Utah vs. Cincinnati Recap: Dampier Throws 3 TDs as Utes Roll

Utah beat Cincinnati 49-25 on Saturday, and the game was decided before halftime. The Utes led 42-6 at the break, helped by two defensive touchdowns: a 51-yard fumble return by Rabbit Evans and a 39-yard interception return by Elijah Davis. Cincinnati won the second half 19-7 and finished with 456 yards, but Utah piled up 534, including 268 on the ground. Four DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game.

What cashed

ALT: Devon Dampier 2+ passing TDs (+100 at DraftKings): CASHED

• Our read: Dampier had thrown 2 or more touchdown passes in 9 of his last 10 games and 16 of his last 19. At even money, the price implied 50 percent while his recent games pointed closer to 82 percent.
• What happened: Dampier threw three touchdown passes: a 4-yarder to Hunter Andrews in the first quarter, a 3-yarder to Daniel Bray late in the second, and a 59-yard strike to Andrews in the third. That cleared the 1.5 line by 1.5.
• Worth watching: Plus money on a quarterback with this kind of recent touchdown rate is the type of price we look for. Utah also scored on the ground and on defense here, so his touchdown share is worth tracking week to week.

ALT: Devon Dampier 200+ passing yards (-188 at FanDuel): CASHED

• Our read: Dampier had cleared 200 passing yards in 9 of his last 10 games and 14 of his last 19. The best price implied about 65 percent against roughly 77 percent from recent games.
• What happened: He completed 22 of 29 passes for 260 yards, clearing the 199.5 line by 60.5. The 59-yard touchdown to Andrews did a lot of the work. He also ran 9 times for 45 yards.
• Worth watching: Dampier got past 200 on only 29 attempts, so efficiency carried the yardage. That gives the alt line room even when Utah leans on the run.

ALT: JC French IV 150+ passing yards (-260 at DraftKings): CASHED

• Our read: French had cleared 150 passing yards in 8 of his last 10 games and 18 of his last 20. The best price implied about 72 percent against roughly 81 percent from recent games.
• What happened: French completed 16 of 30 passes for 263 yards, clearing the 149.5 line by 113.5. Cincinnati trailed big early and kept throwing. He also scored on a 2-yard run in the fourth quarter.
• Worth watching: A low alt passing line holds up well when a team falls behind and has to throw. That game script is worth keeping in mind for French when Cincinnati is an underdog.

ALT: Cincinnati over 21.5 team points (-150 at FanDuel): CASHED

• Our read: Cincinnati had scored 22 or more in 8 of its last 10 and 7 of 8 at home, averaging 30.9 points over its last 10. With Utah -7 and a 56.5 total, the market implied about 24.8 for the Bearcats.
• What happened: Cincinnati scored 25, clearing the line by 3.5. The points came from two Stephen Rusnak field goals (47 and 39 yards), a 79-yard interception return by Jacob Finley, a 48-yard Cole Tabb run, and the French touchdown run.
• Worth watching: Cincinnati needed a defensive touchdown to get here, and two of its touchdowns were followed by failed two-point tries. A team total that leans on late scoring and defensive touchdowns is worth pricing with that in mind.

How the game played out

Utah scored on its first four offensive drives and converted 7 of 11 third downs. The Utes held the ball for 35:30 and committed just 3 penalties. Cincinnati made it more respectable after the half, scoring three touchdowns, but never got closer than 23 after the break.

Trends to watch

• Dampier has three touchdown passes and 260 yards on 29 throws. His efficiency makes both his yardage and touchdown lines worth a look.
• Utah ran for 268 yards on 42 carries, with touchdown runs from Wayshawn Parker and Daniel Bray. The ground game spreads the scoring around.
• French threw 30 times while trailing. When Cincinnati is behind, his passing volume rises.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. Brush up on player props and implied probability, or see the CFB hub.