After a bye the weekend of October 13 coinciding with the University’s fall break, Michigan Rugby has returned to play the past two weekends to finish off the regular season. The final stretch before Big Ten playoffs consisted of Michigan’s final in-conference game of the season—a high-stakes matchup against Michigan State—followed by an out-of-conference match against Trine.
Michigan’s test against MSU had big implications, with both teams in the running to secure a spot in the Big Ten’s playoff bracket. Unfortunately, this was not to be for the Wolverines, who gave up two tries early and struggled to regain momentum. Michigan ends the regular season with a 1-2 record in-conference, and will contend for fifth place in the Big Ten in the conference playoff. Full 2023 conference standings are below:
Big Ten West:
1. Indiana (3-0)
2. Illinois (2-1)
3. Wisconsin (1-2)
4. Purdue (0-3)
Big Ten East:
1. Michigan State (3-0)
2. Ohio State (2-1)
3. Michigan (1-2)
4. Notre Dame (0-3)
Michigan’s out-of-conference matchup the week after, on the other hand, went swimmingly, with the First Side achieving a resounding victory against Trine. After establishing a 45-7 lead at halftime, Michigan cruised to a 62-21 win to round out the regular season.
The Wolverine Second Side, unfortunately, has continued to struggle, particularly in the second half of its games. In games against Michigan State and Grand Valley State, a select few big runs and respectable phase play sequences were not enough to find victory.
Given the final regular season Big Ten standings, both Michigan sides will face Purdue next weekend, with the winner of the First Side matchup advancing to the Big Ten fifth place game. Regardless of the outcome, Michigan’s First Side will play the final game of the season on November 11 in South Bend.
