It’s another beautiful Saturday/Rugby Day. There are some great games that are happening around the area. Club matrix season is starting up for some, closing for others. Big rivalry games popping up. Let’s jump right in.
Top Matches This Week
(2-1) Georgia @ (1-1) Mississippi State (Southeastern Rugby Conference)
Georgia and Mississippi State have been surprise teams for different reasons. Under the coaching of Jesse Ponansky, Georgia has shocked the conference this year by jumping out to an early 2-1 season. They have had wins over Vanderbilt, 20-0, and Florida, 34-14. Their only loss being against SCRC incumbent, South Carolina. Mississippi State came in as favorites to take the SCRC West. The matrix season didn’t start off to well for Mississippi State as they opened with a loss on the road against Florida, 55-19, but returned the next week with a win over Ole Miss at home, 45-7. Mississippi State is still second in the SCRC West, trailing behind Alabama. This week will be a defining moment for both teams. While University of Georgia has the hardest pathway to acquire one of the top 2 spots in the SCRC East required to be eligible for the SCRC Conference playoffs, they can make a big statement with this game in establishing themselves as a future force to be reckoned with. Mississippi State can hold a tighter grip on the second place spot in the SCRC West with this win. While both these teams are strong at home, and lighter on the road. This week, I expect the home team to take this match. Give this one to Mississippi State, 20-17.
(1-1) University of Central Florida @ (2-0) Florida International University (South Independent Rugby Conference)
This is the match that both these teams have been looking for since the start of the offseason. Florida International University has been on fire this season. They have been dominant this season. University of Central Florida has not been the power team they have been known for, so far. An early loss to USF, 14-10, and a squeaker by FSU, 10-7. The SIRC South might see a turnover in dominance this year. This newly motivated FIU is looking to take this game, and expect them to win this one at home. Look for Florida International University to take this one in dominate fashion, 35-20.
True South Rugby Conference – Women’s Final 4
The True South Rugby Conference Women’s DII Championships are in Huntsville, AL this year. These teams have been playing through many games and finally have come down to who can take it all.
Nashville vs. Knoxville
Nashville has been a consistent force in the True South for a while. It’s hard to see them lose in the first round, they have been one of the top teams this year, and will take this match to have a shot at the championship game. Nashville over Knoxville, 30-5.
Louisiana Lagniappe vs. Memphis
Louisiana Lagniappe have come out revamped this year. A combined mixture of New Orleans and Baton Rouge women have lead to one of the most dominating women’s team in the South. They have been on a rampage since the summer adding a new coach, and facilitating a new feeder program in LSU and Tulane Women’s Rugby. Look for Louisiana Lagniappe to take the win and head to the True South Championship game, 45-3.
Louisiana Lagniappe vs. Nashville (True South Championship game)
Expect both these teams to play their hardest. This will be a close match, look for Louisiana Lagniappe to get over the hump and take the championship this year, 20-17.
Game Prediction
Southeastern Rugby Conference (College D1AA)
(3-0) Alabama @ (0-4) Vanderbilt – Alabama win (65-5)
(0-2) Auburn @ (1-2) Florida – Florida win (35-17)
(1-2) Ole Miss @ (0-2) Kentucky – Kentucky win (42-15)
Atlantic Coastal Rugby League (College D1AA)
Virginia @ Wake Forest – Virginia wins (24-10)
Maryland @ North Carolina – Maryland wins (42-12)
Deep South Rugby Conference (College DII)
Tulane @ Southern Mississippi – Southern Mississippi wins (28-17)
Troy University @ Louisiana Tech – Louisiana Tech wins (20-0)
True South Rugby Conference – Men (Club)
Baton Rouge @ Battleship – Baton Rouge win (22-17)
Jackson @ Birmingham – Birmingham win (27-5)
Hopkinsville @ Nashville – Nashville win (33-10)