Who has the best defense in Men’s D1AA rugby this fall?
Could it be MAC leaders Bowling Green, who are allowing a paltry 9.0 points per game? Well, what about the #2 team in that conference, Louisville? They are allowing 7.4 points per game.
Kansas isn’t quite at that level, allowed just over 10 per game.
Well, with apologies to those teams, we’ll take a look at Virginia Tech and UMass.
Virginia Tech has allowed 13 points in four games, which averages out to 4.25 points per game.
Much of this was accomplished in the last few days as they played three games from October 13 through October 20.
“The depth has definitely been tested with injuries and the matches, but it is really strong this year even outside of the 23 that are fielded each week,” said club president Hunter Danesi, who plays No. 8 and prop, is central to the defense, and also serves as the team’s Head Coach.
Danesi is one of two major returning players who were NCR All Americans, with wing/flyhalf Will Richey being the other. He serves as the assistant coach.
Lock Gavin Lockwood is also part of this effort and Danesi calls him “one of the most athletic and best all-around players on the team.“
Experienced scrumhalf Brandon Eng, and flyhalf/fullback Ben Hondros add some flair to this team.
But make no mistake, it’s the Hokies’ ability to prevent tries that sets them apart.
