Last week No. 6 Navy fought off a tough challenge from a No.15 Maryland team, ultimately winning 29-19.

Next week Navy comes to Happy Valley to face No. 4 Penn State for what should be a very competitive game that should garner plenty of interest around collegiate rugby.

One problem stands in the way of the potential matchup of top 10 teams though. This week the Penn State men's rugby team travels to College Park to take on Maryland.

"They should be a tough side," Penn State rugby coach Don Ferrell said. "They came up here last year and really attacked us with their forward style play."

That was last year, the Ruggers pulled out a 24-10 win at home.

A year later Maryland is improved. It has a developing backline and they also get to play Penn State on their home turf this year.

"[Maryland] has a rugby pitch right in the middle of all the fraternities," Ferrell said. "It's a hostile environment, it'll be one of the first times where there will actually be a crowd around and cheering against us."

With all the Maryland side has going for it, Penn State has to be careful not to look past them and toward the upcoming Navy match.

"They played Navy three tries to three tries, so you have to think they're right up there with [Navy]," Ferrell said.

"Hopefully the fact that they're ranked in the top 14, 15 in the country will speak for itself," Penn State assistant coach Terry Ryland said. "There's always a chance for a letdown, so we have to work them hard to make sure the other team doesn't have a shot."

With Maryland's style of play contradicting that of Penn State, the coaches know the team is up for a challenge, regardless of what UMD's 3-2 record says, and the result may very well come down to coaching and experience.

After a 5-0 start (not including the Rugger's exhibition loss to Trinity), Penn State likes its chances, but won't be taking Maryland lightly.

This season to date Coach Ferrell's goal for the team was to get better each time it steps out on the field. After accomplishing that, now as the Ruggers are staring down a brutal three game stretch. Now Ferrell expects the team to take the step to the next level.

"Now we're at the meat of our schedule," Ferrell said. "I think it's time for us to stop getting better and be better."