1. LSU – D-1AA (Southeastern Rugby Union)
Next Matrix match – TBD
LSU has been #1 on our list since opening the rankings this year. But without being able see them play any of the schools from within the state, and their Cup season not starting until the Spring, we did not have a chance to see them in action. That all changed up last Friday when LSU and Loyola matched up with each other. LSU and Loyola played each other to a close game. Loyola lead LSU at halftime 12-5, but LSU managed to pull away and win overall 31-19. This game showed how close these two teams were as they played each other as rough, and gritty as any game. LSU ended with the win, but Loyola showed that they were a team to be reckoned with.
2. UL-Lafayette – DII (Deep South Rugby Union)
Last matrix match – vs. Troy University, @Lafayette, LA (W 57-12)
Next matrix match – Nov. 2, 2013 – vs. University of South Alabama, @Mobile, AL
UL-Lafayette moved up from #3 to #2 in the state, after defeating nationally ranked #24 Troy University, 57-12. UL-Lafayette has shown the extent at which that program has grown. ULL has been defending their Deep South Rugby Union Championship title this season. They have gone an undefeated 5-0 out scoring their opponents 273 – 37. They have shut out two opponents and kept Springhill and Troy (both ranked at the time they played ULL) under 20 points. ULL has shown the ability to not only win, but win in a dominating fashion. ULL has University of South Alabama this weekend and then will be contending for their second Deep South Rugby Union Championship on Nov 9th.
3. Loyola – DIII (NSCRO Rugby Union)
Next matrix match – TBD
Loyola dropped in rankings this week from #2 to #3 in the state. But even though they dropped, they did not give a less impactful performance last week Friday. Loyola showed why they are considered one of the top rugby teams in the state of Louisiana. Despite losing to LSU 31-19, the score did not show how close they were to LSU in play. Loyola even held a lead against LSU at halftime, before LSU took the lead in the second half. Loyola should be able to continue their succession when they begin cup season. This is a team that has a lot of athletic talent available to them.
4. Louisiana Tech – DII (Deep South Rugby Union)
Last matrix match – vs. Springhill College, @Mobile, AL (L 41-0)
Next matrix match – Nov 2, 2013 – vs. Tulane, @Ruston, LA
Louisiana Tech dropped their 3rd game of the season, and was dealt their second shut out of the season. This Louisiana Tech team has shown a lot of promise for the future. This is still a young program, having only entered it’s second year of activity since being placed on suspension. Louisiana Tech has shown that they can compete with teams in wins over University of South Alabama, as well as playing competitive with ULL. Louisiana Tech will face their last game of the regular cup season against Tulane. We expect them to be able to pick up their third win of the season.
5. Tulane – DII (Deep South Rugby Union)
Last matrix match – vs. University of Southern Mississippi, @New Orleans, LA (Win by forfeit)
Next matrix match – Nov. 2, 2013 – vs. Louisiana Tech, @Ruston, LA
It has been no secret that Tulane hasn’t had it’s best season this year. Even though they are 2-2 on the season, they have one solid win against University of South Alabama, but other than that their only other win has been a forfeit against an ailing University of Southern Mississippi team. Their resume carries very similar to Louisiana Tech Rugby’s schedule. The benefit of the doubt for Louisiana Tech has been due to the age of their program and the potential of their players. Tulane unfortunately has been forced to forfeit a game this season against ULL on the first game of the season and were forced to postpone their match against Springhill college. Tulane will have face Louisiana Tech this weekend in Ruston, LA. This should allow us to get an idea of what to expect from this team.
6. Southeastern – DIII (TBD)