1. Laval
Think Laval was impressive in their Vanier Cup triumph over Calgary in 2013? Reports are they were even more dominant in their two joint practices with the Dinos prior to the 2014 season. Laval has always been dominant on defense under Glen Constantin. With quarterback Hugo Richard now in the fold, the hope is they’ll soon be just as dominant on the offensive side of the ball. Richard, who was recruited heavily by teams across the country, has been dubbed “the French Finch,” suggesting he’s just as dominant in his conference as Will Finch is in the OUA. The Vanier College product might not be a factor early in the season but by the time the hardware is handed out, his dynamic play-making ability might make an already scary juggernaut equally dangerous on both sides of the ball.
2. Western
Greg Marshall’s Western teams have been good but they haven’t been McMaster good yet. When Marshall won four straight Yates Cups in Hamilton, his Marauders were two- or three-deep at every position, specifically on the offensive line. Since moving to London, he’s been to the illustrious Vanier Cup once in 2008, but his 2014 team is—on paper, anyway—better. In 2008, Marshall had a freshman starting at running back and two freshmen starting on the offensive line. In 2014 Marshall has three dynamic tailbacks with previous CIS experience at his disposal and the best offensive line in the OUA with only one first-time starter on offence. The mixture of depth and experience means the 2014 Mustangs could be the best team Marshall has ever had, and could win him the one thing he hasn’t won—the Vanier Cup.
3. Calgary
CFL scouts will have their eyes glued on the Dinos this season. This squad might boast more pro-ready talent than the rest of the Can West conference combined. Seen last year as the team’s Achilles heel, coming into 2014 all five members of the o-line are being charted by pro scouts. They open holes for Mercer Timmis, a running back who will undoubtedly be the next in a long line of Can West tailbacks to ply their trade in the CFL. That said, a QB controversy between Andrew Buckley and Eric Dzwilewski could derail what looks like a dream season. Both men have played in a Vanier Cup and lost. Head coach Blake Nill has a significant challenge on his hands, trying to figuring out which one has the best chance to get him back to a Vanier and win it.
4. Montreal
Will this be the year? Danny Maciocia was hired with one mandate in mind: Beat Laval. Unlike the rest of the RSEQ, and really the country for that matter, Maciocia has been able to do it during the regular season. It didn’t happen last year but in 2011 and 2012 the Carabins beat Laval at home. It’s almost impossible to win on the road at Peps, which makes the home-opening date against the Rouge et Or imperative for the Montreal’s Vanier Cup hopes. Although Montreal has been known for their ground-and-pound approach under Maciocia in recent years, expect a change in philosophy this year. The Carabins will be more aggressive offensively during the regular season to help push that point-differential to a favourable position so a potential playoff tilt against Laval will be in Montreal.
5. Saskatchewan
There is a great divide between the top four in the CIS and the rest of the pack. Perennial power Saskatchewan is in the second tier of that ledger because they’ve taken a hit after graduating 11 seniors. That said, a favourable schedule means the Huskies get to wait until Sept. 19 to face the defending champs—the Calgary Dinos. The only test against Calgary will be a home fixture.
6. Mount Allison
When you include their Uteck Bowl loss to the eventual Vanier champions, the Mounties’ four best football games in 2013 were their last four. This is a program under the guidance of Kelly Jeffrey and it’s on the rise. The biggest question mark is how do they overcome the loss of Jordan Botel at running back, who was the heart and soul of their team and the main manufacturer of their offensive production? In every other area Mount A match up favorably with Acadia—the team that will undoubtedly be their chief rival for AUS supremacy.
7. Sherbrooke
This team would be higher on the list except they lost a boatload of talent on offence due to graduation. They had an exceptional recruiting year, however, and should not just feature the colours of the Oregon Ducks but score like them as well. The question is not about talent with the Vert et Or—it’s about consistency. Physically they match up better with the Carabins and the Rouge et Or than anyone in the country, but far too often they play down to their opponents. If you reverse the fortunes of their two one-point losses to Bishop’s last year, they are a 5-3 team in arguably Canada’s toughest conference. I expect them to return to their above-.500 mean. If not, head coach David Lessard might find himself on the hot seat in just his third year at the helm.
8. McMaster
The Marauders crack the top 10 after a great character win in Week 1, coming back after being on the losing end of a 22–9 score against Guelph. Mac has the deepest wide receiving corps in the country, which means they are never out of any game. The return of defensive coordinator Greg Knox should solidify what was an uncharacteristically undisciplined defence in 2013.
9. Guelph
I thought coming into the year that Guelph and McMaster were photo-finish close and that proved to be true in Week 1. Despite controlling the game for the bulk of the first three quarters, the Gryphons never looked convincing on either side of the ball. For an offence that prides itself on running the ball and protecting the passer, they should be able to protect leads and put games away better than they’ve shown over the last two years.
10. Regina
With 31 years of service under his belt, Regina Rams boss Frank McCrystal is hanging them up after this season. Under his tutelage the Rams’ program has been a pipeline to the NFL and CFL. An impressive four former Rams were in NFL camps this summer. McCrystal can certainly develop talent and in his last kick at the can, he’ll look to deliver a winner. An inspired Rams program should make life in the Can West more interesting than normal for their legendary leaders’ swan song. Every point will count in what is shaping up to be one of the closest conference playoff races in recent memory. The fact that Regina plays Calgary and Saskatchewan only once each while UBC and Manitoba both play the perennial powers twice should give the Rams the edge at season’s end.
Honourable Mention: Queen’s, Manitoba