Here's a quick look at where we are in Men's D2 College rugby.
Northern Iowa and Marquette will meet up in the Great Midwest Conference final after both won semifinals in convincing fashion Saturday.
UNI has seen their halfback combination of David Randall and Jentry Staack come together very nicely and their communication and ability to read defenses have produced points. This week was no different as Northern Iowa defeated Wisconsin-Whitewater to the tune of 62-10.
Marquette's defense was the star of the show against Loyola, with Marquette taking a 36-0 decision from the Chicago-based team. Loyola will play Whitewater next week for third.
Southern Conference
North Carolina State moved to 4-0 with a 50-12 defeat of Appalachian State Saturday. The Wolfpack was led by Jonathan Perry, who was player of the game.
What this sets up is a makeup of a Hurricane-postponed game now set for November 12 with Charlotte at NC State.
Gateway
All people's concerns (OK, ours) about Principia losing in the semifinals to Southern Nazarene went up in smoke as the Thunder Chickens defeated SNU 62-13 to make the conference final.
Principia's offense remains potent. In their seven victories over D2 opposition the Thunder Chickens are averaging just over 85 points per game.
In the other semi, it was a close-run thing for at least 40 minutes as Central Missouri held a slim 17-10 lead over Washington University. The second half was more in the Mules' favor as they scored three tries to win 38-22.