Bison Bowl features historic rivalry

The Bison football team is set to hit the gridiron this Friday under the lights for their home opening game against the Saskatchewan Huskies. Kick-off is at 7 p.m. at Investors Group Field.

Head coach, Brian Dobie has said publicly many times that the Saskatchewan Huskies are the program in the country that he’s always had the most respect for.

“They are always ultra-competitive,” Dobie said. “They play Huskie football, and I say that with the utmost respect.”

The Bisons and Huskies have generated a tremendous rivalry over the last two decades.

“In my 23 years we are almost split down the middle of wins and losses against each other,” said Dobie.

“So you can call rivalries anything you want, and you can dissect them however you want, but I think a really good rivalry is one where people go toe-to-toe, punch-for-punch, and that’s what we’ve done over two decades.”

Dobie isn’t wrong in his assessment. Since he took over head coaching duties in 1996, the Bisons have gone a total of 19-18 against the Huskies, including the playoffs.

“There’s been so many great games, and so many times where we’ve broken each other’s hearts,” Dobie said. And that’s sports, and that’s a great rivalry.”

Coming off a season opening loss to #6 ranked UBC Thunderbirds (30-20) in week one, the herd is motivated after going score-for-score with a nationally ranked opponent and amped up to defend their home turf against their provincial rival.

Tickets are $17.50 and available at the Investors Group Field box office or at ticketmaster.ca.

UM Students and fans 17 and under are free.

For more information about the Bisons or for additional schedule information visit gobisons.ca.

MICHAEL STILL