Game Date: Friday, August 31 (7 p.m.)
Game Location: Griffiths Stadium in PotashCorp Park
Live Broadcast: CK 750,www.ck750.com
Live Stats: www.canadawest.tv
 
THE GAME
For the second straight year, the 2012 Canada West season begins with a meeting between the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and the University of Alberta GoldenBears. Each team’s young offences will look to prove they are seriouscontenders in 2012.
 
BROADCAST INFO
Kickoff is 7 p.m. on Friday night. The game will be available live on CK750 or www.ck750.com.
 
THE HEADLINES

• Saskatchewan (No. 8) is one of three Canada West teams to hold a spot in the first CIS Top 10 of the season.
• Huskie quarterback Drew Burko will make his first start in a CIS football game.
• The Huskies will look to earn their third straight win against the Golden Bears
• Friday’s game marks the first of two meetings between the two teams in the Canada West season. They’ll also play October 20 in Edmonton.
• At Friday’s game, the Huskies will Support Our Troops for the second straight season. The pregame ceremony will include a colour guard, a ceremonial cointoss and kickoff. The Huskies’ traditional pregame flag plant and raising will honour the contributions of our Canadian Forces. Postgame fans are treated to special fireworks dedicated to the Canadian Forces.
• A tailgate party for fans and supports, as well as military personnel and their families, will be hosted by the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce on Field 2, just west of the Griffiths Stadium in PotashCorp Park entrance. Proceeds of the event will go toward the Soldier On Fund.
• At halftime, the Huskies Game Day Drive-Away with Saskatoon Mitsubishi and Wired 96.3 season-long contest will launch.

 
CIS RECORD WATCH
Huskie safety Bryce McCall sits two interceptions away from tying the CIS career record of 21. It would also break the Canada West and Huskies record in thecategory. The record of 21 is shared by Bob Coffin (Saskatchewan, 1970-74),Peter McNabb (Toronto & Queen's) and Matt Carapella (Western).
 
GOLDEN BEARS/HUSKIES SERIES
In the past 10 seasons, the Huskies hold a 15-5 overall (includes playoffs and non-conference) record against the Golden Bears and a 13-3 record in conference action. Alberta’s last win against the Huskies came in an upset 31-30 last minute victory in the 2010 Canada West semifinal in Saskatoon.

FROM THE COACH
 

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (0-0)
Next Week: Calgary Dinos
The 2012 CIS football season will be the proving ground for Golden Bears, and their talented, but young, roster. Coming off a season in which they started 12 true freshmen, including revamped offensive and defensive lines, the Golden Bears are seeking redemption, and to prove to Canada West and CIS that they are trending upwards.
Alberta’s line-backing core is easily one of the best in Canada West, featuring fifth-year veteran Duncan Morris, as well as third-year Tyler Greenslade and sophomore Connor Ralph. They are complimented by fifth-year defensive backs Randon Ralph and Brent Krawchuk, as well as sophomore defensive lineman Greg Severin and third-year DL Steven Giang.

A pair of third-year athletes will attempt to earn the regular season starting position at quarterback, as returnees Curtis Dell and Ryan Schwartz attempt to expand on the roles they had in 2011. The offensive line will once again be very young, as will the running game, whereas the Bears boast veterans in the receivinggame in Jess Valleau (4th-year), Porter Brown (4th-year), and Ryley Richardson (3rd-year).

No. 8 UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (0-0)
Next Week: Manitoba Bisons
Despite a 26-21 non-conference loss to the University of Guelph Gryphons last weekend, the Huskies’ young offence showed flashes of brilliance.
 
Rookie quarterback Drew Burko saw his first CIS in-game action completing in13-of-19 passes for 176 with one touchdown in two quarters of action. His main target was Kit Hillis. The two connected for a 63-yard touchdown in the dying seconds of the first frame. However, the offence suffered two setbacks with veteranreceiver Garrett Burgess and starting tailback Dexter Janke leaving the game with injuries. Both are expected to miss Friday’s affair.
 
Saskatchewan’s expected strength is a veteran defence that includes speedy defensive backs Bryce McCall, SeamusNeary, Mitch Friesen and Luke Thiel, as well as the tough and sturdy defensive line anchored by veterans David Rybinski, Joel Seutter, Zach Hart and Levi Steinhauer.