Each week Gift-Time Rugby Network will provide predictions for the upcoming weeks games in the Deep South Rugby Conference.
University of Southern Mississippi vs University of South Alabama
Southern Mississippi and South Alabama should be a great game to watch. Southern Mississippi coach, Earl Johnson, has claimed his team has the best defense in the conference so it should be interesting if he is true. South Alabama’s squad has played the last two seasons together so it will be interesting to see if the team can finally mesh together and do some damage. Not to much is known about what Southern Mississippi is bringing to the table but South Alabama will be led by junior scrum half Brett Halbe. South will take Southern Miss 28-14.
Troy University vs Spring Hill College
Troy and Spring Hill is going to be an interesting match-up. Troy has the upper hand when it comes to the forwards and the big match up to look for will be with the eight men. Troy senior James Matthews “Thor” will be going against USA South All Star Mike Short. The place where Spring Hill can beat Troy is in the back line. Spring Hill may not have size but they make up for it in speed. The back line features speed demons such as Devon Sheehy and Harry Corbin. Troy’s back line features senior scrum half and Deep South All Star Eric Milner who will be going up against Sophomore Thomas Schmalz. This is going to be a tough match up but if Spring Hill’s back line is consistent I think they can sneak away with this one as long as the forwards can handle the Troy forward pack. I think Spring Hill sneaks away with a win in front of their home crowd 14-7.
University of Louisiana Lafayette vs Tulane University
ULL begins their quest to repeat as conference champions on Saturday with their game against Tulane. ULL is returning eleven starters and should still be a dominant force. Tulane struggled last season and will find themselves having a tough time Saturday if they do not show up to play. Tulane is looks towards senior fly half Jesse Sussmane and junior eight man Billy Stewart to lead them to victory. ULL prides themselves on being strong as a team and not having any individual standouts. ULL should be able to get past Tulane and win 35-21.