Utah football fans are still riding the high from that desert showdown. If you’re looking for what's the score of the Utah football game, the Utes absolutely dismantled the Nebraska Cornhuskers with a final score of 44-22. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement.
The game went down on December 31, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
It was loud. It was dominant.
Honestly, after the way the regular season had some rocky patches, seeing the Utes put up 44 points in a bowl game felt like a return to form. Morgan Scalley, in his first official bowl game leading the charge, showed exactly why he was the choice to succeed the legendary Kyle Whittingham. The Utes finished the 2025 season with a stellar 11-2 record, reminding everyone in the Big 12 that Salt Lake City is still a powerhouse.
Breaking Down the Numbers: What's the Score of the Utah Football Game Really Mean?
You can't just look at the 44-22 final and understand the story. Early on, things actually looked a bit dicey for the Utes. Nebraska came out swinging and actually led 14-7 after the first quarter.
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Then Devon Dampier happened.
The Utah quarterback put on a clinic, accounting for five total touchdowns. He threw for 310 yards and two scores while adding another 148 yards on the ground with three rushing touchdowns. It was the kind of dual-threat performance that makes defensive coordinators lose sleep. Utah scored 37 unanswered points at one point.
Think about that.
Nebraska’s defense, which had been solid for much of the Big Ten season, simply had no answer for the pace and physicality Utah brought to the second and third quarters.
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Key Stats from the Las Vegas Bowl
- Total Yards: Utah 535, Nebraska 343
- Time of Possession: Utah controlled the clock for over 28 minutes, but their efficiency was the real story, averaging 7.0 yards per play.
- Individual Standout: Dallen Bentley caught 6 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown.
The win snapped a five-game bowl losing streak for the program. That’s a huge monkey off the back for the coaching staff. It’s one thing to have winning seasons, but winning in December (or January) is what builds the "Sack Lake City" brand nationally.
The Scalley Era Begins with a Bang
Watching the sidelines during the 44-22 victory, you could see a different energy. Morgan Scalley has been the heart of the defense for years, but seeing him manage the entire game was fascinating. He didn't blink when they fell behind early. Instead of panicking, the Utes leaned into their identity: physical running and opportunistic passing.
There’s a lot of talk about the "new" Utah, but this felt very much like the classic Utes—just modernized.
What's Next for Utah Football in 2026?
Now that the 2025 season is officially in the books, the focus shifts to the roster turnover. While the score of the Utah football game against Nebraska was a perfect ending, the "offseason" is already chaotic.
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We just saw the news about Eric Weddle being named to the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class. That's a massive win for the program’s prestige. On the field, though, the Utes are losing some serious production. Ryan Davis and Dallen Bentley are heading out, leaving big shoes to fill in the receiving corps.
The transfer portal has already been a revolving door. Utah picked up Braden Pegan from Utah State, who is basically expected to be the WR1 immediately. He’s got 6-foot-3 size and already knows the new offensive coordinator, Kevin McGiven.
However, it’s not all sunshine. Losing a top recruit like Salesi Moa to the portal before he even played a snap hurts. It’s the reality of modern college football—the score on the scoreboard is only half the battle. The other half is keeping your roster together in January.
Actionable Next Steps for Utes Fans
- Watch the Transfer Portal Deadline: The window for players to enter closes on January 16. Keep an eye on the defensive line depth, as Scalley is looking to beef up the trenches for the 2026 opener against Idaho.
- Mark Your Calendars: The 2026 season kicks off on September 3. If you're planning to travel, the September 12 game against Arkansas is the one to circle.
- Follow the New Coaching Hires: With Kevin McGiven taking over the offense and Inoke Breckterfield leading the defensive ends, the tactical identity of this team is evolving.
If you were wondering what's the score of the Utah football game, you now know it was a 44-22 masterclass. The Utes are 11-2, bowl champions, and currently retooling for what looks like another deep run in 2026. The Scalley era is off to a flyer, and the Big 12 is officially on notice.