With Saint Mary's off gallivanting across the Irish Sea, the rest of the California Conference (DIA) is looking to inch their way closer to the top.
Yes, the Gaels are favored, but there is plenty to play for regardless.
Six teams are on the field in conference play this weekend. Two of them are coming off a couple of good victories—Santa Clara held off Sacramento State in a non-conference game, while Cal Poly beat Chico State by a wide margin.
Both had lost big to Cal and Saint Mary's, respectively, the week before.
"It was a step in the right direction," said Cal Poly Head Coach Chris O'Brien of his side's 69-8 defeat of the Wildcats. "No one really stood out, but it was a good team effort."
More to the point, it was a mental rebound after the Gaels beat the Mustangs by 78 a week before.
For Paul Keeler's Santa Clara team, the 35-31 scoreline wasn't exactly what he wanted. The Broncos were missing some players, but those on the field still needed to execute, or make smart decisions.
"We played sloppy rugby," said Keeler. "We didn't kick for touch on almost all our penalties, even in our own end. Hopefully they have learned their lesson."
It's been tough on Santa Clara given that starting flyhalf Kojo Sheng broke his hand against Cal (a 79-3 loss).
"Sacramento State has some very athletic players and we chose to chase the ball defensively and try to force a turnover rather than just make our tackles and exhaust them tactically," continued Keeler. "You can't do either of those things against Sac State."
Quick taps in their own 22 led to two Hornets tries, but when they were a bit more patient, Santa Clara was pretty effective.
