OTTAWA - The Carleton Ravens will play their 500th game on Saturday night when they head into the lions den that is TD Stadium to face the Western Mustangs. After starting the season ranked #2 the Mustangs obliterated the Waterloo Warriors 71-3 on Sunday afternoon.
A fitting return to TD Stadium, the Ravens made their modern debut at the London, Ont. field back in 2013 when they returned to OUA action. Now, playing in the programs 500th game over the last 79 years, the Ravens have another uphill battle ahead of them.
Western's offence remains the complete package, quarterback Evan Hillock is fourth in the OUA with 404 yards passing and a league leading four touchdown passes. On the ground, Western has run a muck, with Keon Edwards and Keanu Yazbeck both breaking the 100-yard milestone in week 1 against Ottawa.
The Mustangs are first in the OUA in points scored, and second in total offence with just under 1,000 total yards. Defensively, they're just as stingy, leading the OUA in interceptions (5) and fumble recoveries (2).
For the money, Carleton are 5th in the OUA in passing yards, despite having to switch quarterbacks halfway through week 1. Second-year pivot Elijah Barnes is fifth in the OUA in passing yards, after taking over from Tristan Lefebvre who was 8-10 before suffering and injury. The Ravens have led the OUA in time of possession so far this year, but they need to start turning that into scores, currently holding a league worse 2-6 score record in trips to the red zone.
With six sacks on the season, led by 4 from Ife Onyeka, the Ravens will need to be on the top of their game defensively if they want to slow down the Mustangs at home.
