The Utah Utes assumed a strong grip on their game with the Arizona State Sun Devils as the two headed to the halftime with a 21–3 deficit on October 12, 2025. Led by quarterback Devon Dampier, Utah committed an offense that was explosive with playmaking and consistency during the first two quarters.
Dampier was the engine that drove Utah on this early rush with 2 touchdowns, one 12 12-yard and another a spectacular 24-yard touchdown run on a fourth-down effort. The Utes were equally as efficient on both ends of the field as they were offensive, and the chains rolled well, while the third downs turned into a third life to keep the momentum going. At halftime, the total yards of Utah were around 220, whereas Arizona State had 115 yards.
In the case of Arizona State, offense remained an issue that characterized their half. Jeff Sims, the quarterback, was pressured all the way, which did not give him a chance to find rhythm and a deep relationship. The Sun Devils earned no more than a 38-yard field goal, and their best possible comeback drive in the second half was foiled by a blocked attempt at a field goal, which only stamped out their hopes of recovering.
On the defensive end, Arizona State was unable to contain the ground attack and the two-threat nature of Dampier of Utah. A late holding call in Utah on Smith Snowden gave the ASU a slight extension of a possession, but the Sun Devils once again turned it to waste.
The difference has been Utah being more efficient on the down and in the red zone. Entering the second half, Utah will strive to keep its superiority on the field. Arizona State will have to find a means of keeping Sims and creating more offensive energy to not fall even further behind.