Pasadena, Calif. — In a highly anticipated clash of new-look offenses and fresh quarterback faces, Utah came out firing on all cylinders, steamrolling UCLA with a commanding 43–10 victory Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.
Quarterback Devon Dampier, making his first start since transferring from New Mexico, was the star of the night, leading the Utes both through the air and on the ground. He threw for 206 yards and two touchdowns on an ultra-efficient 21-of-25 passing, while adding 87 rushing yards on 16 carries.
“We were clicking,” said Dampier. “Everyone did their job, and it showed.”
Dampier Outshines High-Profile Transfer Iamaleava
Much of the spotlight before kickoff had been on Nico Iamaleava, the former Tennessee standout who led the Volunteers to the College Football Playoff before transferring to UCLA to be closer to home. But in his Bruins debut, Iamaleava struggled to find rhythm.
He completed 11 of 22 passes for 136 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while leading UCLA in rushing with 47 yards on 13 attempts. Despite the hype, the Bruins offense never found its footing.
“We just didn’t execute,” Iamaleava said after the game. “We’re capable of much more.”
UCLA offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri, who helped Indiana finish second nationally in scoring last year, was brought in to revitalize the Bruins’ attack. But in their opener, it was Utah’s offense—under new OC Jason Beck—that stole the show.
Fast Start Puts Utes in Control
Utah (1–0) wasted no time asserting dominance. Running back Wayshawn Parker opened the scoring with a 13-yard touchdown run, and just minutes later, two-way standout Smith Snowden added an 8-yard rushing TD. Before the first quarter was over, the Utes led 20–0.
Snowden, known more for his defensive prowess, admitted pregame nerves crept in ahead of his offensive cameo.
“I had butterflies knowing I’d play both ways,” Snowden said. “But the offense handled business.”
By halftime, Utah had piled up 256 yards of offense and completely shut down UCLA’s attack, allowing just one touchdown—a 19-yard strike from Iamaleava to former Ute Anthony Woods late in the second quarter.
Utah Pulls Away in Second Half
Utah never let off the gas, finishing with 492 total yards, including a punishing 286 on the ground. The Utes controlled the clock, the trenches, and the tempo, earning 30 first downs to UCLA’s 14 and possessing the ball for nearly 15 more minutes.
The final nail came from yet another New Mexico transfer: NaQuari Rogers, who scored the Utes’ last touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Stat Check
Utah total yards: 492
UCLA total yards: 220
Rushing yards: Utah 286, UCLA 84
First downs: Utah 30, UCLA 14
Time of possession: Utah +15 minutes
Takeaways
Utah: The combination of Dampier and OC Jason Beck looks like a perfect fit. If the Utes can sustain this level of offensive efficiency, they’ll be a serious contender this season—especially with key transfers contributing early.
UCLA: Despite the big-name addition of Iamaleava, the Bruins offense fell flat. The debut drew just 35,032 fans—a light crowd for the Rose Bowl—and many headed for the exits before the fourth quarter.
“It’s not just about one guy,” head coach Chip Kelly noted. “We need better execution across the board.”
What’s Next:
Utah (1–0) returns home to host Cal Poly on Sept. 6.
UCLA (0–1) travels to face UNLV on Sept. 6, hoping to bounce back from a disappointing opener.
