DUBLIN, OH. – The 2024 Big Ten Universities Rugby Conference Championship semifinal matches lived up to expectations and shaped what will be an exciting BTU Rugby Conference Championship weekend.
Cup Bracket
Wisconsin vs Notre Dame
The East Division Champions, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, hosted a pesky Wisconsin Badger squad for the first Cup Semifinals match. The first half was the epitome of back-and-forth as both teams would follow a score by their opponent with one of their own. The half ended with Wisconsin in the lead, 19-14.
When play resumed, it took Notre Dame only 8 minutes to overtake the lead. The Irish scored a second converted try a short time later to go up 28-19. Soon Wisconsin answered with a converted try of their own to bring the score to 28-26. This scoreline was short-lived as Notre Dame recovered the subsequent restart and quickly responded with the final try of the match. The Irish came away with the victory, 35-26.
Ohio State vs Indiana
In the second Cup semi-final, Ohio State traveled to Bloomington, IN for a rematch of their October 12 contest against Indiana University.
As play started, Ohio State hustled out to an early lead, which held for the first half, 19-13. When the second half whistle blew, the Buckeyes continued their attack to quickly score their fourth try of the match and increase their lead to 26-13. Indiana subsequently scored a converted try soon after to push the score to 26-20. However, the Hooisers were unable to hold back the Buckeyes as they scored yet another converted try, 33-20. With 5 minutes remaining, the Hooisers scored another converted try, but they were unable to overtake the Buckeyes before the final whistle. Final score, Ohio State 33 - Indiana 27.
Bowl Bracket
Michigan vs Illinois
The Fighting Illini of the University of Illinois played host to the Michigan Wolverines in their Bowl semifinal match. The Wolverines took an early lead, but could not hold back the Illinois offensive attack. The first half concluded with the Illini on top, 34-24.
Michigan opened the second half with a quick try to take the score to 34-29, but Illinois’ offense was too much as they scored 31 unanswered points. Final Score was Illinois 65 - Michigan 29.
Purdue vs Michigan State
In the last semifinal match of the weekend, the Michigan State Spartans won decisively against the Purdue Boilermakers, 55-0.
Big Ten Rugby Conference Championship Weekend
Next up, the Big Ten Championship tournament will move to University of Notre Dame’s Stinson Rugby Field on Sunday, November 10, 2024, for the conference Shield, Bowl and Plate Finals matches. Ohio State’s Second Side looks to defend their Championship with another meeting against Indiana University.
Finally, the conference Championship match will kick off at 4:30 pm ET as Ohio State looks for revenge for their October 4, one-point loss (40-39) against Notre Dame.
Full Schedule
Match | Team | Team | Kick Off Time | Field |
Shield Final | Purdue | Michigan | 11:00 AM | Stinson Field |
Bowl Final | Michigan State | Illinois | 12:45 PM | Stinson Field |
Plate Final | Wisconsin | Indiana | 2:30 PM | Stinson Field |
Championship Final | Ohio State | Notre Dame | 4:30 PM | Stinson Field |
Second Side Competitions
About Big Ten Universities Rugby Conference
Founded in 2012, the Big Ten Universities Rugby Conference is an intercollegiate rugby competition in the United States with member clubs representing some of the largest and best academic public institutions in the country. Member clubs include; Indiana University, Purdue University, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, University of Illinois, University of Michigan, University of Notre Dame, and University of Wisconsin.
For more information, visit www.BigTenRugby.com and follow @BigTenRugby on Facebook (facebook.com/BTURugby) and Instagram (instagram.com/BigTenRugby).