The University of Saskatchewan Huskies ran on empty by the end of last season — a disappointing (and very quick) halt to their campaign after a promising start.
The team, which lost three of its last four games including an opening-round playoff match to the Alberta Golden Bears, has that in the back of its collective mind heading into Saturday’s season opener. They’ve also got an encouraging pre-season victory to build off, after a strong training camp.
Here’s some things to know as the Huskies slide back into football season.
THE OPENER
The Huskies, who have a strong core of returning veterans, open Saturday afternoon in Winnipeg against the Manitoba Bisons. The Bisons went 3-5 last season and squeezed into the fourth and final Canada West playoff spot before losing 29-21 to British Columbia.
They’ve returned 22 of 24 starters from last season.
The Huskies placed third with a 5-3 mark, then lost 40-17 to Alberta on the road in the semifinal.
They’d reached the Vanier Cup in both 2021 and 2022, so the first-round ouster was quicker than they were used to.
A GOOD START
Saskatchewan played a pre-season home game last Thursday against Alberta, and won 42-16. That result included a big game from freshman running back Javin Boynton, who carried 12 times for 81 yards and a touchdown in just over one quarter of work.
The Huskies’ starting quarterback Anton Amundrud connected on 11 of 12 passes for 98 yards in an abbreviated performance.
Manitoba also played a pre-season game, edging Regina 29-25 on the road.
THE VOTES ARE IN
The Huskies open the season ranked ninth in the nation. The Montreal Carabins are first, while Canada West’s top-10 representation also includes UBC in the third spot and Alberta at No. 7.
Canada West’s pre-season coaches poll wasn’t quite as kind to the Huskies. They’re ranked fourth among the six teams in the conference, behind Alberta (four first-place votes), UBC (two first-place votes) and Manitoba.
Calgary and Regina tied for fifth.
ONE LAST HURRAH
Saturday’s game is the final home opener for personable Manitoba head coach Brian Dobie, who has held his post longer than any other current conference coach. Dobie will retire at the end of this season, after 29 years at the Bisons’ helm. He won a Vanier Cup with the Bisons in 2007.
Dobie’s Saskatchewan counterpart, Scott Flory, has held his head-coaching position since 2017.
UP NEXT
The Huskies follow their weekend game in Manitoba with a Sept. 6 clash in Regina against the Rams. They’ll play their home opener Sept. 13 against Calgary.
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