No. 16 Utah Vs Arizona State: Game Day Preview Plus Score Prediction

Oct 11, 2024, 11:28 AM | Updated: 11:51 am

Utah football dark mode Cincinnati. PHOTO by Joel Davidson....

University of Utah Utes, College Football at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah on 9 28, 2024. (Photo: Joel A. Davidson / UteZone, 247Sports)

(Photo: Joel A. Davidson / UteZone, 247Sports)

BY STEVE BARTLE

Utah Insider

TEMPE, Arizona – Kyle Whittingham and his Utah football program have traveled south for a Friday night showdown with Kenny Dillingham’s Arizona State program.

The Sun Devils are much improved over last year. They’re 4-1 on the season and have proven to be pretty competitive. This is genuine progress the Sun Devils have made and this will be a tough test for the Utes.

Here are some final thoughts on the game and a score prediction on the game.

Utah vs Arizona State

Game Info

Location: Mountain America Stadium

TV: ESPN

Rado: AM 700

Records: No. 16 Utah, 4-1, 1-1; Arizona State, 4-1, 1-1

Last Week: Utah bye; Arizona State defeated Kansas, 35-31

Three Game Day Thoughts

1. Believe… it, when we see it.

𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐄 pic.twitter.com/S6IpTua2Ui

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 11, 2024

According to Action Network’s Brett McMurphy, Cam Rising is set to make his return and will start against Arizona State.

“Utah QB Cam Rising will start Friday at Arizona State, sources told Action Network. Rising hasn’t played since Sept. 7 vs. Baylor, when he injured the ring finger on his throwing hand, requiring stitches. Rising has missed Utah’s last 3 games.” – Brett McMurphy

According to multiple sources, Rising assumed nearly all of the practice reps since Tuesday, including yesterday’s final walkthrough before the team hit the road.

Despite the report, many won’t believe it until they see it. Typical indicators all point to his return, but fans are rightfully hesitant after the last couple of weeks.

2. A tough challenge, could be tougher

Kenny Dillingham made improving the run game a major point of focus this offseason. It’s paid off. Arizona State has a fantastic running back in Cam Skatteboo and a much more physical offensive line than last year. They also have a dual-threat quarterback that will demand the defense’s attention.

So, Utah will face one of the top rushing attacks in the Big 12 tonight. Utah will likely be without a few key contributors which will make the challenge even tougher. Limiting the run is still the top priority in this game and it will demand the best of this defensive unit.

Van Fillinger has to come up big tonight for the Utes. The Sun Devils have found a lot of success running off the right side of the line, Fillinger needs to be disciplined and stout.

Tomorrow’s matchup with Arizona State is an important one for Utah. Here are the three key factors in a win for the Utes. #GoUtes https://t.co/HJLYWMcjHC

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 10, 2024

3. Dorian Singer vs Keith Abney

Looking at the numbers, Abney has faired ok this season. He’s allowed 13-of-24 targets for completions, which has generated 202 yards and one touchdown. Abney doesn’t have an interception but has been credited with 4 pass breakups. He also has been flagged for defensive pass interference 4 times this season.

Dorian Singer has emerged as the top pass-catching option for the Utes. He’s totaled 26 receptions for 355 yards and has provided a big play presence on the outside. He’s also drawn 3 defensive pass interference penalties this season.

Singer should play a big role regardless of who is lined up across from him but Utah could look for this matchup specifically throughout the night.

Two Utah vs Arizona State Questions

1. Will Utah look rejuvenated or hungover?

There’s no denying the pain of Utah’s loss to Arizona two weeks ago. The fact that Utah went into a bye on a loss is not something coaches or players enjoyed.

To their credit, they acknowledged the lingering hangover effect of the loss. They also noted that they worked hard to shift focus forward to Arizona State.

Tonight will reveal whether Utah genuinely turned the page or the hangover of the Arizona loss lingered too much.

Sitting on a loss for two weeks isn’t fun for anyone- fans, coaches, players but Utah has been putting in the work to move forward. #GoUtes https://t.co/U7UgbYAsWj

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 9, 2024

2. What improvements does the Utah offense make?

The offense has not been up to par. They have put together drives and have been able to move the ball between the 20s fairly well. However, red zone offense has been a bit of a sore spot for the Utes this season.

Utah needs to do better offensively and it’s all about putting points on the board. Assuming Rising does indeed return, that should have a positive impact on the offense.

Rising possesses experience and leadership that can only be attained through playing time. His ability to manage games, make adjustments, and get the offense into advantageous situations is top-notch. That should benefit Utah all over the field but particularly in the red zone.

Arizona State will be without their green dot linebacker, Keyshaun Elliott, as well as their top pass rusher, Clayton Smith, for the first half. That should make a good offensive start for Utah a top priority.

Score Prediction for Utah vs Arizona State

The Utes will certainly be motivated for this one for several reasons. Given Utah is coming off of a bye, they should be refreshed. The defense needs another strong performance, while the offense needs to make improvements. Rising’s return could be just what this team needs to right the ship and build momentum for the stretch run.

Arizona State is a much tougher team than the one Utah demolished in Salt Lake City last year. This is a young team that is hungry for success. Kenny Dillingham is a fantastic young coach with the pieces in place to remain competitive through the rest of the season.

This will be a hard-fought game but Utah will do enough to leave Tempe with a win.

Utah 31, Arizona State 24