No. 2 Utah outlasts No. 23 Arizona in late-night shootout to stay undefeated

TUCSON, Ariz. — Saturday night's game had it all.

After a nationwide airline grounding that forced the game to be pushed back three hours, the ranked-on-ranked matchup lived up to the old "after dark" vibes between former Pac-12 opponents.

There were back-to-back 60-yard plays by players from both teams, mishandled pitches that led to a fumble, a muffed punt, interceptions from a wide receiver in the end zone, and a back-and-forth affair between two teams who are in contention for a Big 12 title.

But in the end, it was No. 2 Utah outlasting No. 23 Arizona in a 40-39 win.

Utah quarterback Devon Dampier hit Creed Whittemore late in the fourth quarter, and the receiver went 70 yards untouched for what turned out to be the game-winning score. As he neared the end zone, Whittemore made the shush gesture with his hands, ultimately silencing the raucous crowd.

The win moved Utah to 10-0 on the season and extended their FBS-leading streak to 16 straight games with a win.

With Utah facing a 14-3 deficit in the second quarter, Dampier called his own name and single-handily brought Utah back into the game.

Dampier led Utah to back-to-back scoring drives that began with Byrd Ficklin handing off the ball to Dampier for a 14-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a Houdini-like escape by Dampier on the next series for an 18-yard rushing touchdown.

The senior quarterback set up Ficklin a few drives later and tossed him a pass that went 4 yards for another Utah touchdown to take a 24-21 lead over the Wildcats.

But Arizona's (7-3, 4-3 Big 12) Noah Fifita had other plans.

The childhood Utah fan found an open Chris Hunter for a 67-yard strike, and followed it up with a perfectly placed back-shoulder fade ball to Giovanni Richardson for a 19-yard touchdown to reclaim the lead on a 99-yard drive that took just over two minutes of time.

The drive was set up with a goal-line interception by Dampier, who had an open Hunter Andrews in the end zone, but Jay'Vion Cole jumped the route and picked it off at the half yard line to give Arizona life.

It was a perfect dueling QBs night.

Dampier ended the night throwing for 204 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, while adding 100 yards ad two scores on the ground. Fifita, though, showcased his arm talent and threw for 356 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

Fifita started the game 8-of-8 before Utah managed to force an incompletion.

This story will be updated.

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