Utah Football Keeps Big 12 Championship Hopes Alive With Gritty Comeback Win

The No. 14 Utah Utes mounted a stunning fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Kansas Jayhawks 31-21 on Friday. The victory keeps Utah’s slim chances of reaching the Big 12 Championship Game alive. The game was a season finale filled with high stakes and dramatic turnovers.

Junior quarterback Devon Dampier led the charge with 253 passing yards and three touchdowns. Utah’s defense sealed the win with three critical fourth-quarter takeaways. According to ESPN, the Utes improved to 10-2 overall with the hard-fought road victory.

Dampier’s Second-Half Surge Powers Utes’ Offense

Devon Dampier shook off a slow start to deliver a masterful performance. He completed 15 of 25 passes and connected for three scoring throws. His precision in the second half dismantled the Kansas defense when it mattered most.

The Utes’ ground game found its footing behind Wayshawn Parker’s 95 rushing yards. Utah’s offensive line created crucial lanes as the game progressed. This balanced attack ultimately produced 417 total yards of offense.

Kansas’s Costly Turnovers Derail Upset Bid

Kansas controlled much of the game but collapsed in the final quarter. The Jayhawks committed three red-zone turnovers that proved decisive. Jalon Daniels, in his final college game, threw for 187 yards but was intercepted three times.

The game’s defining moment came from Utah’s defense. Cornerback Elijah Davis returned an interception 97 yards for a touchdown with 7:52 remaining. This stunning play gave Utah a 24-14 lead from which Kansas never recovered.

Utah’s Playoff and Championship Scenarios Explained

Utah’s path to the Big 12 Championship requires specific outcomes from Saturday’s games. The Utes need Arizona State to beat Arizona for any chance to advance. They also require Texas Tech to lose to West Virginia and BYU to defeat UCF.

This complex scenario would create a three-way tie that Utah would win via tiebreaker. Even without a conference championship, Utah maintains strong at-large playoff aspirations. Coach Kyle Whittingham has now guided the Utes to their third 10-win season in five years.

Utah football demonstrated championship resilience in this comeback victory, keeping their Big 12 Championship dreams intact for at least one more day. The Utes now await their fate as other teams take the field this weekend.

Thought you’d like to know

What does Utah need to reach the Big 12 Championship?

Utah needs Arizona State to defeat Arizona on Saturday. They also require Texas Tech to lose to West Virginia and BYU to beat UCF. This specific combination would create a tiebreaker scenario Utah wins.

How did Devon Dampier perform against Kansas?

Dampier passed for 253 yards and three touchdowns in the comeback win. He completed 15 of 25 attempts and led crucial second-half scoring drives. His performance was particularly strong after halftime.

What was the key defensive play of the game?

Elijah Davis’s 97-yard interception return for a touchdown was the game’s turning point. The fourth-quarter pick-six gave Utah a 24-14 lead. This defensive score completely shifted the game’s momentum.

What is Utah’s current record?

Utah finished the regular season with a 10-2 overall record. They went 7-2 in Big 12 conference play. This marks their third 10-win season in the past five years.

How did Kansas’s season end?

Kansas finished with a 5-7 record after this loss. The Jayhawks will miss bowl season for the second straight year. The program has not reached a bowl game since 2020.