⚡ CFB Dashboard

In the SEC, they say it just means more, but in Salt Lake City, that didn't matter much. The Utes hammered the Razorbacks. Leading by as much as 40 once Dampier exited the game. The defense gave up a long drive in the first series, but after that, they were lights out the rest of the evening. The Utes silenced any questions of a Razorbacks upset towards the end of the first half and never looked back. Here are five takeaways from Utah's win over the Hogs. Offense Impresses in First Power Four Test Kevin McGiven's offense was good at Utah State, but questions remained about whether he could keep the Utes offense elite in 2026. Jason Beck just led one of the best offensive campaigns we have seen from Utah since Alex Smith was on campus, so expectations were high for McGiven in his return to the Power Four level. Through two games, McGiven has looked more than capable of producing a potent Big 12 offense. The Utes offense has been an unstoppable force through two games. Devon Dampier looks great, and so do his weapons. Several wide receivers are involved in the pass game, and the tight ends have contributed too. Byrd Ficklin has also played a huge role in the offense, and McGiven's use of him is genius. Wayshawn Parker has been the biggest star of the Utes offense. He's arguably been the team's best player through two games, and McGiven does a great job finding different ways to get him the ball. McGiven uses multiple formations and misdirection to leave defenses dazed and confused. If this is how Utah's offense will play the rest of the year, fans are in for a treat. Noah Bennee Is Tight End One What a night for Noah Bennee. He smashed his career high in receiving yards as he torched the Razorbacks for 113 yards and a touchdown on just four catches. All offseason, the hype at tight end centered on Hunter Andrews, but Bennee has emerged as the unquestionable go-to guy. He's the best blocker in the room outside the Rhinos and has made huge strides as a route runner. Bennee may not be the fastest tight end, as we saw on that long pass, but he's tough to tackle. On a reception in the first half, he carried defenders with him for an extra five yards. He's now scored a touchdown in back-to-back games, and when he transferred to Weber State, it was hard to believe he would ever shine in Rice-Eccles Stadium. Now Bennee has found a home in the Utes offense, and he's going to play a big role all season. Jireh Moe Will Be a Difference Maker for the Utes The Utes defense was outstanding after the first drive, and Jireh Moe was arguably the biggest reason why. The Former San Jose State transfer was unblockable all night, with eight tackles and a sack. Moe clogged the middle of the field for the Razorbacks' run game and created chaos against the pass. Moe's spin move for a sack was one of the best pass rush moves we have seen from a Utah defensive tackle in years. He was shedding blocks constantly and made life tough for the Hogs' interior offensive line. Even in the second half, when the Hogs started to get a drive going, Moe broke through the line for a drive-altering TFL. After Moe's big play, the Hogs ended up turning it over on downs just a few plays later. Moe was not the only outstanding defensive linemen as his counterpart Karson Kaufusi had a great night as well. Kaufusi battled multiple passes back into KJ Jackson's face and was a difference-maker against the run. We're just two games in, but the Utes look to have an elite defensive tackle tandem. O-Block is Starting to Settle in The Arkansas game was the first real test for the Utes offensive line. With five new starters up front, there were questions about how the Utes would fare in their matchup with the Hogs. After all, the Utes offensive line is made up of players with little to no Power Four starts on their resumes. SEC defensive lines are known for their physicality, and the Razorbacks had some players who have played at a high level. None of that mattered, though, once the ball was snapped. The Utes marched down the field on their first drive of the game and even converted on a huge fourth-and-short situation where the O-Block paved the way for Dampier. All night long, Dampier had ample time to make throws in a pocket that was reminiscent of the 2025 O-Block. The Utes showed they can generate movement against Power Four opponents, which is a huge plus with Big 12 play just two weeks away. Special Group of Safeties Most thought the Utes safety room would be good entering the year, but they have been even better than advertised. Nate Ritchie, Rabbit Evans and Jackson Bennee all left their mark on tonight's win. On the Razorbacks' first drive, it appeared the Hogs were on their way to a touchdown, but Ritchie had other plans. He broke up a pass that would have set the Hogs up for second and short and generated the pressure that forced the Razorbacks to settle for a field goal. Ritchie had several other big hits and plays through the night. He finished the night with six tackles and got the crowd hyped a few times. Evens was once again exceptional in his second game back from injury. It's no secret the Ute run defense struggled last year, and it's becoming clearer that wouldn't have been the case if Richie and Evans had been healthy. Evan is stout against the run and does not miss tackles in the open field. In coverage, he uses his length to disrupt opponents' pass game. He's the reliable last line of defense every defense needs to be successful. Then there is Jackson Bennee, who spends most of his time at nickel corner but can do it all for the Utes defense. He's elite in coverage, and the strength he added this offseason has helped him improve his tackling. Bennee emerged as an elite player in the Utes secondary last year thanks to his elite instinct and knack for finding football. He still possesses those skills, as shown by his impressive interception. Bennee also does a great job timing his pass breakups, and receivers have a tough time shaking him in coverage. The Utes secondary is once again looking like one of the Big 12's best units.