Utah stomped all over BYU with a 28-20 win on Saturday, snapping a brutal three-game losing streak in the Holy War and keeping their perfect season alive. Seriously, Devon Dampier was an absolute machine, accounting for four total touchdowns to lead the charge. This wasn’t just another game, it was a statement for the program, even if the coach wants the team to keep grinding.
Dampier’s Unstoppable Heisman Statement
Forget the rest of the Big 12, because Devon Dampier just punched his ticket as the conference’s clearest Heisman candidate after that performance. The senior signal-caller was lights out against BYU, tossing two touchdown passes and running for two more. This guy has now thrown for a score in *eight* of nine games this season. And get this: he even pulled off a ridiculous 29-yard catch between two defenders to keep a drive alive! The Big 12 hasn’t seen a national finalist since TCU in 2022, and they haven’t had a Heisman winner since Oklahoma bounced. If that streak is going to break, it’s gotta be Dampier. He is *that* guy right now.
Defense Clamps Down, Offense Explodes Early
It wasn’t just Dampier though. The Utes defense brought the heat, picking off BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier a ridiculous four times. Bachmeier racked up 272 yards and a touchdown, but he just couldn’t protect the ball. Through the initial eight games of the season, he totaled four picks. Then he added two more in the fourth quarter against Utah, both inside the end zone! The Utes defense forced three turnovers in the second half alone, shutting down the Cougars for the rest of the game and holding them to just 39 yards in the third quarter. That’s how they took the lead for good, folks. And talk about starting fast: Utah absolutely exploded out of the gate, jumping ahead 14-0 in less than five minutes. They marched 75 yards for the first score in just 75 seconds. This is the eighth time this season they’ve scored on their opening drive, and they’ve outscored opponents a crazy 103-9 in the opening quarter through nine games. That’s pure dominance.
The third-ranked Utes are still sitting pretty at 9-0 overall and 6-0 in the Big 12. Head coach Morgan Scalley knows they’re in the driver’s seat for a title, but he is keeping them grounded. He told Fox Sports after the game, “This was a big win, not THE big win.” And you know what? That’s the mindset of a team ready for more. Keep grinding, Utes. The country is watching.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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