No. 18 Utah looks to rebound from lopsided loss and seeks fourth straight win over Arizona State
Arizona State wide receiver Elijhah Badger (2) scores a touchdown as he gets past Washington State defensive back Javan Robinson (23) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Tempe, Ariz. Credit: AP/Ross D. Franklin
Arizona State (2-6, 1-4 Pac-12) at No. 18 Utah (6-2, 3-2, No. 18 CFP), Saturday at 2 p.m. ET (Pac-12 Networks)
Line: Utah by 11 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: Arizona State leads 22-11.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Utah is seeking to get back on track after suffering a one-sided 35-6 loss to No. 6 Oregon. The Utes face a new challenge with Arizona State, a team on the rise that put together its first win over an FBS opponent this season with a 38-27 victory over Washington State. Utah has won three straight games against the Sun Devils dating back to 2018.
KEY MATCHUP
Arizona State has totaled 380 rushing yards over its last two games while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. The Sun Devils will face a Utah defense that is allowing 86.0 yards on the ground per game but has given up a combined 287 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns over the past two weeks against No. 24 USC and Oregon.
Arizona State defensive lineman Prince Dorbah (32) celebrates a defensive stop against Washington State with linebacker Travion Brown (82) and defensive lineman Clayton Smith (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Tempe, Ariz. Credit: AP/Ross D. Franklin
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Arizona State: Running back Cam Skattebo piled up 121 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries against Washington State – his second 100-yard game of the season. Skattebo helped the Sun Devils finish with a season-high 235 yards on the ground.
Utah: Defensive end Jonah Elliss will be out to make a statement after getting shut down by Oregon. Elliss did not record a tackle against the Ducks – the first time he hasn’t had one in a game this season. He leads the Pac-12 with 10 sacks.
FACTS & FIGURES
Utah quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Salt Lake City. Credit: AP/Rick Bowmer
Utah leads the Pac-12 and ranks second nationally in opponent third-down conversion percentage (27.3%). … Arizona State has held three consecutive opponents under 100 rushing yards for the first time since 2016. … Utes WR Money Parks has caught a pass in 19 straight games. Parks has tallied 227 yards and two touchdowns on 20 catches for Utah this season. … Sun Devils DB Jordan Clark is one of only eight Pac-12 cornerbacks with 150 coverage snaps to not allow a touchdown this season. … Utah safety Cole Bishop has made a team-high seven tackles on third downs. … Arizona State has allowed just 24 total plays over 20 yards this season, tied for 14th in the FBS. … Utah leads the Pac-12 in time of possession (34:02).
___
Get alerts on the latest AP Top 25 poll throughout the season. Sign up here
