Arizona State Sinks No. 16 Utah Utes in Upset

© Rob Schumacher/The Republic/USA TODAY NETWORKviaImagnImages

The Arizona State Sun Devils (5-1, 2-1 Big 12 Conference) upset the No. 16 Utah Utes (4-2. 1-2 Big 12) 27-19 on Oct. 12 in Tempe, Ariz. The Sun Devils showcased that they are a legit team in the Big 12, and the Utes dropped their second straight game. Utes' quarterback Cam Rising returned but looked like a shell of the Rising that Utes fans were used to, and the Sun Devils came up with the major upset in front of their home crowd.

The monumental win for ASU could potentially launch the Sun Devils into the Associated Press Top 25 poll as they continue to surge in the Big 12. The Utes will likely drop significantly, leaving a plethora of questions about their QB situation and the rest of the season burning. Sun Devils' star running back Cam Skattebo led the charge for ASU with 158 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Game Summary

In the first quarter, the Utes struck first in the game with a 48-yard field goal from Cole Becker. Things started good for the Utes although Rising did not look healthy. The Sun Devils looked to respond to their early deficit, but quarterback Sam Leavitt threw an interception directly to Utes defensive lineman Junior Tafuna. The Utes' offense struggled to move the ball, resulting in a second field goal by Becker to put Utah up 6-0. The Sun Devils put on a good drive, finishing with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Leavitt to Jordyn Tyson. ASU missed the PAT, leaving the score tied. The Utes' offense couldn't find a way in the end zone, punting the ball as ASU took over to start the second quarter.

Leavitt and Skattebo had the Sun Devils humming, scoring another TD to start the second quarter. Once ASU was within two yards of the second score, quarterback Jeff Sims rushed it in as the Sun Devils led 13-6. Rising continued to struggle, throwing an interception to linebacker Caleb McCullough. The Sun Devils couldn't capitalize, punting the ball back to Utah. The Utes ended the half with another field goal, leaving the score 13-9.

The Sun Devils began the second half with another punt. Rising threw his second interception when Utah began their half, this time picked off by defensive back Keith Abney II. Besides costing the Utes a drive, the interception didn't do as much damage as it could have as the Sun Devils ended up punting once again. The Utes finally put a touchdown on the board behind running back Micah Bernard's 6-yard rush, putting the Utah back on top 16-13. However, this lead would be short-lived as ASU responded swiftly with a 50-yard TD from Skattebo.

The Utes started the fourth quarter by continuing their puzzling trend of not taking the points in field goal range and turning the ball over on downs. Had they kicked the field goal, they would have trailed 20-19. Instead, Utah was left with a 20-16 deficit. The Sun Devils matched Utah's aggression, going for it on fourth-and-1 but meeting a similar fate as the Utes, failing to convert. The Utes decided to take the field goal this time around, putting the score at 20-19. The Sun Devils essentially sealed the deal with another long rushing TD from Skattebo, and Rising threw his final interception to end the game. The Sun Devils would upset the Utes 27-19.

Arizona State Player of the Game

The player of the game for the Sun Devils was none other than Skattebo. The star RB has been phenomenal for ASU and he came up big when it mattered against the No. 16 team in the nation. His impressive game against a talented Utes' defense boosted his season totals to 773 yards rushing, 250 yards receiving and 8 rushing touchdowns.

What's Next?

For Arizona State, things are looking extremely bright. They will likely crack inside the AP Top 25 poll, putting the college football world on notice. The Sun Devils will face the Cincinnati Bearcats (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) on Oct. 19 in a game they will be heavily favored. A win in their next game will continue to push the Sun Devils further up the Big 12 standings.

For the Utes, a once-hopeful season has turned completely grim. Utah was once the favorite to win the conference, but with the health of Rising puzzling everyone, that no longer looks likely. Dropping two straight games to the Arizona schools has derailed their season, and the path to a Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff looks extremely narrow. This team will have to get right against TCU (3-3, 1-2 Big 12) on Oct. 19 and hope that Rising can be himself, and if he can't, turn to Isaac Wilson once again.