Utah Utes football: Utes trying to live up to expectations on defense

SALT LAKE CITY — While Utah's offensive struggles have been well documented, the defense hasn't had much to say about it. That's because the Utes on that side of the ball adhere to a specific philosophy when it comes to such things. Their focus is on stopping the opposition.

"If you don't want to lose then shut them out or shut your mouth because that's the way we operate here," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "We have high expectations for our defense here — always have, always will — and that is the mentality."

The Utes take it to heart.

"What we're taught is to just do our best as far as shutting the team out. If the offense gets up it's like the whole defense expects to make those stops. So it's like it's on our back," said defensive lineman Dave Kruger. "We try to put everything on our back as far as winning the game, just because that's how our mentality is."

Linebacker Chaz Walker acknowledged it's a big deal.

"If they don't score they can't win and so taking on that mentality as a defense is huge for us," he said. "We try to live up to that each and every week, even though it's a hard thing to do."

Even so, things are going well — despite short fields and a lot of time on the field.

Utah's defense enters Saturday's game with Oregon State ranked highly in several categories. The Utes are third in the Pac-12 in rushing defense (99.43 ypg), pass efficiency defense (120.77 rating), total defense (334.57 ypg) and scoring defense (22.43 ppg). They're fourth in passing defense (235.14 ypg).

"Whether the offense puts up 30 points or no points, to us it doesn't matter. If the scoreboard wasn't there we're going to go out and play the same way every time," said safety Brian Blechen. "It's our goal to shut them out or we don't have anything to say."

The offense, meanwhile, is determined to make things easier for the entire team by cutting down on turnovers. Utah has already thrown nine interceptions and lost eight fumbles this season.

"Turning the ball over is still our biggest issue — definitely the No. 1 issue," said wide receiver DeVonte Christopher, who noted that things will improve once the offense figures out how to possess the football.

"The defense has been playing out of their minds," Christopher said. "We've just got to pick them up more."

Christopher added that the offense needs to do a better job sustaining drives and picking up first downs to give the defense more rest.