2001 Vanier Cup Game Recap

2001 - Saint Mary’s 42, Manitoba 16

In front of the largest crowd since 1995, 19,138 fans, the first-ranked Saint Mary’s Huskies and third-ranked Manitoba Bisons met at Toronto’s SkyDome for the 37th showing of the Vanier Cup. Led by Vanier Cup offensive MVP quarterback Ryan Jones’ three touchdowns, the Huskies completed their undefeated season winning by a score of 42-16.

Saint Mary’s (11-0 overall) forced eight turnovers to become the first Canadian university football team to post a perfect record since the Western Ontario Mustangs went 12-0 in 1994. This was the first Saint Mary’s Vanier Cup since 1973 when the Huskies defeated the McGill Redmen.

The Huskies rolled up 390 yards against a Manitoba defence that was considered by many the best in the country. Jones won the Ted Morris Trophy for Game MVP with 290 yards passing and three touchdowns. Huskies’ defensive end Kyl Morrison took home the Bruce Coulter Trophy for his outstanding play on defence.

Luis Perez, Morrison, Patrick Thibeault, Jay Currie and Travis Tyler scored the Saint Mary’s touchdowns. Domenico Bartolacci booted four converts and two field goals. The other points came on a safety.

Mike Miller scored the lone major for the Bisons on a 5-yard pass from Shane Munson. James Boreham added three field goals for Manitoba, who reached the final for the first time since 1970.