Courtesy: Wray Morrison

By Wray Morrison

Huskies vs. Mustangs run game

Get ready for ground and pound football

Nov 29, 2021 | 9:54 PM

Ground and pound football.

For a few decades now, it’s what Ontario University Association teams have been known for. A strong run game. The 2021 Western Mustangs seem to be following suit.

University of Saskatchewan Huskies’ coaches concur as they go over Western’s game film in the lead up to Saturday’s Vanier Cup showdown set for 12:00 pm (Saskatchewan time) at PEPS Stadium in Quebec City.

“They’re big. They’re physical. They’re big strong guys” said Huskies head coach Scott Flory.

Western’s offensive line is also experienced. Left guard Spencer Hood is in his 5^th year of eligibility, while centre Elliot Beamer is in his 3^rd.

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“We know they are going to run the ball,” said Flory. “It’s a bit of a different style. They run a lot of full backs and tight ends and heavy. It’s old school, south of the border stuff.”

In Western’s 29-0 win over Queen’s in the Yates Cup, (the OUA Final) 2^nd year running back Keon Edwards rushed for 168 yards and three touchdowns. In last Saturday’s Mitchell Bowl, the Mustangs had 469 yards rushing in a 61-6 win over St. FX.

“They run the ball real well,” said Huskies defensive coordinator Warren Muzika. “They really try to smash the ball. It’ll be 2 and 8, and they’re still trying to run the ball, and they have success with it.”

The Huskies’ defense has the advantage of practicing against one of the best offensive teams in the country every day, led by a veteran offensive line and one of the best running backs in the country in Adam Machart. That experience may be beneficial to the University of Saskatchewan football team, as Western’s starting offensive line averages out at 293.8 pounds.

“As big as Western’s o-line is, we practice against a pretty big o-line,” said Muzika. “We practice against great running backs every day. We’re pretty confident going in that we can compete.”

Some of that confidence comes from the results of the Uteck Bowl. Saskatchewan’s defense turned in a solid performance against the Carabins in hostile territory in Montreal last Saturday. Saskatchewan held the home team to just 10 points and no touchdowns. 3^rd year defensive lineman Riley Pickett finished the game with two sacks and six tackles. He’s a veteran on a defensive unit that is getting better, and building even more confidence leading up to Saturday’s championship game. For Pickett, the strategy is simple.

“Just beat them to their blocks, and make them try to make plays. I know our defense is going to smack them in the mouth early and often and they are going to break eventually.”

You can hear Saturday’s game on the HuskieFAN app, and HuskieFAN.ca. Coverage starts at 11:45 am with kick off set for 12:08 pm from Quebec City.

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