We talked quite a bit this week about developments in the California Conference.

One of the weird things about it is that with Saint Mary's and Cal Poly doing so well we end up with three teams with winning records at the moment and six with losing records. Part of that is due to the fact that the teams with losing records are all beating each other. Usually there's one team losing to everybody, but that has not been the case, and it can actually result in more teams with losing records.

The team that can get to .500 this week is Cal State Long Beach, who struggled at the start but could log their third win in four games this week against UC Davis. Meanwhile, UC Santa Cruz, which is a very good team, sits at 2-4 and hopes to get to .500 if they can topple in-form UCSB and then SDSU next week.

Everyone Wins! (Sometimes) In the California Conference

In the Midwest, Lindenwood takes on Davenport. The Lions are 3-0 and unfortunately couldn't play their Feb. 22 game against Arkansas State because of a snowbound pitch. This week they should get the game off and it's a big one for Davenport, who haven't played since November. A good showing, win or lose, to be honest, will do wonders for their playoff possibilities.

Also unfortunately, Adrian looks like they won't finish the season. Their game with ASU is off the schedule and so are the other ones. This was a very promising Adrian side but the internal problems within College leadership have helped drive this team to the sidelines. Such a shame. Technically what that means is Adrian, 1-1-1 in the fall, will end up 1-4-1.

We have some other really exciting matchups this week. Army comes out of hibernation and hosts University of Guelph out of Canada. Navy looks to build on their big win over Cal with a game against a seriously improving Penn State. BYU is at Arizona in a game that has enormous rankings ramifications.

Central Washington is at UCLA in a game with similar importance. GRR is currently on a trip to SoCal and will be at that game. UCLA may have one of the best second rows in the game—certainly one of the best the Bruins have had. CWU has an excellent kicking game and a powerful maul. Both teams can play open rugby when it's on offer. It will be a good matchup of strengths.

Sunday brings the California Conference decider with Cal Poly vs Saint Mary's. After their rather wonky game against Arizona, the Gaels have been playing with more and more joi de vivre. Cal Poly is getting closer to the upper group of teams, and will want to make a statement here. They also have 5-1 UCSB next week, and can't look past that game now.