It will be low-scoring and close.

And don't be surprised if a special teams' play proves the turning point in the 107th Yates Cup being played Saturday at McMaster's Ron Joyce Stadium.

That is the view of Greg Marshall, head coach of the 2013 Yates Cup champion Western Mustangs.

The only teams the Mustangs lost to this season are the Yates Cup finalists, the No. 3 third ranked McMaster and No. 5 ranked Guelph. Marshall knows each squad better than he knows the birthdays of his three sons — Donnie, Brian and Tommy.

Marshall's hometown is Guelph. But he won four Yates Cups at Mac.

But he admits he will be cheering for the Marauders Saturday.

Guelph ended Western's season with a 51-26 semifinal win last Saturday.

Marshall said both Mac and Guelph are balanced. Mac will try and throw the football. Guelph will rely more on the rushing attack.

Marshall likes Mac running back Chris Pezzetta. But Guelph's Rob Farquharson is a back who has the ability to survive initial contact and break a run for a huge gain.

"I like Laurier's Dylan Campbell. I like our guy, too, but if I was drafting running backs I think Rob Farquharson is the guy I would take," he said.

"They both have strengths in different areas, but one thing that jumps out at you and which makes them good is that they don't have any glaring weaknesses," Marshall said.

Marshall said Guelph is good on the run attack, offensive line and secondary. Mac is good at receiver and has a strong secondary. Both have good defensive fronts.

The former McMaster head coach said on an expected cold day, both defences will have to limit the run.

"If you are in a lot of man-to-man coverage and they break the line of scrimmage it is going to be tough for the defensive backs to rally up and make plays," he said.

Both teams like to be bring pressure, Mac more so than Guelph.

"They prefer to play a base defence and not take too many chances," he said of the Gryphons.

Marshall believes special teams could be a factor. Both teams like to take chances on special teams. Guelph specializes in short kicks or "moon shots" into the wind, which they hope to recover. Mac punter Tyler Crapigna has the green light to throw for first downs out of the punt formation.

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"They are two well-coached teams on special teams. In a close game, it may be the difference," he said.

Gee Gees' head coach Jamie Barresi said Thursday that Mac's overall balance is a strength for the home side. Mac can throw the ball, but they ran for 299 yards in a 42-31 semifinal win over Ottawa.

"What do you defend?" he said.

Barresi said there are concerns about the health of Guelph starting QB Jazz Lindsey, who was hurt in the semifinal contest.

Barresi said the contest could come down to turnovers, penalties, unforced errors.

Laurier head coach Mike Faulds agrees both clubs are balanced.

"I think the team with the least amount of turnovers will win the game. With two teams this balanced, it really comes down to the team that doesn't make mistakes."

The winner of the Yates Cup will host Atlantic Conference winner Mount Allision on Nov. 22 in the Mitchell Bowl.

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