The Bruins entered the game averaging 270.3 rushing yards per game as the third-best rushing team in the country, but the Utes defense had other plans.
SALT LAKE CITY — As he walked to his assigned media availability Tuesday evening ahead of Utah's first Pac-12 matchup of the season against UCLA, defensive end Jonah Elliss had a big smile on his face.
"I think we're running around having fun," Elliss said about the defense. "Honestly, that's probably what it is, we're all just having fun, so it's a lot of fun to be out there." Utah's dominance was most evident on UCLA's final possession of the afternoon when Elliss started out the drive with an 8-yard sack, followed by a 7-yard sack from Elliss and teammate Logan Fano, and then another 7-yard sack by safety Sione Vaki on fourth down to end the Bruins' hopes of a positive drive.
After four games, which includes wins over three Power Five teams, Utah ranks fourth in the country in run defense , sixth in scoring defense , and ninth in total defense . Utah is also currently third in ESPN's defensive efficiency rankings, just behind Texas and Penn State. The duo played the entirety of the game Saturday and are two of several players filling in at several starter positions on a Utah roster that has been significantly hampered by injuries this season. And rather than take a significant step back, Utah has excelled with its depth players getting starter minutes.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
UCLA Bruins vs Utah Utes Line MovementCollege Football line and odds movement for UCLA Bruins vs Utah Utes on Sep 23, 2023.
Read more »
No. 11 Utah smothers No. 22 UCLA in rough day for Bruins QB Dante MooreNo. 11 Utah did what three previous opponents had failed to do against No. 22 UCLA's Dante Moore.
Read more »
No. 11 Utah smothers No. 22 UCLA in rough day for Bruins QB Dante MooreNo. 11 Utah did what three previous opponents had failed to do against No. 22 UCLA's Dante Moore.
Read more »
College Football UCLA vs Utah Box ScoreUCLA Bruins vs Utah Utes College Football game box score for Sep 23, 2023.
Read more »