The University of Toronto Varsity Blues football team enters this weekend's 47th annual Red & Blue Bowl with a fourth straight Argo Cup victory on their minds.
 
The rivalry game with the cross-town York Lions dates back to 1970 and with the Blues holding a 29-17 head-to-head record against the Lions, including seven victories over the last eight years, U of T will look to use the annual event as a springboard for the remainder of their season.
 
Kick off: 1pm
Gates Open: 11:30am
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Toronto currently holds a 0-3 record following a tough start to their OUA season which featured three consecutive matchups with nationally ranked contenders Guelph, McMaster, and Carleton.
 
Meanwhile, York enters the prestigious matchup holding a 2-1 record after defeating the winless Waterloo Warriors this past weekend.
 
For the Varsity Blues, defence will be key with linebacker Adrian Bernard leading the unit with strong numbers through the seasons first three games. Ranking in the OUA top 10 in total tackles and tackles for loss, Bernard has proven to be a sideline-to-sideline threat for the Blues. Paired with defensive backs Richard Gillespie, who already has two interceptions this season, and Jamal Johnson, who scored a pick-six against the visiting Carleton Ravens this past Saturday, Toronto will have to deliver a strong defensive performance against a reinvigorated Lions attack.
 
That attack for York begins behind centre with quarterback Brett Hunchak. The second-year pivot has taken a mighty leap in his sophomore season, lifting the Lions to the third best passing attack in the province averaging 327 yards passing while also sitting tied for first in passing touchdowns with eight. The greatest beneficiary of this progression has been none other than Hunchak's brother, Colton. The second-year receiver has found the end zone three times this season while amassing 326 receiving yards, placing him third in the OUA.
 
If the Toronto defence is able to stifle this new dynamic duo, expect the Varsity Blues offence to begin to create separation against a York Lions defensive unit which has struggled despite the teams win-loss record. The Lions defence currently sits just above the two teams they have defeated this season, allowing nearly 600 yards of offence per game including over 300 yards rushing, an area the Blues should be able to take advantage of with their stable of strong runners.
 
Coming off his first 100 yard rushing performance of the season, fifth-year running back Alex Malone will lead the charge for the Blues with first-year slasher Kaleb Leach providing a change of pace. Leach has proven his big-play ability with a Week 1 scamper against the defending Yates Cup champion Gryphons when he tore through the perennial defensive powerhouse for an impressive 42-yard touchdown run.
 
Defeating the Lions last season 40-3 in the Red & Blue Bowl, the Blues are determined to keep the Argo Cup at U of T and begin a strong second half push which will continue the following Saturday, September 24 on the road against the Queen's Gaels. Kickoff in Kingston, Ont. is scheduled for 1 p.m. with the game also being webcast live on OUA.tv.
 
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