Nov 24, 2018; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Leki Fotu (99) and defensive tackle John Penisini (52) celebrate after a stop in the fourth quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Inexperience creates questions for usually tough Ute defense

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah is seeking to reload quickly on defense after returning just two starters from a unit that dominated in the Pac-12 last season.

It will be tough for the Utes not to take a step back from what they did defensively with a veteran-laden group.

Utah led the Pac-12 in total defense, passing defense, rushing defense and scoring defense in 2019. The Utes recorded the best statistical season by a conference team in the Pac-12 era in three defensive categories.