This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah's defense is nationally ranked in the top 15 in four categories. But still, Utah's defenders know they must do more.
With a junior college transfer making his first start at quarterback, a spotty run game and several key offensive players injured, Utah's defense has no choice but to carry the offense again Saturday against No. 22 Arizona State (4-1, 2-0), just as it has in so many past instances.
"We know this is a big game for us," said defensive lineman Star Lotulelei. "The coaches have been pounding that into our heads."
The problem is, despite excelling in some areas such as red-zone defense and turnovers caused, Utah's defense has some problems of its own.
Washington's Chris Polk rushed 29 times for 189 yards against the Utes (2-2, 0-2) a week ago, prompting coach Kyle Whittingham to criticize an area of defense that has always been a strength for the Utes.
"Polk got momentum and started running the ball down our throats and we couldn't stop it," he said. "That was uncharacteristic of us and the worst half of run defense we've played in a lot of years. We have to stop it, or it's going to be a long season."
Now here comes ASU, a team that is fifth in Pac-12 scoring, averaging 35.4 points a game.
The Sun Devils don't have a back as dynamic as Polk, but they do have 5-foot-11, 215-pound Cameron Marshall, a bruising back who rushed for two touchdowns against Oregon State last week.
They also have a 6-foot-8 quarterback in Brock Osweiler and one of the most dangerous return men in the nation in receiver Jamal Miles.
Can the Utes do enough to slow ASU's playmakers to give themselves a chance Saturday? It's not a matter of can they, but of having to do so, if they don't want to become the first Utah team since the 2002 team to lose its first three league games.
That team finished 5-6 and marked the end of Ron McBride's reign as the Utes' coach.
Considering the Utes have enjoyed three straight 10-win seasons, finishing with a subpar mark would be viewed as a disaster they have no interest in experiencing.
They've lost two games, but not the season nor their confidence. Now is the time to rally, said linebacker Matt Martinez.
"We've never doubted ourselves," he said. " ... We all know we need to respond to adversity and stop the ball."
The Utes have done a good job doing just that, ranking fourth nationally in red zone defense by giving up just five touchdowns.
Despite the lopsided loss to Washington, Utah's defense did hold the Huskies to 10 points below their average. The Utes also shut down BYU and played well enough against USC to put themselves in position to win.
As far as the run defense goes, the Utes believe their performance against Washington was an unusually bad effort and not indicative of what is to come.
"I don't know what that was," said corner Conroy Black. "But we've all talked about it and know we have to do better. I think that was just one of those games you have and we are going to play better this week. We have to."
Twitter: @lyawodraska —
Utah's defensive stats
• In the red zone, Utah is tied for fourth nationally, giving up five scores in opponents' nine trips
• Tied for fifth in fumbles recovered (8)
• Tied for seventh in turnovers caused (13)
• Tied for 13th in turnover margin (13 takeaways to eight turnovers)
• Ranks 25th in scoring defense (18.5)
• Ranks 31st giving up 105.8 rushing yards a game
• Ranks 91st giving up 254.0 passing yards a game —
Arizona State at Utah
P At Rice-Eccles Stadium
Kickoff • 1:30 p.m.
TV • ROOT (Comcast Ch. 52, DirecTV Ch. 683, Dish Ch. 414)
Radio • ESPN700
Records • Utah 2-2, 0-2; ASU 4-1, 2-0
Series history • ASU leads 16-6
Last meeting • ASU, 38-0 (Sept. 4, 1993)
About the Utes • The Utes are off to their first 0-2 conference start since the 2002 season. … Utah coach Kyle Whittingham is now 4-5 against Pac-12 teams. … Tight end Jake Murphy and offensive lineman Tony Bergstrom are questionable with knee injuries. … The game is sold out.
About the Sun Devils • ASU has not played in Salt Lake City since 1977, a 47-19 win when both teams were in the WAC. … Center Garth Gerhart is questionable for Saturday's game due to an ankle sprain. … Receiver Jamal Miles leads the conference in averaging 28 yards on kickoffs and is second averaging 19.3 yards on punt returns.