Only two games into their ACRL season, NC State is now feeling pretty good after upending Maryland 26-22.

The result was a little bit of an upset - NC State was ranked #36 by Goff Rugby Report, and Maryland #32 - but not much. Still, it’s a big weekend for the Wolfpack and their aspirations in the ACRL.

NC State had opened their account with a 15-15 tie with Virginia, and so really needed this win if they are to challenge for the top spot in the conference.

Since that tie, said NC State Coach Brian Ketchem, the weather improved enough to make outside training better. That gave them the opportunity to work more on their game plan.

“We know that Maryland is aggressive on defense and offense,” said Katchem. “We had film on them from this year so we analyzed their game plan and focused on defense making every tackle and stopping them behind the gainline. We knew that this advantage would wear on the forwards and soften their attack around the scrums and rucks.”  

With Maryland’s backs expected to come up quickly, the Wolfpack backs focused on finding the right time to kick over the top, or moving the backs and the ball around quickly to give the Maryland defenders pause.

“We also worked hard on scrums because we are strong and wanted as many scrums as possible to soften the legs of the forwards attack,” said Ketchem.

It all worked out. With more time to work with the new players, the team is coming together.

“We actually had a key player or two on the A side who had not seen a rugby ball before August,” said Ketchem. “So every week we strive to add a layer of knowledge, complexity, and intensity.”

Players who do have high school experience have been helping those who are new to the game.

“I also have to say that this group of guys has turned into an intense and focused group,” added Ketchem. “They are tired of being second fiddle to the better-funded programs, so we are practicing and playing with a chip on our shoulder.  Our practices have changed drastically since I became coach and we have been concentrating on games and competition at practice to improve fitness and focus, as well as empowering players as leaders on and off the field.  I am trying to develop a very player centered program that challenges them to push each other to be great.”  

It was the NC State players who asked for an extra day of practice, and a day of film analysis.

“These guys believe they can be great,” said Ketchem, “and are pushing to be great right now.”

Clemson did not play a conference game this weekend, instead playing, and losing to, Life University. But Clemson is the crucial player in the ACRL game. The Tigers face the Terps this coming Friday, Virginia on Sunday, and then a week later visit NC State. Clemson was wrap up the ACRL in those games, and conversely Maryland can rescue their chase for 1st with a win against the Tigers. And NC State, with a win over Clemson, could also be thinking 1st place.