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Ann Arbor, Mich. • In one game, Utah's defense solved its biggest problem from last season.
The Utes intercepted three passes in a 26-10 defeat of Michigan, matching their 12-game total of 2013 — after failing to produce an interception against Idaho State or Fresno State this season.
Not surprisingly, Brian Blechen contributed to the breakthrough Saturday, with his second-quarter interception of a pass that deflected off a receiver's hands. Ute linebacker Gionni Paul and safety Tevin Carter added fourth-quarter interceptions. Carter's pickoff and 59-yard return came on the last play before the game was halted to due severe weather with 7:51 remaining.
Blechen missed last year with a knee injury after intercepting eight passes in his first three seasons at Utah. Paul, a Miami transfer, and Carter, a junior college transfer, are first-year players for the Utes — and Paul was making his Utah debut, having broken his foot during spring practice.
Paul's interception resulted in the benching of Devin Gardner, Michigan's starting quarterback. Shane Morris, the backup QB, was picked off by Carter. Paul also recovered a fumble, following the 2-hour, 25-minute weather delay.
"He's a playmaker, and that's exactly what he does in practice," said Ute coach Kyle Whittingham. "He has a knack for turning the ball over."
So does Blechen, who figures that once some Ute made the first interception this season, others would follow. "It takes a lucky tip to get that first one," Blechen said. "After that, it just seemed like our guys were hungry for the ball."
Picking it up
Utah matched last season's total with three interceptions vs. Michigan.
Saturday
Player Return yds.
Brian Blechen 16
Gionni Paul 0
Tevin Carter 59
2013
Player Opp. Return yds.
Michael Walker BYU 0
Keith McGill UCLA 19 (TD)
Trevor Reilly Colorado 3