Just one day after former BYU legend Cody Hoffman made an imprint on the CFL, Austin Collie joined the party as a member of the BC Lions. Collie played his first CFL regular season game and had a solid performance in a 27-16 loss to the Ottawa REDBLACKS on Saturday night at TD place in Ottawa.

Collie proved to be a huge weapon quarterback Travis Lulay in the Lions’ first game of the season. Collie provided BC with its only touchdown of the night on a 26-yard reception deep in the end zone that gave the Lions a 16-13 lead late in the third quarter.

The  Lions’ defense couldn’t hold the lead as the REDBLACKS answered behind the arm of Henry Burris who threw two fourth quarter touchdowns to come away with the home win.

Burris had a strong showing for Ottawa completing 23-fo-29 passes for 296 yards,including touchdown passes of 7, 30 and 11 yards. His main targets on the night were Brad Sinopoli who caught nine passes for 99 yards and a touchdowns. Chris Williams added four catches for 82 yards while both Greg Ellington and Ernest Jackson recorded touchdown receptions. The REDBLACKS also got solid contributions out of Chevon Walker in the run game. He finished the night 24 carries for 103 yards.

Lulay had a decent night for BC in the loss. He completed 18-of-32 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown with one interception. Emmanuel Arceneaux led the way with seven catches for 112 yards, including a 50-yard reception while Collie added five catches for 65 yards and a score.

Up next for Collie and the Lions is a Friday night affair with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. It will be the first road game of the season for the Roughriders who opened up the year with back-to-back home games. They are 0-1 after a 30-26 opening week loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, with game two coming Sunday against the Toronto Argonauts.