Defensively Speaking: Utah

Last week’s game was also a championship learning experience punctuated by a grind-it-out type of win against a tough Washington State team. But this week our learning continued, but punctuated by a hostile Rice-Eccles stadium environment and a Utah team that was much better prepared to take us on with well-designed plays focused on our areas that are still exploitable. More on that later. But despite all the challenges presented Saturday, this team played with a heart and toughness that we’ve not seen for years, therefore, making the outcome very, very close. Frankly, much closer than even the odds-makers put out there (Utah by 2.5 to 3.0 points)

In my estimation, it will be some years before Utah will be able to take us on as the favorite team like they did yesterday. Our learning about the elements necessary for a championship team also continues. We are getting smarter and better. Regrettably, this loss hurts unlike last week’s victory which was uplifting. So, for now, Utah celebrates this week, and we don’t. But during this bye week, our team will extract the lessons, refocus energy and attention in particular certain details that need improvement, heal up as much as reasonable to expect and get ready to visit U of A on October 29^th.  

So, our base defensive set was still a 3-4 (three DLs, four LBs or upright two-point stance defenders) with both single-high safety and occasionally a two-high safety combination. We adjusted to Utah’s formations and situations with safeties, nickel backs and stunts/slants.  Sometimes effectively, other times not so much. It was obvious that we had no effective plan that could stop TE Kincaid who set a record 16 catches for 234 yards…an unbelievable performance against us. Never thought I would see such a wide-open receiver time and time again.  

We also didn’t have a great answer stopping Utah QB Rising (same as last year I’m afraid). When our defense can only generate 1.0 TFLs (tackle for loss) and zero sacks it is amazing that the game was even as close as it was. 

So, What Worked

• Our stunting and especially slanting (defensive player slanting across the face of an offensive blocker). While not getting penetration, there was improved gap control across the LOS (Line of Scrimmage) which reduced running back efficiency
• Gentry is such a playmaker; his injury is important to monitor
• Kickoffs were fantastic with seven Touchbacks
• Our Red zone conversions were 7 of 7…we’ll take it
• Nice fumble recovery to stop a red zone drive by Utah

What Didn’t work

• Little pressure on QB Rising. This cost us the game from a defensive point-of-view.
• No clue regarding stopping Kincaid.

Shout Outs

• Gentry – we need him desperately, he’s a baller and could play multiple positions
• Tuli had a quiet game because he gets double-teamed, and chip blocked on almost every play. Other defensive players need to step up and fast

This week is about getting healthy and get ready to run the table. To do so this defense needs to penetrate the LOS, Williams needs to get relaxed in tough situations and keep learning while getting better. It’s now time!!