The Alberta Golden Bears travel host the the UBC Thunderbirds at home Friday at Foote Field in Edmonton in a matchup heavy with pressure.
With a current 0-4 record (0-5 including preseason), the Bears are still searching for their first win of 2025. For Golden Bears head coach Stevenson Bone, the stakes are personal: this is his first meeting against his old team.
Bone spent three seasons as offensive coordinator at UBC, working with Thunderbirds head coach Blake Nill, a man he called “a very talented, very experienced, very incredible head coach.”
Bone has credited his time under Nill as foundational to his coaching career but tonight he stands across the field as the Bears’ leader, eager to deliver Alberta its first win of the season.
“I was very blessed to have my time under Coach Nill,” Bone said. “But I’m here to help us get a win tonight.”
The Run Game Question
One of the Bears’ biggest storylines this season has been the backfield split between Seth Poelzer and Ope Oshinubi. While Poelzer has been listed on various game depth charts as RB1 and has typically carried the load, Oshinubi emerged as the lead rusher last week against Manitoba with six carries for 52 yards, compared to Poelzer’s nine.
Asked about the running game shift, Bone downplayed the idea of a “lead back,” or one running back being prioritized, emphasizing balance and flexibility between how many carries each player receives.
“It’s situational. They’re both extremely talented with different running styles,” Bone said. “Depending on the opponent, one may anchor the run game more than the other, but we want to keep that balance.”
Players to Watch
Trey Reider & Cade Labrecque, QB – Both saw snaps behind Eli Hetlinger last week and could play key roles if Alberta continues experimenting at the position.
Carter Keyttle & Isaiah Sanderson, WR – Keyttle is coming off a 123-yard performance against Manitoba, while Sanderson continues to grow into a reliable target. Emerson Joy & Alex Oboh, DL – Alberta will need their pressure up front to disrupt UBC’s passing attack.
What’s at Stake
For Alberta, tonight is about more than chasing a first win, it’s also about proving progress under Bone, and growth into a head coach after his previous mentor.
The Bears have battled in close games this year but have struggled with consistency, key situational plays and late-game execution. Against UBC, they’ll need four full quarters of sharp football.
For Bone, it’s also about facing the program where he developed the skills he eventually transferred over to his new position with Alberta. Alberta fans will be watching closely to see if their new leader can finally turn lessons learned at UBC into a breakthrough victory for the Bears.
Kickoff is set for at 6:30pm MDT at Foote Field..