Wyoming
Takeaways From Utah’s Gritty Win Over Wyoming
Laramie, WY—Saturday’s 31-6 win at Wyoming highlighted both the flaws Utah must clean up and the strengths it can lean on moving forward.
For one half, Utah looked like a team searching for answers, undone by penalties and missed opportunities. For the other, the Utes looked like the Big 12 contender they aim to be, dominating both sides of the ball and controlling the line of scrimmage.
Utah’s win in Laramie wasn’t always pretty, but it was decisive. After a sloppy, penalty-filled first half, the Utes hit the gas in the second, burying Wyoming with physical defense and a run game that finally found its groove.
Couldn’t have gotten the W without this crowd backing us‼️🫶#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/o4lgR6H9x3
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 14, 2025
Utah’s First Half vs. Second Half
This was a fascinating game that seemed to provide two distinctly different halves of football. However, the only real difference was that Utah simply finished drives better in the second half. Here’s a rundown of how similar the two halves were:
In one half, Utah gained 267 yards, and in the other, they gained 274 yards.
In one half, Utah gained 155 rushing yards, and in the other, 156 rushing yards.
In one half, Utah threw for 112 yards, and in the other, 118 passing yards.
In one half, Utah averaged 6.7 yards per play, and in the other, they averaged 7.1 per play.
In one half, Utah was penalized six times for 63 yards, and in the other, four times for 35.
That’s how similar the two halves of football were from a production standpoint. The issue was the most important stat of any game: points. Utah only finished with 3 first-half points, and in the second half, scored 28.
#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/8nW05pkhDG
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 14, 2025
The first half was sloppy and undisciplined, marred by untimely penalties that stalled drives and left points on the field. In the second half, though penalty issues remained, Utah was determined to convert all scoring opportunities with touchdowns.
The defense was tough throughout most of the game. Wyoming did have a couple of extended drives, but only one ended in points. The secondary looked better, but there are still some things to address.
In general, Utah clearly needs to clean up its play. The penalties simply cannot continue at this same rate. It cost them points in the first half, and against better competition in the future, that will hurt them.
Questions still linger around Utah’s passing game
Through three games, Utah’s passing attack is a mixed bag. Devon Dampier is completing passes at a very high clip, 73% to be exact. However, the yards per attempt still sits right at 7.0 yards, which would be in the bottom half of the country.
The passing game has been a heavy dose of short throws, which has created enough production to preserve Utah’s offensive balance. Until the Utes generate explosive plays downfield, the passing game will remain the biggest question mark heading into Big 12 play.
Still, with emerging weapons like Ryan Davis and Dallen Bentley, there seem to be enough sureties to build with. The passing game is going to have to evolve, and that starts with Beck and Dampier, not the receivers.
.@Utah_Football starting to fire on ALL cylinders 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sd1Bb0Qc4i
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) September 14, 2025
Dallen Bentley’s emergence
The tight end position has been a hallmark of Utah’s offense in recent years. After the change in coordinator, many believed the tight end spot would fall by the wayside. However, Dallen Bentley had other plans.
Against Wyoming, Bentley hauled in 4-of-7 targets for 46 yards. That included the game-defining 3rd and 21 conversion, where he hauled in a pass down the sideline and trucked a defender to gain the final yard he needed to get the 1st down.
His involvement in the passing game is a promising sign. The 6-foot-5, 259-pounder is now up to 11 receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns, and seems to be emerging as a go-to target for Dampier.
Whittingham credited Bentley for the work he put in this offseason. Bentley gives Utah a reliable target in critical moments and reinforces the importance of the position at Utah.
Also, tight end Hunter Andrews quietly put together 106 total yards- 44 receiving, 62 rushing, and one touchdown on 11 total touches.
Run game explosiveness
Utah as a whole ran for 311 yards, which included two ball carriers eclipsing the 80-yard threshold, and two others running for at least 60 yards.
Dampier led the team with 86 yards on 13 carries, while Wayshawn Parker got to 80 yards on 10 carries. Hunter Andrews ran for 62 yards on six carries, and NaQuari Rogers totaled 60 yards on 13 carries.
😳 @WayshawnParker GOT UP‼️#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/Sr2g5LhaGr
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 14, 2025
A complement to the offensive line is the lack of negative run plays. Out of 45 total runs, Utah only had four run plays that gained 0 yards, and just two that went for a loss.
This is remarkable run game production and player involvement. Perhaps the biggest positive was the explosiveness Utah displayed in the run game.
Against a competitive, tough, and well-coached defense, the Utes finished with 12 big run plays (gains of at least 10 yards) that generated 193 rushing yards, both being season highs.
Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.
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The Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA) released a comprehensive study assessing the Wyoming coal value chain, including supply and demand, offshore exports, and the regulatory barriers and reforms needed to maintain a viable, long-term thermal coal market for Wyoming.
Commissioned by the Wyoming Energy Authority and prepared by Energy Ventures Analysis, Inc., and its subcontractors, the Energy Policy Network and WWC Engineering. The study evaluates current production levels, reserve availability, domestic and international demand outlooks, and the regulatory landscape affecting Wyoming coal. The report also examines offshore export potential and federal leasing and permitting processes that influence future Wyoming production.
Coal remains a cornerstone of Wyoming’s economy and a critical component of national energy security. Wyoming produces roughly forty percent of the nation’s thermal coal demand and continues to supply affordable, reliable fuel to power plants and industrial users across the country. The study provides updated data on production trends in the Powder River Basin and the Green River Basin, as well as long-range demand modeling under multiple policy and market scenarios.
The study highlights the evolving national conversation and the current administration’s support for grid reliability due to increased public power demand, industrial growth through reshoring of manufacturing and data centers, and the role dispatchable energy sources, such as coal and natural gas, play in maintaining power stability and affordability. It also evaluates federal coal leasing trends, mine reserve replacement, and the regulatory framework shaping future production.
In addition to domestic demand, the study reviews global coal markets and export opportunities. It assesses transportation logistics, port capacity, and cost competitiveness in Asian markets, where coal demand continues to influence global supply chains.
The Wyoming Coal Study reflects Wyoming’s continued commitment to responsible resource development, regulatory engagement, and long-term economic resilience.
The full 2026 Wyoming Coal Study is available at wyoenergy.org/reports.
The Bureau of Land Management Buffalo Field Office is notifying the public of the presence of actively burning coal seam fires in Northern Campbell and Eastern Sheridan Counties.
Although these fires may be visible from the surface and/or from a distance (county roads and highways), they do not always constitute a threat or lead to wildland fires.
Coal seam fires are typically smoldering at or below the surface, with little to no open flame.
They spread very slowly, even on windy days. Continuous reporting of these active coal seam fires can overwhelm 911 Dispatch Centers and Casper Interagency Dispatch Center, which can hamper response to actual emergencies.
If coal seam fires are observed, and are not actively spreading to surface wildland fuels, please do not contact 911 or Casper Interagency Dispatch.
If there is an active wildfire observed, it is appropriate to call it in.
Please be able to provide some basic information such as the location, estimated size, fuel it is burning is (grass/sage vs. Juniper or Timber), and if there’s any valuables at risk to include homes, energy infrastructure, livestock, etc.
If you have any questions pertaining to this, please feel free to contact BLM Wyoming State Office Public Affairs at BLM_WY_912@blm.gov or by phone at (307) 775-6328.
If you know of a coal seam fire on BLM administered lands and have not reported it to the BLM, please email the location information, including any collected GIS data, to BLM_WY_Buffalo_WYMail@blm.gov.
Active burning coal seams can create serious hazards for bystanders and responders:
POTENTIAL HAZARDS:
· Unstable ground – sloughing and potential surface collapse.
· Hot surface areas – ground temperatures may be high enough to burn skin or ignite vegetation.
· Hidden openings or fissures- cracks or vents releasing heat or smoke.
· Toxic or irritating gases – carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other gases may accumulate in low areas.
· Wildfire risk – surface ignition possible during dry conditions.
What should I do? –STAY ON DESIGNATED ROADS AND TRAILS:
· Follow all closures and posted warnings.
· Do not approach steaming ground, vents, or smoke.
· Keep children and pets close.
· Report spreading vegetation fires immediately.
Sheridan hosts the 2026 WAHL ‘B’ State February 27th, 28th and March 1st inside the M&M Center.
The Hawks are the #1 seed and get a first round bye in the 9-team tournament.
Friday, February 27th:
#9 Rock Springs vs. #8 Gillette – 9am
#7 Cheyenne vs. #2 Pinedale – 11am
#6 Casper vs. #3 Fremont County – 1pm
#5 Laramie vs. #4 Cody – 3pm
Rock Springs/Gillette winner vs. #1 Sheridan – 5pm
Rock Springs/Gillette loser vs. Cheyenne/Pinedale loser – 7pm LOSER OUT!
Saturday, February 28th:
Laramie/Cody loser vs. Friday 5pm loser – 8am LOSER OUT!
Friday 7pm winner vs. Casper/Fremont County loser – 10am LOSER OUT!
Cheyenne/Pinedale winner vs. Casper/Fremont County winner – Noon Semi-Finals
Laramie/Cody winner vs. Friday 5pm winner – 2pm Semi-Finals
8am winner vs. Noon loser – 6pm LOSER OUT!
10am winner vs. 2pm loser – 8pm LOSER OUT!
Sunday, March 1st:
Saturday 6pm winner vs. Saturday 8pm winner – 8am 3rd Place
Saturday Noon winner vs. Saturday 2pm winner – 10am Championship
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