Homecoming game predictions

Football vs. UOttawa Gee-Gees, 1 p.m. at Richardson Stadium

It’s the football team’s last regular season game, and it’s likely going to be one to remember. With a 3-4 record, the Gaels need to win to earn a playoff spot.

It’ll be a tall order against UOttawa, who’s playing for second in the OUA with a 5-2 record. With that in hand, fans can expect to see one of two scenarios. With their playoff spot clinched, the Gee-Gees may rest their top athletes, giving the Gaels a strong chance. 

Alternatively, Queen’s will go toe-to-toe with one of the country’s best. The latter is more likely.

In either case, it’s bound to be a battle, but Queen’s grit and determination—and some help from the home crowd—will see them edge this one out.

Men’s rugby vs. McMaster Marauders, 3 p.m. at Nixon Field 

For their last regular season game, the undefeated Gaels (7-0) will take on the McMaster Marauders (4-3) to see if they truly reign supreme over the OUA. This matchup will be a repeat of last season’s final regular season game, where Queen’s came out with a 62-18 victory. 

So far, the Gaels have clinched a home-field advantage for the OUA playoffs, where they’ve secured themselves the top overall seed. The Gaels will look to take down McMaster this homecoming as they continue in their chase for a second consecutive Turner Trophy.

Women’s Rugby vs. Guelph Gryphons 12 p.m. in Guelph, Ontario 

Despite playing away from home, the women’s rugby team have a chance at OUA gold this weekend against Guelph. While they lost to the Gryphons in their first meeting, the Gaels will look to right their wrongs as they come face-to-face with the OUA’s only undefeated team a second time. 

After a gritty 29-24 OUA semi-final win over McMaster that secured them a spot at the U Sports National Championships, Queen’s will be in Guelph for a match that’s sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Men’s hockey vs. Brock Badgers, 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Centre

Two of the OUA’s undefeated teams are going to clash on Saturday night when the Gaels (3-0) take on the Brock Badgers (3-0).

Queen’s has already proven themselves on the biggest stage by taking down McGill—last year’s OUA Championship team—in their first game of the season last week. Meanwhile, Brock’s wins have come against York, Guelph, and Laurier—all undistinguished teams in the OUA. 

It’s early in the season, and plenty of unknowns continue to float in the air, but Queen’s young core has put up an impressive early-season defensive effort that should continue this weekend. In their three games, they’ve given up just one goal—Queen’s shut out RMC and UOIT last week 4-0 and 3-0, respectively.