KINGSTON | In their quest for a second Vanier Cup title in their history, the Université de Montréal Carabins will have to contend with their most balanced offense since the start of the season.
Led by quarterback Garrett Rooker, who is one of the best pivots in the country, the champions also rely on a solid ball carrier in Isaiah Knight, who can count on a good offensive line led by two 6’7″ towers, Theo Benedet, and 6ft 8in, Giovanni Manu.
“We face the most varied offense of the season and also the best quarterback,” said head coach Marco Iadeluca. They will try to take advantage of both phases of the game. We play good defensive football and it becomes complicated for the opponent if they only concentrate on one aspect. It will be a good test, but I expect nothing less from the Vanier Cup.”
With Knight having gained 1,032 yards in 10 games this season and also being able to run the ball, Blake Nill has made no secret of his desire to run the ball. “We have built this team to compete in November,” said the T-Birds head coach. “Being able to move the ball on the floor is our biggest challenge.”
A busy game for Nicky Farinaccio
Nicky Farinaccio is expected to have a busy afternoon. “Their rusher is really good and they’re going to try to run in our faces,” said the 6-foot-2, 220-pound inside linebacker. I am not afraid and we are ready for this challenge. It’s fun because it’s going to be chaotic at the line of scrimmage. I’m not the best inside linebacker by any means, but we rely on our speed and will attack them from all sides. “This is the best offense we’ve faced this year and we’re not taking it lightly.”
Farinaccio was selected to the All-Canadian second team and is looking forward to competing in the Vanier Cup in his first career. “It has been my dream since I was very young to reach the Vanier Cup and I am very happy to be here.”
A transfer from Simon Fraser that pays off
When the T-Birds want to run the ball, they also rely on dangerous receivers, particularly Sam Davenport, who played at Simon Fraser and transferred to UBC when the program suspended operations.
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“He is an intelligent receiver who finds free zones,” explained defensive back Bruno Lagacé, who will play his last career game with the university team after six years with the Carabins. He’s a guy to always keep an eye on. We’re facing the best quarterback of the year and that’s by far our biggest challenge, but it’s exciting.”
With a spectacular catch on the final play of the game, Davenport gave the T-Birds a Hardy Cup tie against the Alberta Golden Bears with no time left before the kicker failed to settle the debate.
Nill praises Davenport. “He’s not the best athlete, but he’s the best receiver I’ve ever managed. He reminds me of Dave Stala. The latter had a great career in the CFL with the Alouettes and the Tiger-Cats after playing under Nill at Saint Mary’s.
Lagacé got to know the two offensive giants of the Western champions last spring at the East-West Challenge. “There are two machines,” he explained. They move well and are strong. The country’s outstanding defensive player, linebacker Harold Miessan, draws a parallel to the 2021 Mitchell Cup against the Saskatchewan Huskies. “They also relied on two big blockers and we are still entitled to a physical game.”
Big favorites
Many consider the Carabins to be big favorites, but Iadeluca disagrees and has been sending the same message to his charges since the start of the week. “I keep telling the boys that our record has been one win and three losses against Western teams since I’ve been on the team,” he said. I can’t see us as favorites. We played like underdogs all year and then we give it our best. This is how we carry on.”
A few hours before kick-off, Iadeluca likes the mood of his flock. “The nervousness is a little greater, but nothing worrying. As has been the case all season, the boys were relaxed and having fun at the last training session. I’m really happy with our week.”