October 11, 2025 (Salt Lake City, UT) — It was a crisp evening which began under partly overcast skies and as an extreme cold front moved in, temperatures dropped to a near freezing torrential rain. The #23 ranked Utah Utes hosted the Arizona State Sun Devils Saturday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium in what turned into one of the more consequential Big 12 clashes of the season.
Lightning strikes caused a shortened warm up/practice period and pushed back kickoff by several minutes. Utah entered 4-1 (1-1 Big 12), ASU was 4-1 (2-0 Big 12).
Utah struck first in the second quarter, taking advantage of a drive capped by a short rushing touchdown by QB Davion Dampier.
Arizona State answered with a field goal. Two more TDs put the Utes on top at halftime, 21 – 3.
Utah’s defense forced a turnover inside ASU’s 30, and converted that into another touchdown in the third quarter. Arizona State’s only touchdown came from their starting RB, Jordyn Tyson. Yet, by the end of the third quarter, any momentum gained by the Sun Devils, was lost under the dark, cloud filled skies over Salt Lake City.
ASU managed to convert a field goal in the fourth quarter. However, Utah’s offense held steady. Utah’s backup QB, Byrd Ficklin made an appearance and completed his only pass attempt for 32 yards.
Utah’s Offense: The Utes leaned on their deep rushing attack, averaging some 242.6 yards per game coming in. Their three-headed backfield of Wayshawn Parker, Devon Dampier, and NaQuari Rogers had been generating consistency all season. Utah’s six rushing touchdowns in a game tie for the fifth-most in program history -matching the most recent total in a contest at Stanford in 2021. Also, this is the first time ever Utah football has accomplished the feat against a team ranked in the AP Top 25.
Utah’s effectiveness on the ground helped them control the clock, keeping ASU’s offense off balance.
ASU entered averaging 215.4 rushing yards per game, ranking No. 20 nationally and third in the Big 12, making their ground game a true threat. Their offense has balanced play calling: through prior games they registered 8 rushing touchdowns and 8 passing touchdowns.
However, dealing with Utah’s front and circumventing pressure in key moments proved difficult. That’s not to say, as an eyewitness on the sidelines, the wet conditions and severe cold definitely played a factor in Utah’s victory.
Defense & Matchups
Utah’s defense, especially its run-stopping unit under coordinator Morgan Scalley, had looked stout through early season.
ASU’s offensive line and backs were tested in short-yardage and inside-the-10 scenarios, with Utah often winning the line-of-scrimmage duels.
In the secondary, Utah’s defensive backs drew praise for timely breakups and tight coverage under pressure.
Rice-Eccles Stadium was near full capacity, with an announced attendance of 51,444. Despite the extreme weather. Fans packed the stadium, donned in raincoats and makeshift westher protector/garbage bags.
The win sends Utah to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play, while ASU falls to 4-2 (2-1 in BigXII).
Utah’s Big 12 title hopes remain alive — this was a key bounce-back after falling to Texas Tech at their last home game.
The Utes take on its oldest rival this upcoming week when they travel to Provo to face #15 BYU. This should be quite the rematch from last year’s “Holy War.”
Photos by: Joe Oliver, IG: @iamjoeoliver
The Hive Sports 
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