The long road to the 52nd Vanier Cup has taken the Calgary Dinos and Laval Rouge et Or all the way to Tim Hortons field in Hamilton.
Laval is looking to add another national championship to their legacy while the Dinos, who haven’t hoisted the Vanier Cup in over two decades, are looking to get over the hump against a Rouge et Or team that’s had their number in recent meetings.
Here you’ll find a complete guide of all of our stories and analysis leading up to the big game which kicks off at 1:00 p.m. ET Saturday.
History Favours the Rouge et Or
“In their last six meetings since 2008, the numbers tell the tale. In two pre-season games, one Mitchell Bowl, one Uteck Bowl, and the pair of Vanier Cups, Laval holds a 6-0 record and has outscored the University of Calgary 221-62.”
Read the full preview here, including a history of the Calgary Dinos and Laval Rouge et Or in head-to-head play.
The Quarterback Matchup
Calgary Dinos: “Calgary head coach Wayne Harris said Friday that he has yet to decide whether Underdahl or rookie Adam Sinagra will get the start when the Dinos face the Laval Rouge et Or at Tim Hortons Field.”
Read the full profile here on Calgary’s quarterback situation.
Laval Rouge et Or: “Less than a week ago, Laval Rouge et Or’s starting quarterback threw for 191 yards and two touchdowns, running for 82 yards plus another score. He sat beside his head coach at the Vanier Cup press conference in Hamilton and was asked if he can be even better.”
Hugo Richard is peaking at the right time following a very strong season. Read more here on Richard’s last remaining challenge.
A larger look at the head-to-head quarterback matchup can also be found here.
Key Players to Watch
Skill position players: Laval and Calgary have had their depth tested in 2016, but both teams have responded very well. You can read more here on the top offensive skill players on each team, and who might break the Vanier Cup wide open on Saturday afternoon.
Coming full circle: “Faubert-Lussier started the year with the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but the receiver and kicker tweaked his hip flexor during training camp while attempting a field goal. He decided that his best option would be to go back to Universite Laval for his fifth and final year of eligibility.”
Felix Faubert-Lussier caught 30 passes for 440 yards and three touchdowns in league play this season, and now has a chance to end his U Sports career with a Vanier Cup win. Read the story of his season here.