In the season opener, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues defeated the Carleton Ravens 42-23. Opening the season at home, the Ravens were optimistic they could take down a Blues team who has reached the playoffs just twice since 1995, the last time the program finished above .500.
Ultimately, the record-setting aerial attack of the Varsity Blues had the Carleton Ravens on their heels from kickoff.
The Ravens struggled to defend the deep ball, allowing an OUA record 614 passing yards from fourth-year quarterback Scott Barnett.
That was not the only record broken on this Saturday, as Barnett's passing yards contributed to receiver Chris Joseph tying a 34-year-old record with his 19 receptions.
Joseph's performance lands him second all-time in the U SPORTS record books for reception in a single game. His 310 yards receiving also set the school single-game receiving record.
Tristan Lefebvre, returning after a medical redshirt season, got the start for the Ravens. After winning the starting job out of camp, Lefebvre had an uncharacteristically poor start, a sharp contrast to his 2023-24 season where he threw for 2,065 yards and 17 touchdowns on 66.7 per cent passing.
The Varsity Blues jumped out to an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter, forcing the Ravens to abandon the run game and focus on explosive plays.
After completing 2-of-8 passes for 30 yards and an interception, Lefebvre gave way to third-year Elijah Barnes, who started in his absence last year. Barnes was stellar for the Ravens, finishing 28-of-47 for 423 yards and a touchdown.
Focusing on slowing opponents' passing games will be at the top of the agenda heading into a well-timed week off for Carleton. The Ravens will look to bounce back as they head to Waterloo on Sept. 5 to face the Warriors.
Toronto returns home Saturday to host Waterloo in a 7 p.m. kickoff at Varsity Stadium, with a big crowd expected as the game doubles as a U of T orientation week event.
Game Notes
Abandoning the run game early with the large deficit, Carleton's running backs ran just 11 times for 39 yards on the evening.
Ravens defensive back Megawatt Niyiragiro thought he had a pick six in the second half, but the play was called back due to a penalty.
Barnett spread his 32 completions to just three targets — Chris Joseph (19 catches, 310 yards, 2 TDs), Jake Oseen (9 for 158 yards, 1 TD) and Thomas Roberts (4 for 146 yards, 1 TD). Together, the trio accounted for all 614 passing yards and four touchdowns.