Defense?

[BleedsRedUte]

I really can’t figure out a basic reason that the Ute defense cannot stop the run this year.

The poor pass defense seems to be caused by the lack of pressure on the QB, where basically good DBs cannot cover for more than a few seconds. That is apparent.

But Utah is almost always able to stop, slow down, the run, Whits and Scalley’s calling card. But many losses this year are happening toward the end of a game where the Utes are ahead, or within hailing distance of the opponent score.

A solid stop would have won some games.

We had injuries this year, but most were back for the last few games, like Reid and O”toole. The D line is intact and the linebackers are pretty much our starting guys.

One factor that may be the cause, is the really poor offense, going 3 and out multiple times, and finally leaving the Defense completely worn out by the end of the game.

Otherwise, it seems like every team we have played in the B12 has had a better Defense, able to stop the Utes running game, and shutting down the passing game. Result, one of the worst loss records in recent Utah football history!

[HATUman]

Your second to last paragraph hit the nail on the head. The guys were on the field for over 36 minutes. Offense needs to be more efficient and hang onto the ball long enough to give the Defense adequate rest to perform the type of defensive scheme that Utah runs.

[Rick Walker]

A little bit off topic but was the entire defense playing last night? I don’t recall seeing Van out there but they could be my poor eyes from my seat

[2008 National Champ]

@BleedsRedUte: My theory is personnel. Utah doesn’t have a Safety who is excellent in run support like Bishop or Blair. Utah also doesn’t have an eraser at LB like Lloyd, Hansen, C. Barton.,, Because of those two missing elements, Scalley is having to play a read/react style instead of his favored attack.

Add in that the D Line hasn’t had a single game this year where all 4 starters were healthy at the same time and you have the recipe for disaster. That they have played as well as they have with all of those limitations is truly remarkable. The only thing the Defense is missing is an offense capable of scoring points so that they can pin their ears back and really get after it.

[The Miami Ute]

I don’t think the defense’s fatigue was the issue last night. Other than ISU’s first drive, where they forced a punt, the defense consistently gave up yards all night. I’d blame that on ISU’s good offensive scheme and players, as well as Utah not being as skilled and experienced on defense as in previous seasons.

[2008 National Champ]

Fatigue was an issue in the first half. Pick 6’s are great but your D goes right back on the field. Same with the ST play where the O went 3 and out, or the punt block.

At one point late in the 2nd quarter it was 14-10 and the offense had only run 9 plays

[EagleMountainUte]

There is a lot wrong with the scheme. I think it was ISU first score where Utah gave them the cushion to throw a quick slant for an easy score. Details like that is just coaching.

[BleedsRedUte]

Everyone has good points. Yes, I think Fano was in for Fillinger, so there is that difference. But I thought we were getting good play from T Johnson, and Ritchie. Although I didn’t see Ritchie in on plays last night.

It seems like the players have adequate physical capability on defense, but sometimes make some dumb mental errors, that veterans shouldn’t. The Safeties really missed on the halfback (or whatever) pass for a first down, when we had them stopped. The pass was thrown from the same side as the receiver who had leaked out, and whether the guy was going to run or pass, the Safeties should have been to that side by then. There was no one within 5 yards of the receiver.

So close to a great win.

[Author]

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