Utah got a defensive performance on Saturday in its 14-7 win over UCLA that was one of the best of the Kyle Whittingham era.

Linebacker Karene Reid scored as many touchdowns as UCLA. (And Utah, for that matter.) The Utes forced two turnovers, registered 11 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, and sacked quarterback Dante Moore seven times — including three times in four plays on the Bruins’ final possession.

The seven points UCLA mustered marked just the third time in his 113-game head coaching career that Chip Kelly has been held under 10 points in a game.

Utah is responsible for two of them.

Even including last year’s 42 points surrendered to UCLA, the Utes have given up an average of just 17.2 points to the Bruins since Kelly got to Westwood.

“Just really proud of our defense. They won the game, and that’s the bottom line,” Whittingham said after the game. “There’s a way to win every game. You’ve got to find it, and we found it this afternoon with the defense rising up and making play after play.”

UCLA was held scoreless through three quarters for the first time since 2011.

UCLA had 12 rushing plays that gained at least 20 yards in its first three games. No team in the country had more. The Bruins entered Saturday’s contest ranked No. 1 nationally in rushing efficiency (7.4 yards per carry) and No. 3 in overall offensive efficiency (8.6).

The Bruins had one explosive run play against the Utes — for 12 yards. With sacks included, they ended the day with 32 rushing attempts for 9 yards (0.3 per carry).

After this season, UCLA will depart for the Big Ten and Utah will head to the Big 12. Chip Kelly is probably happy he doesn’t have to see a Whittingham defense with any kind of regularity anymore.