The Western University Mustangs simply went unanswered in the first half of their matchup against the Université de Montréal Carabins on Saturday afternoon.
The visitors’ setbacks at the start of the game can be partly explained by the extremely loud crowd in CEPSUM, which makes communication between players difficult. The stadium, which has a capacity of 5,100 spectators, was almost full for the Canadian semi-final game.
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“We had never experienced this before,” Western center Philippe Côté said. It was hard. There weren’t actually any stadiums in Ontario [comme celui-ci]. It was a big challenge. We still did well, but I think we could have practiced it a little more.”
The team’s coach, Greg Marshall, had also emphasized at a press conference a few days before the game that this aspect could be a potential problem for his players.
Rain of sales
If the Mustangs were the favorites to win the Uteck Cup, they were never really in the game during the 29-3 loss.
The Ontario club has been unbeaten in 10 games so far this season and is in first place in the Canadian University Rankings. The University of Montreal placed third behind Laurier.
The reversals proved to be very costly. Quarterback Evan Hillock not only saw his team drop three balls that were recovered by the Carabins, but he also threw three interceptions. He also was the victim of no less than five sacks during the game. After the first two quarters, the Mustangs were already down 24-0.
“That’s really true [les revirements] who caused [notre perte]said the player from Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures. It all happened in the first half. In the second half we only lost by two points. I think if we had limited the turnovers in the first half we could have stayed in the game and kept it a lot closer.
However, the Quebecer wanted to give credit to the Carabins, who managed to limit their opponents to a single field goal.
“It’s a very good team. You will definitely win everything. We weren’t ready enough, but when we meet them again next season we will be prepared.