Utah's Big 12 title hopes stay alive

Devon Dampier threw for 213 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 24 Utah secured a 45-14 victory against No. On Saturday night, the Utes defeated 17 Cincinnati, ending the Bearcats' seven-game winning streak and maintaining the Utes' position in the Big 12 title race.

Utah (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) amassed 480 total yards, with 267 on the ground, as Ryan Davis hauled in eight receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown, and Wayshawn Parker contributed 104 rushing yards and a score.

Following a 94-yard opening drive that concluded with Davis' 34-yard touchdown, the Utes maintained their lead throughout the game, securing it with Parker's 39-yard scoring run in the latter part of the first quarter. Mana Carvalho’s 75-yard punt return put the game out of reach in the third quarter.

Cincinnati (7-2, 5-1 Big 12) saw Brendan Sorsby pass for 221 yards and a pair of touchdowns, though his completion rate was only 33%. Cyrus Allen amassed 133 receiving yards, highlighted by an 88-yard touchdown reception.

“We can run the ball on pretty much anybody we play,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. “That was another huge plus.”

The Bearcats were level with the top of the Big 12 standings before the game, but now trail unbeaten BYU by one game with their matchup three weeks away.

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