GRR: Illinois State
In a way, the team that came out of this weekend in Great Midwest rugby action was a team that didn't play.
The BIG GAME of the Great Midwest might not be quite as big as anticipated, but still carries some caché.
The finalists for the 2021 Great Midwest Conference both won in their conference openers this week.
Illinois State had to work for it against Illinois-Chicago 21-5.
The men's DII college season was marked by the emergence and growth of several varsity and school-supported programs, and that emergence might obscure the accomplishments of some of the more traditional club teams.
In a tight, hugely physical match that lived up to expectations, Illinois State held off a determined Northern Iowa team 27-23 to win the Great Midwest.
Both teams move on to the national playoffs and both will take Round of 16 berths. but ISU gets the bigger trophy.