'It’s a long time coming': Huskies excited to hit field in Saskatoon for first real gridiron test in nearly two years
The U of S Huskies football team, like other university teams, have not played a game against another opponent in nearly two years and players say that is jacking up excitement for this weekend's preseason game against Manitoba.
"Honestly it's a long time coming. All the boys are jacked just to hit somebody other than our own team so everyone's looking forward to it," said Quarterback Mason Nyhus.
Head coach Scott Flory says there have been plenty of battles for opportunities in training camp and with nearly 700 days between playing games, Saturday's tilt could show who excels where on the depth chart.
"It will be a good test for us and be able to put a lot of guys in different spots and stress them and see what comes of it. But from a training camp perspective, we're getting out of it what we want to get out of it," said Flory.
Several key players are back with the Huskies on offence, including 2019 Canada-West player of the year, running back Adam Machart, quarterback Mason Nyhus, and receiver Colten Klassen, who was a 2018 and 2019 Canada-West all star. The duo may be a potent connection this season.
"I really hope so, obviously I love C.K. He's a great route runner, great competitor and just getting that guy and the ball in space is fantastic. Same thing with 20 right, we have a lot of dynamic athletes," said Nyhus.
On defence, coach Flory says he expects their front six to cause problems for opposing offences.
"We're big and strong and athletic in the front six for sure and they've got to do their job. We've got to be gap sound, we got to stop the run, all those kind of things"
Players say the lost season in 2020 shouldn't have an impact, but one focus of training camp are the details.
"You know, we always stress the details. Just being sound. Knowing our job. Trusting the guy next to you. That kind of thing," said Adam Machart.
The Huskies clash with Manitoba in a preseason contest Saturday at 2 p.m at Griffiths Stadium.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.