The DIAA final eight has been decided.
Middle Tennessee State was already in the final eight after beating Florida International two weeks ago. Likewise, Notre Dame College advanced with a midweek win over Bowling Green. But two other teams needed to be decided in the East bracket. James Madison handled Harvard 49-16, while AIC won a wild one, where the Yellow Jackets fell behind 14-0, went on a 55-7 tear, and then saw Delaware mount a late comeback to make it 55-35.
In the West, Arkansas took a bye. Utah State defeated Washington in Seattle 31-24, showcasing some smart, physical, athletic rugby.
Pacific West runner-up Sacramento State exploded in the first half to lead 24-13 and held on 36-24 over Long Beach State. And UC Davis overcame a tough Southern California team by playing polished rugby and executing well. Final score 29-12.
So the matchups are set for April 23
At Bowling Green:
James Madison v AIC
Notre Dame College v Middle Tennessee State
At UC Davis:
UC Davis v Sacramento State
Arkansas v Utah State
The winners of those games play in the semis on April 24 to decide the finalists for May 7.
