Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo had a standout performance, leading the Sun Devils to a stunning 27-19 upset victory over No. 16 Utah in Tempe, Arizona on Friday night. This marks a significant win for Arizona State, which was projected to finish last in the Big 12, while preseason favorites Utah have now suffered two consecutive losses, dropping their record to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in conference play.
Skattebo emerged as the star of the game, rushing for 158 yards and scoring two touchdowns in the second half, helping Arizona State overcome a third-quarter deficit. His impressive runs of 50 and 47 yards sparked excitement among the home crowd, and he also made a crucial 21-yard catch on ASU’s final touchdown drive.
On the other side, Utah running back Micah Bernard kept his team competitive with a solid performance, racking up 129 rushing yards and 61 receiving yards. Bernard scored Utah’s only touchdown on a short run, briefly giving the Utes a 16-13 lead. However, Skattebo’s subsequent touchdown run shifted momentum back to Arizona State for good. Utah’s defense struggled, missing multiple tackle opportunities, which became a recurring issue for the team.
Utah quarterback Cam Rising returned after being sidelined for several games, but he did not perform at his usual level. Rising faced difficulties after taking a hit early in the game, resulting in diminished effectiveness as he completed just 16 of 37 passes for 209 yards, with three costly interceptions. Two of those interceptions proved particularly damaging, halting scoring opportunities for the Utes.
The Utes’ red zone struggles continued, as they only managed to score on two out of four trips inside Arizona State’s 20-yard line, resulting in a mere 10 points. Utah’s inability to convert drives into touchdowns has been a theme in their recent performances, raising concerns as they prepare for their next game against TCU.
Overall, this loss puts the Utes’ hopes for a conference title and a potential College Football Playoff spot in jeopardy, highlighting the need for immediate improvements ahead of their upcoming matchups.