The stage is set and the two teams which have dominated the ONEFA championship in Mexico for the past seven years will meet to decide a winner. The UNAM Pumas CU have won the past two titles against the UANL Auténticos Tigres while Auténticos beat the Pumas in the previous two. In their only meeting this year, the Tigres prevailed 27-14 after watching as the Pumas roared back late in the game from a 27-0 deficit to score two straight touchdowns almost scoring a third.
The Pumas are looking for their first three-peat since the 1940s but then as the Condors.
The last team to win three consecutive ONEFA titles was the ITESM Borregos Salvajes who captured the crown in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
This will be a game pitting the team (Tigres) with the best offense and defense (in points) against the team with the second best offense and defense. Although Los Auténticos Tigres are number one in both categories, the Pumas are not far behind them, with an offense that has improved each week.
The running game will be the key for UANL. If they establish it, they will alleviate pressure on the quarterback which will be critical. It is still not known whether starter Jesus Mata Charles will be able to at least start in the final. In the only meeting this year between the two, Tigres running back Joan Medina was outstanding and the Pumas must find a way to stop him.
That is why Pumas quarterbacks Rafael Arenas and José Miguel Chavez will have to play their best game of the season. And running back Allan Rosado needs to find his form from last week’s 48-14 semifinal win over the UAdeC Lobos.
The Tigres offense has also struggled at times and they will be facing a Pumas defense which has steadily improved over the course of the season. This could be crucial as the Tigres have been slow to find an offensive rhythm at times this year.
Scores of previous finals between these two teams
2009: UANL Auténticos Tigres 42 – UNAM Pumas 21 / University Stadium
2010: UNAM Pumas 31 – UANL Auténticos Tigres 21 / Olympic Stadium
2011: UANL Auténticos Tigres 16 – CU UNAM Pumas 15 / University Stadium
2012: UANL Auténticos Tigres 34 – CU UNAM Pumas 20 / Olympic Stadium
2013: UANL Auténticos Tigres 16 – CU UNAM Pumas 28 / Stadium University
2014: UNAM Pumas 21 – UANL Auténticos Tigres 14 / Olympic Stadium
The only team to have won a final between the two as visitors was the Pumas.
