The West D1A has been thrown into a little bit of turmoil that now means that this weekend’s Air Force v Colorado game could be for 1st place.

This all came about because the October 1 result between Colorado State and Colorado has been vacated. Both teams were found in violation of player registration policies, and the result (previously a 40-33 CSU victory) is now a forfeit loss for both teams. CSU has lost six points in the standings (four for the victory, one point because they scored four tries, and one point because a forfeit actually costs them a point). Colorado loses three points (1 for four tries, 1 for a close loss, and 1 for the forfeit).

What this means now is that Air Force sit atop the conference with a 2-1 record and 12 points in the standings. Colorado, despite the hit on their points total, are still in with a shot, especially if they win.

“We talked about it during training.” said Air Force Head Coach Denny Merideth. “We talked about how this was always an important game, and every game is important, but it’s taken on a new meaning now. We can’t afford to look beyond Colorado to the Army game later on.”

“Everything’s been changed around because of that ruling,” said Colorado club president Kellen MacDonald, a snappy player in his own right sadly sidelined with a shoulder injury. “Air Force is a good team, always fit, always physical.”

Colorado is missing a couple of players due to injury, including flanker Jack Miller, but MacDonald said they will handle it.

“The guys have a really good work ethic,” said MacDonald. “We’ve had some changes in coaching over the years but we feel really good now. We’re settling in with Coach Murray [Ian Wallace] and his system.”

Leading the Buffs this weekend will be two more loose forwards in Zach Niro and Eli Mackay. They have been the heart and soul of the team, especially a forward effort that has got them to this point.

Air Force, meanwhile has had some injury issues of their own, especially with the unfortunate loss of captain Ben Burmester. 

But Mitch Cochell has stepped in well to captain the team.

“It’s been fun to watch him mature as a leader,” said Merideth. Meanwhile, the Zoomies have plenty of talent, with Braden Smith showcasing serious wheels on the wing and forwards Austin Lyons and Nick Waterman - upperclassmen in their first year of rugby - developing nicely.

“We’ve had guys thrown into leadership roles and guys thrown into playing roles, and it’s been working well,” said Merideth.

The day itself will be for conference pride, but it’s also a big day of rugby. Both teams will bring full squads, and there will be an A, B, and C side game, as well as a 7s run-out to help Colorado prepare for the PAC 12 7s.

But in the end, it’s also about the conference. 

Also on the slate, and not to be overlooked, is Colorado State at Wyoming and then hosts New Mexico a week later. The Rams are certainly not out of it due to the vacated result. Both Air Force and Colorado also have New Mexico left on their schedule.

Updated West D1A Standings