This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah's offense has received a bunch of attention this week with the career-ending injury to Jordan Wynn, the changes on the offensive line and running back John White's 'ankle gate,' but let's talk D for a few minutes. Utah's defensive line is supposed to be one of the best in the Pac-12. Saturday's game against BYU would be an ideal time for the Utes to show off that talent. Utah has just four sacks in its first two games. Granted, part of the lack of sacks can be credited to the way the teams played since neither quarterback hung around in the pocket. However, the Utes have to get pressure on BYU quarterback Riley Nelson Saturday. With Brian Blechen out and sophomore Tyron Morris-Edwards likely starting for safety Eric Rowe, who has a pulled hamstring, Utah's pass coverage is going to be susceptible. Best for the Utes to not let Nelson have any time to see where he can go with the ball. Nelson isn't 100 percent either and if the Utes can get to him early, he might just think more about that back pain he experienced a week ago. We all know defensive tackle Star Lotulelei is rated as one of the best defensive linemen in the nation, but if Utah's defensive line is all it is touted to be, others need to step up and make their presence known. - Lya Wodraska