No. 24 Utah Tops No. 17 Cincinnati In Big 12 Upset
Nov 2, 2025, 12:05 AM | Updated: 12:12 am
SALT LAKE CITY – It was all Utah football in the second half as the Utah Utes kept hope alive of challenging for a Big 12 regular season title with a decisive 45-14 win over No. 17 Cincinnati.
No. 24 Utah handed the Bearcats their first conference loss while holding the visitors scoreless in the second half.
RELATED: Utah Seizes Control Early, Closes With 45-14 Statement Win Over Cincinnati
UTES W. ⭕️🪶#Big12FB | @Utah_Football pic.twitter.com/xijgu1f97A
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) November 2, 2025
After missing one game with a nagging ankle injury, Devon Dampier finished with 281 total yards and a pair of passing touchdowns.
Utah RB Wayshawn Parker carried 17 times for 104 yards and a touchdown to lead all rushers. WR Ryan Davis added eight catches for 132 yards and a TD.
Utah football players who are “OUT” for Saturday’s matchup with Cincinnati
- WR – Tobias Merriweather
- DT Dallas Vakalahi
- DT Semi Taulanga
Season-ending injuries: S Rabbit Evans, S Nate Ritchie, WR Daidren Zipperer, TE Hunter Andrews, DE Paul Fitzgerald, OL Isaiah Garcia
Cincinnati football players who are “OUT”
- RB Evan Pryor
- LB Terrell Holcomb
Pregame
Welcome the Utes to @Rice_Eccles outside Gate-L at 5:45PM and be part of 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥‼️🚨 There’s a new Dark Mode T-Shirt in it for ya😎#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/axm5JKHLoj
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 1, 2025
𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄 x ⭕️🪶#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/cvHcYCHVdY
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 2, 2025
The final availability report for Utah football before facing the Cincinnati Bearcats. https://t.co/8N9Qj2ht1V
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 2, 2025
Live Cincinnati-Utah Pregame https://t.co/ViF7j9xp3A
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Devon Dampier and the QBs getting warmed up. pic.twitter.com/lBeXDELCnn
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
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Tonights coin featured a Utah emblem for heads and a scripture for tails!
Utah wins the toss and will defer to the second half… Cincy will receive and will go from north to south.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
First Quarter
Utah forces a 3 & out, thanks to two passes battled by the defensive line on 2nd and 3rd down.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Wow… What a punt. Utah will start this drive at the 6 yard line.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
After missing last week’s 53-7 win over Colorado, Devon Dampier returned at QB for the Utes on their first drive.
Utah’s offense was very aggressive, converting multiple fourth downs on a scoring drive.
Bray motions out of the backfield and is left unguarded, Dampier hits him and he picks up about 20.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Bray takes the handoff and is just short of the marker… It'll be 4th and 1 and Utah is going for it. Gutsy call at your own 39
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
That's marked right on the line to gain, that should be a first down but they'll measure.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
The risky decision paid off with the measurement giving Utah a first down by the nose of the football.
On 3rd and 10, Dampier tucks and runs on the blitz and he gets to the 50 for the 1st down.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Wayshawn wildcat keeper and he picks up 11…. Utah to the Cincy 39
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Oh wow… Utah going for it on 4th & 7 from the 36…
Dampier tucks and runs again and he gets to the 29 for the first down.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Utah and Dampier capped off the 16-play, 94-yard touchdown drive with a 34-yard TD pass to Ryan Davis.
Ryan Davis touchdown! Dampier hit him about 10 yards and Davis took it to the house for the first score of the game.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
The #analytics were correct on that 4th & 7 call. Going for it there, led to the score.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Utah gets on the board first! Devon Dampier hits Ryan Davis for 34 yard touchdown reception to cap a 16 play, 94 yard drive.
Cincinnati – 0
Utah – 7
7:05 1Q pic.twitter.com/34hVfDtl8i— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 2, 2025
Utes strike first with the longest game opening drive of the year! https://t.co/XxVI3a1jbr
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) November 2, 2025
Brendan Sorsby keeps it and goes for 6 from 22 yards out to tie it back up.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Two first-down runs from Manny Covey highlighted the 75-yard drive before QB Brendan Sorsby got free for a 22-yard TD.
Utah run defense was not very sound. Cincinnati out leveraged them on a couple of plays and created some open field for the ball carrier.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Utah came right back with Wildcat Wayshawn Parker scoring from 40 yards out off a third-down direct snap. Parker slipped one tackle in the secondary and was off to the races for a 14-7 lead.
Wayshawn Parker touchdown!!!
Keeper from 40 yards out on a 3rd and 1.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Wayshawn Parker houses it from 40 yards out to give Utah the second touchdown of the night!
Cincinnati – 7
Utah – 14
1:01 1Q pic.twitter.com/59slNWeG4F— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 2, 2025
📺 @ESPNCFB | #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/hPmzocIXNC
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 2, 2025
Despite trailing by seven, Cincinnati outgained Utah 119 rushing yards to 94, averaging 14.9 yards per carry, compared to a solid 6.7 ypc for the Utes.
Utah's definitely needs some adjustments defending the run, Cincinnati has gone for 11 and 41 on this drive. It'll be 1st and 10 at the Utah 23 after the break.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Second Quarter
That's a good stop against the run to start the second quarter. Then Sorsby throws an incomplete pass and it's 3rd and 11 now
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Utah sent the blitz and Sorsby essentially throws it away, Utah gets the stop and Cincy sends out the field goal unit…. And he misses wide left!
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Utah defense tightens up and gets the stop and Cincinnati misses the field goal. pic.twitter.com/FQohGisAbc
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 2, 2025
Good keeper by Dampier on 3rd down to get the first.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Sorsby with a couple of great throws to start this Cincy drive. wow.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Utah’s defense was playing on its heels since forcing a punt on the first drive of the night.
Sorsby keeper, and he's stopped for a short gain… The ball popped out and it's recovered by Utah.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Brendan Sorsby fumbles, punched out by Johnathan Hall, and it’s recovered by Utah! pic.twitter.com/jSvbZSd9xP
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 2, 2025
Bray breaks loose for a big gain. Showed off the balance breaking through a tackle and he picks up 21 yards… Utah to the Cincy 41
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Dampier throws it up to Buchanan down the right side and that one draws multiple flags… Cincy called for a DPI and it'll be Utah 1st and 10 at the 26 yard line.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
After the takeaway, Utah goes 66 yards and stalls out in the high red zone, but Dillon Curtis connects on a 33-yard field goal.
Utah – 17
Cincinnati – 7
4:23 2Q pic.twitter.com/l2O9wvZcFJ— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 2, 2025
Then Scooby Davis breaks up the 3rd down throw over the middle. These two have really stepped up the last few games.
Cincinnati punts and Utah will start at their own 30 with 3:45 remaining. https://t.co/u0Gc67RtC4
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Trick play! Dampier took the handoff from Wayshanw and threw a bomb to Ryan Davis for a big gain! Utah in business at the Cincinnati 19
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
The Bray Sweep goes for 8 yards, flag came out and Cincy is flagged for a facemask. It'll be half the distance from the end of the run. They'll be 1st and goal at the 5.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
NaQuari Rogers punches it into the end zone! That's a big one, adding a score before the end of the half… Utah will start the second half with the ball as well.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Na’Quari Rogers punches it in to cap off a 70-yard drive, which featured a 46-yard pass play to Ryan Davis.
Utah – 24
Cincinnati – 7
1:19 2Q pic.twitter.com/hU5o6Z6KxZ— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 2, 2025
📺 @ESPNCFB | #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/5Q9IubLyHF
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 2, 2025
Smith Snowden interception! Then he fumbled it… It's recovered by Cincinnati, 1st down at the 3 yard line.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Utah gets the stop on 1st and 2nd down, calling timeouts after both stops. It's 3rd and 3 now, with :47 left in the half. If the defense gets a stop here, Utah could be looking for a field goal.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
John Henry comes up gimpy on that last play. Looks like he tweaked his right ankle.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Utah gets the stop and will go into the locker room with a 24-7 lead. They will start the second half with the ball.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Utah takes the 24-7 lead into halftime!
– Devon Dampier has thrown for 159 and 1 touchdown, adding 41 yards on the ground.
– Wayshawn Parker has ran for 74 yards and 1 touchdown.
– Ryan Davis has 104 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. pic.twitter.com/mS2LR3jjDk— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 2, 2025
Third Quarter
Bray is now out of the tent. Looks like he still has his helmet. https://t.co/vYIODEmzNG
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Good update… John Henry Daley takes the field.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Great PBU by Tao Johnson… Got his hand in there at just the right time. Logan Fano also got a big hit on Sorsby.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Oh wow… Sorsby with a great ball to Cyrus Allen and they get a big touchdown. Looks like he just ran by Snowden on a slot fade.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
house call 📞💨
Brendan Sorsby to Cyrus Allen FROM 88 YARDS OUT❗️#Big12FB | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/cET3GWBrmJ
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) November 2, 2025
After converting a first down on the ground, Dampier hits Buchanan over the middle for a 14 yard gain. Utah in business at the Cincy 30 yard line.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Utah was driving and had a chance to regain firm control of the game, that was just a really bad decision. https://t.co/ddAyTMqg8N
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
And the defense gets the stop. 3 & out, Cincy sends out the punt team. https://t.co/FsWiJiWHp1
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Mana Carvalho with a pretty solid return there for Utah, returned it 23 yards and Utah will be 1st & 10 at their own 48
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Dampier with a keeper on 2nd down and he was tackled by the facemask, and multiple flags fly. Cincinnati flagged for it, Utah will be 1st and goal at the 9
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Creed Whittemore for the touchdown! Caught a short and broke through multiple tackles to punch it in.
A lot of fans will like that.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
📺 @ESPNCFB | #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/yjTaeDdSGA
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 2, 2025
Mana Carvalho touchdown return!!! Rice-Eccles Stadium erupts!!!
The first punt return for a touchdown was Britain Covey against in 2021, in a hand-painted helmet that night too.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
Carvalho said: https://t.co/mu7LOO1Lwr pic.twitter.com/lvbv0RVPDo
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
📺 @ESPNCFB | #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/mHdwhavAqL
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 2, 2025
Mana Carvalho weaves his way through defenders for a 75 yard touchdown.
Utah – 38
Cincinnati – 14 pic.twitter.com/iRPro42W6T— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 2, 2025
Fourth Quarter
Utah gets another defensive stop and the Bearcats punt, the offense will take over at the 15.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
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Donovan Saunders with another great play in coverage, getting a PBU on the deep ball.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
With that last 3 yard gain, Wayshawn Parker gets to 100 yards for the second-straight game.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
The Utes force another FUMBLE and RECOVERY‼️#GoUtes | @stratushr pic.twitter.com/dRaOB2SZ8k
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 2, 2025
📺 @ESPNCFB | #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/XZJBOrvX5l
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 2, 2025
Byrd Ficklin scored a touchdown and the Mighty Utah Shirtless Section went wild. pic.twitter.com/jtEgX5wkLW
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 2, 2025
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Follow Utah football with KSL Sports
Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.
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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24.
