Oct 103 min read

No. 16 Utah Utes Hope to Bounce Back Against Arizona State

The No. 16 Utah Utes (4-1, 1-1 Big 12 Conference) will travel to face the Arizona State Sun Devils (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) at 10:30 p.m. EST on Oct. 11 in Tempe, Ariz. Utah suffered a loss against the Arizona Wildcats (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) in its previous game, dropping the Utes from No. 10 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll to No. 16 after the bye week. The Sun Devils continue to impress as they aim for the upset.

What's at Stake?

For the Utes, there is a lot on the line. A second loss this early would make the path to the Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff challenging. Quarterback Cam Rising's status has not been confirmed yet, and Utes fans are concerned. If the Utes want to get back to their winning ways and make a run, they need to beat Arizona State with or without Rising. A loss against the Sun Devils would likely drop them out of the AP poll, giving Rising a mountain to climb if or when he comes back.

For the Sun Devils, a win against the Utes can launch them into the AP Top 25 and the conversation around Big 12 contenders. ASU was not imagined to be this good in Year 1 of the Big 12, but they have surpassed expectations so far. The Sun Devils want to prove they are not the same team as last year and beating a ranked Utah team would send that message.

Key Players: Arizona Sun Devils

The Sun Devils' early success is nothing to brush off. This team has some stars that could put ASU in a position to upset the Utes. On offense, running back Cam Skattebo has been turning heads all season. Skattebo boasts 619 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns and 209 yards receiving. The Utah defense is going to have its hands full trying to stop the rush, and if the Sun Devils get Skattebo going, it could be a long night for the Utes. On defense, defensive back Myles Rowser has given ASU a major boost. Rowser has totaled 40 tackles, 3 passes defended and a sack. If quarterback Isaac Wilson or Rising throws his way, Rowser could have a major impact on the tide of this game.

Key Players: Utah Utes

For the Utes, wide receiver Dorian Singer has hit his stride through the last few weeks. Whether Wilson or Rising plays, Singer should get a lot of targets. As a big play threat, if he reels in one deep shot, the whole game could flip upside down. His receptions have trended up in the last three games, breaking out on Sept. 28 in the 23-10 loss to Arizona with 155 yards. Although he hasn't caught a touchdown yet, that is likely to change soon. On defense, safety Tao Johnson continues to play well for the Utes. His tackling could be a factor against ASU, already tallying 20 solo tackles and an interception this season. If the Utes offense struggles and the defense is on the field longer, Johnson has to be ready to step up.

Trends to Watch

The Sun Devils are on the rise. They continue to play well and make the right plays. Their lone loss came against Texas Tech (5-1, 3-0 Big 12), who has also been playing some good ball in the Big 12. A win against Utah would put them in the conversation of the Big 12 contenders and all fans would have to take note. Standing at 4-1, ASU would likely be ranked, something experts did not expect. Utah is currently trending down after the loss against Arizona. The questions around Rising's health have lowered the hype around this team, and they need to get that momentum back. A win would put them back on track, and a loss could ultimately derail their season.