The University of Toronto Varsity Blues football team dropped a 59-21 decision versus the No. 1 nationally ranked Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks on Saturday (Sept. 27) afternoon in Waterloo.

With the loss, the Blues fall to 1-5 on the season, while Laurier maintains their undefeated record at 6-0.

RECORD BREAKER: After grabbing his fifth reception of the game in the third quarter, third-year receiver Chris Joseph once gain etched his name into the U of T record books setting a new single-season mark for receptions with 58. Joseph surpassed the previous mark of 57, which was set by Mike Magee in the 1981 season. With two more games still remaining in the OUA regular season, Joseph will have more opportunities to continue to add to the newly established mark.

TORONTO STATS: Fourth-year linebacker Brandon Thibodeau once again led all players with six solo tackle, while also adding two assisted tackles. In the defensive backfield, fourth-year defensive back Lachlan Scardina was all over the field registering 4.5 total tackles, including a tackle for loss, along with a pass breakup and forced fumble. Also a standout on the field, third-year defensive back Devon Crenshaw disrupted several pass attempts.

Fourth-year quarterback Scott Barnett finished the game 16-for-22 with 218 passing yards and an additional 22 rushing yards on three carries. Second-year quarterback Kalen O'Donoghue recorded both Blues touchdowns on the day, rushing into the end zone on two of his three carries, while also adding 49 passing yards on a 2-for-3 passing performance.

HOW IT HAPPENED: Laurier immediately put points on the board with an opening kick-off rouge. The Golden Hawks would score three points off rouges alone in the first quarter. Along with the singles, Laurier tallied the first three touchdowns of the game to establish a 24-0 lead.  

The Blues were able to find the end zone early in the second quarter as they put together a strong drive. A deep pass from Barnett to second-year receiver Jack Kenney got U of T into Laurier territory, before a 40-yard catch-and-run from third-year receiver Denayden Lee-Daniel put the Blues on the one-yard line. From there, a tush-push featuring O'Donoghue resulted in a U of T touchdown scored.  

The No. 1 team in the country immediately responded with another run of points, lifting their lead to 59-7 late in the third quarter.

Toronto tallied the final 14-points of the game courtesy two conceded safeties, a seven-yard O'Donoghue run, and a 35-yard field goal from fourth-year kicker Sam Henke.

UP NEXT: The Blues next welcome the McMaster Marauders to Varsity Stadium for U of T's home finale on Saturday, Oct. 4. Toronto have won two of the last three meetings between the two teams, including a 33-19 victory on home turf during the 2023 season. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m., with tickets available via varsityblues.ca/tickets. U of T students receive free entry with a valid T-Card. The game is also streamed live online on oua.tv.