(Brett Jones photo)

#15 Tennessee has clinched a trip to next week’s South playoffs with a 39-20 win against a gritty Georgia Saturday in Knoxville, TN.

It was a top of the table clash between the two unbeatens in the Southeastern Conference with the winner claiming the title and earning a shot at a seed for the Round of 16.

The Volunteers had a narrow 13-8 lead at the half.

Georgia put all kinds of pressure on Tennessee in the first frame, forcing the UT coaching staff to make some halftime adjustments and that did the trick.

The Vols scored three quick fire tries to open the second period and put some daylight between themselves and the Bulldogs. In the end, it was a gap that proved too big of a hurdle for UGA to overcome.

Among the UT try-scorers were Crisser Campbell (2), Benji Goff, Mason Howard and Brad Meccia.

“This is probably the best Georgia team I’ve seen in years athletically speaking and coaching wise,” Tennessee head coach Butch Robertson told ARN.

The Vols will square off with #14 Florida in one semifinal of the South Championship, while #8 Arkansas State will face #21 South Carolina in the other Saturday semi.

The winners will meet Sunday to determine the South’s seeds for the national playoffs.

Meantime, in Atlanta, #5 Army locked horns with Life University’s undergrad side and the home team edged the Knights 27-22.

A last minute try by Paul Bester sealed the win for the Running Eagles.

Life played strong defense and was able stifle a lot of Army’s attacking moves. Life led 20-10 at the main break.

“We’re not an 80 minute team yet,” said Army head coach Rich Pohlidal. “We have got some time to sort that out.

"Thought we should have played a bit more territory early on. We picked up our work rate but Life kept the pressure on. Nine days of training on tour was great, but perhaps a bit more rest before this match would have set us up better."

Other Eastern scores:
Florida 11-0 Crewe (men’s DII)
#16 Kutztown 45-31 Lancaster (men’s DII)

And another score to get you caught up on from late in the week - Arkansas State hosted Dartmouth in Jonesboro, AR, on Thursday and the hometown Red Wolves won 47-17.

The Big Green is currently on a spring break tour.

ARN’s coverage of the 2010 college playoffs is proudly presented by Down Under Rugby.

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