The Liberty Conference opens for business very early with a Thursday afternoon tilt between Iona and UMass.

No surprise this is a tossup game with many questions to answer. The Minutemen, who had a difficult time of it last fall with a 3-4 record, have plenty of reason to feel confident today.

"The boys look good," said UMass head coach Phil Ciccarelli. "They came into camp fit and ready to work and I have nothing but high expectations."

Most of the UMass team from last year returns, although an injury at flyhalf means forwards captain Terry Cullen moves into that role. Barret Lyons is a transfer from New Haven, where he captained the rugby team; he will be a new starter at center, partnering with Andrew French, while lock Denis McCauliffe and hooker Jake Parla are players to watch.

Iona? The dominant team in the Liberty last year is a bit beat up, and head coach Bruce McLane said he is concerned the team is undercooked for this early game.

With Mike Scarcella and John D'Allara moved on and several experienced players, including Mike Marro, injured, Iona will rely on a lineup that includes seven freshmen. Senior prop Nandipha Dube will captain the side, while Santi Mascolo returns at No. 8. If those players plus some youngsters can get Iona ball, they can do something with it. 

The halfback combination of  Connor Buckley (FloRugby's top freshman of the fall) and John Powers is back and the center pairing of Cullen Buckley and Watson Filikitonga is imposing.