Utah’s potent offense was on full display Saturday night as the No. 20 Utes surged past Arkansas, securing a decisive 43-10 victory. Quarterback Devon Dampier contributed four touchdowns—two through the air and two on the ground—while running back Wayshawn Parker added three more scores, including two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown.
The Utes (2-0) set the tone from their first play, an unconventional lateral from Dampier to backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin, who then connected with Parker for a 36-yard gain. The creative play was a sign of things to come for a Utah offense that kept Arkansas off balance. “If you could describe this offense in one word it would be fun,” said Dampier. “It stresses the defense a lot just trying to guard all that we do.”
Parker’s three first-half touchdowns helped Utah build a commanding 29-3 lead by halftime. It marked the seventh time in the Utes’ last eight games that they scored at least 20 points in the first half. Utah head coach Morgan Scalley acknowledged the risks involved in his play-calling but celebrated the results. “We try and be as efficient as possible. Creativity’s part of that. If all of a sudden it doesn’t work, then it’s like, ‘Oh, you were too cute.’ But it worked, so hooray for us!” Scalley said.
Arkansas (1-1) momentarily led after kicker Max Gilbert’s 29-yard field goal capped the Razorbacks’ opening drive, but the offense struggled to gain any momentum afterward. The team did not advance past Utah’s 30-yard line again until the fourth quarter.
Following the game, Razorbacks head coach Ryan Silverfield reflected on the loss. “One loss will not define us … but we were clearly not good enough tonight in all three phases,” he said. “Everybody is to blame as every person in this locker room didn’t do well enough.”
Dampier finished 18 of 24 for 261 yards, topping 6,000 career passing yards across his collegiate career, which includes two years at New Mexico. Wide receiver Noah Bennee recorded a career-best 113 yards on four receptions, while his brother, Jackson Bennee, contributed by intercepting an overthrown Arkansas screen pass in the second quarter. That turnover set up one of Dampier’s rushing touchdowns, followed by a successful 2-point conversion on a direct snap to Mana Carvalho.
The Utes also continued their success against SEC opponents in home games, following their 24-11 victory over Florida in 2023. Meanwhile, the Razorbacks’ struggles against FBS teams persisted—they have not defeated an FBS opponent since their 39-26 triumph over Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl on December 27, 2024.
With the win, Utah builds early-season momentum while Arkansas will look to regroup ahead of their next matchup.