TEMPE, Ariz. – – Cam Skattebo ran for 158 yards and two touchdowns and Arizona State spoiled the return of Utah quarterback Cameron Rising with a 27-19 victory over the 16th-ranked Utes on Friday night.

The Sun Devils (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) lost quarterback Sam Leavitt for most of the second quarter but still found a way to pull off the biggest win of second-year coach Kenny Dillingham’s career.

Skattebo had a lot to do with it.

During a third-quarter run, Arizona State’s contact-seeking running back broke several tackles, put his hand down for balance and stiff-armed another tackler for a 50-yard touchdown run. Skattebo all but put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter, breaking a tackle and then outrunning the Utah defense for a 47-yard touchdown.

Leavitt threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jordyn Tyson before taking a hard hit in the second quarter. Jeff Sims, his replacement, completed the injury-inducing drive with a 2-yard TD run and Leavitt returned for the second half.

Arizona State is off to its best start since opening 5-1 in 2019.

Rising threw three interceptions after missing three games with a finger injury and the Utes (4-2, 1-2) spent most of the night failing to capitalize on opportunities in the Sun Devils’ end.

Rising threw an interception at Arizona State’s 9, Utah turned it over on downs early in the fourth quarter and the Utes had to settle for field goals on four more trips inside Arizona State’s 30. The last, by Cole Becker from 46 yards out in the fourth quarter, came after a pass-interference penalty against Money Parks nullified Mycah Pittman’s 12-yard touchdown catch.

Rising threw another interception late and finished 16 of 37 for 209 yards.

Micah Bernard carried Utah’s offense most of the night, running for 129 yards and a touchdown.

THE TAKEAWAY

Skattebo is one of the most versatile running backs in the country and seems to improve later in games. His tough play and improved defense could lead to Arizona State earning its first ranking since 2021. Utah will likely fall out of the AP Top 25 after its second straight loss.

NEXT

Utah: Hosts TCU this Saturday.

Arizona State: Next Saturday at Cincinnati.

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