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The last game between the two took place in the Exiles
back yard and Oxford were 14 point underdogs going into the game. The form
books meant nothing to an Oxford team, who rolled into town, ripped up the formbooks
and rolled out again.
This
time will be different though; Oxford no longer has surprise as an Ali.
Since their last meeting, Oxford had a week off and Kent
beat Norwich at home to cement their position at the top of the table. The
Exiles have also picked up a couple of injuries to key personal. Star running
back Stuart Muir looks set to miss the clash with a rib injury as does top linebacker
The Widget who has a broken hand.
The good news for the Exiles is the return to form of quarterback
Aaron Griffiths who looks back on song after a torrid time against the Saints
'Pain Train' defense last time out. Griffiths passed and ran for a touchdown
against Norwich last week. Running back Rob Stewart also had a big day against
Norwich behind a rejuvenated offensive line, Stewart rushed for 141 yards. The
Exiles defense is the main reason why they top the table. Led by linebacker's
Mark Vickers and Aaron Alexis they continue to dominate opponents.
The Saints should be almost at full strength. Cornerback
Karl Sears will be missing after picking up concussion against the Exiles last
time, apart from that the Saints will have all guns blazing. After a shaky
first two games for the Saints they now look to be moving in the right
direction. Big wins against Southern Sundevils and Kent have left the Saints
desperate to keep the winning feeling alive.
Quarterback Jay Taylor is starting to make his mark. After
a patient couple of games settling into Coach Houin's offense the last two
games have shown prolonged glimpses of the immense talent Jay has. The Oxford offense
will be keen to put in a big game. Running back Chris Taylor was an ankle tap
away from breaking some big runs last time.
The battle of the day has to be the Kent offense against
the Oxford defense. The Saints defense totally terrorised the Exiles offensive line
in the first encounter. Twelve sacks on the day and a total shut down of the
Kent running game proved the 'Pain Train's' dominance. The Saints also hope to
have inspirational linebackers Tyler Kamish and Paisley Qwantru back, both were
missing last time out.
So Here We Go Again
The Monster Mash.
The Big D Smash.
The Ultimate Clash.
Can Jay Taylor lead Oxford to a third straight victory?
Will star receivers Pete Cleaver, Ali Galbraith and crew
steal the show with their own brand of 'shake & bake'?
Or will big hitters Vickers, Alexis and Baron D'Anyangue
cast Kent's big black shadow over Taylor and the boys?
Or will it be the 'Pain Train' Oxford defense, led up front
by big, bad Graham Cribbes and Stephen Bentley that once again smash Kent back
into Exile?
One thing's for certain. There will be nowhere to hide.
Only the brave will survive.
Oxford v Kent.
This Time its War.
Be there.
KO 2.30pm.