It’s the third tournament in the Altantic Coast Rugby League’s 7s series leading up to next week’s final in Knoxville, Tenn.

This week it’s Tupelo, Miss. that hosts the event, with a nine-team bracket that includes the two teams that have contested the final each of the last two tournaments - South Carolina and Tennessee.

Pool A features USC, Mississippi State, and Georgia. Pool B is Tennessee, Auburn, and LSU. In Pool C it’s Alabama, Florida, and Ole Miss.

Pool C is a competitive one with Alabama (#3) and Florida (#4) both ranked highly in the series so far. But LSU finished 3rd in Tuscaloose two weeks ago, so they could be a challenge to Tennessee.

The Vols have had a bit of frustrating season so far as coach Sammy Anderson’s group has made the final both tournaments, only to be overhauled late by a fitter, and very effective South Carolina team.

“It has been frustrating,” said Anderson, who has been working hard to get Tennessee back to the upper echelon of college 7s. 

Losing has also shown that the team has promise.

“This team hadn't been to any 7s final since 2012, so it feels good to make it there two times in a row. South Carolina is the more established team. They were the top team coming into the 7s season.”

But Anderson has installed a new 7s approach for Tennessee and it is taking hold. It shows in the fact that the Vols led at halftime of both of those SCRC finals, only to be shut out in the second half.

“I think a lot of that can be placed on my shoulders rather than fitness,” said Anderson. “More than anything it’s just being able to do our jobs on the field for every minute we are out there. In 7s a few seconds can unravel 13 minutes of good work. If we have the fitness to make it to the final and are leading at halftime, we should be able to empty our tanks intelligently and win the game. South Carolina obviously has just kept a better head on their shoulders, have made the plays when they need to, and have a couple of really, really good players to do that for them. That's what a championship team does.”

As part of their 7s preparation, Tennessee spent a week at the IMG facility in Bradenton, Fla. Former Tennessee All American Benji Goff (no relation) joined the squad to help coach, and while there they stayed in the same quarters as pro soccer players and football players preparing for the NFL Combine. They got to meet the New Zealand women’s 7s team, which was there to scout the facility as a 2016 Olympics preparation locale, and also met with former Eagle and Life University coach, who spoke to the players about what it takes to succeed at a high level.

That’s a lot to take in. Anderson said all of the teams in the SCRC are benefitting from a true 7s season.

“One big positive is how lucky we all are to have four tournaments to really improve our 7s,” said Anderson. “A one off championship doesn't really progress 7s rugby much throughout the region. Things like this are imperative to really improving the 7's skill set. So now whatever teams we send to the CRC and USA Rugby National Championship we will be able to represent the SCRC at a much higher level than ever before.”