No. 18 Utah Bounces Back with Dominant 55-3 Victory over Arizona State
Utah’s football team showcased an impressive comeback to secure a resounding 55-3 win against Arizona State. After suffering a devastating blowout loss to Oregon the previous week, the No. 18 Utes were determined to regain their energy and move past that defeat. Quarterback Bryson Barnes played a key role in their triumph, throwing for 161 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. Ja’Quinden Jackson also made a significant impact, rushing for 111 yards on 13 carries.
From the start, Utah adopted an up-tempo style of play, aiming to put the painful Oregon loss behind them. Barnes and his teammates exemplified resilience and focus as they quickly scored touchdowns on their first two drives. The Utes’ defense also showcased an exceptional performance, contributing to their historic feat of being the first team in a Pac-12 game since at least 2000 to gain over 500 yards while allowing less than 100.
Unfortunately, Jackson suffered an ankle injury while sprinting for a 54-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. This adds to Utah’s running back woes, as Micah Bernard and Chris Curry are already sidelined for the season. Despite these setbacks, the Utes displayed great depth and adaptability throughout the game.
The Utes’ victory keeps them in the race for a third consecutive Pac-12 championship, while Arizona State endures its worst defeat in Pac-12 history. The Sun Devils struggled offensively, unable to throw or run effectively and accumulating a mere 83 yards of total offense—second worst in their school’s history.
Utah’s dominance was further highlighted by their defensive prowess, successfully pressuring Arizona State’s quarterbacks and recording four sacks. Jonah Elliss stood out with two of those sacks, bringing his season total to an impressive 11.5.
Arizona State faced significant challenges on the offensive front, missing their top four offensive tackles. Starting quarterback Trenton Bourguet also sustained a leg injury early in the game, forcing former BYU quarterback Jacob Conover into action. However, his performance was lackluster, completing just five of 22 passes for 41 yards and an interception.
Utah’s victory against Arizona State marks their fourth consecutive win against the Sun Devils, creating a new milestone in their 34-game series. Coach Kyle Whittingham emphasized his team’s perseverance and commitment to their running game, which paved the way for their success.
In addition to Barnes and Jackson, other players contributed significantly to Utah’s dominant performance. Jaylon Glover added 64 rushing yards to the tally, while backup quarterback Nate Johnson showcased his skills with 79 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Utah’s ability to bounce back from their loss to Oregon is a testament to their determination and team spirit. They executed their game plan flawlessly, displaying crisp offense and suffocating defense that stifled Arizona State’s attempts to move the chains.
With their running game on full display, the Utes ran for an impressive 352 yards, surpassing their previous season-high of 317 yards against California. The offensive line played a crucial role in opening up running lanes for the running backs, allowing them to make impactful plays.
In conclusion, Utah’s dominant victory against Arizona State showcases their ability to rebound from adversity and maintain their status as a contender in the Pac-12 championship race. They demonstrated exceptional play on both sides of the ball while dealing with injuries to key players. Moving forward, the Utes will seek to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of success in the remainder of the season.
