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Asked which team had the best defense in the Pac-12, Oregon State coach Mike Riley had a hard time deciding between Cal, Stanford and Utah, the three top-rated defenses according to the statistics.
But more than numbers, what impressed and distinguished Utah the most to Riley was that defensive front.
"They are big and they are aggressive," he said.
And they might just be the best defensive line the Utes have had since coach Kyle Whittingham has been the head coach.
The line, bookended by the rotation of Tevita Finau and Joe Kruger at left end and Derrick Shelby at right end then filled in with juniors Dave Kruger and Star Lotulelei, represents the most dominant area of Utah's suffocating defense.
The Utes rank second in the league in rushing defense (97.27), first in red zone defense (23-31), first in opponent fourth down conversions (4-17) and first in scoring defense (19.91).
The defense has held six opponents to 75 yards or less rushing. Last Saturday's game at Washington State was a testament to how hard they play.
For the first time all year, the Utes left a game without a sack, but they beat up Cougars quarterback Connor Halliday so much that he lacerated his liver and will miss Washington State's season finale against Washington as a result.
It's unclear which hit injured Halliday, but when you've got guys like the 6-foot-3, 271-pound Shelby or 6-7, 270-pound Joe Kruger chasing you down, it can be a bit confusing to pick which does the most damage.
To them, it doesn't matter, either. The way they play together is one of the reasons they are so good, Lotulelei said.
"We're unselfish," he said. "There are a lot of good players and a lot of great playmakers and athletes here and everyone is unselfish. You go out and do your job."
Contributing to Utah's success has been the consistency. Unlike other areas that have been hit hard by injuries, the Utes' defensive line has remained healthy. As a result, the Utes' lineup of main contributors has been consistent, but they've also benefited from a deep stable of backups who play regularly.
In addition to the starters, seniors Nai Fotu and James Aiono, freshman Nate Fakahafua and sophomore LT Tuipolotu all see regular playing time along the line.
Linebacker Trevor Reilly has had great success playing on the line as well due to his speed.
The talent allows Utah's line to rotate guys in and out so they all stay fresh, Joe Kruger said.
"We've got a lot of guys who are just big, like Star, Shelby and Tevita, so that is a real strength," he said. "But the way we rotate in and out, that is our real strength."
That frequent rotation makes it hard for opponents to isolate one player during games or afterward in their analysis. Arizona interim coach Tim Kish, when asked who was the best defensive player in the league he has seen this year, singled out Utah's defensive line as a whole.
"Those guys create havoc every game," he said. "I've watched them and they are well coached and relentless."
They've gotten better as the season has progressed.
Shelby, who was hampered by a knee injury last year, had a string of "monster games," as coach Kyle Whittingham put it, and earned National Defensive Player of the Week honors after his performance against Pitt.
Moving Reilly to end has increased Utah's speed at end, while Joe Kruger and Finau are young talents who have noticeably gotten better during the season.
"The last couple of games have felt different to me, the game has slowed down," Joe Kruger said. "It feels like it has taken a long time to happen, and I wish it had happened earlier, but for whatever reason I feel more comfortable out there. I'm moving around better the last couple of weeks."
The guy who isn't noticed so much in the stats but catches opposing coaches' attention on film is Lotulelei, the 6-3, 325-pound junior who had a career-high seven tackles against UCLA.
Whittingham calls him a "block eater," while Riley, the Oregon State coach, calls him a "game wrecker."
Lotulelei just smiles at the compliments and says neither he nor his teammates along the line like to talk about themselves much.
"We let our play on the field do the talking for us," he said.
In that respect, no one is louder than Utah's defensive line.
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D-line depth
Here is a look at some of the regular contributors on Utah's defensive line:
Left end
Tevita Finau (6-4, 283, Sr.) • Has made a big impact in games lately, also backs up Dave Kruger
Joe Kruger (6-7, 270, So.) • Already good, Kruger's best days are ahead of him
Tackle
Dave Kruger (6-5, 285, Jr.) • A "slugger" by Whittingham's standards, he is one of the most consistent players
Nose tackle
Star Lotulelei (6-3, 325, Jr.) • UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said he is one of the best defenders in the league this year
Right end
Derrick Shelby (6-3, 271, Jr.) • Has five pass breakups and scored two TDs off turnovers
Nai Fotu (6-0, 247, Sr.) • Started season at linebacker, playing more now at end
Trevor Reilly (6-5, 238, So.) • Has six tackles for loss and five sacks