This Saturday (Sept. 24) afternoon at 1:00 p.m., your Guelph Gryphon's will be taking on the McMaster Marauder's as part of Guelph's Homecoming weekend at Alumni Stadium. The Guelph Gryphons football game is officially sold-out, so watch from home as the action unfolds on University Rush, live on The Score, presented by Belair Direct. The game can also be seen live via webcast at www.ssncanada.ca

Guelph, entering the game at 1-2, will be looking to even their record at .500. McMaster, sitting at 2-1 on the season, will be looking for back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

"We've got our emotional leaders who have been more outspoken this week," said University of Guelph head football coach Stu Lang. "We were disappointed with our performance against Toronto and this week gives us an opportunity to prove to our fans and ourselves that we're a much better football team."??

In addition to Alumni festivities, Guelph has been on the road two weeks in a row, so it's a Homecoming in more ways than one. Alumni Stadium has been sold out all week, and the Gryphons will have some spirited fans and alumni on their side.

"This game is important on two levels: we get to play in front of our fans and we want to do well for them to build the spirit. It also gives us a chance to eliminate the past. We have a chance to start fresh this week and we're looking forward to it."

Guelph and McMaster both sport strong defences that should keep this game close. Last season saw the Marauders storm out to a 40-15 lead through three quarters before an impressive Guelph comeback fell just short, with the game ending 43-35 for McMaster. That game saw Jedd Gardner (Niagara Falls, Ont.) almost break an OUA record, returning a missed field goal 130 yards for a touchdown.

What To Look For: Gryphon's Offense

The Gryphon's enter Saturday's game looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Toronto Varsity Blues. The Gryphon's running game, largely stagnant up until this point, finally broke through with 166 yards on the day. Unfortunately, the throwing game took a step back with the Blue's primarily focused on stopping the Gryphon receivers. Guelph was unable to muster an offensive touchdown for the first time this season. Expect the Gryphon's to continue mixing up run and pass plays in hopes of opening up the field for their talented receivers to break the game open.

What To Look For: Gryphon's Defence Guelph continues to sport one of the country's strongest secondary's, leading the CIS in interceptions with eight in only three games. Mark Durigon (Rockwood, Ont.) and Bryan Dunjko (Aurora, Ont.) currently lead the team with two interceptions each, while linebacker Jake Reinhart (Guelph, Ont.) leads the team with 29 tackles, good for third in the CIS. Expect the Guelph defence to keep the potent McMaster offense in check throughout the game.

What To Look For: Marauder's Offense McMaster boasts one of the leading offenses in the country, as their 479 yards per game is currently third best in the CIS. The Marauders are coming off double wins the past two weeks, though the team has had some setbacks of their own. Their star quarterback and Hec Creighton favourite, Kyle Quinlan was suspended last week for three games stemming from charges unrelated to the team. Despite the loss, the Marauders proved their depth as they have in the past when second year and second team quarterback Marshall Ferguson stepped up with a huge game against Windsor. Ferguson completed 25 for 33 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns, edging the Lancers 21-19.

What To Look For: Marauder's Defence This is one of the few defences in the country that measures up to the high standards of the Guelph defence. Linebacker Ryan Chmielewski anchors the defence with his team leading 24 tackles, to go along with three sacks. He is surrounded by a talented secondary with has accumulated six interceptions, good for fourth in the CIS. Expect McMaster to put the pressure on the Gryphon's offense and force them to make mistakes.