Arizona State 27-19 Utah (Oct 11, 2024) Game Recap

TEMPE, Ariz. — — Kenny Dillingham screamed via an adrenaline-fueled interview and bought caught up in a pupil mosh pit.

The ocean of humanity enveloping him, the Arizona State coach and alum joined in, leaping and shouting with the scholars after Arizona State’s 27-19 victory over No. 16 Utah on Friday evening.

“I used to be one in every of these guys! I used to be doing this!” Dillingham stated, bouncing with the group earlier than disappearing.

A yr after struggling via an injury-plagued, 3-9 first season, Dillingham’s Solar Devils have already made their mark within the Huge 12.

Arizona State (5-1, 2-1 Huge 12) is off to its greatest begin since opening the 2019 season 5-1 and notched its greatest victory beneath Dillingham regardless of shedding quarterback Sam Leavitt for many of the second quarter.

Cam Skattebo had loads to do with it.

The bulldozing operating again punished the Utes all evening, ending with 158 yards and two touchdowns.

Within the third quarter, Skattebo broke a number of tackles, put his hand all the way down to hold his stability and stiff-armed one other tackler for a 50-yard landing run. Skattebo put the sport all however out of attain within the fourth quarter, breaking a deal with then outrunning Utah’s protection for a 47-yard landing sprint.

“We beat the No. 16 crew within the nation,” Skattebo stated. “Who says we won’t beat anyone else?”

The Utes (4-2, 1-2) had loads probabilities in quarterback Cameron Rising’s return from lacking three video games with a finger harm.

Rising was largely ineffective, restricted by the hand harm and a first-quarter leg harm that restricted him the remainder of the sport. The seventh-year senior threw three interceptions and completed 16 for 37 for 209 yards.

“These guys did an amazing job of getting open, however I wasn’t in a position to get them the ball and throw it correct,” Rising stated. “We simply weren’t in a position to transfer it due to that.”

Rising’s points have been solely a part of Utah’s issues.

The Utes spent many of the evening failing to capitalize, scoring one landing in seven journeys throughout Arizona State’s 30.

Rising threw an interception at Arizona State’s 9, Utah turned it over on downs early within the fourth quarter and the Utes needed to accept subject targets on 4 extra journeys inside Arizona State’s 30. The final, by Cole Becker from 46 yards within the fourth quarter, got here after a pass-interference penalty in opposition to Cash Parks negated Mycah Pittman’s 12-yard landing catch.

Micah Bernard carried Utah’s offense many of the evening, operating for 129 yards and a landing.

“So long as we proceed to have our woes within the crimson zone, we could not win one other sport,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham stated. “That is simply how vital it’s.”

McCullough’s evening

Caleb McCoullough entered his senior season having spent his total profession at Arizona State regardless of consecutive 3-9 seasons.

The linebacker had his greatest sport in opposition to Utah.

McCullough had 12 tackles — 1 1/2 for a loss — and snagged two interceptions, together with the sport clincher within the fourth quarter.

“He is a man who was right here via all of the mess, via all of the dangerous issues that have been occurring,” Dillingham stated. “He was one of many few guys who stayed and for him to make that play is superior.”

The takeaway

Skattebo has been one of many nation’s most versatile operating backs and appears to get higher later in video games. His arduous operating and an improved protection could result in Arizona State incomes its first rating since 2021. Utah will doubtless drop out of the AP High 25 after its second straight loss.

Up subsequent

Utah: Hosts TCU subsequent Saturday.

Arizona State: At Cincinnati subsequent Saturday.

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