Last week's results show that the hierarchy of power in USA Collegiate D1A Rugby is beginning to set itself. There are still some questions, but we are beginning to see what teams we can expect in the playoffs (well, with the exception of the Mid-South).
I went 7-1 for picks last week (missed the mark on the CSU-UNM match). Two of the Ws garnered posted surprising scorelines, though.
Penn State ran roughshod over Delaware, 86-0, and I picked that match to be closer than a try. Delaware's a much better team than this score reflects. The Blue Hens have the toughest row to hoe in the East Conference being that they are the only true club sport in that conference.
Davenport schooled Michigan on Friday night, as predicted. But their trip to Gary, IN produced a surprisingly close result. Davenport always had the lead in a 24-18 thriller, but the Fighting Irish spent 80 minutes nipping at the Panthers' heels. This is encouraging in that ND may provide a surprise in the Varsity Cup.
Not in the picks, but Life defeated spry D1AA Lindenwood 31-10. Life had seven starters out of the line-up for that game, but the Lions are to be commended for holding Life to 31. No other lower division team has been able to produce such defensive prowess against the Running Eagles. Life won the JV match 25-12. Perhaps Lindenwood will not be long for the D1AA ranks?
My picks for D1A matches on March 29-30:
Allied Rugby Conference
Texas A&M at Oklahoma - Texas A&M has weathered two tough matches in a row with similar scores. Oklahoma has had some time off to recover, regroup, and focus on ending the conference season on a high note. Texas A&M found their rhythm against Tech on Saturday and adjusted extremely well, when Tech shut down the inside running channels. The Aggies must put on the same game this Saturday to emerge victorious and in the #1 spot going to the ARC Championship Match. A&M by 3 tries.
Baylor at Texas (Friday night) - Baylor has had a rough year adjusting to D1A play. They've been in all of their games and never given up though. Texas takes no one lightly and especially not at home. The Longhorns should have a couple of players who were out last week, back this week. Texas wins this one by 40.
MidSouth
Arkansas St at Davenport - Despite Davenport's iffy initial outing in Marietta, they cannot be ruled out of this conference. Arkansas State had a rough go with them at home. Expect more of the same in Grand Rapids on Saturday, but this time it should go the Panthers' way by less than a try. Does anyone get a weird feeling that this conference could see all three teams go 2-2 and be decided on series points or PD?
West
New Mexico at Wyoming - New Mexico did not make a great showing at home against CSU last week. Do not expect them to travel better. Wyoming is itching to find the top spot in this conference. Wyoming by 25.
Colorado State at Northern Colorado - Both decent teams at their level, but CSU should prove the better team on the day. State by 2 tries.
I went 7-1 for picks last week (missed the mark on the CSU-UNM match). Two of the Ws garnered posted surprising scorelines, though.
Penn State ran roughshod over Delaware, 86-0, and I picked that match to be closer than a try. Delaware's a much better team than this score reflects. The Blue Hens have the toughest row to hoe in the East Conference being that they are the only true club sport in that conference.
Davenport schooled Michigan on Friday night, as predicted. But their trip to Gary, IN produced a surprisingly close result. Davenport always had the lead in a 24-18 thriller, but the Fighting Irish spent 80 minutes nipping at the Panthers' heels. This is encouraging in that ND may provide a surprise in the Varsity Cup.
Not in the picks, but Life defeated spry D1AA Lindenwood 31-10. Life had seven starters out of the line-up for that game, but the Lions are to be commended for holding Life to 31. No other lower division team has been able to produce such defensive prowess against the Running Eagles. Life won the JV match 25-12. Perhaps Lindenwood will not be long for the D1AA ranks?
My picks for D1A matches on March 29-30:
Allied Rugby Conference
Texas A&M at Oklahoma - Texas A&M has weathered two tough matches in a row with similar scores. Oklahoma has had some time off to recover, regroup, and focus on ending the conference season on a high note. Texas A&M found their rhythm against Tech on Saturday and adjusted extremely well, when Tech shut down the inside running channels. The Aggies must put on the same game this Saturday to emerge victorious and in the #1 spot going to the ARC Championship Match. A&M by 3 tries.
Baylor at Texas (Friday night) - Baylor has had a rough year adjusting to D1A play. They've been in all of their games and never given up though. Texas takes no one lightly and especially not at home. The Longhorns should have a couple of players who were out last week, back this week. Texas wins this one by 40.
MidSouth
Arkansas St at Davenport - Despite Davenport's iffy initial outing in Marietta, they cannot be ruled out of this conference. Arkansas State had a rough go with them at home. Expect more of the same in Grand Rapids on Saturday, but this time it should go the Panthers' way by less than a try. Does anyone get a weird feeling that this conference could see all three teams go 2-2 and be decided on series points or PD?
West
New Mexico at Wyoming - New Mexico did not make a great showing at home against CSU last week. Do not expect them to travel better. Wyoming is itching to find the top spot in this conference. Wyoming by 25.
Colorado State at Northern Colorado - Both decent teams at their level, but CSU should prove the better team on the day. State by 2 tries.