THE LOW-DOWN 

The #1-ranked Golden Hawks are finally back on home turf for their Homecoming match against the Toronto Varsity Blues.  

Laurier enters the game after passing a stiff test against the #10 Ottawa Gee-Gees to remain at a perfect 5-0, while the Varsity Blues are coming off a 34-14 loss to Windsor that put them at 1-4.  

HEAD-TO-HEAD 

"We're not familiar with Toronto. They do some things a little bit different on both offense and defense, so they're really unlike any other team in the conference," manager of football operations and head coach Michael Faulds said.  

Both teams are unfamiliar with each other seeing as the last time they met was in 2022. The purple and gold are 29-14 all-time with Laurier winning that 2022 game 25-20.  

SATURDAY STORYLINES 

Laurier Golden Hawks 

"We told our guys that we still have not played four good quarters. I don't think we've had a game where we played three great quarters. We're kind of playing a quarter here, a quarter there," Faulds said after the win in Ottawa. 

It's true when you look at the box scores. The second quarter seems to be when the Golden Hawks come alive, scoring a combined 98 points in five second quarters this season, most of which have been the difference in outcomes.  

While it was a dominant offensive first half last weekend, the defense took control in the second half. So, with both fronts firing at different times, the Golden Hawks are looking to play consistent complimentary football this weekend before the head into the bye week.  

Toronto Varsity Blues 

Throughout the first three games, the Varsity Blues looked strong. They blewout Carleton in week one, and could have taken the next two games that ended in overtime heartbreakers. The past two games have been a much different story as they have lost both games by a combined 58 points. 

The Varsity Blues have a heavy passing offense and are looking to get that front back on track. As it stands, Toronto is first in passing yards, and third in both passing yards per game and passing touchdowns. However, their rushing unit is almost invisible, sitting eighth in rushing yards, tenth in the yards per game category, and last in rushing touchdowns.  

And with a struggling run game, the run defense is equally struggling, allowing the third most rushing yards per game along with allowing about 32 points per game.  

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Laurier Golden Hawks 

OFFENSE 

#10 – Cal Wither, and his favourite options 

Wither has had a very consistent season as each game he has had over 200 passing yards and just picked up his first 300-plus yard game last weekend. He is also coming off back-to-back games with four passing touchdowns.  

To his side, Ethan Jordan, who leads the OUA in three categories, has been his favourite target. Jordan put up a season high 182 receiving yards and a career best 93-yard touchdown last weekend.  

In the backfield, Tayshaun Jackson is Wither's go-to option. Jackson reads the gaps very well and uses his speed to move the sticks. He will be a handful for the Toronto defense that struggles to stop the run.  

DEFENSE 

#25 – Johari Hastings and #57 – Joseph Edlington 

The veteran Hastings anchors the defensive backs unit and was relied upon last weekend to keep Ottawa's offense at bay. He had the second-best team tackle total last weekend and one of his seven pass break-ups of the year was a timely one to prevent a touchdown.  

Edlington was crucial in the fourth quarter goal line stand against Ottawa and his two sacks put him at four on the year. His ability to get to the quarterback will be handy against Toronto as they have given up the fourth most sacks.  

Toronto Varsity Blues 

OFFENSE 

#17 – Scott Barnett 

Toronto's quarterback is obviously the key piece of the offensive puzzle, and he is looking to bounce back from two tough games where he only threw for 290-yards, no touchdowns, and seven interceptions, leading the league in that category. 

Yet he has the most passing yards, third most touchdowns, and fifth best completion percentage. Barnett has the weapons to get back on track in receivers Chris Joseph and Jake Oseen who both sit in the top five of receiving categories.  

DEFENSE  

#16 – Ryan Stewart 

Stewart has been a steady presence for Toronto's defense. He has 30.5 total tackles, good enough for third in the OUA, he is fifth in tackles per game, and first in fumble recoveries with two.  

The linebacker continues to lead this defense over the past two games where his offense has struggled, and in both games has had the second highest team tackle total.