Ruggers to battle Maryland

During their layoff, the Ruggers focused on conditioning drills to maintain their fitness levels. They are also hoping that some of the wise words of wisdom they gained from their last opponent will help them secure a win.

"We have been focusing a lot on our ball-handling skills," scrumhalf Mike Petri said. He added that they have also been switching players to different positions to increase their skill level.

Against the Terrapins, the Ruggers game plan will be to spread the ball out wide to tire their opponent out and then homer in some points through penetrating runs by the backs. But they are also planning on tweaking the game plan a little bit.

"We are looking to get the forwards more involved," Penn State men's rugby coach Don Ferrell said. Adding that he is looking for a little more intensity from both the backs and forwards.

The Ruggers expect the Terrapins to come out fired up, as Penn State is one of their biggest draws. They also believe that Maryland will try to use their bigger pack to dominate breakdowns and use their powerful centers to break down the Ruggers defense.

"Traditionally, I know that Maryland is a physical team," Petri said. "...In the first half they give you a run for your money."

Consequently, the Ruggers made defense one of their priorities in practice this week especially making sure that they get their shoulders into the opponents and drive them back. With its most important game of the season coming up next week a this game is critical to the Ruggers season.

"We are not looking past Maryland," Ferrell said. "But we want to have the machine running on all cylinders before we play Navy."