Arnaud Desjardins has only one goal with the Rouge et Or

Arnaud Desjardins no longer has much to prove on the Québécois university circuit.

Leader of the Rouge et Or de l'Université Laval, the quarterback already has two Vanier Cup victories to his credit, an Offensive Player title in the final against Wilfrid Laurier, recognition as RSEQ Player of the Year, and a place on the country's second all-star team.

Yet one task remains unfinished in his career: winning a game at CEPSUM.

“In five years, I've never won a game in Montreal. This is my last chance in the regular season and I'd like to take advantage of it,” confided the veteran, who trained with the Spartiates du Vieux-Montréal.

Last year, Laval put in a convincing offensive performance in the metropolis, despite a heartbreaking 32-31 overtime defeat.

Desjardins believes that this duel with Jonathan Sénécal and the Carabins can serve as an inspiration.

“If we repeat the same intensity and discipline, I'm convinced we'll get the desired result,” he added.

Offensive line under pressure

Against the Sherbrooke Vert & Or, the Rouge et Or conceded four sacks, exposing a certain fragility in their offensive line. Veteran center Étienne Cloutier admits that the unit needs to improve quickly.

“We need to be more consistent and limit pressure. Long runs mask our irregularities, but it's the little details that make the difference.”

The context is not simple: Laval has just four days' preparation before this clash against their great rivals Montreal. Head coach Glen Constantin, however, plays down the impact of this compressed schedule, pointing out that this kind of situation can arise from time to time.

Young players will also experience their first baptism at CEPSUM, including Nathan Carignan, who impressed in his opening game with 63 yards on four receptions. The spaced-out winger says he's ready to discover Montreal's electric atmosphere.

For Desjardins, this duel is much more than just a game: it's an opportunity to round off an already memorable university career with a symbolic victory on enemy soil.

This content was created with the help of AI.