BYU’s defense came through against Utah when the Cougars needed it most

The Cougars' defense came into the game ranked 13th and 12th in the nation in total defense and scoring defense, respectively. BYU was only giving up 263.5 yards per game and 14.7 points per game on defense. Utah smashed those numbers. The Utes gained 470 yards and scored 21 points. Even with Utah putting 200 extra yards and an additional touchdown on BYU, the Cougars' defense played a great game. Here’s how.

They did thrive in a critical area, where they previously had struggled and where Utah had excelled. That was getting to the quarterback. The Utes' offensive line had allowed only three sacks coming into this game, which was good enough for 4th in the nation. BYU had only gotten 10 sacks, which was 93rd in the country. The Cougars sacked Devon Dampier three times, doubling up their sacks allowed.

The Cougars also forced two turnovers, one on a fumble punt return that led to BYU taking a 10-7 halftime lead. The other stopped Utah from responding to BYU, taking a 17-14 lead in the fourth quarter. BYU would pay it off with a touchdown. BYU would end the +2 in the turnover margin and with 10 points off turnovers.

BYU was at its greatest on defense when it mattered the most. On third down, they held Utah to a modest 5 of 12. Utah had been first in the nation on third down, converting 48 of 80 for a huge 60% conversion rate. BYU chopped that down to 42%. When the Cougars would stop them on third, Utah was determined to go on fourth, foregoing field goal attempts. And why not? The Utes were 8 of 10 (8th best in the nation) on fourth down coming into this game. The Cougars were even more stout on fourth downs.

Utah attempted five fourth downs, and the BYU defense only allowed them to convert once. Two of those stops were in money territory. BYU did well in the Red Zone on defense. When Utah got into the Red Zone coming into this game, they were 28 of 29, with 25 touchdowns and three field goals. The Utes got inside the BYU 20-yard line four times but only got two scores out of it. Utah had been successful on 80% of their fourth down tries, but were only 20% successful against Jay Hill’s defense.

Making the plays when they were needed to do so the most is why this defense was able to get the win. Even in a game where they gave up more yards and points than usual, they stepped up and got it done for BYU, and that is why the Cougars are one of only six remaining undefeated teams in college football.