Cam Skattebo runs for 156 yards, Arizona State knocks off No. 16 Utah 27-19

 Cam Skattebo runs for 156 yards, Arizona State knocks off No. 16 Utah 27-19

Cam Skattebo runs for 156 yards, Arizona State knocks off No. 16 Utah 27-19

Cam Skattebo powered Arizona State to a 27-19 win over 16th-ranked Utah, spoiling the return of Utes quarterback Cameron Rising on Friday night in Tempe. Skattebo ran for 158 yards and two touchdowns, including two long, tackle-breaking scores in the second half that sealed the victory for the Sun Devils (5-1, 2-1 Big 12).


Despite losing starting quarterback Sam Leavitt for most of the second quarter, Arizona State rallied for their biggest win under second-year coach Kenny Dillingham. Leavitt had connected with Jordyn Tyson for a 26-yard touchdown before leaving the game, but backup Jeff Sims completed the drive with a 2-yard TD run. Leavitt returned for the second half.


Skattebo's third-quarter 50-yard touchdown run, where he shed multiple tackles and stiff-armed another defender, shifted momentum. He added a 47-yard scoring dash in the fourth quarter, putting the game out of reach.


Utah (4-2, 1-2) struggled offensively despite the return of Rising, who threw three interceptions after missing three games due to a finger injury. The Utes failed to capitalize on several red zone opportunities, settling for field goals on four trips inside Arizona State’s 30-yard line. Rising finished 16 of 37 for 209 yards, while running back Micah Bernard kept Utah in the game with 129 rushing yards and a touchdown.


Arizona State, off to its best start since 2019, may break into the national rankings, while Utah is likely to fall out of the AP Top 25 following their second consecutive loss.


Up Next:

- Utah: Hosts TCU next Saturday.

- Arizona State: Travels to Cincinnati next Saturday.