Arizona State pulled off a major upset Friday night, defeating the 16th-ranked Utah Utes 27-19 in a game that marked the return of Utah quarterback Cameron Rising from injury. The Sun Devils, led by running back Cam Skattebo, secured their biggest win under second-year head coach Kenny Dillingham and improved their record in Big 12 play to 5-1 and 2-1. That win also gave Arizona State its best start to the season since 2019, a major accomplishment for a team that was ranked last in the conference in the preseason poll.

Skattebo played a crucial role in Arizona State’s success, rushing for 158 yards and two game-winning touchdowns. His performance was characterized by both strength and resilience, as he frequently broke tackles and created explosive plays. Skattebo’s tenacious running style helped him break off a 50-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and a 47-yard dash in the fourth, putting the game out of reach for Utah. Overall, Skattebo accumulated 199 all-purpose yards, showing why he is considered one of the most versatile running backs in the country.

Despite being without quarterback Sam Leavitt for most of the second quarter due to a hard hit, the Sun Devils found a way to prevail. Leavitt had already caught a 26-yard touchdown pass with wide receiver Jordyn Tyson before his injury, and backup quarterback Jeff Sims stepped in to keep the offense going, capping an injury-causing drive with a 2-yard touchdown -Run crowned. Leavitt returned in the second half and helped Arizona State win, showing similar resilience to his team.

For Utah, the evening was marked by missed opportunities and turnovers. Rising’s return after missing three games with a finger injury didn’t go as planned. He looked good in pregame warmups but struggled throughout the game, completing just 16 of 37 passes for 209 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. His injury appeared to affect his throwing ability, as many of his passes lacked the necessary speed and accuracy. Utah’s inability to capitalize on Arizona State territory further hurt their chances, as they had to settle for field goals on four different plays inside the Sun Devils’ 30-yard line. One such instance occurred after a penalty on Money Parks negated a 12-yard touchdown pass to Mycah Pittman.

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Utes running back Micah Bernard was one of the few bright spots for the Utes, leading the team’s offense for most of the evening. Bernard rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown and added 61 receiving yards on five catches. His physical and dynamic running style gave Utah a much-needed offensive boost, but wasn’t enough to overcome their mistakes and Arizona State’s staunch defense.

One of the most puzzling moments for Utah came in the fourth quarter when, trailing 20-16, the Utes opted to attempt a 4th-and-8 from Arizona State’s 20-yard line rather than a field goal goal that would have made it a one-point game. The decision backfired as Utah failed to convert and Arizona State took control from there.

This loss leaves Utah at a crossroads heading into the 2024 season. With a 4-2 record and two conference losses, their hopes of competing for a Big 12 title appear slim. The team struggled with a variety of injuries, including Rising’s, which hindered their progress.

Arizona State’s win, on the other hand, could help them achieve even greater success this season. Dillingham’s team has exceeded expectations and with a 5-1 record could land it in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2021. As Dillingham said after the game, “This team fights and they fight and they fight.” “A sentiment that epitomizes the Sun Devils’ season so far.