THE LOW-DOWN 

The #1-ranked Golden Hawks meet the #2 Western Mustangs for the season's most anticipated matchup. Both teams come in undefeated and off massive wins in week eight where the Golden Hawks beat Carleton 55-12 and Western took down York 65-28 

HEAD-TO-HEAD 

Historically, the Mustangs have had Laurier's number. But last year was a major step in the right direction for the purple and gold as they upset their rivals 43-28, marking the first regular season win over the Mustangs since 2006.  

Saturday's match will also be a rematch of the previous two Yates Cup finals that saw Western complete the three-peat in 2023 while the Golden Hawks won the 116th championship last year in a dominant 51-31 win.  

It will be a tale of two heavy weight offenses when these two take the field. The Mustangs have the nation's top total offense, leading in total touchdowns (41) and yards per game (543.9). The Golden Hawks are second in total touchdowns (36) and fourth in yards per game (483.0). 

The Mustangs are riding on the back of their dominant rushing attack that leads the country in total rushing yards (2,056) and per game yards (293.7), attempts (225), and rushing touchdowns (27).  

Laurier, on the other hand, has a more balanced attack, sitting in the OUA's top five in both the passing and rushing categories.  

SATURDAY STORYLINES 

Laurier Golden Hawks 

There are still program records on the line and within reach in the regular season finale. Cal Wither is now three touchdowns away from Bill Kubas's single-season record of 23, and Ethan Jordan is four touchdowns back from breaking Stefen Ptaszek's single-season record of 13. Jordan is also only 28 receiving yards away from his second consecutive 1,000-yard season.  

The Golden Hawks have to be perfect on both sides of the ball to remain undefeated. In the trenches, the linemen have been stellar this year and will be put to the test on Saturday. The offensive line has allowed only six sacks in seven games while giving Wither the time and space to find open options.  

On the other end, the defensive line has shut down the rush all year, allowing the fewest rushing yards per game. They have proven time and time again that they can win the war of attrition.  

The Golden Hawks have already clinched a playoff spot, but the team wants even more. Running the table guarantees a first-round bye and home field advantage throughout the OUA playoffs. 

Western Mustangs 

The Mustangs were put to the test two weeks ago against Windsor and narrowly escaped with a 15-6 win. The Mustangs failed to score a touchdown in that game, relying heavily on Brian Garrity's leg and five field goals. That game was the only one this season where they were able to limit an opponent to a single digit score. 

Last week they were back to themselves, handing York a 65-28 loss.  

But the Golden Hawks are neither York nor Windsor, and the Mustangs, this time, are the ones with bitter tastes in their mouths after suffering two losses to Laurier last season. 

They too are trying to sweep the table, secure the bye, and make their ninth straight Yates Cup appearance.  

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Laurier Golden Hawks 

OFFENSE 

#3 – Ryan Hughes and #10 – Cal Wither 

Hughes's performance in last year's Yates Cup secured him a spot in the starting lineup this year. He was unstoppable in the postseason, and luckily for Hughes, this game promises to carry the air of a playoff game.  

Last week against Carleton, Hughes had a season high 102 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He is third in touchdowns (7) and ninth in receiving yards (488).  

Wither, accuracy and execution will be top priority. He has not thrown an interception in two games and has only thrown four all season. He has four straight games of a completion rate higher than 70% and four straight 300 plus yard games.  

He is first in completion rate (73.7%), passing touchdowns (21), and pass efficiency (190.0), while second in pass yards (2,109) and yards per game (301.3). 

DEFENSE 

#55 – Matteo Laquintana and the defensive line 

In his sophomore season, Laquintana has 14 tackles and four for loss totaling 31-yards. Against Carleton, he had three tackles and one sack for 11 lost yards, while in last year's Yates Cup he had four tackles and two sacks.  

The defensive line must continue their stout play, especially against the nation's top rushing attack and are coming off a game where they only gave up 87 rushing yards. 

Western Mustangs 

OFFENSE 

#29 – Ethan Dolby 

Dolby has been the most dominant running back in the country this season. He is first in rushing attempts (123), yards (1,220), yards per game (174.3), and touchdowns (14). 

Against Windsor, who has the second-best defense against the run, he was limited to 98-yards, making it his first game under 100 rushing yards. He bounced back against York last week with 264-yards and three touchdowns.  

DEFENSE 

#20 – Jackson MacKay 

The freshman defensive back had 10 tackles and two pass break-ups against York last week. On the season, MacKay has 34 total tackles, averages almost five per game, and has one interception worth 60-yards.