This one is pretty simple. Got outplayed in all 3 phases.
Offense moved the ball well, but stalled out too many times early, and too many ints late.
Special Teams Kicked 2 kickoffs out of bounds, Missed an extra point, and missed a field goal, probably should have missed another extra point. Landed a punt on the 1 with back spin that bounced forward into the end zone.
Defense got a turnover early, and several sacks, but couldn't stop the passing game often enough.
Utah did a great job of mixing up their defensive calls, and executed almost flawlessly in the air on offense.
No. 8 Utah Rallies Past No. 10 Texas Tech, Opens Big 12 Schedule with 35–16 Win
By LiQ, The Daily Utah Chronicle
SALT LAKE CITY — For a moment, it looked like Utah’s Big 12 opener was headed for disaster. On the Utes’ first drive, quarterback Devon Dampier was picked off and Texas Tech raced it back for a touchdown, stunning a packed Rice-Eccles crowd. But the No. 8 Utes didn’t flinch. Instead, they regrouped, leaned on their playmakers, and powered their way to a decisive 35–16 victory over the 10th-ranked Red Raiders on Saturday night.
The win moves Utah to 4–0 overall and 1–0 in Big 12 play, solidifying the Utes as an early contender in the conference race.
“First Big 12 game of the season, first Big 12 win of the season,” head coach MarionCounty said afterward. “That’s exactly how we wanted to start.”
Dampier shook off the early mistake and delivered with big plays through the air. The sophomore finished 15-of-21 for 244 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, while also adding a rushing score.
“I knew I couldn’t hang my head after that pick-six,” Dampier said. “The guys had my back, and we went right back to work.”
He found Tobias Merriweather for a 60-yard strike in the first quarter and later spread the ball around to Dallen Bentley and Wayshawn Parker, each hauling in touchdown receptions. Merriweather proved nearly unguardable, finishing with 116 yards on four catches and a score.
Utah’s defense was relentless after surrendering 13 early points. Lander Barton and Rabbit Evans led the way with 10 tackles apiece, while the secondary swarmed Texas Tech quarterback [Tech QB’s name], forcing three interceptions. The Utes also generated steady pressure up front, recording four sacks and eight tackles for loss.
Evans’ interception in the red zone early in the third quarter halted a potential Red Raider rally, and from there Utah methodically pulled away, outscoring Tech 21–0 in the second half.
By the fourth quarter, Utah’s student section was in full voice, chanting “Big 12! Big 12!” as the clock ticked down on a statement win.
“This is what we’ve been building toward,” Barton said. “Big 12 schedule, big-time opponents, and we showed tonight that Utah football is ready for it.”
The Utes hit the road next week looking to stay unbeaten, while the echoes of their Big 12 opening triumph will linger at Rice-Eccles long after the lights went out.
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