The 2012 rugby season will conclude for the ASU men’s squad this weekend when they take on the Air Force Falcons Saturday afternoon in Colorado.
After snapping their three-game losing streak last weekend against Colorado State, the Sun Devils are looking to build on their momentum and end the season on the right note with a victory against the Falcons.
“I think (Air Force is) much improved from last year,” ASU coach Gary Lane said. “They’ve spent the last two years developing their team. They’re certainly big and strong, but I think they’re pretty banged up especially after the Utah game. (We) respect them as a team, but obviously it’d be good for our team to finish on a winning note. We’re going there with guns blazing.”
Last time the two teams met, the Sun Devils squeaked out a 23–21 victory over the Falcons in Tempe.
“Last year, we came out with a close win,” sophomore Adam Sandstrom said. “We beat Air Force in the last couple minutes. I know they’re going to be a little upset about that, but we’ve got a lot to prove here (with what’s) left in the season. An upset here would be a great victory for our club.”
The Sun Devils have had road troubles all year long, failing to notch a victory on the road during the 2012 season. The game will be a great opportunity for the team to grab its first road win and end the season on a good note. Air Force’s playoff hopes ended after Utah stole a 41–30 win on the road.
“I think we have to have a good pre-game warm up, and we have to go in with the right mindset,” junior Nate Chapman said. “When we play at home, it's nice because we have a home crowd, so we get a real big motivation. For us, when we go on the road, I feel we take it lightly.”
It’s a big game for the Sun Devils, whose season has not gone as expected after starting in the top 10. A victory Saturday could launch ASU into fourth place, putting them in solid position to start next season.
Reach the reporter at talopez3@asu.edu
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