After Further Review, Takeaways from Utah's 38-21 Win

Assessing the Utes' Victory

Dominant Defense

Utah's defense proved formidable, limiting Arizona's offense to just 21 points. Linebackers Lander Barton and Mohamoud Diabate led the charge, with a combined 20 tackles. Barton also contributed an impressive 2.5 tackles for loss.

The Utes' pass rush relentlessly pressured Arizona quarterback Jayden de Laura, forcing him to scramble and make quick decisions. Utah recorded three sacks and seven tackles for loss, disrupting Arizona's offensive rhythm.

In addition to the strong play of the linebackers, the defensive line held its own, preventing Arizona from establishing a consistent running game. Devin Kaufusi led the unit with six tackles.

Offensive Efficiency

While the defense shined, Utah's offense also played a crucial role in the win. Quarterback Cam Rising completed 21 of 30 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns, distributing the ball effectively to his receivers.

Micah Bernard carried the rushing load, amassing 70 yards on 16 carries and scoring a touchdown. Ja'Quinden Jackson complemented him with 67 yards on 14 attempts.

The Utes' offense converted 9 of 14 third-down attempts, keeping the offense on the field and controlling the tempo of the game.

Improvement Areas

Despite the convincing win, there are areas where Utah can improve. They committed 10 penalties for 70 yards, a discipline issue that could prove costly against tougher opponents.

The Utes' running game was also inconsistent, averaging only 3.6 yards per carry. Establishing a more effective ground attack will provide greater balance to the offense.

Conclusion

Utah's 38-21 victory over Arizona showcased the team's strengths in defense and offensive efficiency. However, there are areas where improvement can be made, such as discipline and consistency in the running game. As the season progresses, the Utes will need to continue refining their performance and building on their early success.