CIS FOOTBALL PICKS, WEEK 1

Note to readers: this blog's Canadian Interuniversity Sport football preview will be posted later today. Meantime, here's some Uneducated Guesses on how Week 1 might shake out, or more likely, how it won't shake out. The Atlantic and Quebec conferences don't begin play until next weekend.

CANADA WEST

#8 ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS VS. #2 SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES
Today, 3:30 p.m. (all times Eastern)
Possible preview of the Canada West final. Saskatchewan has new starters at quarterback and tailback, but its defence and overall depth should carry the day. The Call: Saskatchewan, 24-17.

CALGARY DINOS VS. BRITISH COLUMBIA T-BIRDS
Today, 5 p.m.
Over the next couple days, the words "Blake Nill" and "inauspicious debut" will appear in at least one Cowtown newspaper. The former Saint Mary's coach has a rebuilding job on his hands. Unless Calgary can outscore UBC, this could be a blowout. The Call: UBC, 36-10.

#9 MANITOBA BISONS vs. REGINA RAMS
Today, 8 p.m.
A good show-me game and a lead-in for tomorrow's annual Labour Day weekend grudge match between the Blue Bombers and Roughriders. Both the Bisons and Rams want to contend in Can West this season. Give this one to Manitoba on defence; it has 11 of 12 starters back, while Regina's D is a question mark. The Call: Manitoba, 18-15.

ONTARIO

#10 WESTERN MUSTANGS vs. #3 OTTAWA GEE-GEES
Sunday, 7 p.m.
This is being hyped as a rematch of last year's OUA semi-final, but shouldn't even really be close. Ottawa quarterback Josh Sacobie should carve up the unproven Western defence. The Call: Ottawa, 38-25.

#6 McMASTER vs. YORK
Monday, 2 p.m.
Mac should roll in Game 1 of the Stefan Ptaszek era. The Call: McMaster, 35-17.

U of T BLUES vs. QUEEN'S GOLDEN GAELS
Monday, 2 p.m.
In 2002, current Queen's running back Mike Giffin opened his season at Kingston's Bayridge Secondary by scoring six TDs in a 55-0 win over Napanee. History is unlikely to repeat itself, but Queen's will put up some points. Please, Lord, don't let U of T end the streak against Queen's. The Call: Queen's, 45-21.

#4 LAURIER GOLDEN HAWKS vs. GUELPH GRYPHONS
Monday, 2 p.m.
Guelph is being touted as a surprise team but this is its first game under a new coaching staff. The Call: Laurier, 29-14.

WINDSOR LANCERS vs. WATERLOO WARRIORS
Monday, 2 p.m.
No, Casino Windsor is not taking bets on how quickly Lancers tailback Daryl Stephenson will get to 150 yards. Why do you ask? The Call: Windsor, 43-22.

Season record to date: 0-0

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.