GAME INFORMATION
Date: Friday, September 8
Time: 7:00 PM
Opponent: Regina Rams
Location: Saskatoon, SK
Venue: Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park
Watch: SaskTel 49, 349 / CanadaWest.TV
Listen: HuskieFAN
SCHEDULE | WATCH LIVE 
 
You couldn't ask for a better Homecoming Game matchup  

As the University of Saskatchewan welcomes students back to campus this week, the Huskies (1-0) will welcome their provincial rivals, the Regina Rams (0-1), to Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park on Friday night for the annual Homecoming Game. The programs pair up in the first of their two meetings planned for the regular season. In addition to the Homecoming Game, it is also the kickoff to the 2023-24 U-Prairie Challenge presented by SaskMilk, an annual points based competition between the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and University of Regina Rams & Cougars.

Fans attending Friday night's Homecoming Game will be treated to the return of Co-op Rally Alley. Starting at 5:00 PM next to Griffiths Stadium, the area will be full of giveaways, face painters and balloon artists, fan engagement activities, happy hour food and beverage deals, and a live concert from Saskatoon's own The Gong Show. Co-op Rally Alley is free for everyone and the perfect way to amp up excitement for the matchup.

Ranked nationally in third place by U SPORTS, Saskatchewan is coming off a come from behind win over the Manitoba Bisons in last weekend's season opener in Winnipeg. That game saw the Huskies outscore the Bisons 23-2 in the second half, leaving IG Field with the 30-27 win. 

The departure of quarterback Mason Nyhus from the program and his replacement has dominated the post-season discussions for the Huskies. A Hec Crighton nominee, Nyhus was one of the most talented quarterbacks in Huskie history, setting a new single-season passing record for the program. 

Getting the start at quarterback for the 2023 season is second-year Anton Amundrud. The Lloydminster, SK product had a slow start to his game against the Bisons, throwing an interception early in the first quarter. He would throw two more interceptions before the game was finished but he proved he has what it takes to get the start, with 313 passing yards overall, including a 90-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Perry in the fourth quarter. 

The strength of the Huskie receiving core was on full display against the Bisons. Rhett Vavra scored the first major of the game halfway through the second quarter, with a 16 yard catch from Amundrud. Daniel Wiebe nabbed two second half touchdowns, with 63 receiving yards overall. 
 
Defensively, it will be difficult to get by Saskatchewan's linebackers, notably Lane Novak and Nick Wiebe, who had seven solo tackles each against the Bisons. They also added sacks to their stats, with John Stoll and defensive lineman Reece McCormick nabbing sacks of their own, putting pressure on Manitoba's offense. 

The Homecoming Game offers new students to the University of Saskatchewan the opportunity to experience Huskie football for the first time, highlighting a provincial rivalry for the ages. Traditionally the highest attended game of the season, the Homecoming Game is on track to sell out and a loud, enthusiastic crowd will greet the Regina Rams as they step foot onto the turf at Griffiths Stadium on Friday night.  

Scouting the Rams:
The Rams have had a rough start to the season, going up against the top ranked UBC Thunderbirds in Week 1, losing their season opener 25-10. 

Quarterback Bryden O'Flaherty came off the bench for a struggling Noah Pelletier in the fourth quarter, connecting on five of his first six pass attempts and leading the charge for the Rams only touchdown of the game. Expect to see Pelletier get the start against the Huskies. 

Regina's receiving core is looking good for the 2023 season, with D'Sean Mimbs, and Bennett Stusek each picking up six receptions for 92 and 53 yards respectively against UBC. They're strengthened by the addition of Rylan Sokul, a PFC All-Star and CJFL All-Canadian from the Regina Thunder. 

Looking to the Rams defense, linebackers Brayden Wagg and Chopper Hippie had impressive showings against the Thunderbirds, nabbing back-to-back sacks in the second quarter. 
  5 Things:

1. The game is the kickoff to the 2023-24 U-Prairie Challenge - an annual multi-sport competition between USask and U of R. Saskatchewan won the inaugural challenge, outscoring Regina 8.5 - 2.5 in soccer, football, women's volleyball, women's soccer, hockey, cross country and track and field competition over the course of the 2022-23 season.
2. Canada West's 2023 pre-season coaches poll has the Huskies tied for first overall in the rankings with the UBC Thunderbirds. The Regina Rams are ranked fourth. 
3. The last Huskie loss to the Rams was on September 29, 2017, where Regina took home the 50-40 win. 
4. Just four players on the Huskies 2023 roster have been a part of a Huskies team that has lost to the Rams — David Solie, Caleb Morin, Everett Iverson, and Michael Palumbo.
5. Saskatchewan has outscored the Rams 196-90 over the course of their six-game winning streak.

Head-to-head vs. Regina

• All-time vs. Regina: Saskatchewan is 31-11
• Last 10 meetings: Saskatchewan is 8-2
• Huskies 2022 regular season record vs. Regina: 2-0
• Last regular season meeting: 23-20 Huskies win on October 15, 2022 at Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park