STILLWATER, Okla. — Dorian Singer managed to keep hold of the ball in an impressive play.
Late in the first quarter, during a third-and-9 situation, Singer executed a crossing route, providing quarterback Isaac Wilson a target as Oklahoma State defenders closed in. Sensing the impending pressure, Wilson released the ball just before taking a hit. Despite Cowboy cornerback Korie Black wrapping around him, Singer caught the ball, securing it against his helmet and then his shoulder—his arm stretched behind his head—as he fell to the ground.
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Although the football’s nose touched the ground, officials ruled after review that Dorian Singer had maintained control while taking four steps and making a football move before his body hit the ground, thus overturning the original incomplete call to a catch.
According to NCAA rules, it doesn’t matter if the ball hits the ground after a player has secured control; as long as control is maintained, it’s classified as a catch.
Ultimately, Singer’s six-yard gain set up a fourth-and-3 from the Oklahoma State 32-yard line. This catch made it feasible for offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig to attempt the fourth down, leading to Wilson rolling out and connecting with a wide-open Money Parks for an 11-yard gain that kept the drive alive.
Though the drive concluded with two sacks of Wilson, Cole Becker successfully kicked a 43-yard field goal to tie the game at three, a crucial moment in the Utes’ eventual 22-19 victory over Oklahoma State. Without Singer’s exceptional catch, the Utes would not have scored during their first three drives of a game where points were hard to come by.
Singer’s six-yard completion was certainly a highlight of his career, but was it the most astonishing catch he’s made?
“Nah,” Singer replied after the game. “I’ve made plenty, and I can think of a couple off the top of my head.”
While we’ll have to take his word for it, his catch definitely had a significant impact in Utah’s win over No. 14 Oklahoma State. After limited action in the first two games of the season, where he recorded five receptions for 43 yards, Singer’s production surged against Utah State as Wilson made his first start.
The connection between Singer and Wilson was evident against the Cowboys, as Singer not only had his best game as a Ute, but also his best performance since 2022 at Arizona. After a tough stint at USC, he transferred to Utah and was named the team’s top wide receiver during preseason.
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham spoke highly of Singer, stating, “He’s an exceptional football player. He makes you go, ‘Wow,’ in practice, and that’s why we brought him here. He has one of the best sets of hands in our program’s history.”
Gradually, Singer is demonstrating why Whittingham was so eager to add this skilled wide receiver to the roster.
Nearly half of Wilson’s 207 passing yards came from Singer, who caught seven passes for 95 yards. He became a favored target for the rookie quarterback, especially during a stretch when Wilson completed nine out of ten passes, including four to Singer.
“He’s a young guy, but he plays like a vet,” Singer said of Wilson this week.
During their game, Singer and Wilson connected multiple times for key first downs, with gains of 25, 17, 14, and 13 yards. Singer’s ability to catch contested passes and gain yards after the catch was evident as he led the game with 48 yards after the catch. Despite some freshman errors from Wilson, including two interceptions, Singer proved to be a reliable option.
One of Singer’s standout plays came on a second-and-10 just outside the red zone in the third quarter. He beat his defender for a potential touchdown, but Wilson’s pass was underthrown, and Oklahoma State cornerback Kale Smith appeared poised for an interception. However, as Smith fell to the ground, Singer managed to make a play on the ball, keeping Utah’s drive alive, which ultimately ended in a missed field goal by Becker from 36 yards.
While he’s still awaiting his first touchdown as a Ute, Singer has consistently improved his performance and has become Wilson’s primary target in their two victories together.
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