Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (4) reacts after defeating Utah during an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. | Rick Scuteri
No. 16 has taken down No. 1 — at least in one sense.
Utah, the preseason favorite in the Big 12, lost 27-19 Friday night to the team projected to finish last in the league, Arizona State.
How did it happen? Here are three takeaways from No. 16 Utah’s second straight loss, one that drops the Utes to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in Big 12 action and puts their hope of a league title and College Football Playoff appearance on the ropes.
It was the Skattebo vs. Bernard show
Two bruising running backs starred in Tempe.
On the Utes’ side, it was Micah Bernard.
For the Sun Devils, it was Cam Skattebo.
Skattebo got the final say — he ran for 158 yards and two second-half touchdowns that helped Arizona State rally after falling behind in the third quarter.
His touchdown runs of 50 and 47 yards electrified the crowd, and his 21-yard over-the-shoulder catch on third down on ASU’s final touchdown drive just added to the lore of his unforgettable night.
Bernard, for his part, kept Utah in the game.
With Utah’s offense struggling to finish drives — a common theme — even with Cam Rising back on the field (more on that in a minute), Bernard was called upon time and again to help save the Utes.
He delivered with a 129-yard rushing night on a variety of tough runs, while also adding 61 receiving yards.
Bernard scored Utah’s only touchdown of the night, on a 6-yarder on third and goal when he followed his blockers to walk in untouched.
Utah running back Micah Bernard (2) reacts after scoring a touch down against Arizona State in the second half during an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. | Rick Scuteri
That briefly gave the Utes the lead back at…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-takeaways-no-16-utah-071604115.html
Author : Deseret News
Publish date : 2024-10-12 07:16:04
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