Saturday Blitz 2014 College Football Awards: Marcus Mariota, Scooby Wright Lead the Pack

Nov 22, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive end Nate Orchard (8) sacks Arizona Wildcats quarterback Jesse Scroggins (15) during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Arizona won 42-10. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Most Outstanding Defensive End: Nate Orchard*, Utah Utes- 81 Tackles, 20 Tackles for a Loss, 17.5 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles

Awards: Rotary Lombardi Award, Ted Hendricks Award

Playing in a conference known for high-profile passing, Nate Orchard led a Utah Utes defense that took advantage of that. Orchard’s sack numbers are impressive enough along with his tackles. Considering he had 4 sacks against UCLA, their biggest win, and another 2 against Oregon State, which required overtime, he proved his ability to come through in the biggest moment.

For that reason alone, Orchard deserves praise as by far the most outstanding defensive end.

Vic Beasley, Clemson Tigers- 29 Tackles, 18.5 Tacles for a Loss, 11 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Returned for Touchdown

Joey Bosa, Ohio State Buckeyes- 34 Tackles, 20 Tackles for a Loss, 13.5 Sacks, 4 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Returned for a Touchdown

Hau’oli Kikaha, Washington Huskies- 67 Tackles, 24 Tackles for a Loss, 18 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles

Shane Ray, Missouri Tigers- 61 Tackles, 21 Tackles for a Loss, 12.5 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles

Leonard Williams, USC Trojans- 71 Tackles, 8.5 Tackles for a Loss, 6 Sacks, 1 Interception, 3 Forced Fumbles

*Winner of Ted Hendricks Award

Next: Most Outstanding Linebacker