A new conference starts play this weekend as the Chesapeake gets on the field.

This will be a toss-up competition, with strong DII programs Towson and Salisbury taking on playoff-level DIAA teams (James Madison), championship-level NSCRO teams (Mount Saint Mary's), and solid DI teams, as well. It's a wild mix, and now we get to see how they all match up.

In the SCRC, Georgia is at South Carolina, Alabama at Auburn, and Tennessee at Vanderbilt. We should see closer matchups later. The Empire is another wild one. Sunday's Fordham at Syracuse is one to watch. In the Rugby East, Buffalo at St. Bonaventure pits two teams battling upward. 

SBU lost to Notre Dame College, and were beaten fairly convincingly. Buffalo recently lost a close one to the Buffalo men's club - UB scored twice in the first ten minutes from John Lively and Tom Drietlin, but the BRFC got back into the game and took the lead. The game ended with UB knocking on the door for the equalizer (game footage here). Coach Mike Hodgins said it was a valuable run-out for his squad, which will still struggle for wins this season, but won't back down from any challenge. The big game in the Rugby East is Iona at Army - a clash that Iona won in something of an upset last season.

The ECRC starts with AIC at New England College. AIC is looking for a new Head Coach and Ron Guiry is running the team on an interim basis. But AIC has lots of experience and if they get enough ball, should be a handful. NEC has a new Head Coach in Tal Bayer. They have tons of talent, as well, but are very young.

Also watch out for Navy at Notre Dame College. This game will feature a special 9-11 tribute - NDC Head Coach Jason Fox is a firefighter and lost friends during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. With the US Naval Academy coming into town it seemed the perfect time to remember those fallen. The game itself will be an excellent gauge for both. Wheeling Jesuit takes on Lindenwood-Belleville in another game where a program is finding its way. This time, it's WJU, just having brought in a new coach. L-B is playing an independent DI schedule, and has already beaten Tennessee. A win over the Cardinals really would make people sit up and take notice.

Check back for scores.