They are the kind of games that can emotionally scar a man and his team.
And University of Manitoba head coach Brian Dobie will admit last week’s 41-38 loss to the Regina Rams – in which the Bisons surrendered two touchdowns in the final 95 seconds – has wounded his bunch.
Big time.
“There have been great wins in our program, but there have been great losses… losing the 2001 Vanier Cup when you’re right there,” began Dobie on Thursday. “But in terms of an emotional loss – in Regina, when you tie in the emotion and shock… I can’t even think of enough words. It was a really devastating, really tough loss.”
“We drove back through the night. We got on that bus and it was silent all the way. The locker room was silent. They were really devastated. And I don’t think anything’s wrong with that. In fact, I think that’s really good. If they’re not, we have a problem.”
Still, that’s the big question for the Bisons this week as they try to drop their goose egg after two losses and try to get into the win column against the University of Alberta Golden Bears, also 0-2, Friday night at Investors Group Field (7 p.m.).
Can they get up off the mat after being dropped with a devastating KO punch in a fight they were poised to win?
“Our guys have met it with resolve, grittiness and determination,” said Dobie. “There was anger, and I think anger is not a bad thing in that kind of situation. We feel that we’re better than that and we’ve worked forward in the right way.
“They’re early into the film rooms. They’re asking questions in meetings. They are moving forward and trying to get better and when you lose two really tough games, I think a sign of a really good teams is not what happens to you in life, it’s how you react to it that is a sign of your character. I like our character.”
The Bisons cranked out 24 unanswered points and seemingly took control of the game last week, up 38-27 with 4:37 remaining. That’s when the Rams, led by quarterback Noah Picton, inserted the dagger with the two late scores.
Even after the first TD, the Bisons recovered a Rams onside kick attempt and drove the ball to the Regina 24-yard line – still up by five – when running back Alex Christie was rocked and fumbled. The Rams then quickly drove the distance to seal one of the biggest comebacks in their program’s history
And one of the biggest nightmares in Bisons history.
“I was talking to the running back,” began Bisons QB Theo Deezar, “and I said, ‘are you done beating yourself up?’ The day after I said, ‘you get a 24-hour grace period to get over it, think about the loss, watch film and do what you can, but at the end of the day you can’t wallow on past losses, especially when you’ve got to focus on the next Friday for a win.’
“It’s definitely not fun being 0-2, that’s for sure. We need a win. Everyone in the locker room knows that. Alberta, historically, hasn’t been a powerhouse in our conference so this is definitely one for us to get into the win column and hopefully carry forward.
“I still think we’re one of the best teams in the conference, I still think we can win this conference. We’ve had a rough, two-game start and it’s time to start winning.”
Theo Deezar
ALBERTA (0-2) at MANITOBA (0-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.; Investors Group Field.
TV/Radio: Canadawest.org (live webcast, fee required); Radio: 101.5 UMFM (umfm.com)
Last season: The Bisons knocked off the Bears twice in their two meetings in 2015, winning 29-7 and 42-32.
GOOD START:
The CFL Scouting Bureau released its first edition of the Top 20 ranked prospects eligible for the 2017 CFL Draft on Thursday, with Bisons OL Geoff Gray ranked at 11. Now in his fourth year, Gray (6-6, 310) is one of the Bisons’ captains.
“It’s good. It doesn’t come as a huge surprise being on the list,” said Gray “Going to the East-West (the top prospects game held in the spring) is a pretty good indicator of where you stand. I was pleased with how I played there. It’s good. It’s a start, though. I’m going to keep on working on getting better and the number itself… I’m not too focused on that.”
The Bisons originally signed Gray as a defensive lineman, but were so impressed with his athleticism and intelligence that they opted to move him across the line of scrimmage.
“He’s 6-6 at 310 pounds. He is a competitive Olympic lifter, he’s incredibly powerful. He can move. He can run. He can flat-out run. I’m sending a message right now to CFL teams… all of them know about him, but don’t underestimate this kid. He is everything you’re looking for in an offensive lineman because he is extremely intelligent and when you get a dude like that who is really smart, combined with his athleticism and his power and size. You tell me what’s missing? Personally, I think he’s a potential first-round pick. I really do. He’s a consummate winner. There’s nothing missing. I think he’s the best offensive lineman in the West.
FYI:
Dobie won’t use it as a crutch, but the club lost its seventh starter in Regina, with DE Christian Turner suffering an upper-body injury that required season-ending surgery… Deezar completed 30 of 49 passes for 457 yards and two TDs in last week’s loss. The 30 completions set a new Bisons record, with the 457 the second-most in school history.
