Full Breakdown
Big 12 Players Shine in Week 1 Performances
9/3/2025, 3:22:44 PM
Dominant Performances by Rocco Becht and Devon Dampier
In the opening week of the college football season, two quarterbacks, Rocco Becht of Iowa State and Devon Dampier of Utah, earned significant recognition for their outstanding performances. Becht was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week after leading Iowa State to a commanding 55-7 victory over the South Dakota Coyotes. He completed 19 of 20 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns, achieving a remarkable 95% completion rate, which ties for the second-best single-game completion percentage in Big 12 history. His performance has also placed him in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy, with ESPN ranking him fifth on its “Heisman Five” list.
Meanwhile, Dampier, in his first start for Utah, also received co-Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors following a 43-10 win against UCLA. He completed 21 of 25 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 87 yards and an additional touchdown. This performance marked him as the first Utah quarterback to lead the team in both passing and rushing yards in a game since the 2023 season.
Special Teams Recognition for Kyle Konrardy
In addition to Becht's accolades, Iowa State kicker Kyle Konrardy was named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week. He achieved a school and Jack Trice Stadium record with a 63-yard field goal just before halftime, marking the second-longest field goal in Big 12 history and tying for the ninth longest in NCAA history. Konrardy finished the game perfect on field goals and extra points, contributing significantly to Iowa State's victory.
Impact of Offensive and Defensive Lines
Both teams' offensive lines played crucial roles in their respective victories. Utah's offensive line, recognized as the "Beef of the Week," allowed Dampier to remain clean in the pocket and paved the way for 286 rushing yards. The Utes scored on all six of their red zone possessions, showcasing their dominance in the trenches. On the defensive side, Utah's line limited UCLA to just 220 total yards and recorded four sacks, demonstrating a well-rounded team effort.
Official Statements & Responses
The Big 12 Conference highlighted the impressive performances of both Becht and Dampier, emphasizing their contributions to their teams' successes. Iowa State's head coach praised Becht's efficiency and ability to lead the offense, while Utah's coaching staff expressed excitement over Dampier's dual-threat capabilities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Dampier, a 2024 All-Mountain West first-team performer, gave fans a reason to dream after last season’s dismal 5-7 finish.” — Utah Announcement
What's Next
Looking ahead, Iowa State will face Iowa in the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series, while Utah will host the Cal Poly Mustangs in their home opener. Both teams aim to build on their successful starts to the season as they continue to compete in the Big 12 Conference.
