Key Utah Utes Defenders to Watch Against UCLA in Week 4

We're close to 24 hours till game day, Bruin fans. The Bruins will look to take down the 11th-ranked Utah Utes and hand them their first loss of the season. This matchup could have conference implications and possibly college football playoff implications.

It won't be easy as UCLA travels to hostile territory in Utah, but after their strong performance last week, UCLA is riding high and has an upset in their mind.

The Bruins offense is rolling; however, Utah will come to spoil UCLA's hot star, and they'll do so with their defnese. Utah isn't the back-to-back Pac-12 champions for nothing; they may not be known for their defense, but it is no joke either.

Here are some Utah defenders UCLA will need to look out for this Saturday.

Cole Bishop, Safety

The junior safety from Georgia is off to a hot start for the Utes. Through three games, he's collected 14 solo tackles, one forced fumble, one INT, and one pass defensed. Bishop is already in talks of possibly heading to the next level and has been a staple for the Utes in his tenure. He can cover tight ends and some slot receivers and has the ability to create turnovers. He has good size and could cause significant problems for the UCLA receivers.

Karene Reid, LB

Reid has already collected four total tackles in only two games in this young season. However, there is no denying Reid's talent and how much he means to the Utes. He is tough, distinctive, and a lot more athletic than people think. Karene is coming off an All-conference season and led the linebacker room with 72 tackles the year before. Give it some time, and Reid will be back in that conversation this season for the Utes. Hopefully, UCLA can dodge that bullet as he's slowly getting his groove back.

Van Fillinger, DE

The Bruins got a look at Fillnger before he suffered a season-ending injury two days after they defeated the Utes in 2022. He's back now for the Utes, looking like he never left. He has five total tackles in three games and, is tenacious in the pass rush, who is capable of being a run-stuffer. Fillnger is a problem, and he will also look to stuff the UCLA run game.

Junior Tafuna, DE

Junior is arguably Utah's best defensive lineman from top to bottom. He's only played one game thus far in 2023, and if he's out there for their first conference game, look out. Tafuna is a force to be reckoned with, and if he's even half of what he was last season against UCLA, he will be a game-wrecker. His growth under defensive tackle coach Luther Elliss has helped Tafuna with his explosiveness and speed. He's a mountain of a man and will most likely be a pro player by next year.

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