Utah Football: 3 takeaways from dominant Pac-12 title win over Oregon

2 of 4

Dec 3, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Anthony Brown (13) throws the ball against the Utah Utes in the first half during the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Utah defense proves to be best of the West

Utah’s defense may not have received as much love as Kayvon Thibodeaux and the Ducks’ defense. But on Friday night in Sin City, this Utes’ defense sure did not care about who was being talked about more. Utah was nothing short of fantastic tonight, playing smart and physical from start to finish.

Devin Lloyd and Cole Bishop led the way, combining for 12 tackles, a sack, and an interception. Kirk Herbstreit mentioned in the broadcast how Lloyd has not been receiving much national attention but is likely to find himself walking the stage in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Lloyd displays great athletic ability dropping in coverage, while also providing value rushing the passer.

Mika Tafua came into this game as the Pac-12 leader in sacks with 9.5. While he didn’t have any tonight, he had multiple pressures and one in particular that contributed to Anthony Brown’s nightmare performance.

Another key to this game for the Utes’ defense was 3rd down stops. Oregon had the best third-down offense in the Pac-12 coming into this game (52.9 percent conversion rate), but finished 3-for-12 on Friday.

As a unit, Utah has allowed just two touchdowns on defense in the past three games. This team is saving its best ball for last and is going to need this defense in a big way come New Year’s Day.

Home/Utah Utes