Kennesaw State and Tennessee opened the SCRC season way back on September 14 and they will meet again Saturday to wrap things up.

KSU won that initial game 29-19, but that doesn’t mean it will be the same two months later.

Kennesaw State is looking solid, having beaten a very good Alabama team 57-19. Head Coach Randall Joseph got a big game out of center Ben Dorsey, who he calls “the workhorse.” 

Tennessee was supposed to play Georgia, but UGA forfeited.

“It was unfortunate about the forfeit but the Chattanooga Men’s Club stepped up in the 11th hour to provide us a match,” said Head Coach Marty Bradley. “It was Senior Day so it was important for us to get a run.”

Bradley took his starting 15 off the field at halftime and the reserves  got time, which, added Bradley, they very much deserved.

Bradley praised the 2nd 15’s “exceptional commitment to the team this fall despite few playing opportunities.”

Depth is a huge part of success through a DIAA college fall season, and KSU will likely have to put in a full performance from all 23. Don’t be surprised if both teams are carrying injury issues.

“Overall we need to maintain our defensive structure against Tennessee,” said Joseph, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of being the favorite. “They have a very good side, probably overall better than Kennesaw State overall.”

“We’re looking forward to the challenge of facing a very good Kennesaw State team,” added Bradley. “Kids come to Tennessee to get a great education and to play championship level rugby. We’re doing that this weekend for sure.  KSU has hammered their way through the conference this fall so its going to be a huge challenge, but it’s where we want to be.”

Win or lose, both teams will have more rugby to play, as both will be in the DIAA playoffs a week later. And those games won’t be any easier. They play either Bowling Green or Western Michigan, two teams that are essentially equal.

Another huge challenge. 

After this one.