{
  "id": 871961,
  "title": "Quarterbacks Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin teaming up to power Utah’s offense again",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/quarterbacks-devon-dampier-and-byrd-ficklin-teaming-up-to-power-utahs",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-14T13:10:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2026/08/14/quarterbacks-devon-dampier-and-byrd-ficklin-teaming-up-to-power-utahs-offense-again"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Utah’s offense will once again feature a two-quarterback setup with Devon Dampier starting and Byrd Ficklin serving as his backup, according to the Associated Press. Both players returned to the Utes for a second consecutive season and aim to build on their successful debut campaigns. Offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven plans to utilize both quarterbacks extensively, much like his predecessor Jason Beck did before moving to Michigan. Defenses had difficulty covering Dampier and Ficklin last season, contributing to the Utes’ top offense in several categories. Dampier played through a sports hernia but still managed to throw for 2,490 yards and 24 touchdowns, while Ficklin improved his passing skills and added more running yards. This competition between the two quarterbacks is beneficial, as it pushes both players to become more complete and versatile.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Utah will use a two-quarterback system with Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin.",
    "Both players returned for their second season and aim to improve on previous performances.",
    "Offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven plans to utilize both quarterbacks extensively."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The return of a two-quarterback setup likely means Utah's offense will remain dynamic and difficult for defenses to prepare for, with Dampier and Ficklin pushing each other to be more versatile.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Quarterbacks Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin teaming up to power Utah’s offense again",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/quarterbacks-devon-dampier-and-byrd-ficklin-teaming-up-to-power-utahs-906218",
        "published": "2026-08-14T20:42:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}