TOP 10 MUST SEE GAMES IN THE CIS THIS SEASON!!!

Laurier Golden Hawks at Western Mustangs
September 1st, 7pm (WHY IS THIS NOT TELEVISED….)

One of the longest rivalries in CIS football resumes to kick off the season with some added twists.

The Mustangs eliminated the Golden Hawks in the OUA semi-finals for the second straight time last season, so Laurier BETTER be eager to begin their season with revenge against their bitter rivals. Also, former Laurier starter Ian Noble (now public enemy #1 in the Twin Cities area) could very well be under centre for Western in this game if he can win the starting QB battle over Donnie Marshall in training camp.

Saskatchewan Huskies at Calgary Dinos
September 4th, 7pm (Shaw TV)

These two teams slugged it out in last year’s Hardy Cup, with Calgary coming out on top by 1 point. This game features some of the best players the CIS has to offer and look for this one to come down to the wire as well. Shaw TV is lucky to kick off their CIS coverage this year with this game.

Concordia Stingers at Montreal Carabins
September 11, 1pm (RDS)

This early meeting between two sure to be powers in the Quebec conference should be a good measuring stick as to who is going to give Laval a run for the conference championship. Concordia will need their best performance to come from their DL because les Carabins OL is big, mean and UGLY.

McMaster Marauders at Western Mustangs
September 18, 1pm (The Score)

This game could be the Marauders’ coming out party if they can duplicate the road upset they handed the Mustangs last year at Western homecoming. McMaster comes into the 2010 season with high expectations and they will definitely be FIRED up to prove themselves on national TV.

Laval Rouge et Or at St. Mary’s Huskies
September 18, 1pm (Eastlink)

The two defending conference champions have had some exciting games in the recent past, including an upset by the Huskies in the 2007 national semi-final. Laval will be CHOMPING at the bit to even the score in front of a homecoming crowd in Halifax.

Queen’s Gaels at Western Mustangs
October 2, 1pm (The Score)

Although both of these long time rivals will have new faces under centre, there will be no love lost from last year’s epic Yates Cup final that came down to the final play. Queen’s hasn’t made the trip to London in 3 years so expect the alumni and the purple flags to be out in full effect at Western homecoming.

St. Mary’s Huskies at St. FX X-Men
October 8, 7pm (Eastlink)

You can’t have a must-see game list without including this AUS rivalry. The Huskies have beat the X-Men in a one score game in each of the past 3 AUS championship games. Some feel last year’s game might have been St. FX’s best chance at beating the Huskies, although it didn’t come down to the familiar last second kick. Do not be surprised if this game is played in a muddy, torrential downpour in good ole Antigonish.

Laval Rouge et Or at Montreal Carabins
October 9, 1pm (RDS)

The same question has been asked for the past half decade: will this be the year that the Carabins unseat Laval in the Quebec conference. Both teams have high expectations despite graduating their outstanding quarterbacks last season. It will be interesting to see how Glen Constantine’s squad tackles Montreal’s dangerous wildcat formation.

Queen’s Gaels at Laurier Golden Hawks
October 16, 1pm (The Score)

The Gaels had a magical season last year, but the one team they couldn’t beat was Laurier. Sure, Queen’s was resting their entire backfield for the game and had already clinched home field advantage before that game, but don’t tell that to the Golden Hawks. This nationally televised season finale should have major playoff implications in the OUA.

Regina Rams at Saskatchewan Huskies
October 29, 7pm (Shaw TV)

Provincial rivals, with no love lost. This will more than likely be a battle for a playoff spot in last game of season. This is to be a night game on Shaw TV, so expect more than a few green men out in the crowd!

PHOTO: [url]www.westernmustangs.ca