Devon Dampier orchestrated a second-half comeback to lead No. 10 Utah to a 21-13 victory over No. 14 Houston on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The win extended the Utes' winning streak to 13 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the FBS, and maintained their perfect 7-0 record for the season.
Historical Milestone at Rice-Eccles
The victory marked Utah's first win against a ranked opponent this season and its third victory against a ranked foe in its last four matchups. The win also secured Utah's first victory over Houston in program history, breaking a previous 0-5 record against the Cougars, which included the only prior meeting in Salt Lake City in 1977. According to postgame notes from the University of Utah, the win was the program's first time reaching a 7-0 start since 2010, joining the 1926, 1929, 1930, 1947, 1994, 2004, and 2008 teams.
Sellout Crowd and Coaching Reaction
The game was played before a sellout crowd of 51,864 fans, marking the 100th consecutive sellout at Rice-Eccles Stadium, a streak dating back to the 2010 season opener against Pittsburgh. Head coach Morgan Scalley noted that the atmosphere was fantastic, despite challenges posed by the presence of the ESPN College Gameday crew. Scalley expressed pride in the team's fight, specifically highlighting the performance of quarterback Devon Dampier during the second half.
Houston Holds Early Lead
Houston held a 13-7 lead entering the fourth quarter after a defensive stalemate in the first half. The Cougars' scoring included a 24-yard field goal by junior kicker Jonathan Dimas in the second quarter and a two-yard rushing touchdown by senior running back Makhi Hughes in the third quarter. Houston's Weigman, Conner recorded 282 passing yards on 19-of-35 completions, but the team's two-minute drill ended deep in Utah territory without scoring, according to University of Houston reports.
Dampier Drives Second-Half Surge
Utah's comeback was fueled by a dominant second half from Devon Dampier, who finished with 150 rushing yards on 15 carries and 204 passing yards. Dampier's rushing performance included a 22-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and a 9-yard touchdown run with 2:09 remaining in the game. His 150 rushing yards in a single game represent his highest rushing total in his two seasons at Utah, bringing his career total to 1,183 yards, trailing only Travis Wilson for the most by a quarterback in program history.
Defensive Stand and Key Plays
Wayshawn Parker provided crucial scoring for the Utes with a five-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to take a 14-13 lead. The Utah defense was instrumental in the win, holding Houston to 86 rushing yards despite the Cougars averaging 220.3 rushing yards per game entering the contest. Safety Jackson Bennee recorded a season-high nine tackles and a critical strip-sack in the fourth quarter, marking his first career forced fumble and solo sack.
Looking Ahead
The loss leaves Houston with a 6-2 record and 3-2 in the Big 12. The Cougars will enter a bye week before returning to TDECU Stadium to host Cincinnati on Saturday, Nov. 7. For Utah, the victory moves them to 7-0, leaving them as one of only three undefeated teams in the FBS, alongside UCLA and Miami.
Continued Momentum
Utah will face Cincinnati next week as they look to continue their undefeated season. The Utes' 13-game winning streak remains the longest active streak in the FBS.
