The top two teams from the 2013 season of the Big Ten were in action this weekend against varsity teams, with mixed results.

Michigan, thanks to tries from Jared Bosma, Zach Burns, and Cole Van Harn, defeated Wheeling Jesuit 24-15. WJU did take the 2nd-side game 39-0, but it was a solid effort from the Wolverines 1st side.

Meanwhile, defending Big Ten champs Indiana dropped a 56-27 decision to Lindenwood University.

For Lindenwood, the game was an important bounce-back from a humbling national DIA semifinal loss to St. Mary’s last spring.

“No one was happy with how we ended last season,” said Lindenwood Head Coach JD Stephenson. “St. Mary’s outplayed us - we were outclassed. But we learned a lot after that game, about how we play and how we prepare ourselves.”

In the game against Indiana, Lindenwood got some good work from local product Toma Ghattas, who started at hooker, and No. 8 James Gannon. Also notable was HS All American Wes Parker, the Kentucky product who came on as a sub at flanker and was impressive, and then led the Lions to mother victory in the 2nd-side game.

“This was a good game for us,” said Stephenson. “We were able to work on a few combinations, move some players around. We have some others coming back from injury, so with all of that I think it went well.”