LONDON, Ont. - Following a two-game road trip, the Mustangs will be returning home to TD Stadium to defend their undefeated season against the 1-4 Windsor Lancers this Thursday evening.
Western currently holds a perfect 5-0 record on the season and sits atop the OUA division standings. However, this season has not been without its challenges for the purple and white, proven by last week's matchup with the Queen's Gaels in Kingston.
Western found themselves matched up against one of the most talented and experienced quarterbacks the OUA has to offer in Nate Hobbs. In his fifth and final season with the program, Hobbs has been enjoying perhaps his best season to date and Saturday was no exception. Against a Mustangs defence which has been dominant all year long, Hobbs threw for 361 yards, no interceptions, and ran in two touchdowns for the Gaels to carry the scoring load throughout the day. Hobbs' play forced Western into a frantic fourth-quarter comeback, but a pair of touchdowns from Chris Merchant and Alex Taylor allowed the purple and white to escape with the 26-23 victory.
Returning back home for the first time since September 15, the Mustangs will be facing an opponent who has found less success than the Gaels so far this season in the Windsor Lancers. Sitting in tenth in the OUA with a 1-4 record on the season, the Lancers offence has had trouble finding consistency throughout the year, sitting tenth in the OUA in rushing touchdowns, ninth in rushing yards, eight in total offence, and eighth in scoring. A floundering offence certainly does not bode well against a defence which has been the cornerstone of the Mustangs' 5-0 record.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Lancers will be facing their biggest test of the season against Merchant in the backfield. This season, the Lancers have been near the bottom of the standings in interceptions, tackles, and sacks, putting limited pressure on opposing quarterbacks. If Windsor hopes to slow down Merchant and Western's running backs, a newfound defensive intensity be will required, otherwise Western will likely see themselves maintaining their perfect record following Thursday's matchup.
However, Windsor will be heading into TD Stadium with some momentum of their own under their belts, having earned their first win of the season this past weekend at home against the Toronto Varsity Blues. The Lancers found themselves facing a 21-0 deficit midway through the second quarter, but sparked an incredible 22-0 run to ultimately lead them to the 26-24 victory and their first win of the season. But despite the impressive comeback, playing from behind against a team of the Mustangs' caliber will be a much bigger hurdle to overcome.
On defence, the Mustangs will be hoping to shut down Lancer receiver Tristan Carter. Carter, who leads the team in touchdowns and receptions, is the catalyst for Windsor's offence and will no doubt be a focus for the purple and white entering this week's game, as they look to continue their dominance in the OUA.
The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 P.M. EST and fans can catch the action live on OUA.tv.
