BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Devon Dampier threw three touchdown passes and No. 11 Utah withstood a Hail Mary attempt in the final seconds as the Utes held on for a 27-24 victory over Colorado in a game that ended early Sunday.
A 15-point favorite, Utah (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) led 13-0 at halftime over a Buffaloes team that had more penalty yards (82) going into intermission than total yards (70).
But Isaac Wilson helped Colorado (2-4, 0-3) get back on track against his former team and pulled them within a field goal with 1:21 remaining. Utah recovered the onside kick only to punt with 1:06 left, setting the stage for some late-game theatrics.
Wilson found an opening in the middle of the field and pitched the ball to Quannell Farrakhan Jr., who ran to the Utah 38 yard line. A review ruled it a forward lateral and moved the ball back. The Utes defended a final attempt to move to 6-0 for the first time since 2015.
Utah has won 12 straight dating to last season, which is now the longest active winning streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision after losses Saturday by No. 2 Notre Dame and No. 5 Indiana.
Devon Dampier threw for 278 yards and a pair of TD passes to Braden Pegan. He also had two interceptions.
Wilson, who started seven games with Utah in 2024, finished with 256 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions as the Buffaloes lost their fourth straight game.
Wilson and the offense found a spark in the second half. They had 324 of their 394 total yards in the second half.
The takeaway
Utah: The Utes have outscored teams by a 75-3 margin in the first quarter. With Dampier's 8-yard strike to tight end Hunter Andrews, the Utes have scored a touchdown on their opening drive in every game.
Colorado: Penalties remain a source of frustration for Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes. They were penalized 10 times for 93 yards.
Up next
Utah: Host No. 20 Houston on Saturday.
Colorado: At No. 18 Oklahoma State on Saturday.
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