Utah’s Defense Frustrating Offense In Fall Camp

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – As expected, Utah’s defense is getting the best of the offense in Day 5 of Fall Camp.

After practice, Whittingham had some advice for the offense as they deal with a very talented defensive unit.

“You are going to take your lumps,” Whittingham said. “The key is you can’t let things spiral, when things go sideways on you, you have to regroup, keep your poise, keep your discipline and keep forging ahead, eventually good things will happen.”

Best Defensive Line In Nation?

Utah has three defensive lineman that will all likely end up in the NFL after the 2019 season in Bradlee Anae, John Penisini and Leki Fotu. The Utes also have talent in sophomore Mika Tafua and junior Maxs Tupai. Whittingham talked about what makes that unit so special.

“Talent and depth,” Whittingham stated. “We have probably 9 or 10 guys that will be ready to play and contribute and not have much drop off, that’s a luxury. Then having those three seniors (Anae, Fotu, Penisini), who are all so talented.”

Quarterback Tyler Huntley doesn’t think they will face a better defense this season.

“It’s a big advantage because we won’t see a defense like this all year,” Huntley said. “They always get to the ball and they don’t take any plays off.”

Offense Has To Earn Everything

During fall camp, Utah’s offense is tasked with facing their stout defense everyday in practice. Whittingham knows that it will pay when training camp is over.

“Offense is still a work in progress,” Whittingham said. “It’s a pretty good defense that we have out there. It will be a test for our offense every single day they come out, so that’s a good thing. They just have to fight through it. No one is going to give them anything, they are going to have to play their way into becoming a good offense, which we believe they will.”

Huntley has that same mindset.

“We want to fix everything that’s wrong and we just have to keep working,” Huntley said.