A disappointing trip to the nation's capital for the Guelph Gryphons.
It was billed as a battle of two football teams ranked among U Sports' best, but it ended in a 46-10 rout, as Ottawa (3-1) toppled the Gryphons (1-3) at TD Place Stadium.
The GeeGees were ranked ninth in the latest U Sports top 10 rankings, while Guelph was one behind them in 10th.
Guelph picked up nearly 300 yards of offense, but did run into trouble against the GeeGee's defense. This was especially noticeable on third down, where Guelph went three-for-six.
Jake Helfrich went 18-for-36 for 169 yards passing, but was intercepted twice. He ran in a one-yard score in the second quarter, but that was the only touchdown the Gryphons could muster on the day.
Ottawa would post 13 points in the final five minutes of the first half to take a 19-7 lead into the locker room.
From there, the GeeGees continued on with 27 points in the second half, while Eric Stranz's 24-yard field goal late in the third quarter was the lone response for Guelph.
With CFL top prospect Clark Barnes out for a second straight game, wide receiver Vyshonne Janusas was Helfrich's most popular target once again, collecting 57 yards on eight grabs.
Guelph rookie Isaiah Smith eclipsed the century mark on the ground, getting 101 yards on 17 carries, including 85 in the first half.
For Ottawa, both Amlicar Polk and JP Cimankinda ran in a touchdown while collecting more than 100 yards rushing. Quarterback Ben Maracle threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns in the win.
Up next for Guelph is Homecoming weekend this Saturday, when the Gryphons host last year's Yates Cup finalist Queen's at 1 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
