A Look Back At The 2012 D1A Final Between BYU And Arkansas State

Arkansas State travels back to Provo, Utah, to face a familiar opponent in BYU in the opening round of the D1A playoffs this Saturday. 

It's been six years since the teams faced off in the national title game, and the players have all moved on to new playing—or coaching—opportunities. However, we shouldn't forget one of the most exciting games in D1A history.

Current University of Texas head coach Zac Mizell was an All-American and team captain for ASU in 2012 as the Red Wolves made the D1A final against the Cougars.

The game was a barnburner, featuring a hugely physical contest between two excellent teams. Arkansas State and BYU answered each other try for try, and in the end, the Cougars emerged victorious 49-42.

But it was possibly even closer than that. Few gave ASU much of a chance, especially given that the game was played in Utah, but the Red Wolves provided fans with a spectacle they—and the players—won't forget.

The 2012 championship game featured some major future stars, including Mizell, who now plays for the MLR's Austin Elite Rugby when he's not coaching the Longhorns. BYU's roster included current Eagles Paul Lasike and Shaun Davies, who were both also named All-Americans in 2012.