Devon Dampier leads No. 15 Utah past Nebraska in Las Vegas Bowl, 44-22
The Las Vegas Bowl saw an impressive performance from No. 15 Utah as they secured a 44-22 victory over Nebraska. Devon Dampier led the way for the Utes, throwing for 310 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 148 yards and three scores. This game marked Morgan Scalley’s first as head coach, as he took over the reins following Kyle Whittingham’s departure to Michigan.
Despite the distractions surrounding the coaching change, Utah’s players remained focused and determined to come out on top. Dampier, who was named the game MVP, now faces a decision on whether to return to Utah or explore other opportunities, possibly even joining Whittingham at Michigan.
Nebraska’s freshman quarterback TJ Lateef showed promise, passing for 182 yards and recording a touchdown both through the air and on the ground. However, the Huskers struggled to contain Utah’s offense, giving up 535 total yards compared to their 343.
The Utes’ victory marked their 11th win of the season, a significant achievement for the program. They dominated on the ground, setting a school record for rushing yards in a season and rushing touchdowns. Utah’s strong performance in the second quarter turned the tide of the game, as they outscored Nebraska 17-0 and seized control.
The game also highlighted Nebraska’s struggles against ranked opponents, as they suffered their 30th consecutive loss to an AP-ranked team. Despite the loss, Nebraska showed promise early on but ultimately fell short against a determined Utah squad.
The Las Vegas Bowl drew a record crowd of 38,879 at Allegiant Stadium, showcasing the excitement surrounding the matchup. Utah’s tight ends, J.J. Buchanan and Dallan Bentley, played key roles in the victory, combining for 182 yards and two touchdowns.
Looking ahead, Nebraska will host Ohio in their upcoming season opener, while Utah will face Idaho in what should be a tune-up game. Overall, Utah’s dominant performance in the Las Vegas Bowl sets a positive tone for the program as they look towards the future under new leadership.
