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MTSU Clear Atop SIRC

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MTSU Clear Atop SIRC

Middle Tennessee State took control of the South Independent Rugby Conference North with a 44-24 defeat of previously-unbeaten Georgia Southern.
 
MTSU struck first with a try from Adam Fairchild with the conversion from  Coty Baker. Just minutes later Georgia Southern replied to make it 7-5. 
 
In a tense first half it seemed every point would be crucial, MTSU opted for posts on a penalty and inched further ahead 10-5. Then MTSU came right back with a try from Josh Pentecost to make it 15-5.
 
But Georgia Southern replied again, testing the MTSU defense with some straight-ahead running and exploiting some missed tackles to score and make it 15-12 at the break.
 
But the second half was MTSU’s, as they made some adjustments and scored three early second-half tries. 
 
Midway through the second period Georgia Southern scored to make it 32-19, but once again MTSU pulled away, scoring two more to make it 44-19.
 
Georgia Southern got a bonus point by scoring their fourth try, but the five points for the bonus-point win went to MTSU, which now sits at 4-0 in the SIRC North.
 
The teams in the SIRC South were idle this weekend. Florida International has won four games and is in first place, but it’s likely their 82-7 win over Florida Atlantic will be overturned because FIU used an ineligible player.
 
That forfeit loss can open the door for Central Florida. The two-time DIAA national champs were upset by FIU earlier in the fall but will be in a better position to catch their rivals if the FAU game is ruled a forfeit.


South Independent (DIAA)
NorthWLTPfPaPdBTBLPts
Middle Tennessee40016873954020
Georgia Southern21011175363011
Memphis12067103-36206
Kennesaw State120907812105
Georgia Tech03054167-113101
          
SouthWLTPfPaPdBTBLPts
Florida International30010829792014
Central Florida21012227952010
Florida Atlantic10020812105
Florida State1204463-19105
South Florida04032197-165000


(FIU over FAU game is under review and not listed in these standings)