Although the Utes allowed San Diego State 320 yards of total offense, Utah beat the Aztecs 63-14 at Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday for at least a share of the Mountain West Conference title.

"We allowed too many yards. We had high expectations coming into this game," said linebacker Stevenson Sylvester. "The defense gave up yards we shouldn't have. We take that hard."

But the defense made its presence known early. On the first drive of the game, the Aztecs' Tyler Campbell broke away for an 18-yard rush, only to have Sylvester knock the ball loose. Defensive end Koa Misi was there to recover the fumble.

"We work on that every practice, just strip drills to knock or punch the ball out," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. "That was a great play by [Sylvester]."

Other than a big drive by the Aztecs in the third quarter, Utah's defense dominated. To end the game, the Utes had two defensive touchdowns, both by Deshawn Richard who came up with back-to-back interceptions.

It wasn't much of a surprise how much Utah's defense dictated the outcome. Heading into the game, the Utes were ranked in the top 15 in the nation in six defensive categories.

But, San Diego State was able to find the holes in Utah's defense, at least for a quarter. The Aztecs were most successful against the Utes in the third, when San Diego State quarterback Ryan Lindley was able to orchestrate a 17-play, 95-yard drive to give the Aztecs their second score of the game with 3:14 remaining.

San Diego State earned seven of its 19 first downs on that drive.

By then it was too little, too late. Even after San Diego State's Justin Shaw scored by receiving a 16-yard pass from Lindley, the Utes were up by three touchdowns.

But, the defense made sure it ended on a high note. Richard's two interceptions that resulted in touchdowns tied a school record. The last time it happened was when Eric Weddle did it against the Aztecs in 2006.