AMES, Iowa — The No. 15 Utah Utes defeated Iowa State 31-17 on Saturday, extending their perfect record to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big 12. Running back Wayshawn Parker was a key factor in the Utes' victory, achieving a career-high 174 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, while also catching five passes for 65 yards and an additional score.
Parker started the game strong for the Utes, breaking a 54-yard run for a touchdown on the opening play from scrimmage. This play marked the first of his three scores for the day. For this initial touchdown, Utes quarterback Devon Dampier went into motion as Parker took a direct snap. Parker then turned as if to pitch the ball to Dampier before bouncing to his left, avoiding diving safety Duhron Goodman, and outrunning two other Iowa State defenders to reach the end zone.
Utah built a significant lead by halftime, going up 24-3. This lead included Braden Pegan's 24-yard touchdown pass from Dampier, in addition to Parker's 1-yard run. Parker's performance was central to the Utes' rushing attack, which finished the game with a total of 206 yards. Dampier also contributed to the offensive success, completing 18 of 27 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns.
The Iowa State Cyclones, now 2-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play, mounted a comeback attempt in the second half. Cyclones quarterback Jaylen Raynor brought Iowa State within 24-17 early in the fourth quarter. Raynor scored on an 8-yard run and also threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Dominic Overby. Overby had kept the drive alive on the previous play by stretching the ball over the line to convert a crucial fourth-and-12.
Despite the Cyclones' rally, the Utes held them off. After punting on their first three series of the second half, Utah secured the win with a 61-yard drive that culminated in Dampier's 13-yard touchdown pass to Parker. On Iowa State's subsequent possession, Jackson Bennett intercepted the ball on the first play, effectively sealing the Utes' victory.
For Iowa State, Raynor completed 21 of 40 passes for 205 yards. Aiden Flora also contributed to the Cyclones' offense, running 13 times for 54 yards and catching five passes for 53 yards. The Cyclones' offense struggled to find a rhythm early in the game, failing to convert a third down on seven attempts in the first half.
Utah's win continues an impressive scoring streak; the Utes have now scored 30 or more points in 10 consecutive games, which is noted as the longest active streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Looking ahead, the Utes are set to host Kansas on October 10. Iowa State will host West Virginia next Saturday.
