The University of Toronto Varsity Blues host the Laurier Golden Hawks in a Thanksgiving 'Turkey Bowl' this Thursday, October 6 at Varsity Stadium.
 
Fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item as the game will serve as a drop-off location for the University of Toronto Students' Union Thanksgiving food drive.
 
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Gates Open: 5:30 p.m.
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The Varsity Blues will be looking to play spoiler in the mid-week matchup as the Golden Hawks currently sit tied for second in the OUA with a 4-1 record.
 
Toronto quarterback Marcus Hobbs has continued to shine this season, setting new career-highs in passing attempts (39), completions (23), and passing yards(314) in the Blues 51-30 loss this past weekend to the Windsor Lancers. Adding another two rushing touchdowns to his season total, the dual-threat quarterback is tied for second in the province in rushing touchdowns with six and will again need to have a major impact against Laurier this Thursday.
 
However, Hobbs and the offence will be under significant pressure against the Hawks defence which leads the OUA in sacks (20), defensive touchdowns (4), and sits tied for third with eight interceptions.
 
Following his own career day, receiver Anthony Naccarato will demand some of the visiting team's focus after hauling in 10 catches for 152 yards versus Windsor, both personal bests, elevating himself to sixth in the OUA in total yards (456). Teammate Rahul Madan in fourth (492) in the conference in that same category, and the dynamic duo will look to challenge Laurier's top five passing defence.
 
Defensively for the Blues, they will need to deliver a stout run defence to stop the OUA's third leading rusher, Eric Guiltinan, who has delivered a trio of incredible performances running for 180 yards versus York, 201 at Carleton, and 176 with four rushing touchdowns against Waterloo this season.
 
Linebackers Brittley Mokube and Adrian Bernard will face the tough task of slowing down the forceful runner. After both posting double-digit tackles versus the Lancers, the pair now rank in the OUA top 10 in total tackles with Bernard sitting ninth (38) and Mokube right behind in tenth (36.5). Look for Varsity Blues defensive coordinator and former CFL linebacker Kevin Eiben to deploy some creative run blitzes with the pair in order to shutdown the Laurier ground game.
 
Following Turkey Bowl action the Varsity Blues will end their season at home against the winless Waterloo Warriors on Saturday, October 15. Before the game Toronto will be honouring their graduating players and will also be celebrating past CIS & OUA MVPs at halftime. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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