Training camp is fast approaching, and that means Ontario University Athletics football is returning for the 2016 season. Last year held many surprises, as the Guelph Gryphons claimed their first Yates Cup title since 1996, the heavily-favoured Western Mustangs were denied another championship after going a perfect 8-0 record over the regular season, and some new faces left their mark in last year’s playoffs.
The Carleton Ravens made their presence felt when they crushed the Queen’s Gaels in the first round of the OUA playoffs, marking their first Canadian Interuniversity Sport playoff victory since 1996. With the teams set to return to the gridiron as early as August 20th for preseason play, here are five burning questions to ask before the season starts.
Five Big Questions for the 2016 OUA Season
Will McMaster Marauder quarterback Asher Hastings outdo himself?
Asher Hastings had a breakout season last year, setting many records in his third year as the McMaster Marauders pivot. Over the course of the year, Hastings set the new CIS touchdown pass record with 31, and shattered the previous OUA record last October. Establishing himself as one of the OUA’s top quarterbacks, will Hastings strive to outdo himself in his senior year, the same year he becomes eligible for the CFL draft?
Will the Gryphons repeat as Yates Cup champions?
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the year, the Guelph Grypons upset the top-seeded Western Mustangs 23-17 during the 108th Yates Cup, ending a 20-year championship drought and earning a date with the Montreal Carabins at the Mitchell Bowl. Even though it didn’t end quite as planned, the Gryphons had a phenomenal year — finishing in 2nd place with a stunning overall record of 7-1. But with a new head coach coming in as well as many new fresh faces on the coaching staff, will the Gryphons be able to repeat as Yates Cup champions this season?
Will the Carleton Ravens raise their level?
The Carleton Ravens have slowly picked up momentum since their return to the OUA in 2013, but were inconsistent during last year’s regular season. After dropping their season opener against the Queen’s Gaels, the Ravens picked up speed and propelled past the Waterloo Warriors and the Windsor Lancers before the Toronto Varsity Blues gave them a scare. October fared much better, with their defining moment being a double overtime victory against the Ottawa Gee-Gees at the 2015 Panda Game. After getting revenge against the Gaels to book a trip to the OUA semifinals, will the Ravens pick up the 2016 season where they left off or will they struggle out the gate?
Will the Mustangs new quarterback find his groove?
The Mustangs picked up a new quarterback in Chris Merchant, an NCAA transfer from Division I school University of Buffalo Bulls. This comes after a season where starting quarterback Will Finch and OUA MVP suffered a concussion during last year’s OUA playoffs and retired from football. Coincidentally, the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds had a brilliant run with NCAA transfer Michael O’Connor, who helped the team become Vanier Cup champions last season. Will Merchant do the same for the deep, highly potent Mustangs?
Will the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks stick to their game?
Last year the Hawks rejuvenated their passing game with pivot Eric Morelli taking over for the injured James Fracas. Laurier was well-known as a team with a strong run game — star running back Dillon Campbell rushed 1,115 yards over eight games and topped the CIS charts in yards rushed for the second straight year. The Hawks upset the Marauders in the first round of the OUA playoffs with a combination of moving the ball through the air and on the ground. But with Campbell out of eligibility and moving on to the CFL, will the Hawks try to reboot their running game or focus on their air game this upcoming season?
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