SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s defense really put the clamps on Arizona State. In Saturday’s 21-3 victory at Rice-Eccles Stadium, the Utes held the Sun Devils to just 136 yards of total offense, eight first downs, 4-of-18 passing, and 2-of-13 success on third downs.
“We knew coming in that they were a good defense. There’s just some things we have to fix. We didn’t have our best game today, but you can’t dwell on it,” said ASU quarterback Jayden Daniels. “They are just a relentless defense. They are going to get after the quarterback. It’s just a stout defense that we played today.”
Things went so well, in fact, that Utah coach Kyle Whittingham noted there’s not a lot to correct this week. The Utes tackled, pressured the quarterback and covered with great success — and it was more than enough to weather four turnovers (three fumbles and an interception) by the Utah offense.
“We did a lot of good things,” Whittingham said.
Linebacker Devin Lloyd led the Utes with eight tackles, while defensive end Bradlee Anae registered three sacks. Defensive backs Bronson Boyd and Tareke Lewis had a fumble recovery and interception, respectively, and safety Julian Blackmon was credited with a forced fumble. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson, meanwhile, limited ASU star receiver Brandon Aiyuk to one catch for 7 yards.
“Coach (Morgan) Scalley had a great defensive scheme set up for us,“ Anae said. “We just went out there and executed as a defense and it was a great night.”
The offense had a banner night, too, as running back Zack Moss became the program’s career rushing leader. The senior ran for 99 yards in the game and scored two touchdowns. He also topped the team with three receptions for 78 yards.
“We’re proud of him and he did a great job tonight,” Whittingham said. “Those yards were tough, hard-fought yards. There were no easy yards there tonight.”
There are some lingering concerns after the emotional contest. Quarterback Tyler Huntley and left tackle Darrin Paulo suffered unspecified leg injuries in the game — the extent of which is expected to be updated at Whittingham’s weekly press conference on Monday.
The Utes (6-1, 3-1) moved up to No. 12 in the latest Associated Press and coaches polls. They’ll host California (4-3, 1-3) Saturday (8 p.m., FS1).
Utah enters the final five games of the season in a first-place tie with USC in the Pac-12 South. The Utes do so with a squad ranking among the national leaders in pass completion percentage, pass efficiency offense, run defense and total defense, among other things.
Perhaps more importantly, though, is a rousing endorsement by Whittingham.
“I love coaching this team, I can tell you that, and I love being around them. The vibe of this team and the culture is awesome to be a part of,” Whittingham said. “It starts with the seniors and the leadership ... I really like our identity right now and what we’re doing and how we’re going about our business.”
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California (4-3, 1-3) at No. 12 Utah (6-1, 3-1)
Rice-Eccles Stadium
Saturday, 8 p.m.
TV: FS1
Radio: ESPN 700AM