Arizona State Stuns No. 16 Utah with a 27-19 Upset in Cam Rising’s Return
In a thrilling college football matchup, Arizona State pulled off a stunning 27-19 upset against No. 16 Utah on Friday night. This game was particularly notable as it marked the return of Utah's star quarterback, Cameron Rising, who had been out due to injury. However, his much-anticipated comeback didn’t unfold as expected, and Arizona State seized the opportunity to take down the highly-ranked Utes.
Arizona State, led by head coach Kenny Dillingham, improved to an impressive 5-1 overall and 2-1 in Big 12 play. This victory also stands as one of the most significant moments for the Sun Devils this season, marking their best start since 2019, especially given that they were picked to finish last in the preseason poll. The hero of the night was running back Cam Skattebo, who rushed for 158 yards and two crucial touchdowns, breaking open the game with massive runs of 50 and 47 yards in the second half. Skattebo's power, vision, and relentless effort propelled the Sun Devils to victory, showcasing why he's seen as one of the most dynamic backs in the country.
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The Sun Devils faced adversity when quarterback Sam Leavitt was briefly sidelined after a hard hit, but backup Jeff Sims stepped in, keeping the offense steady. Leavitt later returned and contributed significantly in the second half, guiding Arizona State to maintain their lead despite pressure from Utah.
For Utah, it was a night full of missed opportunities. Cameron Rising, who appeared sharp in pregame warmups, struggled to find his rhythm, completing only 16 of 37 passes for 209 yards and throwing three costly interceptions. His return from injury clearly impacted his throwing performance, and Utah failed to capitalize on multiple trips deep into Arizona State's territory, settling for field goals instead of touchdowns.
Despite a strong showing from Utah's running back Micah Bernard, who rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown, the Utes couldn’t overcome their mistakes. One particularly puzzling moment came in the fourth quarter, with Utah down 20-16. Instead of attempting a field goal to pull within one point, Utah opted to go for it on 4th and 8 from Arizona State's 20-yard line, failing to convert. That decision proved costly, as Arizona State maintained control for the rest of the game.
This loss leaves Utah at 4-2 overall, with their hopes for a Big 12 title looking uncertain. The Utes are battling numerous injuries, with Rising’s shaky return raising questions about his form for the remainder of the season. On the other hand, Arizona State's win not only gives them momentum but might also push them into the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2021, signaling their return to prominence under Dillingham’s leadership.
This game was a showcase of resilience for Arizona State, and as Dillingham put it best, “This team fights, and they fight, and they fight,” a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates their season so far. The Sun Devils' impressive win sets the stage for an exciting run as they aim for greater success in 2024.
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