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SEATTLE — In a hard-fought test, Utah football escaped the Washington Huskies on the road with a 34-23 win on a rainy Saturday night.

Utah improves to 8-1 on the season and is one step closer to winning the division. The following are a few takeaways from Utah's win.

Defensive heroes live up to billing

The offense did just enough to get a win, but it was the defense that was the star of the game Saturday. Utah was led by redshirt freshman Chase Hansen, who got his first start of the season at the safety position.

Hansen had 11 total tackles, a pass breakup and a forced fumble. Hansen, though, got injured on the last play of the game when one of Utah's players rolled over on him. Utah has not released his status, but based on the injury it would seem that Hansen is done for the season.

Jared Norris and Gionni Paul continue to be a great tandem team on the defense. The two combined for 20 total tackles. Paul was instrumental in Utah's win, finishing the game with two sacks, two tackles for loss an interception and a fumble return for a 27-yard touchdown.

Utah's ability to hold Washington to several field goals was a major factor in the win and has been a major factor this season. While not perfect, the defense has given Utah a much-needed boost given Utah's inconsistency on offense in the latter part of the season.

Turnover battle is key

After two straight games without forcing a turnover, Utah made up for it by forcing four turnovers, which proved valuable in a close game against the Huskies. The turnovers gave Utah great field position and Utah's offense the momentum needed to get the win. Utah, however, had three turnovers of their own and nearly lost the game as a result.

Travis Wilson had several passes that were nearly picked off and could have changed the game, particularly in the short game on the slant route. Wilson seems to have a hard time reading the middle linebacker lately and can't seem to get those short passes in the middle to work. Wilson finished the game with one fumble and one interception.

Utah is +9 in the turnover margin on the season, which has been the difference in these close games this season. Some may call it luck or good fortune that Utah is able to win with all the turnovers, but that's part of the defense doing its job and being in the right position to take advantage and shift the momentum in the game.

Offensive consistency

The offense hasn't been as inconsistent as years past, but there are moments this season that Utah can't seem to put anything together, particularly in the last few games. Whether play-calling or inability to make the plays, Utah's offense has too many lulls in its games as a top-15 team in the country.

The entire offense is to blame in the inconsistency. Devontae Booker continues to get his yards each game, but the offensive line isn't giving him the holes and protection he needs to break free for big gains. Wilson, too, needs the offensive line to play well to give him the time and protection to make the right reads.

The receivers need to find some separation to give Wilson an option in his progressions. Utah has the playmakers to get it done in the receiving game, but there's not enough chunk yardage to really make a statement.

However, Utah's offense does get it done when needed and has been able to score when the pressure is on them. It's easy to play armchair quarterback, but the fact is Utah is 8-1 and the offense has been good enough this season to get wins against really good opponents.