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Utah defense stood tall against Washington State despite adversity

Salt Lake Tribune | November 12, 2017

Related Topics: Kyle Whittingham

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham quipped that he almost had to consider using offensive players on the defensive side due to the rash of injuries that have left that unit depleted.

The Utes entered Saturday’s game against No. 19 Washington State with three of their most-impactful players not even in uniform. The team’s second-, third- and fourth-leading tacklers who play in the heart of the defense were all out.

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Washington State Cougars wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. (8) scores a first quarter touchdown as the University of Utah hosts Washington State, NCAA football in Salt Lake City, Saturday November 11, 2017.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes wide receiver Demari Simpkins (17) fumbles the ball leading to a turnover as the University of Utah hosts Washington State, NCAA football in Salt Lake City, Saturday November 11, 2017.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes wide receiver Demari Simpkins (17) fumbles the ball leading to a turnover as the University of Utah hosts Washington State, NCAA football in Salt Lake City, Saturday November 11, 2017.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Marching Utes on the field as the University of Utah hosts Washington State, NCAA football in Salt Lake City, Saturday November 11, 2017.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Marching Utes on the field as the University of Utah hosts Washington State, NCAA football in Salt Lake City, Saturday November 11, 2017.

Starting linebacker Sunia Tauteoli (58 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, one interception) and starting safeties Marquise Blair (48 tackles, one fumble recovery for a touchdown) and Chase Hansen (45 tackles, one interception) were all out with injuries.

See full article at Salt Lake Tribune