Utah Edges Arizona 40-39 in Tucson

Devon Dampier's 70-yard touchdown pass with the final minutes lifted Utah past Arizona after a delayed trip to Tucson.

Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Football

Utah defeated Arizona 40-39 early Sunday in Tucson after a nationwide FAA ground stoppage delayed the Utes' travel and pushed kickoff back three hours. Devon Dampier threw two touchdown passes and rushed for two more, while Noah Fifita threw for 348 yards and three touchdowns for Arizona.

Why it matters

The win moves Utah to 10-0 overall and 7-0 in Big 12 play, while Arizona falls to 7-3 overall and 4-3 in conference action. The result shapes the conference race in the Big 12 as both teams head into the final stretch of the regular season.

Dampier accounted for nearly 300 yards of total offense and four touchdowns, while Fifita threw for 348 yards and three scores in a game decided by one point. The extraction does not report team rankings or playoff implications beyond the current records.

The players

Devon Dampier

Utah quarterback who threw two touchdown passes and rushed for two touchdowns in the win.

Noah Fifita

Arizona quarterback who threw for 348 yards and three touchdowns in the loss.

The details

Arizona took a 39-33 lead with just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter on a Fifita touchdown pass. Dampier answered with a 70-yard touchdown pass to put Utah ahead 40-39, and Utah took over on downs and got a first down to close out the game.

Friday, Nov. 13: FAA nationwide ground stoppage held Utah's travel.
Saturday, Nov. 14: Utah arrived in Tucson; kickoff moved from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 15, early morning: Utah defeated Arizona 40-39.

Season Trajectory

The win keeps Utah at the top of the Big 12 with a 7-0 conference record, while Arizona's 4-3 mark leaves it in the middle of the conference picture. Arizona's remaining schedule, including trips to Kansas State and a home game against Arizona State, will shape its position in the standings.

Utah's 40-39 win strengthens its standing as a Big 12 contender, while Arizona falls back in conference play. Fans tracking the conference race will need to follow Arizona's next two games at Kansas State and against Arizona State to see how the standings settle.

The takeaway

Close conference games can turn on a single late drive, and Utah's finish showed how quickly a one-point lead can change hands. Arizona's remaining schedule makes the next two weeks important for its conference position.