The University of Saskatchewan Huskies celebrate their Hardy Cup win over the University of Manitoba Bisons on Saturday afternoon at Griffiths StadiumPhoto By Josh Schaefer/Huskie Athletics/GetMyPhoto.ca

By Wray Morrison

Huskies dig out from 16-0 down to win Hardy Cup

Hardy Cup Champions!

Nov 20, 2021 | 5:00 PM

It’s not who starts, it’s who finishes.

It’s one of the oldest sayings in sport, but it applies to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team.

After falling behind 16-0 at home, the Huskies rallied to beat the Manitoba Bisons 45-17 in the 84^th Hardy Cup at Griffiths Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

“We just lost our minds in the first quarter,” said Huskies head coach Scott Flory.

An early interception return by Bisons defensive back Arjay Shelley put the Bisons offense deep in Huskies territory, setting up a one-yard run from quarterback Jackson Tachinski.

Seth Hundeby

Going camping

Apr 30, 2025

Listen: A chat with Super Bowl Champ Luke Willson

Willson is ready for Dog's Breakfast

Apr 17, 2025

Listen: Huskie defensive coordinator Cody Halseth

Veteran coach moves in to new role with football team

Apr 08, 2025

On the very next drive, Manitoba running back Michael Ritchott scored on a 53-yard run to give the Bisons a 16-0 lead.

The Huskies entered the football game on a six-game win streak and returned to form in the second quarter.

Adam Machart scored the first of three touchdowns early in the second quarter to cut Manitoba’s lead to 16-9. It was 16-12 at the half.

“We adjusted, we tackled, we blocked, we ran! We were calm through it all,” said Flory.

The Huskies offensive line appeared to wear down Manitoba’s interior in the second half and that led to more success for Machart.

Touchdown runs of three and four yards in the third quarter lifted the home side to a 26-16 lead. Machart finished the day with 223 yards in rushing on 20 carries and a hat trick of touchdowns.

Fifth-year receiver Colton Klassen helped blow the game open with a 17-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, as the Huskies went up 35-16.

“The thing I’m most proud of is the resiliency we showed,” said Klassen. “Guys didn’t get down on each other. We got the energy up. That’s the sign of a good football team.”

Back-up running back Ryker Frank made the most of his playing time, scoring on a 50-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

The Huskies defense also played a major role in the momentum swing — Nixen Voll, Cam Skinner and Lane Novak had interceptions, while Riley Pickett, Seth Hundeby and Nathan Cherry registered sacks.

“This team is so connected. The defense stepped up (with) two or three picks today,” said Klassen. “Unbelievable, the pressure we’re getting.”

It’s the 20th Hardy Cup title in Huskies’ history.

The University of Saskatchewan will now face the RSEQ champion Montreal Carabins in the Uteck Bowl on Saturday, November 27 in Montreal.

Wray Morrison will have all the play-by-play on the HuskieFAN app and HuskieFAN.ca

In the Yates Cup, the Western Mustangs beat the Queen’s Golden Gaels 29-0 in the OUA title game.

St. FX defeated Bishops 25-17 in the Loney Bowl for the AUS crown. The X-Men now face the Mustangs in the Mitchell Bowl next weekend.

The winners of the Uteck Bowl and Mitchell Bowl will meet in the Vanier Cup on December 4^th at Laval University in Quebec City.