No one expected much out of Arizona State football in Year Two of the Kenny Dillingham era.
And that’s not hyperbole. The Sun Devils were picked to finish last in the Big 12 after going 3-9 last season.
But six games into the season, the Sun Devils look like real contenders in a wide-open conference, especially after upsetting No. 16 Utah on Friday night to improve to 5-1. A year ago, Utah beat Arizona State 55-6. On Friday, the Sun Devils won 27-19 behind 158 rushing yards and two touchdowns from Cam Skattebo.
And so, Arizona State fans had a lot of reason to rush the field – and did – and amidst the chaos, Dillingham gave a postgame interview where the mix of emotions ranged from incensed to joyful to declarative to wildly happy. The Phoenix native and Arizona State alum was absolutely amped up after getting a signature win.
“He’s got a dog mentality,” Dillingham said of Skattebo. “… This team fights!”
Then: “We fought man! We competed! That’s what football is about! Competing!”
Indeed.
There’s two other highlights from the game worth seeing.
First, Arizona State’s kicker making a big tackle:
Arizona State’s kicker SMOKED Utah’s returner.
And then got in his face 👀pic.twitter.com/HsJLnRXW1u
— HALL of GOATS (@GOATS_hall) October 12, 2024
And Skattebo rumbling and stumbling and then sprinting for a touchdown:
50-YARD RUSHING TD FOR ARIZONA STATE 🔥
Sun Devils take the lead right back from Utah near the end of the 3Q! pic.twitter.com/wibbAxRakx
— ESPN (@espn) October 12, 2024
Arizona State deserves our attention.
