Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham was back in a familiar place, facing a familiar foe.
But a lot had changed since the last time the Utes and the UCLA Bruins met as members of the Pac-12 Conference.
After last season’s “debacle,” as Whittingham called it, the Utes retooled their offense.
Offensive coordinator Jason Beck arrived, looking to jump-start things for a Utah team that couldn’t move the ball well enough or score enough points last season.
Quarterback Devon Dampier, who was one of the most prolific players at the position last season at New Mexico, followed Beck to Salt Lake City, too.
And the Utes’ offense passed its first test of the season in style.
Dampier had 206 passing yards, 87 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He completed 21 of his 25 pass attempts.
The Utes out-gained the Bruins 492-220.
They converted on 14 of 17 third downs — and added a fourth-down conversion for a touchdown for good measure.
They dominated possession, holding the ball for 37:28.
And they cruised to a 43-10 win in the Rose Bowl.
Utah 43, UCLA 10
That’ll do it.
Utah opens the season with a 43-10 win over UCLA.
Up next: The Utes head home to take on Cal Poly next weekend at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Dampier’s night over
Devon Dampier is on the sideline as the Utes’ offense takes the field yet again.
That’ll be 206 passing yards, 87 rushing yards and three total TDs for his Utah debut.
In his place is freshman Byrd Ficklin.
INT sets up a TD
After Nico Iamaleava’s first interception of the game, the Utes’ retooled offense gets right back to work.
NaQuari Rogers runs for a 1-yard score.
It’s 42-10 with 6:31 to play.
Coming up roses
The one thing the Utes’ offense had been missing was a big play to a wide receiver. They finally got one, as Dampier found Tobias Merriweather for a 36-yard catch.
That set up a 2-yard touchdown pass to Dallen Bentley.
It’s 36-10 after a failed two-point conversion.
Clock-chewing TD drive
Devon Dampier bursts into the end zone on fourth down to make it 30-10.
That was the 20th play of a drive that ate up 9:36 of clock.
The Utes lead
What makes someone a 6-star kicker? How about drilling a 54-yarder for your first college field goal?
True freshman Dillon Curtis just put Utah up 23-7 as time expired in the first half.
Former Ute inflicts some damage
UCLA running back Anthony Woods, who spent last season in Salt Lake City, has the Bruins on the board. Woods’ 19-yard touchdown on a pass from Nico Iamaleava makes it 20-7.
Utah’s defense shines on offense again
Not to be outdone by Smith Snowden, Lander Barton is now on the board for the Utes.
The linebacker, who now moonlights as a tight end, slipped behind the Bruins’ defenders and hauled in a 14-yard catch for a touchdown. It was Devon Dampier’s first touchdown as a Ute.
It’s 20-0.
The Utes have 124 yards on the ground and 65 in the air so far.
Smith Snowden: Two-way player
Smith Snowden has made a massive impact — on the offensive side of the ball.
The Utes want to use Snowden and linebacker Lander Barton on both sides of the ball this year.
Utah cornerback Smith Snowden, second from right, celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the first half of an NCAA college football game against UCLA, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Snowden had two catches for 22 yards on that opening drive. On Utah’s second drive? Snowden did his work on the ground — capping it off with an 8-yard touchdown run.
It’s 13-0 with 1:33 left in the opening quarter.
Wayshawn Parker’s first TD
Wayshawn Parker has some big goals for himself this season.
The transfer running back from Washington State wants to be a 1,000-yard rusher — and maybe more.
Well, he’s off to a strong start. Parker just broke a 13-yarder for his first touchdown as a Ute.
How to watch Utah at UCLA football
Where: The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
Kickoff time: 9 p.m. MT
TV: FOX