Devon Dampier didn’t look like himself on Saturday.
The Utes starting quarterback finished completing 65.8% of his passes against No. 12 Texas Tech for 162 passing yards and two interceptions. Dampier also rushed 11 times for 27 rushing yards.
The loss to the high-powered Red Raiders resulted in Utah getting kicked out of the AP Top 25 poll and Dampier being dropped from any Heisman conversation.
So, what is going on with Utah’s star quarterback? Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said the New Mexico transfer is dealing with an unspecified injury.
“Well, he’s doing the best he can,” Utah’s head coach said. “Wasn’t able to practice Tuesday or Wednesday, and [he practiced] a little bit Thursday. I’m going to tell you that it definitely impacted Devon. But if you’re out there, you’ve got to get it done. We never use that as an excuse.”
Whittingham said there is optimism that Dampier’s injury won’t be long-term.
“We hope not,” Whittingham said. “We never discuss injuries here, other than the injury report, so you know, we’ll just have to see how it goes. I think he’s in a better place — well, I know he’s in a better place right now — this Monday than he was last Monday. So that bodes well.”
The Utes will travel to take on West Virginia at 1:30 p.m. MT on Saturday in Morgantown, W.V.