Saskatchewan visits Manitoba in attempt to spoil Bison homecoming

For the 2011 Homecoming Game, the Manitoba Bisons football team (1-1) hosts the Saskatchewan Huskies (2-0) at University Stadium on Saturday, September 17 with game time at 1 p.m. CT. This was be the final annual Homecoming Game at University Stadium prior to the move to the new Stadium next season.

The Bisons currently holds a 1-1 conference record and want to build on their first win after a 22-20 road victory over the Alberta Golden Bears on September 10. Manitoba has won five of the last nine Homecoming match-ups. The Bisons look to stop a two game losing streak versus Saskatchewan while holding a 6-7 home record against the Huskies over the last 15 seasons plus avenge the 64-3 drubbing the Huskies posted last season at Saskatchewan.

The 2011 Homecoming Game is sponsored by Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre. The pre-game party starts at 11:30 a.m. and hosted by Ace Burpee from Hot 103 plus features a live performance from one of Winnipeg’s top up and coming acts – Sons of York (with former Bison Jake Kennerd in the band). In addition, there is a pre-game BBQ with $5 ticket offer for hot dog, drink and Old Dutch Chips. There will be other great prize giveaways during pre-game party and all game long.

Source: Manitoba Sports Info

Looking to remain perfect, the University of Saskatchewan Huskie football team will hit the road to face the University of Manitoba Bisons Saturday in Winnipeg.

The No. 4 ranked Huskies enters the Week 3 game after two lopsided victories over the University of Alberta Golden Bears 38-7 in Week 1 and the University of Regina Rams 33-10 in Week 2. Both wins came at home in Griffiths Stadium in PotashCorp Park. Manitoba has split their first two weeks of competition losing in the final minutes to the University of Calgary Dinos 35-31 and then defeating the Golden Bears 22-20 on the road.

In the last 17 dates between the two teams, the Huskies have won 11 including a 64-3 win in 2010 in Saskatoon. Since 2006, the Huskies and Bisons have met six times with just two of those games played in Saskatoon.

Saskatchewan’s veteran defence has made the difference in the first two games of the season for the Huskies. Allowing just 17 points against, the Huskies lead the Canada West in scoring defence, total defence (223-yards per game), rushing defence (73-yards per game), pass defence (150-yards per game) and interceptions (six for 64-yards). Canada West & CIS Defensive Player of the Week Tony Michalchuk sits in the top three in tackles in the conference with 15 on the season.

Quarterback Jahlani Gilbert-Knorren has helped the Huskies to the top scoring offence with 71 points in two games. The second-year enters the weekend completing 34-of-54 pass attempts for 460 yards and three touchdowns. He’s also added 90 rushing yards. Receivers Garrett Bolen (99-yards), Garrett Burgess (72-yards), Rory Kohlert (62-yards) and Jeff Moore (71-yards) have been his main targets. Rookie running back Dexter Janke turned heads in the win over the Rams scoring two touchdowns including one on a 101-yard pass and run play.

Manitoba quarterback Khaleal Williams has completed 27-of-57 pass attempts for 501 yards and three touchdowns. He has spread the offence around with three Bisons tallying 100 or more receiving yards including Tyson Takasaki (106-yards), Brendon Bowman (130-yards) and Anthony Coombs (109-yards). All three each have scored a touchdown. Coombs has also led the Bisons on the ground netting 129-yards on 27 carries.

On defence, Eric Vincent has tallied 10.5 tackles and Pete Adams has added 10. Lauren Kroeker has also been strong with nine tackles, two sacks and two breakups.

Kick off is set for 12:07 p.m. Saskatoon time. The game can be heard live on CK750 or [url]www.ck750.com. It is will also be broadcast on Shaw Cable.

Huskie Sports Info

No. 4 Saskatchewan at Manitoba, 1 pm CDT (SHAW, SHAW Direct 299)

Key Stats – BISON FTB HISTORY DURING LAST NINE HOMECOMING GAMES

September 25, 2010
Calgary 26 Manitoba 25 at Manitoba

September 19, 2009
*UBC 1 Manitoba 0 at Manitoba
(* Forfeited game due to ineligible player)
– The original score was 36-10 Manitoba

September 13, 2008
UBC 28 Manitoba 0 at Manitoba

September 15, 2007
Manitoba 35 Calgary 28 at Manitoba

September 16, 2006
Manitoba 33 Calgary 10 at Manitoba

September 24, 2005
Manitoba 35 SFU 30 at Manitoba

September 22, 2001
Manitoba 46 Alberta 13 at Manitoba

September 16, 2000
Manitoba 41 Saskatchewan 16 at Manitoba

September 25, 1999
Saskatchewan 28 Manitoba 9 at Manitoba