1. Laval (Last week: 1)
When evaluating CIS quarterbacks, I look for deep-ball accuracy, mobility, checks and sight adjustments at the line of scrimmage, the ability to beat the blitz and leadership. Based on those criteria you can make the argument that the best QB in the country this year is true freshman Hugo Richard. The raw data—he leads the nation in passing yards per game—helps his case greatly as well. Thanks to Richard, teams now know they are going to have to find a way to score 30-plus points against them in order to have a chance at winning, which just plays into the hands of Laval’s always-imposing defence.
2. Calgary (LW: 2)
The Alberta derby is normally yawn-worthy, as it’s never very closely contested. That was the case week 1 when the Dinos beat the Golden Bears won 71–3. However, Calgary was forced to forfeit that game because of the use of an ineligible player. Alberta has played inspired football ever since and only has two other losses. Now, as they get set for the rematch at the U of A, the Bears can jump all the way to first place with a win. If Alberta upsets Calgary, the two teams will have identical records and Alberta would win the head-to-head tiebreaker 2–0—quite the turn of events for a team everyone expected to finish last in the Can West. Calgary is normally playing to protect an undefeated season at this time of year. I expect them to respond, now playing for their regular-season pennant.
3. McMaster (LW: 3)
The Marauders have much to give thanks for at this time of the year. They are healthy. They are in pole position in the OUA. They’ve navigated the toughest part of their schedule. And their greatest threats in the standings play each other down the stretch. Stef Ptaszek’s teams always get stronger as the season goes on, while the attrition of a tough year makes most programs weaker. Their depth and durability make them a safe bet to finish the year strong.
4. Western (LW: 4)
As good as Western has looked, they’ve had one of the weaker schedules in the CIS. Their win over Laurier last Thursday was their first over a team with a winning record this year. The cupcake season ends as they face the two teams they are tied with in the OUA standings. Windsor and Guelph each have only one loss and their sights set on a home playoff date. If Western wins out they get a first-round bye. If they slip up once more, the road to the Yates will be long and tough. Not a good sign for a banged-up football team.
5. Mount Allison (LW: 5)
The Mounties have played only two close games all year. They came in week 1 and 2 against conference foes St. FX and Acadia, and the Mounties won by a combined score of 10 points. Now they finish out the year with those two opponents acting as the only roadblocks between them and an undefeated regular season. Running the AUS table would make the 2014 Mounties one of the most celebrated teams in school history, no matter what happens in the post-season. The way they handle any potential success over the next two weeks will indicate what their definition of success in 2014 is.
6. Guelph (LW: 6)
The most overlooked defence in the CIS belongs to the Guelph Gryphons. Their front seven has gotten pressure at times with just three rushers. And regardless of the down or distance to the goal, they rally to the football. The “no name” defence is “no name” because it isn’t littered with CFL prospects, all-stars or east-west bowl participants, but it can gain name recognition and respect if it slows down the much-celebrated and No. 1–ranked Western offence this week.
7. Montreal (LW: 9)
The Carabins are slowly but surely making me a believer. As poor as their week 1 performance was against Laval, Montreal has steadily played better as their competition has improved throughout the year. They were at their best when it was needed against their toughest test in Concordia on Saturday and passed with flying colours. On the road they dominated the Stingers in all three phases with a 36–3 score line that could have been much worse. If games in the last two weeks are the litmus test, Montreal will provide Laval with a much tougher test en route to the Vanier than they showed in week 1.
8. Saskatchewan (LW: 7)
The first game back from the CIS Thanksgiving break is Saskatchewan vs. Manitoba. U of S is one of the few CIS teams with three games left on the schedule—all against the three teams directly behind them in the Can West standings. With a win against Manitoba, the Huskies clinch a playoff position. With a loss, they open up a myriad of tiebreaker scenarios. The ramifications for this game are so far reaching that it will certainly be appointment viewing for CIS fans Friday night, but if the Huskies don’t continue their high level of play, they’ll be the ones scoreboard watching on Saturday.
9. Concordia (LW: 8)
The Stingers came crashing down to earth after being humiliated on their home turf against Montreal. After winning their first four contests, Concordia has dropped the last two against the two perennial powers of the RSEQ. They get a much needed week off to regroup before their upcoming road game at Sherbrooke which now holds playoff implications.
10. Windsor (LW: honourable mention)
Their improved run game is the biggest difference in the 2014 Lancers. With Austin Kennedy at the helm, they’ve always been able to throw it around the clock. Since defensive coordinator Donovan Carter came to town, they’ve also been able to stop people on defence. This season, they’ve complimented those strengths with a strong running game, putting the ball in the end zone 14 times on the ground which is third best in the CIS. You need to have the ball to win and they’ve got the second best time of possession in the CIS, controlling the tempo for an average of 33:11 per game.
Honourable mentions: Laurier (LW: 10), Ottawa (LW: not ranked)
Dropped out: Sherbrooke (LW: honourable mention)