No. 24 Utah Defeats No. 17 Cincinnati, Snaps Seven-Game Streak

UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the No. 24 Utah Utes triumphed over the No. 17 Cincinnati Bearcats with a decisive 45-14 victory on Saturday night, effectively ending Cincinnati’s impressive seven-game winning streak. This significant upset unfolds as Utah continues to assert itself in the Big 12.

Devon Dampier showcased a remarkable performance, throwing for 213 yards and two touchdowns, guiding the Utes to a total of 480 yards on offense—including 267 rushing yards. Ryan Davis emerged as a standout receiver, amassing 132 yards and a touchdown on eight catches, while Wayshawn Parker contributed significantly with 104 yards rushing and a touchdown.

Cincinnati, despite its efforts, struggled to maintain momentum. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby threw for 221 yards and one passing touchdown but completed only 33% of his attempts, alongside three turnovers that ultimately hampered their chances.

The game kicked off in Salt Lake City, where Utah demonstrated their dominance right from the start. They covered 94 yards in a meticulous 16-play opening drive, consuming 7:07 of the clock and finishing with a spectacular 34-yard touchdown catch by Ryan Davis. Cincinnati managed to tie the game briefly with a 22-yard touchdown run from Sorsby but quickly fell behind again as Utah scored two more touchdowns before halftime.

With Utah leading 24-7 at the break, the Utes maintained control through the second half, adding touchdowns from Dampier to Creed Whittemore and a thrilling 75-yard punt return by Mana Carvalho.

Cincinnati’s next challenge will be against Arizona on November 15 after a bye week, while Utah prepares to face Baylor on the same date. The stakes are high as both teams aim to regain momentum in their respective conferences.

This decisive victory not only alters the playoff landscape but also serves as a wake-up call for the Bearcats. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how both teams respond in their upcoming matchups. Stay tuned for more updates as the college football season continues to unfold.