Utah's defense focused on pass

After giving up 90 points in two games, Utah's defense is eager to get back on the field — even if it's against the Mountain West Conference's top passing team.

On Saturday, the Utes will host Wyoming. The Cowboys average 271.3 yards per game in the air, 24th best in the nation.

"It's kind of like a redemption," said nose guard Steve Fifita. "We've had two bad weeks, kind of, so we're trying to make another statement that we're still one of the top defenses in the conference."

Wyoming will put such claims to the test. Quarterback Casey Bramlet orchestrates a talented corps of receivers that includes Ryan McGuffey and Malcom Floyd, who each average better than five catches per game.

"Have you seen their receivers? That's the best group of receivers I've seen, including Notre Dame," Utah coach Urban Meyer said. "That is the best group of receivers that I've coached against. They are real good."

The combination of Bramlet and Wyoming's receivers may be among the 10 best in the nation, he added.

"They beat Colorado State and they beat Brigham Young," said Meyer, who can't believe Wyoming was picked to finish at the bottom of the MWC. "So it's a good football team we're playing."

The key to success, Fifita explained, is an effective pass rush. The Utes must get in the quarterback's face and not let him feel comfortable in the pocket. Fifita knows first-hand. The all-conference candidate, a sophomore, has 22 tackles, including five for loss and two quarterback sacks. He's also broken up three passes and recovered a fumble.

"They've got two redshirt tackles," Fifita said. "We like playing against freshmen. We like showing them what it's all about."

Despite recent woes in terms of points allowed, Utah's defense has been successful against the pass. The Utes have the MWC's third-best pass-efficiency defense.

As was the case against Oregon's successful passing attack earlier this season, Meyer hopes to combine a good pass rush with good coverage. In turn, he said, they'll feed off one another.

In the 17-13 win over Oregon on Oct. 3, the Utes intercepted the Ducks once and forced 18 incompletions.

Though confident, Fifita is sure the defense won't take anything for granted. They're motivated, especially after giving up 43 points in their last outing — the triple-overtime triumph at Air Force.

"I think players are their toughest critics," Fifita said. "Besides, coach Whit (Kyle Whittingham) makes us keep our heads down, out of the clouds."

Maintaining perspective is crucial, with Utah controlling its own fate. Season-ending victories over Wyoming and BYU will give the Utes sole possession of a league title for the first time since 1957. A berth in the Liberty Bowl, and a likely date with nationally ranked Texas Christian, weighs in the balance.

"If we just win these two games we'll be the conference champs outright — no matter what," Fifita said. "We're not too worried about what's going on outside of our team."

Wyoming (4-5, 2-2) at Utah (7-2, 4-1)

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.

TV: KJZZ, Ch. 14

Radio: KALL 700 AM

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E-MAIL: dirk@desnews.com