THE LOW DOWN 

• Having outscored their previous two opponents by a combined score of 92-33 on the road, the U SPORTS #9-ranked Golden Hawks are now firmly in the discussion as contenders in the OUA. They'll look to improve on their 4-2 record, which has them in fourth place in the conference. 

• This young Guelph Gryphons team hasn't quite lived up to the high expectations placed on them coming into the season, as they currently sit outside of a playoff spot with a 1-5 record. This is a must-win game if they're to have a shot at squeaking into the postseason, and they'll be hungry for the victory against a regional rival. 

HEAD-TO-HEAD 

• Laurier's all-time record against Guelph is 35-18. Recent history, however, favours the Gryphons, who've won seven of the last eight meetings dating back to 2012. 

• The last game between these two teams was in last season's OUA quarter-final, in which Guelph eliminated Laurier by a score of 31-18. 

SATURDAY STORYLINES 

Laurier Golden Hawks 

• Though they're undefeated on the road, the purple and gold have yet to win a game at University Stadium this season. Granted, they've so far hosted #1 Western and #7 Ottawa. Given how close the Homecoming game against the Gee-Gees ended, the Golden Hawks will be even more motivated to finally get the win for their home fans, as well as answer back for last year's playoff defeat.  

• While Golden Hawks football has historically been associated with defensive prowess, Laurier's offence has emerged as one of the best in the province. They rank third in the OUA in points per game (31), yards per game (426.5), and first downs per game (23), while their 78% third-down conversion rate is 14 points ahead of the second-best team. 

Guelph Gryphons 

• The Gryphons have had three different quarterbacks spend significant time under centre this season. Getting the lion's share of snaps in the backfield has been Jake Helfrich, who was the OUA's offensive player of the week in week 3. He's coming off a three-interception game, however, so it will be interesting to see who ends up running Guelph's offense for these crucial last two regular season games. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Laurier Golden Hawks 

OFFENCE 

• Quentin Scott rushed for a career-high 189 yards last week against Waterloo and scored two touchdowns, marking the fifth straight game he's found the endzone. The second-year running back now leads U SPORTS in total rushing yards (758) and is among the top candidates for the OUA MVP. 

DEFENCE 

• Shomari Hutchinson was named U SPORTS' defensive player of the week following his performance against the Warriors. The fifth-year defensive back had 4.5 total tackles and two clutch fourth-quarter interceptions to help secure the win. 

Guelph Gryphons 

OFFENCE 

• Second-year receiver Vyshonne Janusas has been a favourite target of all three Gryphons quarterbacks this season, and ranks sixth in receptions (25) and seventh in receiving yards (346) in the OUA. 

DEFENCE 

• Scott Murray is one of the best in the nation at getting to the quarterback. The second-year Linebacker's six sacks on the season rank him first in the OUA and third across U SPORTS. He's coming off a game last week against McMaster in which he had 2.5 sacks.