EDMONTON - Looking to secure a home playoff game for the first time in 19 years, the top-seeded Golden Bears visit the surging Manitoba Bisons on Friday night in Winnipeg. 

The Bears and Bisons have combined to win their last five games, with Alberta jumping atop the Canada West standings with a 5-1 record, while Manitoba's three straight wins pushes them back into the playoff picture, sporting a 3-3 record through six weeks. 

Both teams have potential clinching scenarios at play this week; Alberta can clinch their first home playoff game since 2005 with a victory, while Manitoba can lock up a playoff spot with a win. 

Alberta earned a 37-16 home win over Manitoba on September 8th in a game in which Manitoba lost starting QB Jackson Tachinski in the second quarter. Matthew Peterson rushed for 158 of the Bears 287 ground yards in the win. 

Golden Bears Football (5-1 Conference, 5-1 Overall)
Conference
Saturday, October 21
Alberta @ Manitoba Bisons (3-3), IG Field, 6:00 p.m. MT

KEY STATS

• The Bears moved up to No. 7 in the U SPORTS Top 10 following their win over Saskatchewan. It's the highest the Bears have been ranked since November 7, 2005, when they were fourth in the nation. 
• Manitoba has won three straight meetings against Alberta at home, including a 43-17 playoff win in 2021. Alberta's last win in Winnipeg came on September 29, 2017 (36-25). 
• Alberta's 501.5 offensive yards per game are second in Canada, behind only the top-ranked Western Mustangs (526.1). The Bears 1,356 rush yards are fourth in U SPORTS, with their 226.0 rush yards per game ranking second only to Queen's. 
• Despite ranking last in Canada West in points allowed and second last in defensive yards allowed, the Bisons have had success turning the ball over. Manitoba's nine interceptions are the second most in CW, ranking first with five fumble recoveries. 
• RECORD WATCH: Fourth-year Bear Jonathan Giustini needs only 7 points to set the Bears new all-time scoring record. Steve Kasowski (1984-89) holds the current mark with 251 career points. 
• Running back Matthew Peterson is 25 yards shy of becoming just the seventh Bear ever to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season.