The Arizona desert was ablaze Friday night, not with the setting sun, but with the roar of jubilant fans as the Arizona State Sun Devils pulled off a stunning 27-19 upset against the No. 17 Utah Utes. This unexpected victory, a stark contrast to last season’s 55-3 drubbing at the hands of the Utes, signals a potential turning point for the Sun Devils and throws the Big 12 conference race wide open.
Initially, all signs pointed to a Utah victory. The return of star quarterback Cam Rising after a three-game injury hiatus had Utes fans optimistic. However, Rising appeared visibly hampered by what seemed to be a new injury sustained early in the game. His usually precise throws were off-target, and he finished the night 16-for-37 for 209 yards and three interceptions, a far cry from his usual dominance.
Meanwhile, the Sun Devils, picked to finish last in the Big 12 preseason poll, played with a fire and determination that belied their underdog status. Running back Cameron Skattebo, in a Herculean effort, tore through Utah’s defense for 158 yards on 22 carries, including two electrifying second-half touchdowns. His 50-yard sprint to the endzone late in the third quarter put the Sun Devils back in the lead, and his 47-yard rumble with just over two minutes remaining effectively sealed the upset.
“Big-time players make big-time plays,” Skattebo commented after the game, reflecting the confidence surging through the Sun Devils’ locker room.
This win, while significant, doesn’t erase the work ahead for the Sun Devils. Their head coach acknowledged as much, stating that while the win demonstrates the team is heading in the right direction, it’s just one step on a long journey.
For Utah, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow. The team struggled to find its offensive rhythm, settling for field goals on multiple trips to the red zone. Rising’s apparent injury woes will be a major concern going forward, as the Utes look to regain their footing in the conference.
The Sun Devils’ victory over the Utes is more than just an upset; it’s a statement. It highlights the unpredictable nature of college football and the potential for any team, on any given night, to rise to the occasion. As the Sun Devils bask in the glow of their triumph, the Utes are left to regroup and reassess. One thing is certain: the Big 12 just got a whole lot more interesting.
