The gap between the top college programs and those still trying to get there still appears to be pretty big, as several games ended in blowouts over the weekend.

Arizona defeated Utah State 114-0 on Saturday. It was a game that Utah State took on the chin, playing a full 80 and not backing down, but Arizona’s defense, and the turnovers that defense caused, was very good.

Scrumhalf Jonah Eldridge and center Lucas Bartzis each scored three tries in a game that the Wildcats controlled from the outset.

“It was a good performance,” said Arizona head coach Sean Duffy. “We’ve been working on our defense a lot. We have been able to build depth and we are a more mature side now. But we know we have some challenges ahead.”

GCU kicks off

One of those is Grand Canyon, which opened its California Conference account with a 32-21 defeat of Cal Poly, with wing Dominick Iacovino and flyhalf Brendon Curle featured heavily in the GCU attack, but it was second-half tries from No. 8 Cameron Dobson and sub forward Victor Leuta, Jr. that put the ‘Lopes in control. 

Dobson touched down twice, and Iacovino, Curle, flanker Ronald Sallee, and prop Lincoln Sio also touched down.

Patrick Madden led the Mustangs, again, with two tries and three conversions for 16 points. Flanker Kyle Hegarty scoring Cal Poly’s other try. 

Curle and Iacovino were active again on Sunday in GCU's 62-5 defeat of UCSB.

Heres the try! pic.twitter.com/iP7tNzHq0p

— GCU Rugby (@gcurugby) February 3, 2019

Also in California Conference action, UC Davis edged Santa Clara 33-24.

Center Huilehrme Maia Silva scored two tries for the Aggies, including the one that turned a 26-24 nail biter into a more secure 33-24 victory. Front-rowers Lucas Peters and Tanner Wraa touched down for Davis, as did center Ian Slack. Wing Tarik Siniora converted four of five. 

Owen O’Mahoney accounted for 14 of his team’s points with a try, three conversions, and a drop goal. Scurmhalf Bradley Park and wing Christopher Gerbino also scored for the Broncos, who drop to 0-2 in conference play.

Cal wins big again

But the overwhelming scores were there, too. Cal crushed San Diego State 120-0. Wing Sam Cusano scored four tries in the first half alone. Flyhalf Elliot Webb scored 21 points. It was yet another explosive performance from the Bears.

Saint Mary’s beat Utah Valley University 31-7 with a largely 2nd-grade outfit, and then the 1st squad beat the Glendale Academy U23s 73-7.

Red River tightens

Things were a little close in the Red River, where most of the teams have similar resources and status on campus. Baylor put in a strong effort in beating LSU 50-26. Wing Michael Haynes scored three tries and flyhalf Luke Davis was good for 15 points. Flanker Benjamin Lashley, wing Jordan Wheels, lock Gordon Wilson, and hooker Matt Martens also touched down.

Oklahoma survived an improving North Texas side 21-18. Joseph Scopelite’s try midway through the second half put UNT up 13-10.  But the Sooners replied with flyhalf Richard Papenfus once again kicking some crucial penalties, and a try from captain Logan Ronan. Robert Ogilvie and Vincent Fairbarin also scored tries for Oklahoma, which now leads the Red River North with a 5-1 record.

Texas Tech showed some fight against Texas A&M, but the Aggies won 48-14 to clinch 1st in the Red River South and will play either Oklahoma or Arkansas in the championship game.

That result came after a 33-5 loss to Lindenwood two days before. Lindenwood, having beaten the Aggies, then went on to shut out Texas 95-0.

Central Washington also flirted with triple digits, beating D1AA team Washington State 90-0.

As far as FloRugby’s D1A picks went, we were 10-for-10 with the winning margin being in the ballpark in eight of those games.