The South Independent Rugby Conference gets started in earnest this weekend, with five games on tap.

One, which could be the most interesting from a fan’s perspective, won’t count for anything but pride, as Arkansas State and Life’s second sides collide.

Another will be for South Florida bragging rights and a .500 record, as FAU and FIU, both of whom lost to Florida State last weekend, try to get back in the win column.

The third south game features No. 25 Central Florida and South Florida. UCF has replaced USF as Florida’s surprise team this year. The Bulls enjoyed a successful DII campaign last year, but have fallen victim to graduation.

“It will be interesting. We’ve recruited, we’ve got a bunch of new people, but you can’t replace guys who’ve got three or four years with guys who’ve got three or four games,” said USF coach Gordon Campbell.

“It’s going to be a long season for us. It’s one that will be quietly confident we will improve as we go along.”

In the north, Kennesaw State faces Emory, and Georgia Southern takes on Middle Tennessee State, as all four teams look to start the maiden season of the SIRC on the right foot.

National title hopes would be far fetched for any team in the SIRC, save maybe Florida State, but that doesn’t at all hinder the excitement which comes with a new league.

“My guys are very excited. It’s an opportunity to not only play the guys from Florida, but to play guys they’ve not played before in the Northern part,” said Campbell. “We’ve played Middle Tennessee and we’ve played Kennesaw, but not the other two. It’s exciting.”