Maybe they'd like to fly under the radar, but they can't; word is rampant that Penn State is for real and could well be the best team in the Rugby East.

Maybe that's premature - certainly Head Coach Blake Burdette would say so, but the Nittany Lions are looking awfully good. Scrumhalf Jimmy Ronan is not only playing a good #9 and kicking goals with accuracy, but he is starting to be a leader.

"I want him to play the game with more pace," said Burdette after praising his scrumhalf. "And he's getting there. He's getting better every game, and he's become a good leader."

Wing Mike Eife, who played with Atlantis and has become a pretty deadly finisher. Prop Jordan Crofts, a Utah Youth Rugby product, has been outstanding, and John McLean, said Burdette, is an excellent USA U20 candidate.

Perhaps the player to really watch is Mike Dabulas. The former Union Mudturtle out of New Jersey is only in his sophomore year but, despite some stiff competition from West Point transfer Thomas Del Pino, has been playing some very smart rugby. In fact, Burdette says it's that competition that has made Penn State play so well.

"We have competition at almost every spot and it makes us better," said Burdette. "I'd like to see us play a little tougher, and we're developing a good team mentality."

This weekend, Penn State hosts St. Bonaventure on Friday, and then travels to Buffalo to take on UB on Saturday. So far, the Lions are 3-0 in the Rugby East, outscoring opposition by an average of 93-4. They also beat Queens University out of Ontario 32-10. They are favored to sweep the two games this weekend, but then the real test comes. Starting October 8 they play Army, Iona, Wheeling Jesuit, and Kutztown in quick succession. That's the run that will decide how good they are.

"We know it's only going to get tougher," said Burdette.

Oh, and one more thing, in case you're wondering whether Penn State can get better, last year's best forward of the fall, Malcolm May, who has been out injured all fall, will be back this week. They will only get better.

Top, sophomore Mike Dabulas has been playing some good rugby at flyhalf. Bottom, all smiles for Jimmy Ronan as he prepares to kick another conversion.