No. 25 Utah Overwhelms Cal Poly 63-9 Behind Dampier’s 3 TDs, Dominant Defense

Tyler Tate/AP

SALT LAKE CITY — In front of a packed house at Rice-Eccles Stadium, No. 25 Utah delivered a commanding performance on Saturday night, steamrolling FCS opponent Cal Poly 63-9. Quarterback Devon Dampier led the charge with three touchdown passes, matching a career high in his first home start since transferring from New Mexico. “It was awesome. Just being in the stadium, it was as electric as everyone had talked about,” Dampier said after the win. The junior went 17-of-23 for 192 yards and three scores, orchestrating Utah’s high-tempo offense with precision before handing the reins over midway through the third quarter.

The Utes wasted no time setting the tone. Dampier opened the scoring with a 52-yard bomb to Wayshawn Parker on the game’s first drive. He later added touchdown throws to Ryan Davis (4 yards) and Dallen Bentley (11 yards), showcasing Utah’s depth and versatility on offense. Parker wasn’t done after his highlight-reel catch. The explosive back also ripped off a 43-yard touchdown run, and his energy was infectious. “It brings me joy, seeing everybody happy,” Parker said. “I know I scored, but it was like the whole team scored.”

Utah’s Go-Go Offense Keeps Rolling

Despite resting five starters due to injury, Utah (2-0) racked up 518 total yards and controlled the game from start to finish. Running back NaQuari Rogers added a pair of 1-yard touchdown plunges late in the first half, giving Utah a commanding 35-6 lead at the break. Even backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin joined the party with two rushing touchdowns in the second half. “Controlled the game, really, from start to finish, and a lot of guys made good contributions,” head coach Kyle Whittingham said. The longtime Utah coach now boasts a 17-1 record in home openers across the last 18 seasons.

Pick-6 U Strikes Again

The Utah defense lived up to its billing early. Cornerback Jackson Bennee jumped a sideline route for a 46-yard pick-six in the first quarter, extending an incredible streak—Utah has returned an interception for a touchdown in 22 consecutive seasons, the longest such run in the FBS. The Utes have tallied 49 pick-sixes since 2004, tops in the nation. “When he threw it, I was kind of in disbelief, but right as I caught it, I just didn’t look back,” said Bennee, whom Whittingham labeled the “biggest surprise” of the young season. Linebacker Johnathan Hall nearly added another defensive score when he blocked and intercepted a pass behind the line of scrimmage, diving just short of the goal line at the Cal Poly 1.

Cal Poly Overmatched

Cal Poly (1-1) managed three field goals—two from Noah Serna and one from Gianluca Dimauro—but never seriously threatened. The Mustangs cycled through three quarterbacks and had moments of offensive rhythm but were ultimately outclassed.

Legends Honored

Saturday’s game also featured a moment of celebration for Utah’s storied football history. Former head coach Ron McBride and NFL All-Pro Roy Jefferson were inducted into the Utah Ring of Honor. McBride, who coached from 1990 to 2002, led the Utes to a historic resurgence, including their first top-10 AP poll finish in 1994.

“Coach Mac was responsible for the resurgence of Utah football,” Whittingham said during the ceremony.

What’s Next

Utah hits the road for a tricky non-conference test at Wyoming next Saturday, while Cal Poly returns home to face Western Oregon.