(George Richardson photo)
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ASU dominated a spirited #21 South Carolina 64-10, while UT edged #14 Florida 13-10.
In less than ideal playing conditions, the Red Wolves led the Gamecocks 40-3 at halftime.
Arkansas State used the strong wind in the first half to pin USC in their own end and played some unselfish rugby to set up the big win.
The Red Wolves used a glut of territory and possession to turn their backs loose, especially out wide where South Carolina proved to be a little vulnerable.
“Our backs did really well,” Arkansas State head coach Matt Huckaby told ARN. “Our guys were patient, they set the rucks and sent the ball wide. South Carolina had a good game plan, it was just hard to execute it in the wind.”
Despite being under the gun, USC didn’t quit and were rewarded for their efforts with the last try of the game right on fulltime.
“The boys played respectably in the second half,” said South Carolina head coach Geoff Mason. “They’re [ASU] the fastest team we’ve seen and when they’re on their game they’re hard to beat.”
In stark contrast, the other semifinal was an arm wrestle that literally could have gone either way. In the end, two short-handed tries to Tennessee got the Vols home.
The match produced a swag of yellow cards, which disrupted the flow and impacted both teams’ game plans.
The Gators led 10-3 at the half behind a try by fullback Jordan Manning and a couple of goals by Matias Groetaers.
It all came down to the last play of the game. Tennessee won a lineout close to their own line and attempted a clearance kick, but it was blocked by Florida.
UF then started to mount what would have been a game-winning attack, but coughed up the ball within sight of the tryline and UT kicked it into touch as the final whistle blew.
“It was like watching a fight between two heavyweight boxers,” Tennessee head coach Butch Robertson told ARN. “It’s a tribute to Ken Simmons and his folks and what they’ve done.”
Benji Goff and Rick Wheeler got the Volunteers’ tries, while Sammy Anderson kicked the goals.
Tennessee’s assistant coach Marty Bradley turned in a masterful display of managing UT’s substitutions, which were brought about by the multiple binnings.
“There was some good offense, but it was great defense by both sides,” said a very disappointed Florida head coach Simmons.
As a result, Tennessee has earned its seventh straight trip to the national playoffs and will face off against Arkansas State Sunday to determine who gets what seed.
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Florida and South Carolina will meet in an earlier consolation game.
ARN’s coverage of the 2010 college playoffs is proudly presented by Down Under Rugby.
Take your game to the next level by experiencing rugby in Australia. For more information visit www.downunderrugby.com
