EDMONTON - First place in Canada West is at stake in Vancouver on Friday, as a pair of undefeated sides in Alberta and UBC clash at Thunderbird Stadium. 

Alberta has started conference play 3-0 for the first time since 2005, which was also the last time they began their season 4-0. UBC is 3-0 for the first time since 2012, and are looking for their first 4-0 start since 1992. Friday night's winner will take sole possession of first in Canada West, and all but lock up a playoff spot halfway through the 2023 season.  

The Bears are coming off a 26-22 road win over Saskatchewan, in game that featured a 547-302 offensive yard advantage for the visitors. Pacing Alberta was tailback Matthew Peterson, who finished with a career-high 191 rushing yards, highlighted by a 104-yard scamper in the third quarter, which marked the second longest run in Canada West history. 

UBC, meanwhile, exploded for a 56-10 home win over Manitoba on Saturday. The T-Birds have scored 101 points over their last two games, blowing out both Calgary and Manitoba. 

Alberta and UBC split their two meetings last season, with the home side winning both contests. UBC earned a 30-21 win over the Bears in Week 1, followed by a 15-12 Alberta win in Week 9. 

Golden Bears Football (3-0 Conference, 3-0 Overall)
Conference
Friday, September 22
Alberta @ UBC Thunderbirds (3-0), Thunderbird Stadium, 7:00 p.m. MT

KEY STATS

• Alberta and UBC own two of the most potent offenses in the country. The Bears lead CW in yards per game, rushing yards per game, and 1st downs per game. UBC's 42 points per contest, 383 passing yards per game, and field goal percentage are all tops in CW. 
• For the second-straight week, Jonathan Giustini was named the CW Special Team's player of the Week, recording four field goals, adding four tackles and an interception on defence. Giustini's now ranks fourth in Bears history for career points (215), third for field goals (46), and second with a 73% field goal percentage. 
• UBC quarterback Garrett Rooker is second in Canada West with 940 passing yards, completing an absurd 79.2% of his passes. The T-Birds pivot tossed for 250 yards and a pair of TD's in UBC's 30-21 win over Alberta last September. 
• Alberta and UBC have split their last six meetings, with the home team winning five of those six matchups. The only road win came for Alberta in 2019.