The Alberta Golden Bears’ winless streak continued on Saturday after a 31–7 defeat at the hands of the Manitoba Bisons, who have now strung together two straight wins after opening the season as the underdogs until their Week 4 win against UBC's Thunderbirds.
Both teams experimented under center, but it was the Bisons who found their chemistry and capitalized on it.
For the first time this season, Alberta rotated through three quarterbacks. Starter Eli Hetlinger shared snaps with Cade Labreque and Trey Reider, each attempting passes as the Bears searched for offensive answers.
The rushing game's usual split also shifted. First-year running back Seth Poelzer has anchored majority of the run game this season, however this time Ope Oshinubi led with six carries for 52 yards, while Poelzer was limited to just four attempts for nine.
Veteran receiver Carter Kettyle provided himself to be Alberta’s bright spot for the game, catching seven passes for 123 yards and continuing his punting duties with seven boots averaging 40.3 yards.
Senior receiving colleague Erik Torhjelm chipped in with 49 receiving yards and caught for Alberta's only touchdown of the game.
On special teams, Evan Hirst managed 52 yards on punt returns, while Chase Tataryn paced the defense with eight total tackles. Defensive back Strachan Liberman and linebacker Riley Richardson trailed behind Tataryn on the defensive board, with Liberman totalling six tackles and Richardson for five.
The Bisons mirrored Alberta’s QB carousel just slightly, but with much better results. Cole Asneeuw completed 7 of 9 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown, while Jackson Tachinski went 6 of 10 for 100 yards and a score of his own.
Manitoba’s run game was dominant over Alberta's young secondary, who's growing pains are still evident.
Breydon Stubbs gave the Bears’ defence a run for their money with 20 carries for 121 yards and a touchdown, while Noah Anderson added 50 yards and another major on just four attempts. On the receiving corps, Vaughan Lloyd led with 63 yards, while Mula Yitna and Payton Yakimishyn each found the end zone.
The Bisons also showcased history-making talent in Maya Turner, the lone female player in Canada West. Turner was perfect on her lone field goal attempt and averaged 52 yards on her single punt.
She also stood out with five kickoff appearances for a total of 275 yards. In the return game, Shakur Harris managed five punt returns for 19 yards and two kick returns for 38 yards. Defensively, DB Carter Dallas led with seven tackles (four solo, three assisted).
The Overall Matchup
While both teams experimented with their offensive leadership using multiple quarterbacks, Manitoba executed with more efficiency and chemistry, balancing its passing attack with a powerful ground game.
Alberta, by contrast, struggled greatly to sustain drives. A number of stopped runs and dropped passes from Alberta explains the lack of points on the board in contrast to Manitoba.
For Alberta, the loss underscores a season still searching for chemistry and momentum with a young roster.
For Manitoba, it signals a turning point. The Bisons, who were also Canada West underdogs alongside Alberta until their Week 4 win, have now toppled Saskatchewan and Alberta in back-to-back weeks to climb the Canada West charts.
Ajayi's picks for Players of the Game
Offensive player of the game: REC Carter Kettyle
Defensive player of the game: LB Chase Tataryn
Special teams player of the game: K/P Maya Turner
Rookie player of the game: QB Cole Asneeuw
Next Game
The Alberta Golden Bears face off against the UBC Thunderbirds on Friday, Sept. 26 at Foote Field in Edmonton.