Throw out the records, they mean nothing now. Every game is a do-or-die situation. You have to be in it to win it. It's now or never.
No matter which cliché you prefer, the fact still remains the same: the USA Rugby National Championship tournament is here.
College rugby's version of March Madness is set to begin this weekend with the entire 16-team field in action. By the conclusion of the second round on Sunday, only four will have survived the toughest two-day stretch of the season -- and the Penn State men's rugby team will be one of them.
The Ruggers (14-3, 9-0 MARFU) boast a five-match winning streak, the tournament's No. 3 seed and are one of the favorites to reach the Final Four. This isn't good enough, however.
For most teams, finishing the season in the top four would be the exclamation point on a stellar season. Not Penn State.
No, the only outcome that could satisfy this year's team would be by doing something that the Penn State men's rugby program has never done: win a national championship. And for the first time in a long time, the Ruggers are primed to capture that elusive title.
Here are four reasons why Penn State should be standing alone in the middle of Stanford University's Steuber Rugby Stadium on May 6 as the 2006 national champion.
1. Defense
The trademark of Penn State rugby is defense, and this year is no exception, as the squad has allowed less than 12 points per game. In 17 matches this season, the Ruggers have recorded four shutouts and held their opponents to less than 10 points on 10 different occasions.
Although it has performed phenomenally all season long, the defense has taken it up a notch in the postseason. After allowing no points against Princeton in the first round of the MARFU tournament, the Ruggers held Virginia to only seven in the semifinals and used a last-second stand against the Naval Academy in the title match to win their fourth MARFU title.
With the squad returning to 100 percent health, look for the Penn State defense to be at its stingiest in the tournament.
2. Offense
If you thought the defensive numbers were impressive, you haven't seen anything yet. Averaging more than 35 points per game, Penn State has scored 602 points this season. These numbers are even more shocking when you look at the high level of competition the squad has played.
With much of its success predicated off of the play of the defense, the Ruggers' offense relies on players to make good decisions and take advantage of open opportunities. This quick-strike system has translated into the squad scoring more than 20 points in 14 of 17 matches and shows no signs of slowing down.
3. Leadership
On a team with 23 seniors, leadership is one part of the game that Penn State dominates every other team in. Led by senior captain and inside centre Tim Ryland, the Ruggers' heart and soul rests with this core of players.
Realizing this is their last chance to bring a national championship to Penn State, the seniors are leaving no stone unturned in getting ready for the tournament. In practice and conditioning, they are determined as ever. Off the field, they have sent e-mails to the younger players, sharing their experiences and assuring that everyone takes the right steps during preparation.
4. Other intangibles
In its past trips to the Final Four, Penn State advanced to the championship match four times but was unable to steal a victory. Weaknesses in the Ruggers' armor proved to be their downfall. This year's team has patched up those cracks and is finally ready to win the big one.
Ask the coaching staff, and it will tell you that the team's depth is better. After numerous injuries sidelined starters throughout the season, younger players were able to step into starring roles and gain valuable experience. Now, they are regular contributors off of the bench. Ask some of the players, and they will tell you that the team is smarter. Making the right decisions and using your head is a major part of success in rugby, and this squad does that. Ask others, and they will tell you that the team is bigger and more physical.
Regardless of what the consensus is, the Penn State men's rugby team has all the tools necessary to win a national championship. Just wait and see.
