Utah football's identity has belonged to the defensive side of the ball ever since Kyle Whittingham took over as head coach. There have been a number of great defensive units in Whittingham's tenure, and a much larger number of great players have come through the program. So far this season, Utah has proven to be one of the toughest defenses in the country and rank towards the top in a number of defensive metrics.

Here's quick look at where Utah ranks in the country in some of the more recognizable defensive metrics:

Total Defense: 3rd

Scoring Defense: 4th

Bill Connely's SP+: 11th

ESPN Team Efficiency: 5th

Football Outsiders DFEI Ratings: 6th

Pro Football Focus Team Defense Grade: 4th

Clearly, some rather impressive ranks, as four of the six listed have Utah ranked in the top five of the entire country. It's been evident over the last month or so, that Utah's defense is simply playing at a ridiculously high level. Here is what this defensive unit allowed in three games during the month of October:

Scoring Defense: 3.3 Points/Gm (1 touchdown, 1 field goal in 3 games)

Pass Defense: 84.7 Yards/Gm, 67.8 QB Rating

Rush Defense: 60.6 Yards/Gm, 2.3 Yards/Att

3rd Down Conversion % Allowed: 16.2%

Tackles For Loss: 6.3/Gm

Sacks: 2.3/Gm

Those numbers came against conference opponents, that not too long ago, some had a significant talent advantage over Utah. Which is to serve as a friendly reminder of how far this program has come in the last few years. This defensive unit though, is something else entirely and at Monday's press conference, Whittingham shared his thoughts on what makes this defense so special:

"Probably that there is really no holes in it. There is no spot where we feel we can get exposed. Now we don't have all the answers and we are still a work in progress, but every level is good. The defense is playing well and there is a good vibe. The defense seems to be really cohesive right now."

Pretty strong statement there, and it's apparent on the field that Utah has the necessary weapons at every level of the defense. What's interesting is looking back at the "recruits" that have make up what this defense is today, let's take a look.