Quebec programs have won four national titles in a row. Now, the 60th Vanier Cup goes to Carabins Montréal after a 30–16 win over the University of Saskatchewan. The game was played in Regina on a cool 6 C evening, perfect for football.
U SPORTS rookie of the year Pepe Gonzalez threw for 344 yards and three touchdowns. His targets were Brandon Gourgon, Hassane Dosso, and Simon Larose. Gonzalez was named MVP. The Carabins Montréal led Saskatchewan 15–5 at halftime, securing a win that will be remembered in Saskatchewan for a long time.
The game was held at Mosaic Stadium, giving the University of Saskatchewan a home advantage. But Montreal took the win, their third national title and second in three years. This victory also brought Montreal some relief, just days after the CFL’s 112th Grey Cup went to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. For more details, see this Vanier Cup report that highlights the significance of the 30-16 score.
From Western Canada to Quebec, the message is clear: in Canadian university football, championship poise travels. And on this night, it was the Carabins blue that shone.
Vanier Cup at Mosaic Stadium: Setting, Stakes, and Storylines
Regina’s Mosaic Stadium was the stage for more than just a game. The night felt like a championship under the lights. The stadium’s atmosphere was electric, making headlines in saskatchewan news all week.
Fans from across Saskatchewan made the trip easy. The event was a mix of campus pride and provincial identity.
First-ever Vanier Cup hosted by Regina and only the second in Saskatchewan
Regina hosted its first Vanier Cup, a rare event in Saskatchewan. Mosaic Stadium offered great views and a lively atmosphere. Local traditions added to the excitement, from drum lines to chants.
The city’s team worked with U SPORTS for a smooth event. Food trucks and music added to the festival vibe. It was a night of national pride and local spirit.
Quasi-home date for the Huskies with short travel from Saskatoon
The drive to Regina was a rally for the university of saskatchewan fans. The stands were green and white, thanks to the close distance from Saskatoon. Alumni and the saskatoon hilltops community were there in force.
The Huskies felt like they were at home. Chants and cheers were loud and clear. It felt like a home game, even though it wasn’t.
Context after Montreal Alouettes’ Grey Cup loss to Roughriders
The week’s story was bigger than just a game. The Montreal Alouettes’ loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders added drama. The stage in Regina was a quick turn for Quebec football.
Local excitement grew as the event approached. Fans followed updates and news alerts. Mosaic Stadium became the center of Canadian football.
| Element | Regina Impact | Fan Experience | Broader Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | Mosaic Stadium’s sightlines and acoustics amplified big-play moments | Easy access, visible supporters’ sections, strong concessions | National audience keyed into venue prestige across Saskatchewan |
| Travel | Central hub for provincial highways | Short trip for university of saskatchewan fans from Saskatoon | Added pull for neutral observers following saskatchewan news |
| Support | City programming boosted pre-game energy | Huskies tilt in crowd balance; saskatoon hilltops ties visible | Post-Grey Cup narrative drew interest coast to coast |
| Momentum | Strong in-stadium presentation and clean operations | Fan-led rhythms kept noise steady through quarters | Traction regina efforts met national storylines at a peak moment |
Game Summary: Montreal 30–16 over the Huskies
Montreal set the tone early and kept it. The game stayed tight through halftime. But Montreal’s push after the break gave them the edge they needed.
Fans from Saskatchewan and the university of saskatchewan watched a disciplined finish. This finish fit the final score of 30-16. It also echoed chatter seen on reddit cfl.
Scoring flow by half: 15–11 at the break, 15–5 Montreal in the second half
The first half swung back and forth before Montreal led 15–11. This lead grew as the Carabins stacked first downs and managed the clock. The closing stretch turned one-score tension into a controlled 30-16 finish.
Key field goals: Phillippe Boyer 2-for-3 for the Carabins; Lukas Scott for Saskatchewan
Phillippe Boyer’s two field goals were key, including a short make late in the half. For Saskatchewan, Lukas Scott answered with a clean strike after the break. Montreal’s defence then limited further chances for the university of saskatchewan offence.
Final scoreline resonance: 30-16 and what it reflected in momentum
The 30-16 mark showed Montreal’s balance and timely stops. Carabins Montreal football sustained drives while squeezing field position. In contrast, Saskatchewan saw possessions stall, a pattern highlighted by second-half pressure and a lean red-zone return often debated on reddit cfl.
Pepe Gonzalez’s Aerial Clinic for Carabins Montréal
Mosaic Stadium was the backdrop, and beauty Gonzalez took it by storm. In a CFL game, he led Carabins Montréal with a steady hand. His timing and pocket presence wowed fans everywhere.
344 passing yards with touchdowns to Brandon Gourgon, Hassane Dosso, Simon Larose
He threw for 344 yards, scoring touchdowns for Brandon Gourgon, Hassane Dosso, and Simon Larose. Each pass was a masterpiece, showing his skill. The timing was perfect, thanks to Montreal x’s motion and protection.
U SPORTS rookie of the year shines on a CFL stage
As the rookie of the year, he shone brightly. He adjusted his pace and used his eyes to deceive defenders. The warm Regina air helped his spin, making the offence flow smoothly.
Coach Marco Iadeluca on leadership, “ice in his veins,” and complementary defence
Coach Marco Iadeluca highlighted leadership and ice in his veins as key. He talked about the team’s balance. The defence supported the offence, making for efficient plays and sparking discussions on CFL Reddit.
Turning Point and Officiating Controversy
The night changed quickly, and the stadium buzzed. Fans from the university of saskatchewan saw a close game turn into a heated debate. This debate spread fast on cfl reddit and reddit cfl threads.
Late first-half illegal forward pass flag picked up after discussion
With 1:45 left before the break, Pepe Gonzalez rolled right on 2nd-and-7. The ball came out near the line, and officials threw a flag for an illegal forward pass. After a long huddle, they waved it off, letting the completion stand.
The decision stunned the Saskatchewan sideline and fuelled debate from the university of saskatchewan crowd.
Impact on drive leading to Boyer’s nine-yard field goal before halftime
The reset kept the march alive. Montreal bled the clock and set up Phillippe Boyer. His nine-yard kick closed the half up 15–11.
In a one-score duel, that swing mattered. The chatter on cfl reddit mirrored the hush that followed inside Mosaic, among Saskatchewan supporters.
Reactions from head coach Scott Flory and broadcast commentary
Head coach Scott Flory showed clear frustration in the moment, then chose measured words later. He stressed getting calls right in real time without replay, while noting his group had to be better after the break.
CBC’s Mark Lee questioned the pickup on air, a point echoed across saskatchewan news and the wider reddit cfl community. Angles and rules talk carried late into the night.
Huskies’ Offensive Challenges and Standout Efforts
The university of saskatchewan’s offence showed grit but struggled at key moments. In Saskatchewan, fans were excited early on. But Montreal’s defence got tighter after halftime, making it tough for the Huskies.
Jake Farrell under centre: 20-of-31, 229 yards, two interceptions, three sacks
Jake Farrell started strong, completing quick passes to move the ball. He went 20-of-31 for 229 yards but threw two interceptions and took three sacks. The lack of a touchdown pass made it hard to score in the red zone.
Hec Crighton nominee Daniel Wiebe limited while in a walking boot
Daniel Wiebe, a Hec Crighton nominee, played despite being in a walking boot. He caught four passes for 48 yards. His presence drew a safety, creating space for other receivers.
Why sustained traction was hard to find against Montreal’s defence
Montreal’s defence was aggressive, taking away play-action and winning the line battle. Saskatchewan’s offence relied on short gains, leading to long second downs. This made it hard to move the ball, with only a late field goal to show for it.
The team changed quarterbacks mid-season, affecting their rhythm. The new quarterback’s style led to more conservative plays. Despite this, the Huskies tried to keep the game exciting with their tempo and motion.
Weather, Venue, and Fan Atmosphere in Regina
Mosaic Stadium hosted a mild late-November evening, surprising many in Saskatchewan. The Regina weather was around 6 C, perfect for football. This calm night helped the Huskies and Montreal’s fans alike.
Unseasonably warm 6 C Regina weather and its effect on passing rhythm
The warmth made the ball easier to handle. This helped receivers move quickly and catch the ball well. The calm weather was a rare treat for late fall in Saskatchewan.
Small but loud Carabins contingent celebrates in Western Canada
A small group of Carabins fans made a big noise in the stadium. Their cheers were loud and clear, even in a small area. They enjoyed the warm weather, just like the Huskies.
Regina hosting legacy and the near-home-field feel for the Huskies
Regina’s first Vanier Cup at Mosaic Stadium was a highlight. The trip from Saskatoon made the Huskies feel at home. The city’s pride and the stadium’s conditions made for a memorable night.
| Factor | Impact on Play | Who Benefited | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 C temperature | Improved grip and softer hands | Quarterbacks and receivers | Reduced cold-induced drops in Regina weather |
| Low wind | Stable ball flight | Passing offences | Deep outs and posts held their lines |
| Field footing | Reliable cuts and stops | Route runners | Consistent traction Regina on plant foot |
| Crowd mix | Alternating momentum surges | Both fan bases | Huskies near-home feel vs. Carabins pocket |
| Preparation | Practice-to-game continuity | Montreal timing | Warmer than typical late fall, unlike weather Montreal hourly trends |
Quebec Powerhouse Run and Historical Context
Carabins Montreal football made history, putting Quebec in the spotlight. Their win excited fans in Saskatchewan, who have watched them grow for years.
Carabins secure third national title and second in three years
Montreal now has three national titles, with two in the last three years. This shows their strength, talent, and ability to perform under pressure. It also highlights the challenge the university of saskatchewan faces every year.
Four straight national championships for Quebec programs with Laval in 2024 and 2022
Quebec’s dominance grew with traction Laval winning in 2024 and 2022. They, along with Montreal, created a four-title streak. This set a high standard across Canada.
Huskies’ seventh straight Vanier Cup loss and the denied provincial trifecta
The Huskies lost their seventh national final in 1998. This loss also ended their hopes for a provincial sweep in 2025. Fans in Saskatchewan will remember this close call as they look forward to next year.
What This Means for U SPORTS and the Prairie Football Scene
The Carabins’ win shows Quebec’s strength in U SPORTS. In Saskatchewan, fans learned the importance of precise quarterback play and depth. This message is important at the university of saskatchewan, where staff and alumni aim for better pipelines and schemes.
Regina’s game showed strong local support. The Huskies’ near-home game drew energy from fans and hockey reddit followers. This energy suggests a growing interest in Prairie football, from grassroots teams to professional game-day operations.
The Huskies’ journey had a personal touch. After Anton Amundrud’s lymphoma diagnosis, updates were shared through lymphoma Canada channels. The team adapted, and Saskatchewan rallied around them, focusing on care and clear roles.
Canada West programs will focus on recruiting, health support, and defensive strategies. This includes more practice for young quarterbacks, sports medicine coordination, and flexible defenses. These efforts aim to match Quebec’s level of competition.
Key takeaways span systems and budgets, but execution varies by campus. The university of saskatchewan can use fan culture, elite training partners, and a history of strong linemen. With Prairie support, the conference can improve its week-to-week preparation for November football.
| Priority Area | Prairie Focus | Quebec Benchmark | Action for Canada West |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterback Development | Situational reps and two-QB readiness in Saskatchewan | High-volume passing trees and motion variety | Expand spring installs; build film hubs with pro concepts |
| Health & Player Care | Integrated care pathways and community links to lymphoma Canada | Early diagnostics and consistent return-to-play protocols | Unified medical standards and rapid specialist access |
| Defensive Scheming | Hybrid coverages and pressure from varied fronts | Route disruption with disciplined back-end leverage | Practice periods for vertical shot defence and hot reads |
| Recruiting & Retention | Local pipelines in saskatuwan and rural Alberta | Depth across skill spots and special teams | Data-led scouting; NIL-era alumni mentorship |
| Fan & Media Engagement | Amplify stories via campus media and hockey reddit spillover | Consistent national narratives and TV-ready production | Game-week content calendars and bilingual highlights |
Conclusion
Carabins Montréal won the Vanier Cup with a 30-16 victory at Mosaic Stadium. This was a big moment for Regina, playing in its first final and only the second in Saskatchewan. The game was intense, with a strong attack and a solid defence in the second half.
Pepe Gonzalez threw for 344 yards and three touchdowns. Phillippe Boyer also made important kicks. The second half was key, with the team’s field position improving. For the university of saskatchewan, injuries and turnovers hurt their chances against a strong opponent.
The 30-16 win extends Quebec’s national success. It also gives Saskatchewan a chance to regroup and try again. The Montreal Alouettes’ recent loss to the Roughriders was a reminder of the city’s passion for football.
Regina’s first Vanier Cup appearance shows the importance of execution and depth. Saskatchewan will learn from this and aim for a second Vanier Cup. Carabins Montréal has made a significant impact on U SPORTS, adding to their legacy.