The rematch has been set for Grey Cup weekend, one that only Hollywood could write, as the top ranked Marauders will defend their Vanier Cup against the same opponent they defeated in Vancouver in a 41-38 thriller a year ago. For the first time since 1976-77, the Vanier Cup will feature two returning teams, both of which dominated their semi-final opponents. In the Mitchell Bowl, the Marauders crushed the Calgary Dinos 45-6, while a day earlier, the Rouge et Or dominated the Acadia Axemen 42-7.
With a 21 game winning streak, dating back to the third week of the 2011 season, the Marauders hope to be the fifth team in CIS history and the first since Laval (2003-04) to repeat as champions.
Will the two teams be able to match the effort that was put forth a year ago in what was labelled the “best game ever”? Hopes are high that on the weekend of the 100th Grey Cup that the 47th Annual Vanier Cup will match the epic porportions of last year. Regardless of the outcome, fans will be treated to something special as the victor will find a place in the record books.
Should McMaster walk away with the Cup, they will as said be the first repeat team since Laval, and also hold the honor of being the first team to run an undefeated season to a championship since, you guessed it, Laval did it in 2010.
A victory by the Rouge et Or will give Laval a record setting seventh championship in eight attempts. Already entering the record books by playing in a third straight CIS Championship, the Rouge et Or will have to battle a Marauder fan heavy crowd to walk away with the title and set up a potential best of three type Hollywood dream in 2013.
