By Laura Strother
SALT LAKE CITY: No. 17 Utah asserted control in the 114th Battle of the Brothers on Saturday, September 19, defeating Utah State 33-0 before a sellout crowd of 51,455 at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The Utes improved to 3-0, completed their nonconference sweep and held the Aggies scoreless throughout the afternoon, while former Utah State receiver Braden Pegan delivered two touchdown catches against his former team.
Photo by Robert Scott – JTS Media
The fast start
Utah established the game’s direction immediately, producing 199 total yards in the first quarter and controlling the ball for more than 12 minutes. Utah State managed only 10 yards during the opening period and was forced to punt on its first four possessions.
The Utes scored on all three of their first-quarter drives. Devon Dampier connected with Pegan for a 28-yard touchdown, Byrd Ficklin followed with a 9-yard scoring run, and Dillon Curtis added a 36-yard field goal as Utah built a 16-0 advantage.
Utah maintained the pressure in the second quarter. Curtis drilled a career-long-matching 54-yard field goal, and Dampier found Pegan for a 37-yard touchdown with 33 seconds remaining before halftime. The score reached 26-0 at the break.
The second-half scoring was limited to Daniel Bray’s 63-yard touchdown run, the longest play of Utah’s 2026 season through three games. Utah finished with 480 total yards on 74 plays, converted 10 of 17 third downs and held a 35:14-24:46 advantage in time of possession.
Photo by Robert Scott – JTS Media
Photo by Robert Scott – JTS Media
Scoring plays
- First quarter: Braden Pegan, 28-yard touchdown reception from Devon Dampier; Dillon Curtis extra point, Utah 7-0.
- First quarter: Byrd Ficklin, 9-yard touchdown run; conversion failed, Utah 13-0.
- First quarter: Dillon Curtis, 36-yard field goal, Utah 16-0.
- Second quarter: Dillon Curtis, 54-yard field goal, Utah 19-0.
- Second quarter: Braden Pegan, 37-yard touchdown reception from Devon Dampier; Curtis extra point, Utah 26-0.
- Third quarter: Daniel Bray, 63-yard touchdown run; Curtis extra point, Utah 33-0.
Pegan’s homecoming performance
Pegan, who previously played for Utah State, became the central figure in Utah’s passing attack. He finished with eight receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns, recording his first 100-yard game as a Ute.
His first touchdown came on Utah’s opening possession, when he secured Dampier’s 28-yard throw to cap a 75-yard drive. Pegan continued to create separation and win contested opportunities, adding five catches for 67 yards in the first quarter.
The second touchdown arrived late in the first half on a 37-yard connection that extended Utah’s lead to 26-0. The performance gave Pegan two scores against his former team and provided Utah with a decisive downfield threat throughout the first half.
Photo by Robert Scott – JTS Media
Utah head coach Morgan Scalley praised Pegan’s ability to track and secure difficult throws.
“Great to see Braden Pegan have a good game against his old team. The guy is so good at going up and getting the ball, unbelievable hands, body control, so very pleased there.”
Pegan characterized the matchup in measured terms after the game.
“I love those guys over there, but we don't prepare any differently. It's a nameless, faceless opponent every week. When we have a game, we are going to come out and try to win no matter what.”
Dampier’s efficiency
Dampier completed 22 of 32 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. The Utah quarterback also added 34 rushing yards and extended his streak to nine consecutive games with multiple touchdown passes.
His first quarter set the tone. Dampier completed nine of 12 attempts for 116 yards during the opening period, consistently converting early-down opportunities and allowing Utah to sustain long possessions. The Utes finished with 286 passing yards and 23 first downs overall.
Dampier credited the structure around him, including the receivers, play calling and protection.
“I felt very confident in the way our receivers are playing, the play calls being made and the way our offense was blocking. I feel like the game is slowing down for me mentally and I'm able to make better decisions out there.”
He also identified the connection with Pegan as a product of repeated work during practice.
“I knew this was a big game for BP going against guys he used to be with. He's a hard worker during practice. The same plays we ran out there are the same we call in practice. If you're going to play him one on one, that's what will happen. Balls will find him and plays will be made.”
The run game and special teams
Utah produced 194 rushing yards, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. Bray led the ground attack with 82 yards on three carries, including his 63-yard touchdown run, and finished with 101 all-purpose yards.
Ficklin supplied nine rushing yards on his touchdown carry and also completed three of five passes for 33 yards. Utah’s two red-zone possessions both ended in touchdowns.
Photo by Robert Scott – JTS Media
Curtis remained perfect on the season, converting field goals of 36 and 54 yards along with all three extra-point attempts. His 54-yard field goal matched his career long.
Scalley also addressed a fake punt attempt that was stopped by Utah State late in the game.
“The fake punt is completely on me. It was not called.”
The coach said greater clarity was needed for the young player involved and accepted responsibility for the confusion.
The defensive shutout and red-zone stands
Utah’s defense stifled Utah State’s offense, limiting the Aggies to 188 total yards, 10 first downs and 58 net rushing yards. Utah State went 4-for-15 on third down and 0-for-2 in the red zone.
The first red-zone opportunity ended with Rabbit Evans recording the first interception of his career in the end zone. The second ended when Lance Holtzclaw and Elijah Elliss combined for a tackle for loss on fourth-and-one, thwarting the Aggies’ attempt to reach the goal line.
Trey Reynolds posted a career-best 10 tackles, becoming the first Utah player this season to record double-digit tackles. Cyrus Polu registered 1.5 sacks, while Nate Ritchie also brought down Grady Brosterhous.
Photo by Robert Scott – JTS Media
Scalley credited the defense’s discipline and physical approach.
“Defense, overall, anytime you can hold an offense to zero points, I don't care what offense it is, you're doing a really good job and they were put in tough situations a couple times. Really nice fourth down stop. Held Utah State 0-for-2 in the red zone. That was huge.”
Evans emphasized the collective nature of the effort.
“It felt good, just playing together, playing fast and running to the ball every play. Doing the little things right leads to results like this.”
Polu added:
“Playing as a team, doing our assignment and not doing anything more. When we do that, we're going to hold them to low points.”
Utah State’s defensive effort and offensive struggles
The final score obscured a genuine bright spot for Utah State: its run defense remained physical and produced a season-high seven tackles for loss. The Aggies also posted a season-high five pass breakups.
Chapman Lewis led Utah State with a career-high 11 tackles and one tackle for loss in his return from a long-term knee injury. Asher Cunningham and Brevin Hamblin each recorded nine tackles, while James Jennette added a sack. Bronson Olevao Jr. recovered a fumble forced by a Utah State defensive tackle at Utah’s 28-yard line in the third quarter.
Utah State’s defense repeatedly disrupted Utah possessions after halftime, including Lewis’ fourth-down stop of Dampier and the fumble recovery that gave the Aggies possession in Utah territory.
Lewis said returning to action was personally significant.
“I was just so grateful to be back on the field and making plays because that's where my love is.”
Offensively, Utah State struggled to sustain drives. Brosterhous completed 15 of 29 passes for 130 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. He also carried 17 times for 17 yards. Javen Jacobs led the Aggies with 31 rushing yards, including a 32-yard draw, while Eli Wood finished with four receptions for 47 yards.
Photo by Robert Scott – JTS Media
Photo by Robert Scott – JTS Media
Photo by Robert Scott – JTS Media
Mendenhall said the Aggies’ conservative field-position strategy reflected Utah’s defensive strength.
“I thought their defense was playing well. Their offense is super dynamic, and they're a team that can score from anywhere really fast. So, I chose to play field position.”
He also gave a blunt assessment of Utah State’s rushing production.
“I think it would be putting it nicely to say that it's finding its feet. It doesn't really exist at this point.”
Despite the loss, Scalley recognized Utah State’s physicality and Mendenhall’s program-building approach.
“I think Bronco is a heck of a coach that builds culture the right way. Their defense, they run to the ball, they hit and they're physical.”
The Taggart injury handled soberly
Utah State's Harrison Taggart, whom Mendenhall described as the heartbeat and emotional leader of the program, was injured in the second quarter after a head impact. Taggart was carried from the field on a spine board and hospitalized. He was in concussion protocol.
Scalley said he had spoken with Mendenhall and that it sounded as though Taggart had regained feeling in his legs, but he emphasized that he had no official word.
“First and foremost, prayers go out to Harrison Taggart and from talking to Coach Mendenhall and getting some updates, it sounds like he's got feeling back in legs, but I don't have official word on that.”
Mendenhall described Taggart’s importance to Utah State.
“Harrison is the heartbeat of our program. There isn't anyone who is more vibrant or has more influence, not only through how he plays, but through the time he spends with our players, how he connects with them and his role as an emotional leader.”
Lewis also addressed the moment from the perspective of a teammate.
“Harrison is a leader and a great player on this team. It hit us when we saw him go down and have to be carried off the field. That's our brother.”
Statistical leaders
- Utah passing: Devon Dampier, 22-of-32, 253 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions.
- Utah rushing: Daniel Bray, three carries, 82 yards, one touchdown.
- Utah receiving: Braden Pegan, eight receptions, 122 yards, two touchdowns.
- Utah defense: Trey Reynolds, 10 tackles; Cyrus Polu, 1.5 sacks; Rabbit Evans, one interception.
- Utah State passing: Grady Brosterhous, 15-of-29, 130 yards, no touchdowns, one interception.
- Utah State rushing: Javen Jacobs, five carries, 31 yards.
- Utah State receiving: Eli Wood, four receptions, 47 yards.
- Utah State defense: Chapman Lewis, 11 tackles and one tackle for loss.
What comes next
Utah completed its nonconference schedule at 3-0 and has now scored at least 30 points in nine consecutive games dating to the 2025 season, the longest active streak in the nation. The Utes later moved to No. 15 in the rankings and will open Big 12 play on the road at Iowa State on Saturday, September 26, at 1:30 p.m. MT on FOX.
Utah State, now 0-3, returns to Maverik Stadium for its homecoming and nonconference finale against Troy on Saturday, September 26, at 5:30 p.m. MT on CBS Sports Network.
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