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Two scores in two weeks.

That's not great numbers for an offense, but for a defense? Any points are gravy.

Utah football has benefitted greatly from its defense's recent penchant for getting six off interceptions. Eric Rowe got one against Washington State that helped the Utes get to a big lead in that game, and Tevin Carter picked off Brett Hundley for a momentum-boosting score that helped them upset UCLA this weekend.

It's notable that both pick-sixes have been the first score of each game, bringing energy and confidence that helps set the tone. It didn't work out against Wazzu, but it certainly did last weekend. Today, we'll break down the Carter play that helped ignite the Utes to a victory.

Carter was hurt during the game, and wasn't available for interviews on Monday afternoon, but defensive end Jason Fanaika was on the play and saw it unfold.

The Utah defense lines up on UCLA's third drive of the game. It's second and 16 at the UCLA 25, and based on that situation, the coaches have an inkling that the Bruins may try to run a screen, according to Fanaika. They alert the defense, which is using its nickel package.

One key here is that Carter is lined up only six yards off the left inside receiver. Since he's positioned somewhat behind Jared Norris from Hundley's perspective, it's possible that Hundley didn't see where Carter was aligned.

From the snap, Carter steps to the side and allows Norris to take the coverage of the receiver. He's sitting on the screen pass to Paul Perkins.

Pressure is coming to Hundley, as Filipo Mokofisi comes up the middle. The linemen are blocking, but are also concentrated on eventually getting to where they need to get to block for Perkins. Rushing a screen is exciting, Fanaika said, because the defensive front knows it can get a shot on the quarterback.

"Playing that screen, it was chance to get in front of him," he said. "I was seeing dollar signs."

Hundley lobs the ball, but it seems he's unaware of two things: Sese Ianu has been able to slow up Perkins on the route, and Carter is waiting in the shadows to bite on the pass. A slight overthrow helps Carter get the ball and a running start on the 27-yard dash to the end zone.

"When I turned around, I saw Tevin catch it," Fanaika said, having jumped up for the pass himself. "I was going crazy. The dollar signs came back, and it was like 'Oh, gotta score.'"

Carter does need a bit of help. Here's where Mokofisi makes a huge play: He comes all the way across the field to put a hard block on Perkins, who is likely the only Bruin who can truly keep up with Carter, a former track star. It's a heck of a play for a guy who technically plays defensive tackle, and showcases just how athletic Mokofisi is for his position.

From there, Carter has one man to beat: Hundley. His receiver instincts take over, and he cuts to his left, just out of Hundley's tackling range.

All that's left to do is take a step into the end zone and celebrate.

"Tevin's so fast, by the time he had caught the ball, and I realized, he was already in front of me," Fanaika said. "I wish I had gotten in on the play, but just that he caught it and broke the tackle, that was all we needed."

With Utah's offense a little bit in flux the past few weeks and the starting quarterback situation murky, the defense's points are all the more welcome to give the Utes the boost they need to come through in these close games.

"Any chance we have a chance to score, our guys are going to take a chance," Fanaika said. "Our guys, we have those playmakers that want to score and help our offense put points on the boards. We'll get more opportunities, and I have no doubt we'll score again."

Kyle Goonkgoon@sltrib.comTwitter: @kylegoon