Utah prepares for its biggest challenge of the season this weekend against Texas Tech, with transfer quarterback Devon Dampier leading the charge.
Dampier transferred from New Mexico and has transformed Utah’s offense completely.
The numbers tell the story of Utah’s offensive turnaround. Through three games last season, the Utes went without a first down on nearly a quarter of their drives.
This season, that’s happened only three times in three games.
“The difference is Devon Dampier, who has looked as at ease running his brand of dual-threat football in a Power 4 backfield as he did a year ago at New Mexico,” ESPN’s David Hale writes.
Dampier’s scrambling ability sets him apart. When he leaves the pocket, he’s nearly unstoppable.
Dampier has accumulated more than 800 yards of offense and eight touchdowns without turning the ball over. He’s already racked up 80 yards on scramble plays, with three of his seven touchdown passes coming from outside the pocket.
“This will be his biggest test to date, but he’ll also be, by far, the biggest challenge for Texas Tech’s defense,” Hale writes.
Texas Tech brings its own firepower. The Red Raiders have been scoring early and often this season behind quarterback Behren Morton and a group of talented receivers.
Utah’s defense will be the toughest unit Texas Tech has faced this season.
But if the Utes can’t slow down Morton significantly, it could force Dampier to keep pace in what might become an offensive showcase between two dynamic quarterbacks.
