Las Vegas, NV — Utah capped a season of resilience with a commanding 44–22 victory over Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl on Wednesday night, leaning on a sensational performance from Devon Dampier and a poised debut from first-time head coach Morgan Scalley at Allegiant Stadium.
Dampier delivered one of the most complete games in bowl history, accounting for five total touchdowns while piling up more than 450 yards of offense. The junior quarterback threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns, added 148 rushing yards, and scored three times on the ground to earn game MVP honors as the 15th-ranked Utes overpowered the Cornhuskers.
The win came amid major upheaval for Utah. Scalley’s promotion was accelerated after longtime head coach Kyle Whittingham departed for Michigan just days before the bowl game. Despite the abrupt transition and swirling distractions, the Utes played with focus and authority.
“There have been so many distractions for these players,” Scalley said. “This game was about them. They worked their tails off, and they deserved this.”
After Nebraska jumped out to a 14–7 lead behind an early rushing surge, Utah flipped the game decisively in the second quarter. The Utes dominated both lines of scrimmage, outscoring the Huskers 17–0 while allowing just 17 total yards in the period. By halftime, momentum had swung firmly in Utah’s favor—and it never swung back.
Utah finished with a 535–343 advantage in total offense and rushed for 225 yards, pushing the program to a school-record 3,462 rushing yards for the season. The Utes’ four rushing touchdowns gave them 41 on the year, another program milestone.
While Dampier headlined the night, Utah’s tight ends played a pivotal role in stretching Nebraska’s defense. J.J. Buchanan and Dallan Bentley combined for 10 receptions, 182 yards, and two touchdowns, repeatedly creating mismatches in the middle of the field. The game carried special meaning for Buchanan, who grew up in nearby Henderson, making the performance a true homecoming.
Nebraska freshman quarterback TJ Lateef showed promise in an extended look under center, throwing for 182 yards with a passing touchdown and adding a rushing score. Mekhi Nelson led the Huskers with 88 rushing yards and a touchdown, though Nebraska managed just 16 yards on the ground after the first quarter as Utah’s defense tightened.
“They started zone pressuring us,” Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said. “You have to win those moments, and we didn’t quite do enough.”
Utah’s victory marked its 11th win of the season for the fourth time in program history and the first since 2019. The Utes improved to 18–9 all-time in bowl games and 5–2 in the Las Vegas Bowl, adding another highlight to their recent success at Allegiant Stadium, which also hosted two Pac-12 championship wins.
The game drew an announced crowd of 38,879, the largest attendance since the bowl moved to Allegiant Stadium, setting a new venue record.
Questions remain about Dampier’s future as he weighs returning to Salt Lake City or exploring the transfer portal following Whittingham’s departure.
“For now, I’m just soaking up the time with these guys,” Dampier said. “That’s what matters most to me.”
The takeaway
Nebraska: The Huskers showed early promise with a strong first-quarter rushing attack but were quickly neutralized. Their struggles against ranked opponents continued as Utah seized control and never relented.
Utah: Amid coaching change and uncertainty, the Utes delivered a statement win behind elite quarterback play, dominant line performance, and emerging weapons at tight end.
Up Next:
Nebraska: The Cornhuskers will open the 2026 season at home on Sept. 5 against Ohio, the first of two games versus Mid-American Conference opponents and the third against an FCS team.
Utah: The Utes will host Idaho on Sept. 3 in what projects as a season-opening tune-up.
