Saskatchewan Huskies’ offensive coordinator Mason Nyhus is well aware of the challenge the Regina Rams pose in the 88th Hardy Cup, even with his team having home-field advantage.
“These big games, especially in this conference, it comes down to a Saturday in November. Everything’s thrown out the window,” Nyhus said on the SportsCage. “It comes down to will, it comes down to execution, it comes down to the little things. Home field, it’s nice sleeping in your own bed, but realistically it’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive.”
During the 2025 Canada West regular season, the Huskies and Rams played once, with Saskatchewan winning 22-20 on Friday, September 19. Saskatchewan earned first place in the Canada West with a 7-1 record while Regina finished second at 6-2 record. Last year in November, the Rams defeated the Huskies 19-14 to win the 87th Hardy Cup.
“I think we had a good year with our record and the Rams had a really good season,” Nyhus said. “I do think there are two really good teams going head-to-head, with the rivalry, it’s always fun. I think it’ll be a really competitive football game. They have a really good team. It’s exciting and hopefully it’s a good crowd there with the all-Sask Hardy Cup.”
Nyhus explains what it is like working with Saskatchewan quarterback Jake Farrell who has taken over for Anton Amundrud and helped lead the Huskies to the Canada West championship game.
“In regard to Jake, he’s been great for us. Johnny on the spot there, filling in when needed. He gets the ball to the playmakers and does his job. He’s been awesome to work with. He’s great with his progressions. He’s a smart kid,” Nyhus said.
Farrell has been playing because Amundrud has been injured and hasn’t played since September 27 against the Calgary Dinos. In Saskatchewan’s last game, the Huskies defeated the Uniersity of British Columbia Thunderbirds 26-7 in the Canada West Semi-Final. Farrell completed 16-of-21 passes for 216 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, he also rushed the ball seven times for 44 yards.
Nyhus reacted to Regina being without star running back Marshall Erichsen for the Hardy Cup. Erichsen tore his achilles tendon in the third quarter against the Manitoba Bisons in the Canada West Semi-Final. The Rams won the game in double overtime 32-29.
“It’s terrible to hear about Marshall Erichsen. Game aside, he’s a hell of a football player and it sucks seeing a guy get injured like that. Hopefully, he has a fast recovery. With that, they have [Christian] Katende, who is a great running back in his own right. I’m sure they’ll be okay.”
Nyhus is not worried about the weather for the game on Saturday.
“We’re always prepped for that sort of stuff, that goes all the way back to my playing days. [Scott] Flory’s done a fantastic job in regard to making sure we’re prepped for all the elements. It really doesn’t matter if it’s plus 30 or minus 30,” Nyhus said.
“We’re gonna have a way to get the job done in a game plan to execute, no matter what the situation is. Historically, we’ve been great at that. Hopefully we can continue to do that no matter what the weather throws at us.”
The Huskies host the Rams for the 88th Hardy Cup on Saturday. Brendan McGuire has the pre-game show at 1:45 p.m. and the game call at 2 p.m. on 620 CKRM.
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