The Utes coach addresses the transition to a new conference before 2024 season
Utah’s previous transition from the Mountain West Conference to the Pac-12 Conference was a step in the right direction. Now that the Utes are moving forward in the Big 12, coach Kyle Whittingham does not anticipate significant differences for his team.
"There’s not a ton of difference between the Big 12 and the Pac-12," Whittingham said during the Big 12 Media Days in Las Vegas. He noted that differences among all Power Five conferences are subtle, with some teams more committed to running the ball than others. Whittingham emphasized the importance of basics like blocking, tackling, and shedding blocks, which he believes are crucial to success in football. This philosophy of physicality starts with the defensive line, a unit that will be pivotal in the Utes' new conference.Senior defensive tackle Junior Tafuna, the only All-Big 12 selection on defense from Utah, leads the defensive line.
If Fano is ready to start the season, either O’Toole or Fillinger will join him on the starting line. Both players have shown they can perform under pressure. O’Toole, transitioning from wide receiver to defensive end, finished the last season strong despite missing the initial games due to injury. Fillinger also proved his mettle, starting eight games and amassing solid stats, including 31 tackles and three sacks.
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