Listen, panic button might be an overstatement. All I’ll say is that no team has been to a Yates Cup after an 0-2 start since 2007.
That year both Western (started 0-4) and Guelph (started 0-2) managed to claw their way back to .500 records and eventually wound up facing off in the Yates Cup.
Western would win the game, but fall to the Manitoba Bisons the next week in the Mitchell Bowl.
To put this into perspective, 2007 was Greg Marshall’s first year as Western’s head coach.
Current Laurier head coach Michael Faulds and 3DownNation's Justin Dunk suited up at quarterback for Western and Guelph respectively in the Yates Cup.
So I guess my point is that although this weekend might not create panic on campuses across Ontario, history is not on the side of 0-2 teams.
Queen's Golden Gaels (Week 2: Saturday @ McMaster)
Week 1 was heartbreaking for Queens, losing a quadruple overtime thriller to the Western Mustangs in the way they did definitely stings.
The good news is that a lot of their game looked great against the Mustangs and except for the last three minutes of the game (often touted as the most important in Canadian football) they played winning football.
Running back Jared Chisari had a tough day against Western, carrying the ball nine times for 22 rushing yards. As one of the best backs in the conference, he’ll definitely be looking for a huge bounce back game.
This is a winnable game for Queens, but don’t underestimate how hard it is to win on the road against an equally desperate team.
Guelph Gryphons (Week 2: Sunday @Western)
Guelph looked great in the second half of their Week 1 tilt with Laurier. Tristan Aboud looked the part of a potential OUA MVP, going 27-of-41 for 415 yards and two touchdowns through the air. On the ground he added nine rushes for 96 yards and two more scores.
Western struggled at times in their Week 1 matchup with Queen's, and starting QB Evan Hillock was seen with his non-throwing shoulder in a sling at the end of the game.
However, everybody knows winning in London is no easy feat. Guelph has a tall task on their hands if they want to avoid the dreaded 0-2 start.
McMaster (Week 2: Saturday vs. Queens)
McMaster travelled to York in Week 1 and were defeated 31-24.
Mac quarterback Luke Thalman (18-of-24, 272 yards, 3 touchdowns) went toe to toe with his former teammate and current York quarterback Keagan Hall (29-of-41, 332 yards, 2 touchdowns), but ultimately it was two rushing touchdowns that put Hall and York on top.
McMaster has the benefit of being at home in Week 2, but they have to deal with a Queen's team who looks really good.
If the Marauders want to avoid an 0-2 start, they need their defence to step up. Defensively, Mac gave up 454 total yards against York last week, and Queen's is a more well-oiled machine than the Lions.
Waterloo (Week 2: Saturday @Toronto)
Unfortunately for Waterloo, they once again find themselves in a hole to open the season. The last time the Warriors had a winning record was Week 1, 2022. It was their only win of the season, but it was a win nonetheless.
Toronto is typically a team that Waterloo plays well. In fact, the Warriors are 2-2 with the Varsity Blues in the last four matchups.
Toronto is coming off of a huge road win with record setting offensive performances, however, and I’m sure they’d like to extend those fireworks into their home opener this weekend.
In their Week 1 tilt with the Ottawa Gee-Gees, Waterloo’s defence held firm. They kept Ottawa to 289 total yards, though 222 of these yards were through the air.
They will definitely need a huge performance from their defence, and passing defence especially, to stifle the red hot Scott Barnett.
Honourable Mention: Carleton Ravens (Week 2: Bye, Week 3: Saturday @Waterloo)
Carleton has a bye Week 2 of the OUA season, and boy, do they need it. Their Week 1 loss to Toronto saw their defence give up a record setting day to Toronto quarterback Scott Barnett.
Barnett went 32-of-39 for 614 yards and four touchdowns and the Varsity Blues won the game 42-23.
As the Ravens take the bye week to regroup, they can look to Elijah Barnes’ performance to build from.
The third year quarterback did not start the game for the Ravens, but upon entering completed 28-of-47 passes for 423 yards and a touchdown.
The Ravens will travel to Waterloo in Week 3 to take on the Warriors.