Montreal secured a triumphant victory in the 60th Vanier Cup by defeating the University of Saskatchewan Huskies with a score of 30-16. The Carabins’ win followed the Montreal Alouettes’ loss in the Grey Cup to the Saskatchewan Roughriders just six days prior.
The Carabins, led by U Sports rookie standout Pepe Gonzalez, showcased an outstanding aerial performance during the game. Gonzalez’s exceptional display included 344 passing yards and three touchdowns to Brandon Gourgon, Hassane Dosso, and Simon Larose, leading Montreal to their third national title, their second in the last three years, following their 2023 victory.
Gonzalez attributed the unseasonably warm weather in Regina, at 6 degrees Celsius, as a factor that possibly favored their team. He expressed gratitude for the unexpected good weather conditions, mentioning their preparedness for any climate challenges.
Head coach Marco Iadeluca commended Gonzalez’s stellar performance, emphasizing the quarterback’s composure and the team’s solid defense that shut down the opponents in the second half. The game took place at Regina’s Mosaic Stadium, providing a quasi-home advantage for the Huskies due to its proximity to their campus in Saskatoon.
The victory marked the fourth consecutive national championship for a Quebec-based program, with Laval claiming the title in 2024 and 2022. Despite a contentious moment during the game regarding a potential penalty call against Gonzalez, the Carabins maintained their lead and outscored the Huskies in the second half.
The Huskies, playing with backup quarterback Jake Farrell due to their star QB’s illness, struggled offensively. Farrell faced interceptions and sacks, while key player Daniel Wiebe’s limited impact added to the Huskies’ challenges. The loss marked the Huskies’ seventh consecutive defeat in Vanier Cup appearances since their last championship in 1998, denying them a shot at a football championship trifecta for Saskatchewan after recent wins by the Roughriders and Saskatoon Hilltops.