With the season's goal of a national championship no longer attainable, the only thing left to do is think about next year.

Against Pittsburgh, the Ruggers will do just that.

"It's going to be good for us, we'll get to mix and match players to see what we can come up with next year," men's rugby backs coach Terry Ryland said. "Anybody with an injury we'll advise not to play, they have a future ahead of them."

And injuries are something players have to play with.

Several Ruggers didn't play last weekend in the Sweet 16 tournament, others did not even making the trip to Colorado Springs.

Some got injured against Ohio State on Saturday and couldn't play against Tennessee the next day.

Pittsburgh comes into the game against the Ruggers in the same boat as Penn State. Pittsburgh made it to the round of eight in the Div. II tournament last weekend. And like the Ruggers, Pittsburgh lost two games, ending any opportunity of a championship.

"We have to wipe away any feeling of feeling sorry for ourselves," Penn State men's rugby coach Don Ferrell said. "We are looking to execute our offense and play tough defense. The team's goal is to play more physical, and hopefully we have some good conditions [tomorrow] to that."

Working in the favor of the two teams is the fact that it is a Pitt-Penn State matchup, which in any sport brings out the best in the two teams.

Most of Penn State's B-side team will play in the game.

Ryland said Pittsburgh always has a good tackling and defending team.

It will take hard work for Penn State to get some scoring opportunities.

Pitt's size and strength is again going to be an issue for the smaller Ruggers' squad.

"We are going to emphasize to the returnees that it is their last shot at making an impression before they go away for the summer," said senior Brett Cowan, who will not play tomorrow due to a torn ACL.