Behind enemy lines: Utah’s secondary

After watching USC utilize the Matt Barkley-to-Robert Woods connection 17 different times for a total of 177 yards and 3 touchdowns against Minnesota, it is no secret who the Trojans’ quarterback favors most. Although the Utah secondary knows the likely destination of the majority of Barkley’s passes, limiting the output of the Barkley-Woods tandem will arguably be the toughest task that the inexperienced defensive backs of Utah will face this season.

A year ago, Utah was torched for 14 passing touchdowns in it’s final five games. Additionally, the Utes surrendered 225 yards a game through the air in 2010, a total ranked 73rd nationally. To further complicate matters, Utah returns exactly zero starters from this lackluster unit of a year ago.

Cornerbacks Conroy Black and Ryan Lacy will accompany safeties Michael Walker and Keith McGill in the defensive secondary. These four players had a combined total of one start in all of 2010, when Black got the nod against Wyoming.

The secondary did fare well against Football Championship Subdivision Montana State last weekend, yielding just 183 passing while snagging two interceptions. However, there is a big difference between Bobcats quarterback Denarius McGee and Heisman Trophy hopeful Matt Barkley. The Utes must find a way to shore up the defensive backs before Saturday, as USC coach Lane Kiffin elected to throw the ball 45 times against Minnesota in the opener.