Tennessee 10, Air Force 71
April 17, 2004
Colorado Springs, CO
UT, as the 16th Seed in the tournament, squared off with the overall #1 Seed and the West Territory #1 Seed- US Air Force Academy. After a scoreless first 10 minutes, Air Force began to demonstrate why they are the reining national champs and the favorites to repeat in 2004. Using strong rucks and quick ball reversal, The Zoomies repeatedly moved the ball into space in attempts to outnumber the Volunteers. A thirty mile per hour wind aided this cause as they kept the UT boys pinned against their own try line for most of the first half. Air Force eventually punched in 8 tries prior to the intermission. With the wind in the second half, UT made a better game of it but still was no match for the larger and faster team from Colorado Springs.

Tennessee 43, Penn State 20
April 18, 2004
Colorado Springs, CO
Sunday's consolation match pitted the Volunteers against Penn State, a regular attendee in the national tournament. UT looked for a bit of personal justification after the defeat at the hands of the Air Force, plus this game carried additional significance as the South gained the 2nd seed in the national tournament primarily at the expense of the Mid-Atlantic Territory who lost their third seed. Since PSU represented the #2 seed from the MARFU, Tennessee carried the burden of defending the South's position in the tournament. PSU, coming off a tough opening round loss against regional rival Ohio State, proved to be a solid opponent with proven skills at all positions. However, this day belonged to the Volunteers who jumped to a 24-8 halftime lead and then went on to win the match using some inspiring teamwork and thereby regaining some confidence as we look to 2004/2005.