By : Izaiah Ortiz
(Photo/Rodney Cofield-The Mojo Network)
For the first time since 2010, the Utah Utes will face the Wyoming Cowboys, reviving a once-annual Mountain West matchup with plenty of intrigue. The No. 20-ranked Utes (2–0) bring their high-powered offense and stifling defense to War Memorial Stadium on Saturday night, where an undefeated Wyoming squad (2–0) hopes to prove it belongs on the same stage. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Mountain Time, with the game airing on CBS Sports Network.
Utes Off to a Blazing Start
Kyle Whittingham’s Utah team looks every bit like a Big 12 contender through two games. After dismantling Cal Poly 63–9 and opening the season with an efficient offensive showing, the Utes rank among the nation’s best in scoring (53 points per game) and rushing (nearly 280 yards per game).
Quarterback Devon Dampier has been remarkably efficient, completing nearly 80 percent of his passes, the second-best mark in the country. Combined with Utah’s deep running back rotation, the Utes have proven nearly unstoppable once they find a rhythm.
What sets Dampier apart isn’t just accuracy — it’s his dual-threat ability. He’s comfortable standing tall in the pocket, but he can also extend plays with his legs, keeping defenses guessing. His connection with a balanced group of receivers has made Utah’s passing attack dynamic, while his mobility adds another layer to an already bruising ground game.
“Devon’s calm out there,” Whittingham said earlier this week. “He doesn’t get rattled, and that’s exactly what you want in a leader of your offense.”
If Dampier continues his hot start, he won’t just keep Utah in the Big 12 race — he could put himself in the national conversation as one of the league’s rising stars.
The defense has been equally punishing. Utah enters Week 3 leading the nation in third-down stops (holding opponents to under 25 percent) and adding to its long streak of defensive scores with another interception return for a touchdown.
Wyoming’s Grit and Grind
Under new head coach Jay Sawvel, Wyoming has opened 2025 in classic Cowboys fashion: gritty defense and clock-controlling football. A 10–0 shutout of Akron in Week 1 set the tone, followed by a 31–7 win over Northern Iowa last weekend.
Quarterback Kaden Anderson showed poise with two touchdown passes against UNI, while running back Sam Scott powered the ground game with a 100-yard effort in the opener. Wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. has been the Cowboys’ big-play threat, including a 190-yard outburst in Week 1.
Defensively, Wyoming has forced turnovers and shown toughness in the trenches. But the Cowboys will face a massive jump in competition against Utah’s physicality and depth.
History Renewed
This will be the 84th all-time meeting between the two programs. Utah has dominated the recent history, winning 10 of the last 11 contests, including a 30–6 victory the last time the teams played in Laramie in 2010.
While Utah has since ascended to Power Five status, first in the Pac-12 and now in the Big 12, Wyoming still relishes chances like this to measure itself against an old rival.
Bottom Line
Utah has the size, speed, and depth advantage across the board, and if the Utes execute, they should remain unbeaten heading into Big 12 play. For Wyoming, this game is less about the scoreboard and more about proving it can hang with a nationally ranked opponent.
Still, in the thin air of Laramie, stranger things have happened.