Indiana defeated Penn State in a pre-playoff clash between two of the strongest DIA performers in the fall.

As reporter on Goff Rugby Report, both teams were looking to kick-start the meat of their season with this game. Penn State was coming off a 3-0 trip to Scotland, while Indiana had been not playing much of late, but did have their Eagle, Bryce Campbell, back in the lineup. In fact, IU had an all-Royal Irish midfield as Campbell suited up with former Royal Irish flyhalf Brian Hannon, who was at outside center.

Indiana drew first blood with a try from Tyler Sousley, like Hannon and Campbell, a former USA age-grade player. Teddy Terezis converted for the 7-0 lead. Penn State’s cover defense kept the score at 7-0 until late in the first half. Just before the break, Penn State got on the front foot. Indiana got into penalty trouble, mostly offside, and eventually Thomas Del Pino zipped over to make it 7-5 Indiana. IU got into more penalty trouble, but held out Penn State in one final chance before halftime.

Early in the second half, Terezis slotted a penalty goal to make it 10-5, and then Campbell intercepted a pass and went the distance to make it 15-5 just four minutes into the second period. IU kept up the pressure and Ty Graham scored off a lineout to make it 22-5. A lineout from Penn State resulted in a try for Ryan McNulty, converted by Jimmy Ronan, and the lead was cut to 22-12.

It remained that score until the final ten minutes. Terezis missed a penalty goal attempt, but then Sousley raced in and with the Terezis conversion, Indiana led 29-12. Penn State battled hard to come back, and did get one try, but it wasn’t enough, and Indiana took it 29-19.

“It was a great team performance,” said IU club president Jacob Garwood. “We’ll enjoy this one and then turn our attention to Notre Dame and continue our preparation for the playoffs.”