Utes Are Nation’s Best Defense, Boast Impressive Numbers

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Who has the best defense in college football? You can make a case for the Utah Utes.

Can’t Run On This Crew

The Utes are in first in rush defense allowing just 56 rushing yards per game, in comparison opponents average just 2.4 yards per carry when facing the Utes.

Against USC at the L.A. Coliseum, the Utes still held the Trojans to 13 yards rushing, which is good enough for 0.6 yards per carry. Cal was held to 23 yards rushing and just 83 yards of total offense, this while handing the Bears their first shutout in 20 years.

They held the mighty Washington Huskies to just 53 yards rushing, and just 1-yard net rushing in the 2^nd half. The Utes’ effort on the defensive side of the ball handed Utah their second-ever win against the Huskies.

1st in the nation rushing defense
2nd in first downs allowed
3rd in total defense
3rd in 3rd down conversions

The Utah Defense is the scariest thing you’ll see all day… pic.twitter.com/RPabd7hoOI

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 31, 2019

This season the Utes are third in total defense, fourth in 3^rd down conversion percentage defense, seventh in the nation in scoring defense with four touchdowns and counting and ninth in 1^st downs allowed.

No Points For You

Utah has held four opponents to 10 or fewer points this season pitching shutouts against Idaho State and CAL, allowing only 7 points against Oregon State and 3 points against Arizona State.

They allowed just 44 second half points in the first nine games of the season.

Utah is the first team to shutout its opponent in the first half, of three consecutive Pac-12 conference games in a season since 1991.

This 2019 season was primed to be a special season with so many high-impact starters returning for their senior year. Kyle Whittingham’s defense is stacked with Bradlee Anae, Leki Fotu, Malik Haynes and John Penisini anchoring the defensive front, while Francis Bernard, Julian Blackmon, Terrell Burgess, Tareke Lewis, Josh Nurse lead the stout defense from behind. Also, don’t forget junior lock-down corner Jaylon Johnson, who absolutely has first-round potential, adding to the dominant defense.

This dominant defense is why Utah is a top 10 team and a college football playoff contender.

Zack Moss isn't the only Ute with an NFL future returning for his senior season. Bradlee Anae, Leki Fotu and Julian Blackmon will also return for a team that should be the favorite in the Pac-12 South (graphic by @HemaHeimuliJr ) #Uteshttps://t.co/vwd7lpwnA4 pic.twitter.com/a7G7oAm9eN

— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) January 8, 2019