Saskatchewan’s long-running Highway 11 rivalry — the Regina Rams against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies — will add another instalment Friday night.
The Huskies will bus down to Regina for a 7 p.m. football clash with the host Rams in the second game of the season for both teams.
Here’s some things to know about an all-Saskatchewan game day.
CONTRASTING OPENERS
The Huskies and Rams headed in opposite directions this past weekend. Visiting Saskatchewan opened its season with a 37-24 loss to the Manitoba Bisons, while Regina beat the host Calgary Dinos 24-16.
The Rams led 16-2 early in the fourth quarter before surrendering their first touchdown of the season. Regina quarterback Owen Sieben left the game in the second quarter with a neck injury, and Noah Pelletier completed 14 of 19 passes for 125 yards the rest of the way. The Regina Leader-Post reports that Sieben will not play on Friday.
In the Huskies game, Manitoba blew things open early with a 21-0 first-quarter lead and Saskatchewan couldn’t close the gap.
NATIONAL POLLSTERS
The Huskies, who were ranked ninth in the nation heading into last weekend’s opener, tumbled out of the top 10 after losing to Manitoba.
They’re now ranked 15th in the country, and Regina is 16th.
Alberta (fifth), British Columbia (eighth) and Manitoba (ninth) represent Canada West in the top 10.
BIG-PLAY RECEIVER
One bright spot for Saskatchewan during Saturday’s loss was veteran receiver Daniel Wiebe, who pulled in 11 catches for 202 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown on a pass from Anton Amundrud.
It was the ninth time a Huskie receiver has recorded 200-plus receiving yards in a game. The record is held by Dan Farthing, who posted nine catches for 259 yards as a freshman in a 1987 loss to Manitoba.
Wiebe, who is in his fourth year of eligibility, recorded 27 receptions for 269 yards and two touchdowns last season after putting up 471 yards the previous campaign.
HEAD TO HEAD
The Huskies haven’t lost to the Rams since Sept. 29, 2017, when they dropped a 50-40 decision. Saskatchewan is 31-8 against Regina all-time, with their last meeting a 43-11 Huskies win last October.
The Huskies went 5-3 last year before losing to Alberta in the first round of playoffs, while Regina missed the post-season with a 1-7 mark.
UP NEXT
The Huskies return home next weekend after commencing their schedule with two games on the road. They play their home opener next Friday at 7 p.m. against Calgary before traveling to UBC the following weekend.
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