No. 11 Utah withstood a second-half rally from the Colorado Buffaloes to secure a 27-24 victory at Folsom Field on Saturday, Oct. 17, extending the Utes' winning streak to 12 games. The victory, achieved before a sell-out crowd of 52,489, keeps Utah undefeated at 6-0 and 3-0 in Big 12 Conference play, while Colorado fell to 2-4 and 0-3 in the conference.
Utah Dominates Early
The game featured a dramatic shift in momentum after a dominant first half by the Utes. Utah entered the intermission with a 13-0 lead, fueled by a 75-yard touchdown drive on the opening possession—the sixth consecutive time the Utes have scored on their first drive of the game in 2026. Devon Dampier threw for three touchdown passes, including connections to Hunter Andrews, Braden Pegan, and Pegan again for a second score, to lead the offense.
Buffaloes Mount Comeback
Colorado's offense struggled during the first half, managing only 70 total yards compared to Utah's 248. The Buffaloes' defensive issues were evident early, as they surrendered 82 penalty yards before the intermission. However, the Buffaloes found their rhythm in the third quarter, scoring 17 straight points to take a 17-13 lead. This scoring surge was led by quarterback Isaac Wilson, who completed passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns, including a 68-yard touchdown to JaQuail Smith.
Third Quarter Momentum Shifts
The third quarter saw both teams trade significant blows. While Colorado took the lead with a touchdown by DeKalon Taylor and a field goal by Elliott Arnold, Utah responded with a 75-yard scoring march. This drive ended with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Dampier to Braden Pegan, who finished the night with eight catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Following the score, the Buffaloes fell behind 20-17.
Late Drama at Folsom Field
The final quarter was marked by high-stakes plays and defensive standouts. Utah's defense, which held the high-powered offense to fewer than 30 points in the first half, faced a late threat when Colorado's Wilson threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore, Jr. with 1:21 remaining, cutting the Utah lead to 27-24. Utah's defense then secured the win by defending a final Hail Mary attempt that fell incomplete in the end zone.
Penalty Negates Final Drive
A pivotal moment occurred during Colorado's final drive when Isaac Wilson pitched a lateral to wide receiver Quanell Farrakhan Jr., which gained 15 yards and moved the ball to the Utah 38-yard line. However, an official review determined the play was an illegal forward pass. The penalty moved the ball back, effectively neutralizing the potential for a long field-goal attempt and allowing Utah to maintain its lead.
Utes Extend Winning Streak
The victory marks Utah's first undefeated season since 2015. The Utes' 12-game winning streak is now the longest active streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision, following losses by No. 2 Notre Dame and No. 5 Indiana. Utah's offense has demonstrated consistent dominance, outgaining all six of its opponents this season by eclipsing 400 total yards in every contest.
Coaches React to Result
Colorado Head Coach Deion Sanders expressed both frustration and pride following the loss. While noting the team's ability to fight back, Sanders highlighted the impact of penalties, as the Buffaloes were penalized 10 times for 93 yards. Regarding quarterback Isaac Wilson, Sanders stated that the player provided the team with a winning opportunity, noting, "It's not a one-man band."
