Guelph, ON - The Gryphons have been waiting a long time for this. 308 days to be exact.

The 2015 edition of the Gryphons Homecoming football game features a pair of Top 10 teams as well as a re-match of the 2014 Yates Cup, which McMaster won 20-15. There are several new faces in the lineup for both teams compared to their Yates Cup matchup last November. Both teams have new starting quarterbacks in 2015 as Jazz Lindsey and Marshall Ferguson have moved on and given way to James Roberts and Asher Hastings respectively. Both teams have lost super stars on defence from last year as Cam Walker and Nick Shortill are both now employed by the CFL. But there is also a lot that has remained the same with these two programs since last November's playoff matchup: they are once again both considered Yates Cup contenders and eager to renew one of the most heated rivalries in the OUA.

Last season in their Yates Cup meeting, the Gryphon defence dominated and held the Marauders without a single offensive touchdown the entire game. Repeating a performance like that will certainly be a tall order as McMaster has been finding the endzone regularly through their first two games of the 2015 season. When analyzing the Marauders early offensive success in 2015, look no further than quarterback Asher Hastings. In his first full year as starter, the second year man has put up some eye-popping numbers through Mac's first two games. The Regina, Saskatchewan native has thrown 10 touchdowns with no interceptions while completing just over 70% of his passes. His 378.5 yards passing per game are tops in the CIS. While the Marauders receivers and running backs boast plenty of talent and experience, there is no doubt that the focus for the Gryphon defence will be slowing down McMaster's emerging star quarterback in Asher Hastings.

The Gryphons come into this game fresh off a 49-22 road win over the York Lions. While the Gryphons showed flashes of brilliance in that game, they also were guilty of some sloppy play at times. Quarterback James Roberts will look to take better care of the ball this week after throwing a career high five interceptions against the Lions. Running back Johnny Augustine is coming off a three touchdown performance against York and leads the OUA with six rushing touchdowns on the season. He has been complimented nicely by backups Danile Palmer-Salmon and Brandon Gordon who have both performed well when called upon. Receiver Jacob Scarfone has put up some monster numbers through the Gryphons first three games, leading the OUA with 138 receiving yards per game, while ranking second in the conference in receiving touchdowns with four. OUA All-Star wide out A'dre Fraser (Halifax, NS) has been his usual play-making self for the Gryphons and ranks fourth in the OUA in receiving yards per game with 113.7.

Defensively, the Gryphons have been rock solid against the run this season. Kevin MacNeill's group currently lead the OUA in rush defence, holding opponents to just 86.7 yards per game on the ground. The Guelph special teams unit has carried the momentum from a terrific 2014 campaign into the 2015 season. Leading the way is return specialist Ryan Nieuwesteeg (Niagara Falls, ON). Last season, Nieuwesteeg was named a CIS Second Team All-Canadian returner and is putting up some big numbers again this season. Through three games, Nieuwesteeg is leading the country in punt return yards (325) after returning 19 punts with an impressive average of 17.1 yards per return, as well as a touchdown in Week 1 versus Waterloo.

With an anticipated soldout crowd at Alumni Stadium set to take in the game, the Gryphons 308 day wait is nearly over. It's the No. 5 Gryphons versus the No. 6 Marauders. Saturday at 1pm.

Note: Saturday's game will be televised live on Rogers TV Cable 20 and can also be seen live online at OUA.tv