Devin Kaufusi: Utah’s Defense Has Been ‘Clicking’ Since Florida Loss
Oct 7, 2022, 11:30 AM
Utah Utes cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) glides into the end zone for a touchdown after intercepting a pass as Utah and Oregon State play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah football is off to the races after its opening season loss to Florida down in Gainesville and has rattled off four straight wins in blowout fashion over Southern Utah, San Diego State, and most recently Oregon State. Devin Kaufusi discussed how the defense plays into that.
Now the Utes are going on the road back to Pasadena, California, but this time it is to take on the No. 18 ranked UCLA Bruins in a matchup that will be key in starting to determine which team will be playing in the Pac-12 title game.
.@devskaufusi tells @KSLunrivaled that @Utah_Football team is really clicking now and is ready to go against #UCLA pic.twitter.com/3BxBVRiP10
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 7, 2022
Utah defensive lineman Devin Kaufusi joins Unrivaled each week and he is of the mind that the Utes are playing at a high level in the Pac-12. He expects this team to be dominant each and every week.
“I think not just clicking, but have clicked,” Kaufusi said.” After that Florida loss – especially our defense – it has been a huge turnaround. We will keep it clicking by stacking weeks, win after win. It is the focus of our hard work and coach [Kyle] Whitt[ingham] has emphasized that and what you want to see as a head coach. You win the game early on in the week during practice.
“Really keeping that locked-in mentality. It is really nice to see it all payoff and in such big ways in dominating fashion. It encourages the guys to keep doing what we do each week and each practice. Trust the process, have a locked-in practice, give it all, and come game time we have that confidence in making plays.”
There seems to be a few changes that helped Utah have a complete change after that 29-26 loss to the Gators in Week 1. Since then, the Utes have averaged 46 points per game over their last four games and the most points given up is 16 in that span.
Devin Kaufusi Says Clark Phillips Is A Special Player On Utah’s Defense
The Utah defense has shined a lot this entire year and has gotten better each week. One player that has been key to the Utes’ success is defensive back Clark Phillips III is doing this year. Kaufusi hypes up the potential All-American after this three-interception day against Oregon State.
“I have been so impressed,” Kaufusi said. “He is just a machine and he has that deep desire and has his goals work out for him. He eats and sleeps football… and it is all paying off … It is not a surprise as he works so hard at his position.”
The defense overall has improved through the first month and this Utah team is riding high on a four-game winning streak heading into this huge Week 6 matchup taking on UCLA. The Utes will need the defense when facing the experienced quarterback play of Dorian Thompson-Robinson and star running back Zach Charbonnet.
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