yates Cup, presented by Pioneer Energy**
OUA Semifinal Winners @ Highest Remaining Seed

*One OUA quarter-final will air live on Sportsnet East, Ontario and Pacific
**Both OUA semifinals and the Yates Cup will air live on Sportsnet 360