The University of Regina Rams open the 2024 season Friday in Calgary ranked at the bottom of the U Sports Canada West football rankings. Coming off a 1-and-7 last place finish a year ago, head coach Mark McConkey isn’t surprised at being ranked 24th nationally out of 27 programs in the country. “There’s no reason for them to put us first”, McConkey said. “It helps encourage us. It puts a little gasoline on the fire to show this is what everyone thinks of us so let’s go do what we do and play Rams football and shock the world, so we’re excited about that.”
The coach cites an older and bigger defensive line among the reasons for his newfound optimism. The University of Calgary Dinos, the one team the Rams managed to beat last year, is ranked 4th in Canada West and 13th nationally.
The Rams head coach, entering his 4th season, admits there is a heightened sense of urgency to get back to the playoffs with the national spotlight coming toward the program ahead of Regina hosting the 2025 Vanier Cup.
“We went after a few more older junior players to try and speed that (re-building process) up in some areas and I think it’s going to pay off this year for us”, McConkey said. “A little bit more pressure but there’s always pressure to win in Saskatchewan football. There’s Rams alumni who when you go 1-and-7 are like ‘What’s going on and why aren’t we better?’ and that’s good. That’s what we want. You’d rather have people care than not care.”
Facing the Dinos: A History of Success
The Rams have had great success against the Dinos in the McConkey era since the pandemic going 4-and-0 including a win at McMahon Stadium in 2022 which snapped a 19-year-drought for the U of R in that park. The Rams will be looking to continue their dominance over the Dinos and pull off another upset.
McMahon Stadium: A Venue of Victory
The 2022 win at McMahon Stadium was a significant moment for the Rams, breaking a long-standing losing streak in Calgary. This season, the Rams will be looking to build on that success and secure another victory against the Dinos.
The Rams' Path to Success
The Rams' success against the Dinos can be attributed to a few key factors.
A Focus on Defense
The Rams have consistently had a strong defense under Coach McConkey. The team has a strong defensive line that can pressure quarterbacks and a secondary that can intercept passes. The Rams' defensive success has been key to their success against the Dinos.
A Strong Offensive Strategy
The Rams have also found success with a balanced offensive attack that can control the clock and score points. The team has a talented quarterback who can make plays with his arm and legs, and a running back who can break big runs. The Rams' offense is a challenge for any defense.
The Stakes Are High
The Rams' season opener against the Dinos is a crucial game for both teams. The Rams are looking to prove themselves against a top-ranked opponent and start the season off strong. The Dinos, meanwhile, are looking to continue their success and make a run at the Canada West title.
The game will be broadcast live on 620 CKRM with an early 5:15 pregame show and kickoff at 5:30.
The Rams' performance in this game will be a key indicator of their potential for the rest of the season. Can the Rams shock the world and pull off an upset against the Dinos? Or will the Dinos continue their dominance over the Rams?
Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this game will be a must-watch for any football fan.
