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It was another game, another big night for Utah's defense in the Utes' 56-3 win over San Jose State Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

The No. 13 Utes (4-0) gave up just a field goal to the Spartans, which came after a kickoff return of 71 yards.

"It was our goal, we wanted a shutout," defensive end Christian Cox said. "We came up just a little short, so we'll have to do that on the road."

The Spartans had just 172 total yards of offense and were 1 of 12 on third down conversions.

The Utes haven't given up a touchdown in the last five quarters, including their fourth-quarter shutout at New Mexico a week ago.

"We had a great week of preparation and it showed up in this game," Cox said. "It was a complete game and we are pretty proud of that."

The only one

Utah's only penalty was a false start on its final drive. "We've stressed that since Week 1," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said of cutting down on penalties. "We were very good. I can't remember a game where we've ever been 1 of 5."

Bad idea

The Spartans tried some rugby punts to keep the ball away from Utah returner Shaky Smithson, but the idea backfired as two were blocked in the second quarter. One hit a San Jose State player in the back then ricocheted into the hands of Utah's Reggie Brooks who returned it 10 yards for a touchdown, his first as a Ute.

Smithson, who returned punts for touchdowns in the last two games, finished with four returns for 33 yards.

lwodraska@sltrib.com Twitter: @lyawodraska Almanac

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