Conference: Pac-12
Coach Stats
Why should this nominee be considered for the Broyles Award?
The Broyles Award is described as a celebration of bonds between a coach and his team. Morgan Scalley, Utah’s defensive coordinator, lives by that word – “bond”. It is something he preaches as part of the Utah Football culture, to treat the team like his family, to create that bond with players, and to have it last a lifetime. In his 15th year overall and the seventh year as the Utes’ defensive coordinator, Scalley’s legacy has extended into the NFL, into college coaching and beyond. He is widely respected as a recruited in the country, producing several highly-rated classes during his time as a coordinator. He owns the reputation of being one of the brightest defensive minds in the business, instilling the culture and identity of the Utah defense known as R.S.N.B (relentless, smart, nasty, ballhawks).
Coach's Past Performance
During his time at Utah, the Utes have led the Pac-12 five times in rushing defense (2016, ’18, ’19, ’20, ’21), ranking third in the nation in 2019 after ranking fifth in 2018. The Utes have finished in the top-three in the Pac-12 in sacks and tackles for loss three times under Scalley, leading the league in both in 2021 and 2016, while finishing the 2018 season ranked 11th nationally and first in the Pac-12 in sacks. Utah has finished in the top-half of the Pac-12 in total defense five times in the past six seasons, ranking second nationally and first in the league in 2019. Over the past four seasons, Scalley’s defense has held opponents to 15 points or fewer 23 times, third most in all of FBS football. He has coached nine All-Americans, 16 first-team all-conference selections and two Freshman All-Americans, also seeing 29 of his players earn spots on NFL rosters.
Team Record and Standings
Utah is 7-2 overall and 5-1 in Pac-12 play heading into its final home game of the season vs. Stanford on Saturday Nov. 12. The Utes are currently in a three-way tie for second in the Pac-12, trailing to Oregon who has yet to lose a conference game.
Team/Unit Stats
In 2022, Utah is limiting teams to just 344.7 yards of total offense per game, which leads the Pac-12 and is in the top-20 among Power Five programs. It includes four performances holding opponents under 270 yards and contributes to the league’s second-best scoring defense (21.4 points per game) with only two opponents scoring more than 20 points in the last eight games. Utah ranks second in the Pac-12 in passing defense, only allowing 212.2 yards per game with only two opponents recording more than one passing touchdown against the Utes this season. The Utes lead the league in first downs defense, only allowing 150 which is also tied for 12th among Power Five programs. Utah is 7-0 in 2022 in games allowing 175 or fewer rushing yards and is averaging 100.8 rushing yards allowed in those seven games.
Individual Player Stats
Through nine games in 2022, Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III leads the Pac-12 and is tied for the national lead in total interceptions this season with five, also ranking second nationally in interceptions per game (0.6). Jonah Elliss (defensive end) and R.J. Hubert (safety) are both tied for ninth nationally this season in fumbles recovered (2). Van Fillinger (defensive end), also ranks sixth overall in the Pac-12 in total sacks this season (5.0). Sophomore safety Cole Bishop currently leads the team in total tackles (55.0) along with an interception and two pass breakups. Hubert has 54 tackles (2.0 TFL) with two interceptions, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries with linebacker Karene Reid leading the team in tackles for loss (7.0 TFL, 51 total tackles).
