KINGSTON, Ont. (September 26, 2019) - The Queen's Gaels (2-3) are on the road this week as they travel to face the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks (1-3) at University Stadium on Saturday at 1:00 pm.

LAURIER PREVIEW

While the Golden Hawks currently sit in ninth place in the OUA standings, a strong performance by Laurier's defence could mean trouble for the Gaels.

The Golden Hawks lead the OUA in total yards allowed with 297.5, third in passing yards allowed (221.8), and second in rushing yards (75.8).

Laurier has had a competitive season so far, earning an 18-10 victory over York while suffering close losses against the Ottawa Gee-Gees and Toronto Varsity Blues, both of which saw the Golden Hawks defeated by fourth-quarter comebacks.

Before their bye week, the Golden Hawks led Ottawa 22-3 heading into the fourth quarter but gave up four consecutive scoring plays to lose the game 25-22.

Alongside their defence, Laurier possesses Levondre Gordon, the top running back in the OUA, leading the conference in total yards, rushes, and yards per game. Gordon had a season-high 38 carries for 188 yards and two touchdowns against the Gee-Gees.

Laurier kicker Nathan Mesher also leads the league in field goals made (11) and is fourth in points (40). 

SNYDER ON LAURIER

"This is going to be a challenge," said Gaels head coach Steve Snyder. "They are by far the best 1-3 team in the country. It's a top-ranked defence, the offence is very, very athletic and really good upfront, so they're fighting for their lives, they always put on a great show at homecoming with an electric atmosphere and they've got some time to prepare for us, so it's going to be a great challenge." 

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH 
RB Rasheed Tucker - Queen's 

The OUA recognized Tucker's monster performance, 28 carries for 210 yards and two touchdowns last week over Toronto, naming him Offensive Player of the Week. While Toronto ranks last in the OUA against the run allowing 239.5 yards per game, Tucker has a far tougher road ahead against Laurier, ranked second allowing just 75.8 yards per game.

Following two consecutive games leading Queen's in carries and yards, Rasheed Tucker will look to continue his hot start since returning from injury. 

LB Kurtis Schaefer - Queen's 

The fifth-year linebacker leads the Gaels in total tackles with 29.5, tied for sixth-best in the OUA. He will be relied upon heavily to stop Gordon from breaking through the second level for large gains.

QB Connor Carusello  - Laurier

The Golden Hawks passing attack has been conservative at best, as Carusello has completed 87 of 137 passes, 63.5% per cent for 1,008 yards. Look for Laurier to throw the ball more and expand their offence in search of a crucial victory to save their playoff hopes. 

RB  Levondre Gordon - Laurier 

Slowing down Levondre Gordon will be key to the Gaels victory. The centrepiece of the Golden Hawks offence, Gordon leads the OUA in yards (576), attempts (104), yards per game (144) and is second in touchdowns (3).


2018 MATCHUP 

The Golden Hawks soundly defeated Queen's 44-18 at Richardson Stadium in 2018.

Laurier quarterback Tristan Arndt had a near perfect day completing 24 of 30 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns.

The Golden Hawks also dominated on the ground 250 total yards on 34 attempts, star running back Levondre Gordon earned a bulk of those yards carrying the ball 17 times for 121 yards. 

The Gaels offence was unable to keep with Laurier, as Nate Hobbs threw for 20 of 40 passes for 217 yards, but failed to throw a touchdown.