CFCs ‘Top 25’ CIS poll – Week 1 – “Sask on top”

1. (2) Saskatchewan Huskies (1-0) – They handled Calgary, everyone’s pre-season #1, in their own back yard and made a big statement by minimizing Calgary’s offense. Laurence Nixon was efficient in running the Huskie offense.

2. (1) Calgary Dinos (0-1)- Lost to Saskatchewan and looks to have a few injuries to deal with. Lets hope those players are back soon. Must limit the big plays on defense and be more consistent on offense.

3. (NC) Laval Rouge et or – (1-0) – Laval beat the McGill Redmen by a score of 50 to 9 but were leading by 10 to 2 at the half. Former Team Canada QB Bruno Prud’homme looks to be settling in nicely at QB.

4. (5) Ottawa Gee Gees – (2-0) – Defense has been the key early on for the Gee Gees. Sinopoli has played well enough to win 2 tight games but has to be much better in the red zone.

5. (6) Western Mustangs – (1-1) – Blew out Laurier then lost a close one on the road to Ottawa. Big game this weekend when they host Mac. Offense will have to convert when they are the red zone.

6. (7) Saint Mary’s Huskies – (0-0) – Starts for real this weekend in the AUS.

7. (8) Regina Rams – (1-0) – Were impressive in a blowout win over Manitoba. Defense was opportunistic in the win. Huge test this week at Calgary.

8. (9) McMaster Mauraders – (2-0) – Won two tight games at home versus Queen’s and Laurier. They play Western and Ottawa in the next two weeks on the road. Defense has played well and offense has been inconsistent. Offensive Line needs to use their size more effectively.

9. (12) Montreal Carabins (1-0) – Came away with a close win over Sherbrooke at home. Rotrand Sene is the key to the Carabins offense. If QB Nadeau-Piuze develops they have a chance to compete against anyone.

10. (13) Alberta Golden Bears (1-0) – Played well in opening weekend action against UBC. Their offense was efficient and protected the ball which was key. Travel to manitoba this weekend to try continue the streak.

11. (10) Queens Gaels – (0-1)
Played well with 9 new starters on defense and Chapdelaine looked capable in their close loss to Mac on the road. Need to minimize turnovers to compete with top teams in OUA.

12. (4) Wilfrid Laurier Hawks- (0-2)
Miserable start but have the talent to bounce back. Offense has been a huge disappointment to date.

13. (11) Manitoba Bisons (0-1)
Need to bounce back this weekend at home versus Alberta. Offense needs to limit turnovers.

14. (18) Concordia Stingers (1-0)
Big win in Lennoxville, paced by a great defensive effort. Home to Montreal this weekend will be huge test.

15. (14) UBC Thunderbirds (0-1)
QB Billy Greene could not have played much better. Passing 19-37, 308 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 13 rushes, 94 yards, 7.2 average, 1 touchdown. Can he do it against Saskatchewan?

16. (NC) Sherbrooke Vert et or (0-1)
Close. Seems to be their M O. Host Laval this weekend.

17. (15) Bishops Gaiters (0-1)
Penalties and turnovers cost the gaiters a winable football game.

18. (17) McGill Redmen (0-1)
Played well against laval but may have lost starting QB Collin.

19. (NC) Guelph Gryphons (2-0)
Beat U of T and York so far.

20. (23) Windsor Lancers (1-1)
Played Ottawa tough and dominated U of T early. Could beat some of top tiers this year.

21. (20) Saint Francis Xavier (0-0)
Begins for real this week in the AUS.

22. (21) Acadia Axemen (0-0)
Begins for real this week in the AUS.

23. (22) Toronto Varsity Blues (0-2)
Improved but lost to Windsor and Guelph.

24. (NC) Mount Allison Mounties (0-0)
Begins for real this week in the AUS.

25. (NC) York Lions (0-1)
More competitive then last year but still have to beat someone to get out of the basement.

CFC will be polling coaches and other respected football people to compile a weekly top 25 list. The list will be compiled quickly after the last game of the weekend. In bracket is previous weeks ranking. NC = no change