Utah Stumbles, Falls to ASU in Pac-12 Showdown
Utah's undefeated run came to an end Saturday as they dropped a tough 27-19 contest to Arizona State in a Pac-12 clash. The Utes, who entered the game with a perfect 4-0 record, found themselves outplayed by the Sun Devils, who snapped a two-game losing streak.
The game was a tight one throughout, with both teams trading blows. ASU's offense proved to be the difference, racking up over 400 yards of total offense. Utah's offense, which had been a scoring machine, was held in check, failing to find the endzone in the second half.
Utah's defense, known for its stinginess, gave up a season-high 27 points to the Sun Devils. The Utes struggled to contain ASU's quarterback, Emory Jones, who threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another. ASU's offense was also aided by the play of running back Deion Smith, who tallied over 100 yards rushing.
The loss is a setback for Utah, who were hoping to make a statement in the Pac-12 race. However, the Utes still have plenty of time to get back on track. They will look to bounce back next week against a tough Oregon State team.
Here are some key takeaways from the game:
- ASU's offense found its rhythm: After struggling in their previous two games, the Sun Devils were able to get their offense rolling against Utah. Jones and Smith were both effective, and the team found success both through the air and on the ground.
- Utah's offense sputtered: The Utes were unable to sustain drives consistently against ASU's defense. The lack of a running game hurt them, as they were forced to rely heavily on the passing game, which was not as effective as it has been in the past.
- The defense needs to tighten up: Utah's defense, which has been a strength all season, was not its usual self against ASU. The Sun Devils were able to move the ball effectively, and Utah was unable to get off the field on third down.
This loss serves as a reminder that there is still a long way to go in the Pac-12 season. The Utes will need to regroup and make adjustments if they want to remain in contention for the conference title. They'll need to improve their offensive efficiency and shore up their defense if they want to get back in the win column next week.
