This Saturday, October 5, the University of Ottawa will host the traditional Panda Game on the new gridiron of Gee-Gees Field. The Carleton Ravens are back after a fifteen-year hiatus and are aiming for their first win of the season. The garnet and grey however are looking to secure another win on Saturday to shoot themselves up in the OUA standings – the team is currently fifth in the league.
Gee-Gees head coach Jamie Barresi knows that there is an emotional factor to the upcoming game, although at the end of the day he states, “It’s another chance to get better, another thing to improve on.” However, Barresi is no stranger to the bragging rights granted to the winning team, as he played quarterback for the Gee-Gees from 1976-1979. He hopes to see crowded bleachers, especially with fans that have a strong interest in the game.
uOttawa is currently holding down the third spot in the CIS for total number of first downs (158) with powerhouses Western and Calgary beating the team out for the first and second spots. Carleton falls near the bottom of that list with a total of 88.
The Ravens have mostly found offensive success through the air, averaging 243.6 passing yards per game which rates seventh in the OUA, while the rushing attack ranks last in the province with an average of 91.6 yards per game.
Barresi implores that the Ravens are not to be underestimated. “It is a dangerous team that has good skills.” He continues, “You cannot take anybody for granted.”
In fact, the teams are neck and neck in the CIS ranks in team tackle totals; Gee-Gees amassing 329 tackles and Ravens sitting at 309.5.
Consistent rookie linebacker for the Ravens, Leon Cenerini, has accumulated 42 individual tackles in five games, giving him a remarkable 9.2 average per game. These statistics give the Manitoba native CIS number one spots.
The long-awaited matchup is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday at Gee-Gees Field and will be broadcast live on Sportsnet 360 and Team 1200 in Ottawa.
The Gee-Gees are the reigning champs after the 1988 Panda Game, when the Ravens were obliterated with a 59-17 final score. In the 44 previous Panda Games, Ottawa won 33 times.
The question remains, which team will possess Pedro the Panda and bragging rights this time around?
Source: Ottawa Gee-Gees Sports Information
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