Utah defense picks off Goff 5 times, forces 6 turnovers in win over Cal

How ‘bout that Utah defense tho. Facing its biggest test of the 2015 season so far, the Utes forced six turnovers and picked off Jared Goff five times in a 30-24 win over Cal that left Utah as the last undefeated team in the Pac-12.

Goff, the top-rated quarterback in the 2016 NFL draft by ESPN’s Todd McShay should he choose to go pro, was harassed all night long by Utah’s front and was sacked three times. He threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns, but completed just 53 percent of his passes and was held to 7.2 yards per attempt by the opportunistic Utah defense.

With Travis Wilson and Co. unable to run out the clock, the defense was put to the test one last time. And while Goff took Cal to the edge of the red zone, the secondary had one play left in it – defensive back Boobie Hobbs broke up Goff’s pass to Darius Powe on fourth down in the final minute to deliver the final nail in the Golden Bear's coffin.

Utah cornerback Dominique Hatfield, who was suspended for training camp and the first week of the regular season after running into legal troubles (charges were eventually dropped), made the biggest splash with two interceptions, including one midway through the fourth quarter that nearly put the game away. He now has three picks on the season, second on the team to Marcus Williams, who had one pick off Goff to bring up his season total to four. Linebacker Gionni Paul and nickel back Justin Thomas also tallied interceptions Saturday night.

The win gives Utah its first 2-0 start in conference play since joining the Pac-12.