The University of Toronto Varsity Blues football team opened their 2021 season with a narrow 11-10 victory over the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Saturday, September 18 at Varsity Stadium.
 
The win, Toronto's first over Ottawa since 2010, comes exactly 700 days after the Blues last game on October 19, 2019.

FROM HEAD COACH GREG MARSHALL: "Our defence was well prepared. Coach Mullen and coach Cappiello did a great job, along with the assistants, in getting them ready. The kids really responded. They made plays when they had to and they hung in there." 


 
TORONTO STATS: Fifth-year quarterback Clay Sequeira went 21-for-42 for 247 yards, while rushing six times for 18 yards and one TD on the day.
 
Sequeira's favourite targets were veteran receivers Will Corby, Nolan Lovegrove and Daniel Dioati. Corby made five catches for 96 yards, Lovegrove four receptions for 52 yards and Diodati six catches for 46 yards.
 
Third-year running back Adam Williams led the Blues on the ground with nine carries for 42 yards.
 
Rookie defensive back Koby Lee led all players with eight tackles on the day, while veteran Tolu Ahmed had 7.5 tackles and two breakups. Third-year linebacker James Greig notched 2.5 tackles and one interception, while veteran defensive lineman Jackson Mayer had two tackles, one sack and one breakup in the win.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED: After a scoreless first quarter, Sequeira got the Blues on the board with a three-yard rushing major early in the second quarter.
 
Ottawa responded on the ensuing series as Dawson Odei capped off a seven-play, 79-yard drive with a two-yard rushing TD.
 
Blues kicker Chris MacLean made good on an 18-yard field goal and the Blues added a rouge late in the second quarter to put the home team up 11-7 at halftime.
 
Ottawa kicker Campbell Fair cut the deficit to one with a 10-yard field goal midway through the third quarter and the Blues held onto an 11-10 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
 
UP NEXT: The Blues head into a bye week before hosting the Queen's Gaels on Saturday, October 2 at Varsity Stadium. Kick off is set for 4 p.m.
 
For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite U of T athletes and teams, please visit www.varsityblues.ca. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the latest and greatest in Varsity Blues intercollegiate athletics.