SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Quarterback Devon Dampier’s 1-yard touchdown run with 56 seconds left capped an improbable fourth quarter rally, as No. 12 Utah kept their playoff hopes alive with a 51-47 win over Kansas State on Saturday afternoon before 51,444 fans at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
The Wildcats (5-6, 4-4 Big 12) surged to a 47-35 lead after running back Joe Jackson’s 24-yard rushing touchdown with 7 minutes to play, however, the resilient Utes (9-2, 6-2 Big 12) were able to end the game with 16 consecutive points, including the return of a 2-point conversion attempt to go with running and passing touchdowns by Dampier.
The loss overshadowed a record-setting day for the K-State offense, which posted 574 total yards, including a school-record 472 yards rushing. Jackson accounted for a school-best 293 yards rushing, along with three touchdowns, eclipsing the mark of 292 yards set by Darren Sproles against Louisiana on Sept. 18, 2004.
Quarterback Avery Johnson finished the day with 72 yards on the ground on 12 carries with a touchdown to go with 102 yards through the air and a score.
Defensively, the Wildcats were led by safety VJ Payne’s 10 tackles.
