The SCRC Men’s DI college conference got fully underway this weekend with ten teams in action.

Florida held off a spirited Mississippi State team 55-21, winning against an athletic and hard-working MSU squad. The Gators got three first-half tries from Stephen Beckerle to take a 24-7 lead into the break. But Mississippi State scored early in the second half to close the gap, and Florida needed Caleb Gilmer’s try to retain the cushion. Jack Christmas, Justin Crowell, Kyle Burnett, and Kevin Knox all ran in second-half tries to put it away for the Gators.

Tennessee were coming off an impressive 25-10 defeat of Oklahoma last week, and hammered Auburn 59-5. 

Alabama took care of Ole Miss 34-7. Head Coach Mark Seitz said his team played relatively well, but didn’t convert on all of their scoring chances.

“We had turnovers from players who have been playing 7s for a few years so that was unexpected,” said Seitz. “We’d have a breakaway and then drop the ball. We hope to fix that this week.”

Inside center Ross Depperschmidt was a huge presence in the Alabama midfield, breaking through the line and causing Ole Miss all sorts of problems. No. 8 Matthew Schick also asked question of the opposition defense.

South Carolina won comfortably against Kentucky 66-5.