There are four teams left vying for the most coveted trophy in all of Canadian university sports: the Vanier Cup.
Bodog Canada put its oddsmakers to work after conference champions were crowned across the country. The result was value on the board no matter which team you bet on.
University of Montreal
Odds: +170
The Carabins have the advantage of being able to stay within their home province for a potential path to the national title. Montreal hosts Saskatchewan in the Uteck Bowl and with a win would travel less than three hours by bus to Quebec City for the championship game.
University of Connecticut transfer, quarterback Jonathan Senecal leads Montreal’s offence along with running back Bertrand Beaulieu and receiver Hassane Dosso. It might be the most dynamic offensive trio to come through the program at one time.
Western University
Odds: +250
The Mustangs get to play at home for the Mitchell Bowl against St. FX and no team from the Atlantic University Sport conference has made it to the Vanier Cup since 2007 when Saint Mary’s lost to Manitoba.
Running back Keon Edwards led the nation with 838 rushing yards while scoring nine touchdowns and averaging 7.0 yards per carry in six regular season games. That classic Western run game will be difficult to stop and gives the purple ponies a shot to hoist the trophy.
Western has the easiest way to Telus Stadium and a run game for head coach Greg Marshall to utilize in the elements.
University of Saskatchewan
Odds: +250
The Huskies are chartering east for the Uteck Bowl and plan to stay in Quebec for two weeks. Head coach Scott Flory has created a renewed atmosphere which brought the players even closer together in 2021 and bodes well for a possible successful road trip.
Saskatchewan has a complete team and arguably the best in that regard country-wide, but it will need to be proven on the field.
Quarterback Mason Nyhus has evolved in his second year as a starter, running back Adam Machart can take over a game, receivers Sam Baker and Colton Klassen bring explosive play ability — all of those guys play behind a pro calibre offensive line.
University of Oregon transfer, linebacker Nick Wiebe leads a stout front seven on defence that allows defensive ends Riley Pickett and Nathan Cherry to wreak havoc without needing to consistently create pressure from blitzing. Rushing four and affecting the passer has become routine for the dogs.
There’s a championship feel around the Huskies.
St. Francis Xavier University
Odds: +280
The X-Men want to prove the Atlantic conference can compete on the national stage and end the blowouts in bowl games. St. F.X. has a brother duo that could change the past and narrative around the AUS, quarterback Silas Fagnan and receiver Isaac Fagnan.
The QB earned Most Outstanding Player honours out in the Atlantic by completing 68 percent of his passes for 1,297 yards with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions in five regular season games. The pass catcher caught 27 balls for 393 yards and four touchdowns.
The Fagnans must ball out for the X-Men to have a chance.