In a stunning display of ground-and-pound football, the Utah Utes steamrolled the No. 21 Arizona State Sun Devils 42-10 on October 11, 2025, at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. What was billed as a marquee Big 12 clash turned into a rout, with Utah’s rushing attack piling up over 300 yards and four different backs finding the end zone. The loss drops ASU to 4-2 overall (2-1 in conference), while Utah improves to 5-1 (3-1 Big 12), vaulting them back into playoff contention. This research-backed recap dives into the turning points, standout performances, and implications for the Sun Devils’ title hopes-plus a full look at their remaining schedules. If you’re a Big 12 fan reeling from this upset, stick around for bold predictions that could reshape the conference race.
Game Breakdown: How Utah Turned the Tide Early and Never Looked Back
The Utes struck first with a 12-yard touchdown scamper by Devon Dampier just 9:58 into the first quarter, setting a tone of physical dominance that ASU couldn’t match. Arizona State responded with a 38-yard field goal from J. Gomez to make it 7-3, but that was as close as it got. Utah’s second quarter was a clinic: Dampier added a 24-yard TD run, followed by Napolean Rogers’ 22-yarder and a 2-yard plunge, ballooning the lead to 21-3 at halftime.
The second half offered no mercy. ASU managed a 3-yard touchdown run by J. Tyson to trim the deficit to 28-10 late in the third, but Utah answered with Dampier’s third score (9 yards) and a 4-yard TD from backup B. Ficklin in the fourth. Lightning delays aside, the Utes controlled the trenches, outrushing ASU 312-89 and holding the Sun Devils to just 124 passing yards on 18-of-37 from QB Jeff Sims.
This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Utah’s defense, ranked top-15 nationally in sacks, harassed Sims into inefficiency, while their ground game (averaging 242.6 yards per game entering the matchup) exploded for five rushing TDs. For ASU, a team that entered with a 4-1 record and dreams of a Big 12 title repeat, this exposed vulnerabilities in their revamped secondary and run defense—issues that could haunt them down the stretch.
Standout Stars: Dampier’s Hat-Trick and Sims’ Struggles
- Devon Dampier (Utah RB): The dual-threat back was the game’s MVP, rushing for 142 yards and three TDs on 18 carries, plus adding 85 passing yards. His vision and burst dismantled ASU’s front seven, echoing Utah’s storied rushing heritage.
- Napolean Rogers (Utah RB): Two TDs on 11 carries for 98 yards—efficient and explosive in relief.
- Jeff Sims (ASU QB): A rough night with 124 yards, no TDs, and constant pressure; his mobility (eight 20+ yard runs when trailing) couldn’t spark a comeback.
- Utah Defense: Forced two turnovers and limited ASU to 3-of-12 on third downs, per game logs.
Pre-game odds favored Utah by 5.5 points with a 43.5 over/under, but this blowout shattered expectations—Utah covered easily while the total soared to 52.
Big 12 Implications: Utah Rises, ASU’s Playoff Path Narrows
Utah’s fifth win catapults them to No. 14 in the AP Poll projections, strengthening their case as Big 12 dark horses after a shaky non-conference slate. With a balanced attack led by Dampier and a home-heavy remaining schedule, the Utes could challenge for the conference crown. Bold prediction: Utah finishes 9-3, earning a New Year’s Six bowl.
For ASU, this is a wake-up call. Their 2024 championship buzz fades with a 4-2 mark, but a soft mid-season slate offers rebound potential. Coach Kenny Dillingham must fix the run D (allowed 312 yards here) to stay in the mix. Prediction: Sun Devils go 7-5, sneaking into the Holiday Bowl but missing the playoff.
Historical context? Utah leads the all-time series 19-15-1, including a 23-20 thriller last year—but this 32-point margin is their largest since 2010.
Upcoming Matches: Road Maps for Redemption and Dominance
Both teams have winnable games ahead, but cross-conference tilts loom large. Here’s a side-by-side table of their remaining 2025 regular-season schedules, complete with dates, opponents, locations, and TV projections (based on Big 12 announcements).
| Date | Arizona State Opponent | Location | TV Proj. | Utah Opponent | Location | TV Proj. |
| Oct 18 | vs. Texas Tech (#9) | Tempe, AZ | FOX | @ BYU (#18) | Provo, UT | ESPN |
| Oct 25 | vs. Houston | Tempe, AZ | ESPN2 | vs. Colorado | SLC, UT | FOX |
| Nov 1 | @ Iowa State (#22) | Ames, IA | FS1 | vs. Cincinnati | SLC, UT | ESPN |
| Nov 8 | BYE | – | – | @ Kansas State | Manhattan, KS | FOX |
| Nov 15 | vs. Tennessee | Tempe, AZ | ESPN | BYE | – | – |
| Nov 22 | @ Baylor | Waco, TX | FS1 | vs. Oklahoma State | SLC, UT | ESPN2 |
| Nov 29 | vs. BYU | Tempe, AZ | FOX | @ Kansas | Lawrence, KS | ESPN |
| Dec 6 | Big 12 Championship (if qual.) | Arlington, TX | ESPN | Big 12 Championship (if qual.) | Arlington, TX | ESPN |
These matchups could define their seasons—watch for ASU’s home stand vs. TTU and HOU as bounce-back spots, while Utah’s rivalry at BYU screams upset alert.
Fan Reactions & Where to Watch Highlights
Social media exploded post-game, with Utes fans dubbing it “Dampier Day” and ASU supporters calling for defensive tweaks. Relive the action on ESPN’s highlight reel or Utah’s official X account. For deeper dives, check our Big 12 hub for weekly picks.
What was your take on this thrashing? Drop your predictions in the comments-will Utah run the table? Subscribe for exclusive conference breakdowns to fuel your fandom and boost your site’s traffic!
Utah vs Arizona State final score, Big 12 football recap October 2025, Devon Dampier stats, ASU football schedule, Utah Utes highlights, college football upsets.
Utah crushes Arizona State 42-10 in Week 7 stunner! Full highlights, Dampier stats, & remaining 2025 schedules. Big 12 playoff shakeup-don’t miss predictions.
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