When Devon Dampier took the snap with 2:17 left on the clock and Utah trailing Kansas State by ten points, few expected the Utah Utes to pull off the impossible. But then came the scramble, the scramble, the 18-yard dart to Bentley in the back corner of the end zone — and suddenly, it was 47-43. Two minutes later, after a tipped pass was snagged by Tao Johnson and returned for a two-point conversion, the Rice-Eccles Stadium crowd was deafening. Final score: 51-47. On the November 22, 2025 Salt Lake City showdown, the Utah Utes didn’t just win — they rewrote the script of what’s possible when a team refuses to quit.
The Run That Broke Utah’s Defense
It wasn’t supposed to be this close. Joe Jackson, Kansas State’s 5’10” running back, looked like a human wrecking ball in the first half. He ran for 236 yards — yes, 236 — before halftime, including touchdown sprints of 66 and 80 yards that left Utah defenders grasping at air. By the end of the third quarter, the Kansas State Wildcats had racked up 440 rushing yards, the most ever allowed in the 100-year history of the Utah Utes football program. CBS Sports called it “gashing,” and that was generous. The Wildcats had five straight scoring drives: four touchdowns, one field goal. They were playing with house money.The Turnaround That No One Saw Coming
Then came the twist. With Kansas State up 47-35 and just under five minutes left, they went for two after a touchdown — a move that made sense on paper. But the snap was low. The pass was tipped by Tao Johnson, who had been playing out of position all season due to injuries. He caught it mid-air, turned, and sprinted 62 yards for a defensive two-pointer. The scoreboard flashed 47-37. The stadium exploded. Suddenly, Kansas State wasn’t in control — they were rattled.That’s when Devon Dampier took over. The Utah quarterback, often overshadowed by his explosive receivers, ran for 142 yards on 18 carries — none more critical than the 18-yard scramble on 3rd-and-12 that put Utah inside the Kansas State 20 with 1:12 left. He capped it with a 4-yard dive into the end zone, then calmly handed off to Bird Fickland for the two-point conversion that sealed the win. Dampier didn’t throw a single touchdown pass. But he didn’t need to. He was the engine.
“Believe Until the Clock Says Zero”
After the game, Dampier stood in front of reporters, sweat dripping, jersey torn, and said: “Believe until that clock says zero! This is a special team and we’re going to do something with it.” Those words weren’t hype. They were prophecy. Utah’s record improved to 9-2 overall, 6-2 in the Big 12 — and with Oklahoma State and Texas Tech still on the schedule, they’re now in the driver’s seat for the conference title and a potential College Football Playoff berth. For a program that hasn’t cracked the top four since 2008, this isn’t just a win — it’s a statement.
Kansas State’s Heartbreak and Coach Klieman’s Plea
For Kansas State Wildcats, it was a nightmare. They outgained Utah 587-419. They ran for more yards than any team had ever managed against Utah. And yet, they lost. Head coach Chris Klieman, who’s led the program for seven years, stood at the podium with his hands on his hips, voice cracking. “I’ve given my life for this place for seven years. I’ve given everything for seven years — and I think I deserve a little bit of respect.” The comment wasn’t about the loss. It was about the narrative. Kansas State has been the overlooked team in the Big 12 for too long. This loss didn’t just hurt — it felt unfair.What This Means for the Playoff Race
Utah’s win keeps them alive in the CFP conversation. With only two games left — both at home — and a 6-2 conference record, they now control their destiny. A win over Oklahoma State next week and a home finale against Texas Tech could send them to the Big 12 Championship Game. Meanwhile, Kansas State’s loss drops them to 7-4, 4-4 in conference play, effectively ending their hopes for a New Year’s Six bowl. Their season, which started with top-10 aspirations, now ends with questions about depth, discipline, and whether their offense can close out tight games.
The Special Teams That Almost Won It
It’s easy to forget the little things. Like the 65-yard kickoff by D. Curtis that resulted in a touchback — a play that gave Utah excellent field position early. Or the 27-yard punt by O. Phillips that pinned Kansas State at their 15-yard line, forcing a three-and-out that led to Utah’s go-ahead score. These aren’t highlights. They’re wins. And in a game decided by four points, they mattered.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Utah’s defense allow 440 rushing yards and still win?
Utah’s defense gave up a record 440 rushing yards — mostly to Joe Jackson — but made critical stops in the red zone, forcing three field goals instead of touchdowns. The turning point was Tao Johnson’s two-point interception return, which shifted momentum and forced Kansas State to play catch-up. Utah’s offense then outscored them 16-0 in the final 6:37, turning a defensive disaster into a victory by sheer offensive firepower.
What does this win mean for Utah’s College Football Playoff chances?
Utah’s 9-2 record and 6-2 Big 12 mark now make them the clear favorite to win the conference. If they beat Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, they’ll likely face either Texas or Oklahoma in the title game. A win there would give them a top-4 resume — especially if other contenders like Ohio State or Alabama lose. The committee values strength of schedule and late-season momentum — Utah has both now.
Why was Kansas State’s two-point conversion attempt so controversial?
Kansas State led 47-35 and went for two after a touchdown — a decision that made sense if they believed they could stop Utah’s offense. But the failed conversion gave Utah life, turning a 12-point deficit into a 10-point one. Had they kicked the extra point (making it 48-35), Utah would’ve needed two touchdowns and a two-point conversion to win — much harder. Instead, they only needed one touchdown and a two-point play. The gamble backfired spectacularly.
Is Devon Dampier now considered a top quarterback in the Big 12?
Absolutely. While he doesn’t throw for 300 yards a game, Dampier’s 142 rushing yards and two critical touchdowns in the final minutes proved his value as a dual-threat leader. He’s now the only quarterback in the Big 12 this season to lead a 16-point fourth-quarter comeback against a top-25 team. His poise under pressure has drawn comparisons to former Utah star Jordan Wynn — and he’s doing it with a less-touted receiving corps.
What’s next for Kansas State after this loss?
Kansas State’s postseason hopes are effectively over. They’ll likely land in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl or the Holiday Bowl, but their season is defined by missed opportunities. The offense showed flashes, but their inability to close out tight games — now 1-3 in one-score contests — raises questions about coaching decisions and mental toughness. Coach Klieman’s future isn’t in jeopardy, but fan patience is thinning.
How rare is a 51-47 game in college football?
High-scoring games are common in the modern era, but a 51-47 finish with a comeback win in the final minutes is rare. Since 2000, only 12 games in FBS history have ended 51-47 or higher with a team trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter and winning. Utah’s win marks the first time since 2021 that a team came back from a 12-point deficit in the final six minutes to win a game with over 98 total points scored.