We're officially past the halfway point of the OUA football season, and I for one cannot WAIT to see how the remaining four games affect the playoff horizon.
So, with another four agonizing days until teams across the province hit the gridiron again, what better way to pass the time then to try and predict the future. It would only be the logical choice considering how predictably the season has developed thus far (note the sarcasm).
Nonetheless, here it is; the cold hard facts. Having listed the teams in order of their current standing, I give you the second half outlook:
Western: 4-0 (combined record of remaining teams: 6-10 York, Guelph, Toronto and Queen’s)
After surviving their toughest challenge this season this past Saturday on the road at Laurier, Western's remaining schedule is tied for the most favourable in the 10 team OUA. With how Queen's have turned their season around the last two games though, one would figure that any chance of Western racking up a loss would occur on the road against the Gaels.
Windsor: 3-1 (combined record of remaining teams: 7-9 Guelph, Queen’s, Ottawa, York)
This season's cinderella team thus far, the Lancers - under rookie head coach Joe D'Amore - still have something left to prove as they look to hold onto their current position as the number two team in the OUA. While they scored a huge upset against Laurier and nearly completed a comeback at home against Mac, they undoubtedly have the dates of Oct 8th and 15th circled on their calendar as they'll be hosting Queen's and then travel to Ottawa to face the Gee Gee's. A win in at least one of those games will be necessary to hold onto a sweeter playoff seeding.
Ottawa: 3-1 (combined record of remaining teams: 8-8 Laurier, York, Windsor, Mac)
To say that Ottawa has some tough road games ahead would be an understatement. As the opponents to the Golden Hawks for Laurier's Homecoming this weekend and having to travel to Hamilton to face the abuse of the Marauder faithful, the Gee Gee's definitely can't afford to look further ahead than the immediate game at hand - as they also have the aforementioned match-up against fellow 3-1 team Windsor to worry about.
McMaster: 3-1 (combined record of remaining teams: 6-10 Waterloo, Toronto, Laurier, Ottawa)
With three of their last four games at home, Mac is the team tied with Western as having the most favourable remaining schedule at the OUA midway point. Having been dealt a major blow with the suspension of star quarterback Kyle Quinlan, as a result of laid charges stemming from a bar fight, the Marauders have rallied around incumbent Marshall Ferguson. It's also helped that Ferguson has hit the ground well, er, throwing, in his two starts thus far. Five passing TD's in his two starts will make Head Coach Stef Ptaszek's decision a little tougher - but I would suspect the fifth-year Quinlan will take over the reins again upon his possible return against Toronto. Whichever way they go, Mac will still be racking up some wins in the near future.
Queen’s: 2-2 (combined record of remaining teams: 9-7 Toronto, Windsor, Western, Waterloo)
This is one scenario in which the opponents' record is a little skewed. Full credit to the Blues for starting off the season at .500, but I don't foresee that being maintained the rest of the way. The upstart Lancers certainly won't be a lame duck for the Gaels, but with how the Queen's offence is firing right now, I'm confident that they'll be coming home after their current three-game road trip holding a 4-2 record and getting at LEAST a split at home to wrap the season better than they started it.
Toronto: 2-2 (combined record of remaining teams: 9-7 Queen’s, Mac, Western, Waterloo)
I really hope that the Varsity Blues enjoyed the feel good campaign while it lasted, because things are going to be a lot more painful the rest of the way. With Toronto only tallying 39 points in its first four games and now facing three teams in a row that have scored a combined 443 this season, UT will be blue the rest of the way - but for all of the wrong reasons.
Laurier: 1-3 (combined record of remaining teams: 7-9 Ottawa, Waterloo, Mac, Guelph)
One of two shockers - for all the wrong reasons - has been the Laurier Golden Hawks. Having allowed their last three opponents to rack up a combined 133 points, the traditionally strong defensive squad has been anything but. Despite a third straight loss this past Saturday to hated rival Western, Laurier looked as good as they have all season - and that should provide some hope for the WLU faithful. Adding a high level of pressure to perform and get wins over quality opponents in Ottawa and Mac (who will have Kyle Quinlan back by that time), getting those crucial victories will be a tall task.
Guelph: 1-3 (combined record of remaining teams: 9-7 Windsor, Western, York, Laurier)
The second of the aforementioned shockers this season has been the team setting up camp a short ride down Highway 7 - the Guelph Gryphons. Their defence was initially touted as the most experienced and possibly even one of the best in the OUA heading into 2011. Instead, the team has given up the fourth most points in the league and have a long way to climb as they look to salvage their season. With a match-up almost a four-hour drive down away in Windsor against the Lancers plus having to head into the 'lions den' at Western, the Gryphons have a tough task ahead to guarantee they will not be on the outside looking in come the end of the regular season.
York: 1-3 (combined record of remaining teams: 11-5 Western, Ottawa, Guelph, Windsor)
The up-and-coming Lions have had some highlights this season: holding their own against Laurier for three quarters in the season opener and defeating Waterloo in front of a big crowd on the road. Hopefully there will be some shining moments to remember, because - based on the strength of their upcoming opponents - there won't be too many wins.
Waterloo: 0-4 (combined record of remaining teams: 8-8 Mac, Laurier, Queen’s, Toronto)
Much like the Lions, the rest of the season will find the Warriors' football program finding its feet after a year's hiatus from OUA football action. To their credit, they've competed hard in their four losses - and are no doubt looking forward to re-booting the Battle of Waterloo with their university neighbours Laurier just before the Thanksgiving long weekend.
So there you have it. It would seem like everything's figured out. But I think that's already been said once or twice before this year - hasn't it?
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