CIS-CFB Uteck Bowl Game Preview: Montreal Carabins (RESQ) (6-2) vs. Saint Mary’s Huskies (AUS) (7-1)

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Venue & Timing

  • Location: Huskies Stadium, Halifax, NS
  • Kickoff: 9:00 AM ET
  • Event: U Sports Football — Uteck Bowl (National Semifinal)

Weather Forecast

  • Conditions: Overcast skies, 43°F at kickoff
  • Wind: 12–15 mph, coastal gusts from the Atlantic
  • Impact: Passing may be challenged; rushing attacks and special teams could play decisive roles

Injury Report

  • Montreal Carabins:
    • QB1 healthy, coming off strong playoff performance vs. Laval.
    • WR rotation intact, no major absences.
  • Saint Mary’s Huskies:
  • RB1 probable (ankle).
  • Defensive backfield missing one starter (hamstring).

Key Player Matchups

  • Montreal QB vs. SMU Secondary: Carabins average 30+ PPG, facing a Huskies defense that has allowed under 20 PPG in AUS play.
  • SMU RB unit vs. Montreal Front Seven: Huskies rely on a power run game; Montreal’s defensive line is among the best in U Sports.
  • Special Teams: Montreal kicker reliable from 40+, while SMU has struggled in close-game field goal situations.

Team Recent Form

  • Montreal Carabins (6–2, RSEQ):
    • Wins: Laval (31–29), Concordia (51–2), Sherbrooke (43–2), McGill (32–28), Concordia (41–14), Sherbrooke (44–7).
    • Losses: Laval (16–6), McGill (31–24).
    • Recent Form: 4–1 in last five, offense averaging 35 PPG, defense allowing 15 PPG.
  • Saint Mary’s Huskies (7–1, AUS):
  • Wins: Acadia, Mount Allison, Bishop’s, StFX (multiple).
  • Loss: One close defeat early in AUS play.
  • Recent Form: 5–0 in last five, defense allowing 17 PPG, offense averaging 28 PPG.

 Series History

  • Rare national semifinal matchup; Montreal has dominated RSEQ competition, while SMU has historically been AUS’s flagship program.
  • Last Uteck Bowl meeting between RSEQ and AUS teams: Montreal defeated Saint Mary’s in 2014.

Betting Trends

  • Montreal: 6–2 ATS, covering in 4 of last 5 wins.
  • Saint Mary’s: 5–3 ATS, strong at home but weaker vs. national powers.
  • Totals: Montreal games trending Over due to offensive surges; SMU games trending Under due to defensive control.

Historical Betting Results

  • Montreal covered in their playoff win vs. Laval (31–29).
  • SMU covered in 4 of their last 5 AUS wins.
  • Average combined score in recent Carabins games: 50 points.

Summary: The Uteck Bowl offers a classic East vs. Quebec clash. Montreal’s balanced offense and defensive line strength give them the edge, while Saint Mary’s home-field advantage and rushing attack keep them competitive. Expect a physical, low-scoring battle with Montreal advancing to the Vanier Cup.

Prediction: Carabins 27–20.

Game Odds

Montreal Carabins                          – 7.5

Saint Mary’s Huskies                      48.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, November 14, 2025