Simply put the Provo Steelers are bigger than the Aggies. This was obvious on the field Saturday as the Steelers defeated USU at home, 29-19. The Aggies only trailed 17-14 at half but the continuous ball pounding from the Steelers proved fatal for Utah State.

The Steelers outsized and overpowered USU, winning most of the scrums including the Aggies’ scrums in the second half. Once again, the Aggies had issues tackling, resulting in long Steeler runs.

“We just couldn’t compete with them unfortunately,” said USU head coach Dennis Kohler.

Shannon Woolley, Kylee Griffin and Jessie Trina all scored tries to account for the Ag’s 19 points. Woolley was 2-for-3 on kick conversions.

“Woolley, Turner, and Griffin put together a textbook scoring drive that I wish we could duplicate every game,” Kohler said.

Lynsey Jackman, Lindsey Rowberry and Tabitha “Mo” Morin were all solid on defense for the Aggies. Morin left the game early for the second week in a row.

Kohler said it was hard to see team improvements with the loss, but the team’s basic skills are improving, including passing, kicking and speed in the attack after a kick.

The fall season has been rough for the Aggies, but Utah State is an inexperienced club.

“I think it is important to note how our new players have stepped up to fit into the whole team dynamic,” Kohler said.

At the end of the game on Saturday, only two of the eight players in the scrum had played rugby before this season.

“For a bunch of new players to come out and hold their own against a much more experienced forward pack says something about what is inside of them,” Kohler said.

Up next for Aggies are the UVU Wolverines, and the implications are huge. If USU doesn’t win, it won’t qualify for the national tournament.

“That seems pretty important to me. We will have to wait until Saturday to see how important it is to the club,” Kohler said.

Kohler said with the time change the team won’t have time to work on much but will focus on team work and mental awareness.

The Ags haven’t played UVU yet this year and know anything could happen.

“Right now, I am worrying more about what we might do to beat ourselves,” Kohler said. “We need to play to our full potential for a full 80-minute game, press the attack and score when the opportunity presents itself.”

USU will host UVU Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. on the HPER Field.

– ty.d.hus@aggiemail.usu.edu