No. 20 Utah Dominates Second Half to Defeat Wyoming 31-6
A Slow Start Turns Into a Commanding Finish
In a long-awaited renewal of a rivalry not played since 2010, No. 20 Utah traveled to Laramie to face Wyoming at War Memorial Stadium. The game opened as a defensive standoff, with Wyoming’s front seven keeping Utah from finding the end zone throughout the first half. Despite dominating time of possession and nearly doubling Wyoming’s yardage, the Utes went into halftime with only a 3-0 lead. The Cowboys’ defensive resilience and timely stops gave their home crowd reason to believe an upset might be brewing.
The second half, however, told a very different story. Utah’s offense caught fire behind quarterback Devon Dampier, who led four consecutive touchdown drives. By the end of the game, Utah had turned a tight contest into a commanding 31-6 win, proving their ability to impose control once adjustments were made.
Dampier Sparks the Offense
The third quarter provided the turning point. Dampier orchestrated an 83-yard drive capped by NaQuari Rogers’ one-yard touchdown run, breaking the Cowboys’ defensive hold. That score opened the floodgates as Utah’s tempo and physicality began to wear down the Wyoming defense. Dampier displayed maturity beyond his years, completing eight consecutive passes during the stretch and keeping the defense guessing with designed runs. He finished with 230 passing yards and two touchdowns, adding another 86 yards on the ground.
One of the game’s most memorable plays came when Dampier fumbled a snap in the red zone. Instead of panicking, he scooped the ball, rolled out to his right, and delivered an off-balance eight-yard touchdown pass to Larry Simmons. The improvisation highlighted Dampier’s poise and athleticism, as he continued to prove himself as Utah’s leader under center.
Wyoming’s Defense Holds, Then Breaks
Wyoming’s defense showed grit early, forcing Utah into mistakes and creating opportunities to stay within striking distance. The Cowboys blocked a field goal just before halftime, and linebacker Evan Eller recorded a career-high 12 tackles to keep the Utes in check. Safety Andrew Johnson added 11 tackles and recovered a fumble, while nickelback Desman Hearns delivered one of the game’s biggest first-half turnovers.
But as the second half unfolded, Utah’s physical ground game wore down Wyoming’s defense. The Utes racked up 311 rushing yards by the end of the night, repeatedly moving the chains and keeping Wyoming’s defense on the field. Despite their early resistance, the Cowboys could not stop Utah from scoring four unanswered touchdowns.
Utah’s Defense Remains Elite
Although the offensive explosion defined the second half, Utah’s defense once again proved why it is considered among the best in the nation. The Utes limited Wyoming to just 229 total yards and forced the Cowboys into long third downs all night. Quarterback Kaden Anderson managed only 108 passing yards, while the rushing attack mustered 121 yards against Utah’s imposing front line.
Defensive end John Henry Daley made a huge impact by recording two sacks, doubling his season total. Jackson Bennee added another interception, continuing Utah’s trend of forcing turnovers at key moments. The defense’s discipline and relentless pressure gave Wyoming few chances to build any momentum.
Key Performances on Both Sides
Utah’s offense thrived behind the connection between Dampier and Ryan Davis, who finished with 10 receptions for 91 yards. Rogers added 60 rushing yards and another short-yardage touchdown, while Hunter Andrews delivered 106 all-purpose yards and the final score of the game. On defense, Daley and Bennee led a unit that consistently suffocated Wyoming’s passing and rushing lanes.
For Wyoming, Samuel Harris provided a spark with 68 rushing yards and 37 receiving yards. Terron Kellman added a late touchdown in the fourth quarter, accounting for Wyoming’s only points of the night. While the defense had standout performers in Eller, Johnson, and Hearns, the lack of sustained offensive production left them on the field too long.
What the Win Means for Utah
Utah’s 31-6 win reinforced their standing as one of the nation’s most complete teams. Head coach Kyle Whittingham emphasized his team’s resilience, crediting the ability to overcome early mistakes and dominate after halftime. This marked the Utes’ third straight win to start the season, giving them confidence heading into Big 12 play. For the second consecutive week, the team surpassed 500 total yards while holding its opponent under 250, a level of balance few programs can match.
The result highlighted Utah’s ability to grind out wins even when the first half does not go according to plan. With Dampier quickly developing into a dual-threat quarterback capable of commanding long drives, the Utes appear poised to compete not only for a conference crown but also for a spot in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Looking Ahead
Utah now turns to a pivotal Big 12 opener against No. 21 Texas Tech, a matchup that will test their continued growth against a ranked opponent. The Utes will look to build on the momentum of this dominant second half and carry their confidence into conference play.
Wyoming, meanwhile, falls to 1-2 but showed enough defensive grit in the first half to take positives from the loss. The Cowboys will aim to regroup as they prepare to face Colorado, focusing on improved offensive execution and consistency to complement their defense.
In the end, the rivalry clash offered a glimpse of Utah’s ceiling as a team with legitimate championship aspirations, while Wyoming gained valuable lessons about staying competitive against top-25 opposition.








