Utah Dominates UCLA 43-10 Behind Devon Dampier's Three Touchdowns

Devon Dampier, a junior transfer quarterback from New Mexico, led Utah to a commanding 43-10 victory over UCLA in the season opener at the Rose Bowl, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with 206 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and 87 rushing yards with a rushing touchdown. Dampier's efficient performance included completing 21 of 25 passes and converting six third-down attempts, while Utah's defense held UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava to 136 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Notably, Utah's offense featured contributions from two-way players Smith Snowden and Lander Barton, both of whom scored touchdowns despite primarily playing defense. The game marked a strong start for Utah under new offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who, like Dampier, transferred from New Mexico, aiming to improve upon the previous season's offensive struggles. The win also extended Utah's recent dominance over UCLA, reflecting a promising outlook as the Utes prepare for their home opener against Cal Poly. UCLA, meanwhile, struggled to generate excitement and offensive momentum despite their high-profile quarterback transfer.