Photo via Yahoo Sports

Morgan Scalley ‘not concerned one bit’ about lack of sacks by defensive ends

Utah’s defensive ends have yet to deliver a sack this season, leaving the Utes without a single sack leader among their pass-rushers. Through five games, the trio of Lance Holtzclaw, Kash Dillon, and Ethan Day has combined for 37 quarterback pressures and 34 hurries but no sacks, ranking the Utes tied for fifth nationally in sacks per game at 2.2.

The lack of sacks became particularly evident in a 41-24 win over Kansas, where quarterback Isaiah Marshall threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns with just one interception, despite a 55% completion rate. Head coach Morgan Scalley acknowledged the defensive end’s struggles but remained unfazed, emphasizing the team’s focus on pass efficiency and limiting Marshall’s rushing attempts to just 21 yards on the ground.

Utah’s defensive scheme intentionally limited Marshall’s rushing opportunities by employing a cage rush, forcing the Jayhawks to rely on their passing game—a strategy that paid off as Marshall’s 17-yard-per-completion average proved decisive.

Up nextCollege Football· 30m ago

WSU's Owen Eshelman to start at QB against Oregon State, replacing Caden Pinnick