The University of Saskatchewan Huskies clinched their playoff spot after a 41-12 victory of the University of Manitoba Bisons on Saturday afternoon in Winnipeg, MB. (Wray Morrison/HuskieFAN)

By HuskieFAN

Road to Hardy Cup goes through Saskatoon

Huskies punch playoff ticket

Oct 30, 2021 | 5:48 PM

The road to the Hardy Cup will go through Saskatoon.

The University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team clinched first place with a 41-12 victory over the University of Manitoba Bisons on Saturday afternoon in Winnipeg, MB.

“They are a really good football team, and we knew they were going to come out and play,” said Scott Flory, head coach of the Huskies. “It was just a slug fest early on, but we just needed to get through the threshold.”

Huskies’ kicker/punter David Solie got the Huskies on the board late in the first quarter with a 26-yard field-goal.

Solie would add to the Huskies lead with another field goal, from 36 yards in the second quarter.

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With less than a minute remaining in the half, Charlie Ringland forced a fumble, and the Huskies took the ball at the Bisons 26-yard-line.

Huskies quarterback Mason Nyhus found rookie receiver Everett Iverson with 14 seconds remaining in the half for his first career pass to give the Huskies the 13-3 lead at half time.

The visitors refused to let up on the gas, as Nyhus found Daniel Perry down the sidelines, and he ran it 70 yards for another touchdown in the third quarter.

“We ran a simple play, but that was just execution,” said Flory. “He ran a heck of a route and Mason made a great throw and (Perry) went tip-toeing down the sidelines. It was one of those designed plays and he made a great catch.”

The Huskies continued to pad their lead when backup quarterback Ethan Waston punched in another touchdown from the one-yard line, giving them a 27-3 lead.

After three quarters, the Huskies led 29-10 over the Bisons.

Ryker Frank got his first career Canada West touchpoint late in the fourth quarter to give the Huskies the 41-12 victory.

Solie finished three-for-three on field goals on the afternoon as well.

Nyhus completed 18 of 37 throws for 246 yards with two touchdowns. Watson went one for five attempts for 23 yards.

“We made some plays when we had to. That is one of those encouraging things because we wanted to level the field on special teams and David did well,” said Flory.

The lopsided win guarantees the Huskies home field advantage throughout the playoffs as well. This was an important battle for both teams that had the same record heading into this matchup.

“We are here to win. I want to be crystal clear on that. It will be the message I give the guys. There is no buts or anything,” said Flory. “We know we have first place, but we are here to win. We never want to lose a game, no matter the scenario. That is our mindset and attitude.”

The Huskies will face the University of Calgary Dinos in the final regular season game next weekend (Saturday, 2 p.m.) at Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park.

“We will worry about Calgary. They are good football team – we know that. We need to protect our house,” said Flory. “Given the conditions, we are getting better week after week and that’s what we preach and that’s what our guys are doing.”

This is the first time since 2010 that the Huskies finish on top of the Canada West division.