TEMPE, AZ — In a stunning turnaround from last year’s blowout loss, Arizona State football delivered a signature win on Friday night, toppling No. 16 Utah 27-19 at Mountain America Stadium. This victory propelled the Sun Devils to a 5-1 overall record, their best start since 2019, and established them as a legitimate contender in the Big 12.

The win was not only a statement about Arizona State’s rapid development under second-year head coach Kenny Dillingham, but also a decisive rejection of their preseason last-place projection in the Big 12. Arizona State entered the game as underdogs against Utah, the team picked to win the conference, but walked away with their first win over a ranked opponent under Dillingham’s leadership.

Arizona State’s Transformation from Underdog to Contender

Entering the 2024 season, few expected Arizona State to be competitive. The Sun Devils, who went 3-9 last year, were predicted to finish last in the Big 12 preseason media poll. But head coach Kenny Dillingham has consistently used that low expectation as motivation for his team.

Friday’s victory against Utah was a clear indication that the Sun Devils are exceeding expectations. Arizona State now stands at 5-1 overall and 2-1 in Big 12 play, a vast improvement from last season’s struggles. Dillingham emphasized the importance of staying grounded after the win but acknowledged how far his team has come.

“I’d love to say this win puts us on Utah’s level, but it doesn’t,” Dillingham said. “What it shows is that we’re moving in the right direction. It shows we’re doing things that are working, but it’s going to take time to build the consistency Utah has. We’re building a program, not just a team.”

The Ground Game and Defense Dominate Utah

Arizona State’s success in this game can largely be attributed to their dominance in the running game and their ability to force turnovers on defense. Senior running back Cameron Skattebo delivered a remarkable performance, carrying the ball 22 times for 158 yards and two critical touchdowns. Both of his touchdowns came in the second half, each a long, electrifying run that deflated Utah’s hopes of a comeback.

With Arizona State leading 20-16 late in the third quarter, Skattebo broke through the Utah defense for a 50-yard touchdown run, putting the Sun Devils ahead for good. Then, with 2:41 left in the game and ASU clinging to a slim one-point lead, Skattebo found another opening, this time racing 47 yards to the end zone to extend Arizona State’s lead to 27-19.

“Coach always tells us, ‘Big-time players make big-time plays,’” Skattebo said after the game. “I just tell him to give me the ball. On that last touchdown, I saw the hole, and I just trusted myself to make a play. That’s what we work for every day.”

While Skattebo and the offense grabbed headlines, it was Arizona State’s defense that truly sealed the win. Senior linebacker Caleb McCullough was a force on the field, leading the team with 12 tackles, including six solo tackles, and intercepting Utah quarterback Cam Rising twice. His second interception came late in the fourth quarter, effectively ending Utah’s final drive and securing the win for the Sun Devils.

Cam Rising Struggles as Arizona State Defense Shines

Utah’s seventh-year quarterback Cam Rising, returning from a month-long absence due to a finger injury, struggled to find his rhythm against an aggressive Arizona State defense. Rising completed only 16 of 37 passes for 209 yards and was intercepted three times, a critical factor in Utah’s inability to build momentum.

McCullough’s standout performance included a key interception late in the second quarter, stopping a promising Utah drive and keeping them out of the end zone. He picked off Rising again in the game’s final moments, securing ASU’s first win against a ranked opponent since 2019.

“Caleb’s been through a lot with this program,” Dillingham said of McCullough’s resilience. “He’s been here through the tough times, and he’s one of the few who stayed when things got rough. Tonight, he showed what that experience and commitment means. He was a leader out there.”

Sophomore cornerback Keith Abney also made a significant impact, intercepting Rising in the third quarter, which set up a critical Arizona State touchdown drive. Rising, who was expected to provide a spark for the Utes, was under constant pressure from ASU’s defensive line, with senior defensive tackle Jeff Clark and sophomore defensive tackle Zac Swanson combining for a sack that killed Utah’s final offensive push.

Quarterback Sam Leavitt Leads Balanced Offensive Attack

Although the Sun Devils’ defense played a major role, Arizona State’s offense, led by redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, was also impressive. Leavitt completed 11 of 18 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. He connected with redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jordyn Tyson for a 26-yard touchdown in the first quarter, tying the game at 6-6 after Utah had taken an early lead.

Leavitt’s mobility helped keep the Sun Devils’ offense on track. Although he briefly exited the game in the second quarter after taking a hard hit, senior quarterback Jeff Sims stepped in and scored a rushing touchdown in his absence, ensuring Arizona State maintained momentum.

Leavitt returned after halftime, showing poise and composure in leading the Sun Devils to victory. His play continues to evolve, providing Arizona State with a balanced offensive attack that complements their powerful running game.

Utah’s Missed Opportunities in the Red Zone

While Utah’s offense struggled to find the end zone, the Utes were able to move the ball, particularly on the ground. Senior running back Micah Bernard led the charge, rushing for 129 yards on 21 carries, including a six-yard touchdown that gave Utah a brief lead in the third quarter.

However, Utah’s inability to finish drives proved costly. They reached the red zone four times but settled for field goals on two of those trips. Arizona State’s defense tightened when it mattered most, and Utah’s missed chances became a defining aspect of the game.

“Our defense played lights-out, especially in the red zone,” Dillingham said. “We knew if we were going to beat Utah, we had to win the margins. We had to stop them when it counted, and we did that tonight.”

Looking Ahead: Arizona State’s Path Forward

With their impressive win over Utah, Arizona State now finds themselves in an unexpected position as potential contenders in the Big 12. Their 5-1 start is their best since 2019, and with two conference wins already under their belt, the Sun Devils are positioned to continue their upward trajectory.

“This win doesn’t mean we’ve arrived,” Dillingham cautioned. “But it does show that we’re building something special here. We’re growing every week, and we’re starting to see the results of all the hard work. But we have a long way to go.”

Arizona State will hit the road for a crucial matchup against Cincinnati in Week 8, while Utah looks to regroup as they host TCU in their next contest.