Turning Point in the Fourth
The decisive moment arrived in the fourth quarter when the Utah Utes (7-0) executed a pair of touchdown drives to secure a 21-13 victory over the visiting Houston Cougars (6-2) at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Devon Dampier was the engine of the final push, scoring on a five-yard run and later adding a second touchdown on a nine-yard carry.
These plays extended Utah's lead from a one-point deficit to a comfortable margin, finalizing their undefeated season status.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The game was defined by late scoring. Both teams were scoreless in the first quarter. Houston struck first in the second quarter when Jonathan Dimas kicked a 24-yard field goal, giving the Cougars a 3-0 lead.
The third quarter saw a flurry of points. Houston’s Makhi Hughes ran for a two-yard touchdown, followed by a successful kick by Dimas. Utah responded with Dampier’s 22-yard rushing touchdown and a Dillon Curtis kick.
Dimas then added a 47-yard field goal to make it 13-7 in favor of Houston at the start of the fourth. Utah’s fourth-quarter offensive surge, fueled by Dampier’s dual-threat performance, flipped the scoreboard for good.
