D1A Rugby

Some D1A Rugby Previews & Predictions

Some D1A Rugby Previews & Predictions

Four ranked matchups highlight a great weekend of D1A rugby, as the playoffs loom and teams jockey for positions in the standings.

Feb 28, 2020 by Alex Rees
Some D1A Rugby Previews & Predictions

With the D1A spring season in full swing, we're treated to some really juicy matchups on Saturday, with four ranked matchups highlighting another full slate of rugby this weekend. 

Here is a 6-Pack of predictions for the Saturday's action:

#3 Lindenwood vs Illinois

Lindenwood should have no trouble with Illinois as they aim to bounce back from their first loss of the year. Don't expect this one to be close.

Prediction: Lindenwood 82-3 Illinois

#7 Navy vs #6 Arkansas State

Probably the biggest game of the weekend in college rugby, this one has all the makings of a fantastic 80 minutes of rugby. Navy hasn't played a meaningful game since the fall, when they went 8-2 with both losses by single digits to Life and Lindenwood. Their first big bout of the spring comes at home against Arkansas State, who are two weeks removed from their landmark win over Life. For good measure, the Red Wolves notched an 82-8 victory over Clemson the following week; they're getting hot at the right time. 

This one is extremely tough to call, and will likely be decided by one score. We're going to go with the hot hand here, but this one's a toss up. 

Prediction: Navy 17-22 Arkansas State

#11 Arizona vs Utah

Arizona recorded a really big 27-26 win over UCLA their last time out and ought to be hissing to get back out on the pitch and keep up the momentum. Utah has had a couple of cancellations so far this spring, and likely won't be as prepared as they want to be for the Wildcats. 

Arizona is playing well, and Utah hasn't played a whole lot in the spring. 

Prediction: Arizona 47-15 Utah

#10 Central Washington vs #5 BYU

In another blockbuster matchup, the Wildcats welcome the Cougars to Ellensburg, WA for a top ten clash. Central Washington defeated Arizona back in January, but hasn't been tested since. BYU, meanwhile, looked to have defeated Saint Mary's a couple of weeks ago, only to have a wild ending and a questionable call see them lose 25-24. 

This game carries big implications in terms of seeding for the playoffs. It's going to be a physical affair and both teams will be up for it. But we're feeling like BYU is playing some really good rugby at the moment, and has the ability to take on anyone in 2020. 

Prediction: Central Washington 17-31 BYU

#12 UCLA vs #4 Saint Mary's

The third huge battle between top 15 teams over the weekend will see the Bruins hosting the unbeaten Gaels on Saturday. UCLA will want to rebound from its one point loss to Arizona, but it won't come easy against Saint Mary's. The Gaels survived more than a scare from BYU two weeks ago, before trouncing Grand Canyon two days later. 

UCLA will put up a good fight, but the Bruins won't be able to hold up against the Gaels over the entire 80 minutes. 

Prediction: UCLA 10-41 Saint Mary's

#2 Life vs #25 Texas A&M

After a huge victory to right the ship against Lindenwood a week ago, the Life Running Eagles will be humming when they welcome the Aggies into town. 

Watch Life vs Texas A&M LIVE on FloRugby!

Texas A&M is gearing up for the Red River Conference championship game in a few short weeks, so will be looking to challenge itself against the best of the best before then. 

The Aggies will come out hard and play with energy for 80 minutes, but will be no match for the Running Eagles. 

Prediction: Life 72-3 Texas A&M