No. 6 Utah defeated Cincinnati 49-25 at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Saturday, Oct. 31, to improve to an 8-0 record. The Utes built a 42-6 halftime lead through a dominant offensive and defensive performance in front of 36,487 fans.
Quarterback Devon Dampier completed 22 of 29 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns. His first-half scoring drives covered 78, 75, 80, and 90 yards. Wayshawn Parker contributed 82 rushing yards and a touchdown in the first half, while Daniel Bray finished with 91 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns, including one rushing and one receiving score. Hunter Andrews led the receiving corps with a career-high 112 yards on five catches and two touchdowns. Braden Pegan added five receptions for 46 yards.
The Utah defense scored twice during the game. Rabbit Evans returned a fumble 51 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, and Elijah Davis returned a 39-yard interception for a touchdown just before halftime. Davis' return extended Utah's pick-six streak to 23 consecutive seasons, the longest active streak in the FBS. Defensive standouts included Kash Dillon and Nate Ritchie, who both recorded seven tackles. Elijah Reed, Karson Kaufusi, Jireh Moe, and Elijah Elliss also contributed to the defensive effort.
The victory leaves Utah as one of only three unbeaten teams remaining in the FBS. The Utes are 5-0 in conference play and sit in first place in the Big 12. This marks the first time since 2010 that Utah has started a season 8-0, representing the sixth time in program history the team has won its first eight games. Cincinnati fell to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in conference play.
Utah is scheduled to return to Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 7, for a 10 a.m. matchup against No. 8 BYU. The game will be broadcast on ABC or ESPN.
