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Utah's Defense Focused on Pass
The Deseret News Feature Story
Nov. 10, 2003
By Dirk Facer SALT LAKE CITY - 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.
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