Arizona State football/ Utah vs. Arizona State/ Cam Skattebo highlights/ Big 12 upset/ college football 2024/ Newslooks/ TEMPE/ Ariz./ Arizona State defeated No. 16 Utah 27-19, led by Cam Skattebo’s powerful 156-yard, two-touchdown performance. Despite quarterback Sam Leavitt’s injury, the Sun Devils notched their biggest win under Coach Kenny Dillingham, whose energetic celebration with students capped off a historic night.
Arizona State Stuns Utah with Skattebo’s Dominant Run Game Quick Looks
- Skattebo’s Big Night: Running back Cam Skattebo totaled 156 rushing yards with two impressive touchdowns.
- Dillingham’s Celebration: Coach Kenny Dillingham joined students in a spirited on-field celebration.
- Utah’s Missed Opportunities: Utah struggled in the red zone, converting just one touchdown in seven attempts.
- Defensive Hero: Arizona State linebacker Caleb McCullough shined with 12 tackles and two interceptions.
- Quarterback Struggles: Utah’s Cameron Rising threw three interceptions in a challenging return from injury.
Skattebo Leads Arizona State Past Utah with 156 Yards, 2 Scores
Deep Look
Arizona State scored a monumental 27-19 upset over No. 16 Utah on Friday, propelled by running back Cam Skattebo’s unstoppable 156-yard, two-touchdown performance. Under the leadership of head coach Kenny Dillingham, who joined fans in an on-field celebration, the Sun Devils secured their biggest victory of the season and improved to 5-1.
The electric atmosphere at Arizona State’s home stadium surged as Dillingham, an Arizona State alum, enthusiastically celebrated with students in a joyous postgame mosh pit. “I was one of these guys!” he exclaimed before disappearing into the throng. The victory marked a significant milestone for Dillingham, whose first season saw a challenging 3-9 record largely due to injuries. Now, Arizona State has a clear path to success in the Big 12, thanks in part to Skattebo.
Skattebo was a force all night, punishing Utah’s defense with bruising runs. In the third quarter, he broke several tackles and maintained balance with a hand to the ground before stiff-arming his way to a 50-yard touchdown. He effectively sealed the game in the fourth quarter, shrugging off a tackle and outpacing the defense for a 47-yard score. Reflecting on the game, Skattebo said, “We beat the No. 16 team in the country. Who says we can’t beat anybody else?”
For Utah, it was a night of missed opportunities. Quarterback Cameron Rising returned after missing three games with a finger injury, but was visibly limited. He completed just 16 of 37 passes for 209 yards, threw three interceptions, and appeared hobbled by a first-quarter leg injury. Despite some strong drives, the Utes could only manage one touchdown in seven trips inside Arizona State’s 30-yard line. Their last scoring attempt came after a pass interference penalty nullified a touchdown, forcing Utah to settle for a Cole Becker 46-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham lamented the missed chances, stating, “As long as we continue to have our woes in the red zone, we may not win another game. That’s just how important it is.” Utah’s offensive struggles were somewhat offset by Micah Bernard, who rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown, but the team’s inability to capitalize in the red zone ultimately cost them.
Arizona State’s defense played a critical role in the victory. Senior linebacker Caleb McCullough recorded 12 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss, and snagged two interceptions, one of which sealed the game in the fourth quarter. “He’s a guy who was here through all the mess, through all the bad things that were happening,” Dillingham said. “For him to make that play is awesome.”
With this win, Arizona State now stands at 5-1, marking its best start since 2019. Skattebo’s consistent production and the Sun Devils’ resilient defense are creating momentum that could earn the team its first AP ranking since 2021. For Utah, this second consecutive loss will likely result in a drop from the Top 25.
Arizona State next faces Cincinnati, while Utah will look to bounce back against TCU.
