Morgantown, W.V. • Utah’s offense and Devon Dampier needed a rebound performance.
And the Utes delivered in a big way against West Virginia.
Utah (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) defeated the Mountaineers (2-3, 0-2) in a 48-14 blowout on Saturday afternoon.
Dampier led the way, finishing with 237 passing yards, 33 rushing yards and five total touchdowns. Utah’s defense had a strong afternoon as well, holding WVU to 334 total yards.
After a week of speculation surrounding the quarterback’s health and passing ability, Dampier silenced any doubters with his career-high performance in Morgantown.
In its opening offensive drive, Utah went 12 plays for 73 yards to take a 7-0 lead over West Virginia. Dampier capped off the score on a 7-yard toss to freshman tight end JJ Buchanan — the start of the quarterback’s massive day.
Dampier struck again on a 7-yard touchdown scramble on the ensuing drive. The Utes led 14-0 by the end of the first quarter.
The junior quarterback continued his dominance, launching a 32-yard touchdown strike to redshirt senior wide receiver Ryan Davis, his second passing score of the day. Davis finished the contest with a team-high seven receptions and 107 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Dampier lobbed another touchdown to senior tight end Dallen Bentley to give Utah a 28-0 lead by the half.
After taking a 38-7 lead in the third quarter — following another Dampier touchdown and a field goal from freshman kicker Dillon Curtis — the Utes benched Dampier for Byrd Ficklin.
Next, the Utes have a bye week before facing off against Arizona State on Saturday, Oct. 11, in Salt Lake City.