Utah extended its unbeaten streak to seven games with a 21-13 victory over No. 14 Houston on Saturday night in Salt Lake City. The No. 10 ranked Utes, now 7-0 overall and 4-0 in Big 12 play, remain one of only three undefeated teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Quarterback Devon Dampier was instrumental in the comeback win, rushing for a season-high 150 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. He also contributed 204 passing yards but threw two interceptions. Houston’s quarterback Conner Weigman threw for 282 yards, while wide receiver Amare Thomas posted a season-best 133 yards on five receptions.

Houston, now 6-2 and 3-2 in conference play, suffered its first defeat after winning six consecutive games. The Cougars jumped to a 10-0 lead early in the third quarter following a methodical 75-yard drive lasting 15 plays and over eight minutes. Running back Makhi Hughes capped the series with a two-yard touchdown run.

Utah responded with a scoring drive led by Dampier’s 22-yard scramble and additional runs of 16 and 12 yards, narrowing the deficit to 10-7 with just over four minutes left in the third quarter. The Utes took their first lead of the night at 14-13 thanks to a five-yard touchdown run from Wayshawn Parker on a direct snap with nearly 12 minutes remaining.

A critical defensive play helped seal the outcome late in the fourth quarter. Jackson Bennee forced a fumble on a strip sack of Weigman with 2:15 left, and Jireh Moe recovered the ball deep in Houston territory. Dampier scored on the very next play, sprinting into the end zone from the nine-yard line to put Utah ahead 21-13.

Houston’s offense had several opportunities to put points on the board, particularly twice driving inside Utah’s 10-yard line before halftime. However, each time, the Cougars came away with just three points or were stopped. On one possession, a fourth-down pass from Weigman was broken up in the end zone by James Chenault Jr. After another Utah defensive stand, Kentrell Webb intercepted Dampier near the goal line, halting the Utes’ scoring chance.

Prior to halftime, Weigman completed a 33-yard scramble that set up a 24-yard field goal by Jonathan Dimas, giving Houston a 13-7 lead at the break. Utah was held scoreless in the first half for the first time since a 13-7 loss to TCU in 2024.

The win keeps Utah atop the Big 12 standings as they continue their pursuit of a conference championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth. Meanwhile, Houston looks to rebound next week after experiencing a rare defeat on the road.