Morgan Scalley by the numbers.

[coachklein]

I’m a self-admitted numbers geek. I did some deep digging on Morgan Scalley-led defenses at Utah dating back to his first year as DC in 2016. What originally prompted me to research this information is I felt like the rush defense has been poor, which the numbers validated.

However, the numbers revealed how amazing of a job Scalley is doing this year. Statistically speaking, this is one of his best defenses. Granted, it’s halfway through the year, so that can change dramatically.

Career Averages:
Points Allowed (107 games): 21.5/game
Points Allowed in Wins (71): 15.3/game
Points Allows in Losses (36): 27.4/game
Yards Allowed (107): 325.2/game
Rush Yards Allowed (107): 108.9/game
Yards Allowed in Wins (71): 286.7./game
Yards Allowed in Losses (36): 401/game
Rush Yards Allowed in Wins (71): 86/game
Rush Yards Allowed in Losses (36): 154.2/game

Best Points Allowed Season: 2020 (14.6/game)
Best Points Allowed Full Season: 2019 (15.0/game)
Best Yards Allowed Season: 2019 (269.2/game)
Best Rush Yards Allowed Season: 2019 (81.8/game)
Worst Points Allowed Season: 2016 (23.9/game)
Worst Yards Allowed Season: 2016 (378.7/game)
Worst Rush Yards Allowed Season: 2017 (131.3/game)

How does 2024 compare?
On pace for the second-best points allowed at 16.4/game (not including 2020)
On pace for the third-best yards allowed per game at 306.7/game (2nd is 2018 at 303.3/game)
On pace for third-worst rush yards per game at 121.7/game

You can’t ask for better production from the defense and Scalley. The run defense could improve, absolutely, but if we can find an offense with half a pulse, there is no reason why we can’t go on a mini run to close the year with some dignity.

[The Miami Ute]

As of today, Utah has the 20th ranked defense in the FBS. They’re just behind Georgia and just in front of Miami.

[UTE98]

Chicken or the egg.

While the yards/game number are not horrible, using TCU as an example, when the offense starts in great field position relative to Utah’s offense, there are less yards to give up for a score. The defense has played well this year, however what impact has the field position played? And on the other hand, defense is playing great considering the offense TOP is way down this year. And nobody is going to like this, but if the scoring is way down this year, is it because BigXII offenses aren’t as good as Pac12 offenses? Or is it because Utah’s defense is doing well? I’m leaning to the BigXII offenses not being as good. How are the former Pac12 teams in scoring compared to current BigXII opponents? In the Big 10, BigXII and ACC? What about OSU and WSU? Something to consider.

Really a strange year. And another question… if the TEs are blocking so poorly who is that on? Harding or the TE coach? Not sure we’re going to ever see the TE coach get called out by Kyle, do you?

[jshame17]

Yeah, Fred is untouchable and based on a conversation I’ve had with. Former player…..

I asked if Fred deserved his spot. And he laughed and said “I’m not touching that one…”

[utefansince79]

Seeing fewer “chaos plays” (sacks, TFL, turnovers, etc.) this season. And starting to look like our streak of a pick-six every season is in jeopardy.

But as has been the case with many of our tougher seasons, defense is doing everything they can to try to keep the ship afloat.

[Rick Walker]

The amount of potential interceptions dropped blows my mind.

[lgt4141]

With a tiny improvement on offense Utah wouldn’t be in a 3 game losing streak. I am optimistic for the next 5 games.

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