Utah vs. Arizona State: What to Know About the Big Game This Week

Utah will face off against Arizona State this week in an exciting Big 12 matchup that fans won’t want to miss. Both teams have started strong with a 4-1 record, making this game a key moment in their season as they battle for position in the Big 12 standings.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Utah vs. Arizona State game: the teams’ current performance, key players, predictions, and how to watch.

Utah Coming Off a Bye Week

Utah’s football team has had time to regroup after a tough loss to Arizona in Week 5 at home. That game ended with a 23-10 loss for the Utes, despite them having a decent total yardage of 364. Unfortunately, turnovers hurt Utah’s chances to secure the win. However, they had a bye week in Week 6, which could give them the extra energy and preparation needed to face Arizona State.

The Utes will enter this game with a 4-1 record overall and a 1-1 record in the Big 12 conference. They’ll also look to make up for their loss to Arizona and get back on track with a strong performance.

One good piece of news for Utah fans is that the team’s starting quarterback, Cameron Rising, is expected to return this week after missing the last three games due to injury. His return could give Utah the boost it needs to overcome the Sun Devils.

Arizona State’s Strong Start

Arizona State has had a great season so far. Like Utah, the Sun Devils are also 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the Big 12. They are coming off an impressive 35-31 victory over Kansas in Week 6. Their offence shined during that game, with quarterback Sam Levitt throwing for four touchdowns while running back Cam Skattebo rushed for 182 yards and added a touchdown.

Before that, Arizona State had a tough loss to Texas Tech in Week 4. After their bye week in Week 5, the Sun Devils returned in strong form against Kansas and will be looking to keep that momentum against Utah.

Recent Matchups Between Utah and Arizona State

Historically, Arizona State has had the upper hand in this rivalry. The Sun Devils lead the all-time series between the two teams 22-12. However, recent years have been a different story. Utah has won six of the last ten matchups, including a dominant 55-3 victory in Salt Lake City last season.

That said, Arizona State will play this game at home in Tempe, Arizona, which could give them a slight advantage. The last time these two teams met in Arizona, the game was much closer, with Utah pulling out a narrow win.

Key Players to Watch

For Utah:

• Cameron Rising (QB): Rising’s return to the lineup could be the game-changer Utah needs. Before his injury, Rising was a key part of Utah’s offence, and fans will be eager to see how he performs after missing several games.
• Ja’Quinden Jackson (RB): Jackson has been a solid part of Utah’s ground game, and with Arizona State allowing over 150 rushing yards per game, he could have a big day.

For Arizona State:

• Sam Levitt (QB): Levitt has been outstanding for the Sun Devils, particularly in their win over Kansas, where he threw four touchdown passes. Utah’s defence will need to find a way to slow him down.
• Cam Skattebo (RB): Skattebo is coming off a massive 182-yard rushing performance, and he could be a crucial factor in Arizona State’s game plan against a tough Utah defence.

Game Details: How to Watch

The Utah vs. Arizona State game will be broadcast nationally so fans can catch all the action live. Here are the key details:

• Date: Friday, October 11, 2024
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. MT
• Location: Mountain America Stadium, Tempe, Arizona
• TV Channel: ESPN
• Livestream: ESPN app, ESPN+, Fubo (which offers a free trial)

Game Predictions and Betting Odds

Sports analysts are predicting a close game, but Utah is favoured to win. The odds are currently leaning towards Utah with a -4.5-point spread. The total points for the game (over/under) are 45.5, indicating a moderate-scoring game.

Here’s a closer look at the betting odds:

• Point Spread: Utah (-4.5)
• Over/Under: 45.5
• Moneyline: Utah (-190) | Arizona State (+150)

Prediction: Utah 24, Arizona State 21. Utah is expected to bounce back from their Week 5 loss with a strong performance on the road.

What’s at Stake?

Both teams have much on the line as they head into this game. With identical records, the winner will move to 5-1 and 2-1 in the Big 12, giving them a much stronger position as the season progresses. This game represents an opportunity for Utah to make up for their earlier loss to Arizona and keep their Big 12 title hopes alive.

For Arizona State, a win would solidify their status as a top contender in the Big 12. They’ve already shown they can compete with tough teams like Kansas and Mississippi State, and a victory over Utah would only add to their growing confidence.

Looking Ahead: Schedules for Both Teams

Utah’s Remaining Schedule:

• October 19: vs. TCU
• October 26: at Houston
• November 9: vs. BYU
• November 16: at Colorado
• November 23: vs. Iowa State
• November 29: vs. UCF

Utah has some big games, including matchups against TCU, BYU, and Iowa State. This makes their game against Arizona State even more crucial, as every win will matter in the tight Big 12 race.

Arizona State’s Remaining Schedule:

• October 19: at Cincinnati
• November 2: at Oklahoma State
• November 9: vs. UCF
• November 16: at Kansas State
• November 23: vs. BYU
• November 30: at Arizona

Arizona State’s schedule is just as challenging, with tough road games against Cincinnati and Kansas State and a season-ending rivalry game against Arizona. A win against Utah would set them up well for this challenging stretch of games.

Conclusion

This Utah vs. Arizona State game is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups of Week 7. With both teams fighting for position in the Big 12 and plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, fans are in for a treat. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action as these two teams battle it under the Friday night lights.

If you’re a fan of college football, this is a game you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re cheering for Utah or Arizona State, this matchup has all the makings of a thrilling, down-to-the-wire game that could have major implications for the rest of the season.