DALLAS (FWAA) – The Utah Utes remained unbeaten with a 28-20 rivalry victory over No. 9 BYU on Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium, overcoming a six-point halftime deficit behind four interceptions and a second-half shutout. For improving to 9-0 overall and 6-0 in Big 12 play, the Utes earned the Pop-Tarts Bowl Crazy Good Team of the Week honor for games of the weekend of Nov. 7, as selected by the All-America Committee of the Football Writers Association of America.
This is Utah’s fourth FWAA National Team of the Week selection and its first since 2021. The Utes previously earned the honor in 2004 following a 52-21 victory over BYU, in 2015 after a 62-20 win at No. 13 Oregon, and in 2021 following a 38-7 victory over No. 4 Oregon. The 2015 and 2021 selections came under head coach Kyle Whittingham, while the 2004 honor came under Urban Meyer. Saturday’s victory also marks the second time Utah has earned the award by defeating rival BYU.
Utah jumped to a 14-0 first-quarter lead, scoring touchdowns on each of its first two possessions, before BYU responded with 20 consecutive points to take a 20-14 advantage into halftime. The Utes regained control after the break, scoring touchdowns in both the third and fourth quarters while shutting out the Cougars over the final two periods. The victory extended Utah’s winning streak to a nation-best 15 games, its longest since winning 16 straight from Dec. 20, 2007 to Sept. 12, 2009.
Quarterback Devon Dampier accounted for all four Utah touchdowns, throwing for 177 yards and two scores while rushing for 89 yards and two more touchdowns. He opened the scoring with a 22-yard touchdown run and then connected with Braden Pegan for a 46-yard score on the Utes’ next possession. Pegan finished with five receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Dampier also caught a 29-yard pass on a fourth-and-1 play in the third quarter.
The Utah defense helped turn the game after halftime. James Chenault and Lance Holtzclaw intercepted passes as the Utes seized back the momentum, and Trey Reynolds added a red-zone interception with Utah protecting its 28-20 lead. Nate Ritchie ended BYU’s final threat with another interception in the closing seconds. The four interceptions were the Utes’ most in a game since they also had four against Oregon State on Oct. 1, 2022.
The victory left Utah as one of only three unbeaten teams remaining in the FBS and alone in first place in the Big 12 at 9-0 overall and 6-0 in conference play. The 15-game winning streak is the longest active streak in the nation. BYU fell to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in Big 12 play.
Utah returns to the road Saturday, Nov. 14, when the Utes face No. 22 Arizona.
The FWAA has recognized a National Team of the Week since the 2002 season. Weekly candidates are evaluated by the FWAA All-America Committee. Today's announcement will also be featured on the Cover 3 Podcast, hosted by Chip Patterson, Tom Fornelli, Danny Kanell and Bud Elliott of CBS Sports.
Each honored team will receive a delivery of assorted Pop-Tarts and a custom-crafted game ball from Big Game USA, the Dallas-based manufacturer of handcrafted American-made footballs.
Florida Citrus Sports is a not-for-profit event-management organization dedicated to positively impacting the Orlando region while enhancing the quality of life in Central Florida through world-class events. Its annual events include the Citrus Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl, the Florida Blue Florida Classic, the Camping World Kickoff and the FC Series. For more information, visit FloridaCitrusSports.com.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of approximately 1,200 men and women who cover college football. Its membership includes journalists, broadcasters, publicists and key executives involved in the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.