Dampier rains on Iowa State’s parade

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Iowa State battled back from an early 17 point deficit and pulled within seven points in the fourth quarter, but Utah used a late fourth quarter touchdown to pull away for a 31-17 victory Saturday afternoon at Jack Trice Stadium.

The loss dropped the Cyclones to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the Big 12. No. 15 Utah improved to 4-0 and 1-0 in the Big 12. Saturday’s contest marked the first meeting between the two programs in Ames as conference foes.

The Utes jumped out to a 14-0 advantage in the opening quarter behind a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback Devon Dampier. Utah struck on the opening play of the game when Dampier connected with Wayshawn Parker for a 54-yard touchdown. The Utes added another score when Dampier found Braden Pegan for a 24-yard touchdown with 2:32 remaining in the quarter.

A 27 yard field goal by Dillon Curtis in the second quarter gave Utah a 17-0 lead.

Kyle Konrardy’s 47 yard field goal with 3:50 remaining in the half, gave Iowa State their first points on a 13-play, 46-yard drive which cut the Utes’s advantage to 17-7.

Utah answered before halftime. On the eighth play of the ensuing possession, Parker punctuated the drive from the half yard line, giving the visitors a 21-point lead at 24-3 following the first 30 minutes.

The Cyclones chipped away at the deficit after halftime. Iowa State took the opening possession of the third quarter and marched 82 yards on 12 plays before Jaylen Raynor’s eight yard rush and Konrardy’s PAT with eight minutes remaining in the third quarter, pulling ISU within 14.

Iowa State added another touchdown early in the fourth quarter, putting together a 11-play, 81-yard drive that ended with West Jordan, Utah, native Dominic Overby hauling in a pass for 22 yards. The touchdown brought the Cyclones within seven (24-17).

Parker’s 13-yard touchdown reception and Curtis’ PAT finalized the scoring tally. On the ensuing Iowa State possession, Raynor threw an interception to Jackson Bennee.

The Cyclones host West Virginia for homecoming on Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. The Utes have a bye week next week.

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