The respiratory illness that has hit many colleges students this fall hit the Ohio State men’s rugby team especially hard, and for three weeks the Buckeyes have had to cobble together a team made up of those who were healthy enough to play.
 

They were fortunate, though, to have two of those games be against non-conference opponents. 

This past weekend, things started to look a little brighter in Columbus, where the Buckeyes defeated Minnesota 55-7. It was a relatively dominant performance against a solid Gopher outfit, and one that has Michigan - their next opponents, taking notice.

“It was a good result,” said Director of Rugby Tom Rooney. “We have been fighting injury and sickness all year. So, by result, we are deeper and swapping positions immediately is no longer a challenge.”

Minnesota pressured the OSU pack, but the long road trip is never an easy one and the Buckeyes were certainly the fresher team. No. 8 Dan Noland was once again influential for OSU in loose play and stealing three lineout throws, as well. David Stauder, who moved from No. 8 to lock this year had a big game. In the backs Dan Peyton was a handful at center while wing Jojo Eramo scored three tries and made several important tackles. 

Eramo and Luke Hickey are among the conference leaders in tries, while Noland isn’t far behind.

“We also had great support off the bench,” added Rooney, adding to the idea that the illness forced players to grow a little faster. “As nice as all that was, I think our B team played even better.”

OSU Bs are 3-0, leading the conference with Wisconsin also at 3-0, after beating Minnesota Bs 68-0.