Of all the teams in the DIAA playoffs, perhaps the most enigmatic is Utah State.

The Aggies have beaten all DIAA-level opponents this winter/spring, playing teams such as Montana State, Bouse State, and Weber State. They don't have a league to play in, but Coach Oisin Tong said they have been challenging games nonetheless.

"We have a strong, fast pack," said Tong. "We've got good side and athleticism in our pack and it makes a big difference." 

The team likes to play quick, physical style of rugby, and they enjoyed a good season from flanker Konisi Hosea. Several players at Utah State have a solid high school and youth resume. Kenton McPeak was a key member of Herriman's forward pack last year, for example. That experience has stood them in good stead in a weird season with no league games. Even the younger players have been able to focus on the task at hand.

But the task this weekend will be against a difficult University of Washington side. UW, despite losing their Head Coach, Kevin Swiryn, ot a USA 7s team comeback, has rallied around Mike Alfstad and continued to play better rugby each weekend. You only have to look at their results against teams they've played twice. Against Washington State the scores were 29-12, and then 48-0. Against Western Washington the scores were 17-26 and then 18-13. 

The improvement seems to be on both sides of the ball, but really is mostly on defense. It's shoring up the midfield defensive wall that made UW NCRC champions.

Washington, then, with the more formal season and the steady improvement and playoff experience, playing at home, should be favored. But, as we said, Utah State is a team few have really seen, and as such, could easily bring a surprise.