FloRugby writers and contributors Alex Goff, Austin Willis, and Brett Anker got together online to kibitz about the USA Rugby College 7s Championships, and somewhere along the line words were said.

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Dark Horses

Goff: I'm looking for a dark horse. Who do you like?

Anker: St. Joe's

Goff: Anker—don't know what you're thinking. How Can St. Joe's, which is a fall 15s finalist AND really strong at 7s, be a dark horse? They have to be dark first ...

Willis: I don't count St. Joes as a dark horse either! My dark horse is KSU [Kennesaw State], a team that has a lot of really good pieces that have only gotten better and better. They've invested a lot of time into sevens.

Goff: Georgia gonna Georgia

Willis: And so what if I'm a homer?

Anker: Well in D1A NDC [Notre Dame College} has been good this spring to the point where it surprised Jason Fox [their coach]. They beat Kutztown several times this spring. I think they reach the final.

Wait, Alex, you didn't even give your pick.

Goff: Davenport women. I think they have a ton of sevens ability and will sneak up on teams. 

Best Non-Winners?

Goff: OK, how about a team that won't win, but will do well, like win a consolation bracket?

For me, I am thinking Principia in men's D2. There's a lot to play for. Brett had that article about them. But I don't think they go all the way. 5th maybe. Same deal for Claremont Colleges in women's D2, who are very well coached. Very.

I also really like Arkansas. No one will pay any attention to them but they can play. 

Willis: Didn't Western Michigan beat Lindenwood at one point?

Anker: I think that was Lindenwood's B team. Still a good result.

Goff: WMU still beat out Bowling Green in the MAC.

Willis: Well they'd be a team that could be a Plate/Bowl Champ.

Anker: For D1A I don’t expect Ohio State to win it but I could see them taking a consolation trophy. They won the Big 10 this year and they are pissed they didn’t get a CRC invite.

Goff: What's the CRC? Ha! I Kid. I'm a kidder.

Pick The Champs

Goff: So we haven't said who we think will win ...

Anker: Men D2—I don’t think Whitewater makes it out of the quarters this year. I’m taking Iowa Central, but it’s interesting they like playing as an underdog. I told Brent [Nelson, their coach] when he asked me that I thought they were best and he didn’t like it. He loves them having a chip on their shoulder.

Women’s D1 Elite is still Lindenwood to me.

I saw you take a bold move with Dartmouth Alex but I’m not convinced. The lions have so much depth

For D1 Women, Virginia Tech gave Lindenwood a tough go twice at CRC last year. I believe they could knock off Air Force.

Willis: Mary Washington is my shoe-in for D1AA. It's hard for me to be convinced that the Oregon State, Western Washington, Stanford's of the world can make a three-week turnaround from a 15s Spring championship and tear it up against teams that commit A LOT of time to sevens. But maybe I should leave the Northwest to Alex.

On the Women's Side, Fresno St, Va Tech, Life.

Susan Adegoke could not be caught on two feet at the NAI7s last summer. She helped Life U on the wing in 15s but she needs more room for her size. Do not be surprised if she leads the tournament in tries with more space.

As for D2 Men, don't expect UNCC to be back on top. ECU won the SoCon and from my sources UNCC is not the same team.

Goff: Well I think I might take Dartmouth in the Women's Elite, although I can't argue with Lindenwood.

Anker: Bold move there, Alex.

Goff: Yeah, maybe, or a dumb one. I can't vote against Lindenwood in Men's D1A, although I wouldn't say it's a done deal. I wonder if AIC might surprise some people, and don't forget that Arizona is at home.

Yes, I agree, Mary Washington in D1AA. They are itching for some kind of national title. 

Like you guys, I am impressed with Iowa Centra, Virginia Tech, and Fresno State. Sometimes you CAN turn around quickly from 15s nationals to sevens, and it's doable in Women's D2.

More Wd2 contenders: San Jose State, and Bloomsburg.

Anker: What about IUPUI?

Goff: Yes, IUPUI. Definitely capable of holding down Iowa CCC. NC State might, too.

See full schedule of USA Rugby Collegiate 7s Championship games here>>