SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Three defensive stars for No. 16 Utah can be credited with helping the Utes improve on the other side of the ball.

Cornerback Smith Snowden, linebacker Lander Barton and safety Jackson Bennee have played key roles in an offense that ranks near to the top of the league in several categories heading into Saturday's Big 12 opener against No. 17 Texas Tech (3-0).

A year after being near the bottom in nearly every offensive category, the Utes are second in scoring (45.7 points per game) and rushing offense (290 yards), and third in total offense (517 yards).

The trio have wasted no time making their presence felt.

Snowden led Utah (3-0) in receiving in the Utes’ 43-10 season-opening win over UCLA , totaling 51 yards on six catches. Barton hauled in a 14-yard touchdow

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