Arizona State Upsets Utah, Utes Fall to 0-2: A Shocking Start to the Season
The Pac-12 South is already in chaos after a stunning upset in Salt Lake City. Arizona State, predicted to be a bottom-feeder in the conference, pulled off a shocking 34-21 victory over No. 18 Utah on Saturday. This loss drops Utah to 0-2 on the season, a jarring start for a program with high aspirations.
The Utes' Offense Stumbles Again: The same offensive woes that plagued Utah in their season opener against Florida reappeared in Week 2. Quarterback Cameron Rising, who threw for over 3,000 yards last season, looked shaky and inconsistent, failing to establish any rhythm against a surprisingly strong ASU defense.
ASU's Defense Shines: The Sun Devils' defense, led by coordinator Brian Ward, played with a ferocity and intensity that few expected. They swarmed the Utes' backfield, sacked Rising five times, and forced two turnovers. Their ability to shut down Utah's running game, a strength for the Utes, was instrumental in the upset victory.
The Emergence of Emory Jones: On the offensive side, Arizona State quarterback Emory Jones, a transfer from Florida, played a pivotal role. He completed 16 of 24 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, Jones showcased his mobility, escaping pressure and creating plays with his legs.
A Turning Point in the Pac-12 South: The implications of this upset extend far beyond the immediate results. The Pac-12 South was already considered a wide-open race, and this stunning victory throws the division into even more chaos.
The Road Ahead for Both Teams: Utah faces a tough road ahead, with upcoming games against Oregon State and at USC looming. This early 0-2 start puts immense pressure on the Utes to find their footing quickly if they want to contend for the conference title.
Arizona State, on the other hand, finds themselves riding a wave of momentum. Their defense has proven to be a force to be reckoned with, and the offense has shown potential under Jones. Their next matchup against Stanford presents a great opportunity to build on this unexpected victory.
Key Takeaways:
- Utah's offense is struggling: The Utes need to find a way to get their offense going if they want to turn their season around.
- Arizona State's defense is for real: The Sun Devils' defense is a legitimate threat in the Pac-12.
- The Pac-12 South is wide open: This upset proves that the division is up for grabs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Was this the biggest upset of the week? A: While it may not have been the most surprising upset on paper, it was certainly the most impactful result of the week, shaking up the Pac-12 South race.
Q: How did Arizona State's defense perform against Utah's running game? A: The Sun Devils' defense held Utah's running backs to just 121 yards rushing, a significant achievement considering the Utes' offensive identity.
Q: What is Utah's biggest challenge going forward? **A: ** The Utes need to find a way to regain consistency on offense, especially in the passing game.
Q: What is Arizona State's biggest opportunity moving forward? A: With their defense playing at a high level, the Sun Devils need to build on their offensive success and continue to exploit the talent of Emory Jones.
The 2023 Pac-12 season is just two weeks old, and it's already clear that nothing is certain. The Arizona State upset of Utah serves as a powerful reminder that anything can happen in college football. This chaotic start to the season could lead to a wild ride for both teams, with the potential for more surprises in store.
