This Saturday the (2-1) #13 Utah Utes and the (1-2) Arizona State Sun Devils will match up in the fourth week of the 2022 college football season. Kick-off will be at 10:30 PM EST inside Sun Devil Stadium. Both these Pac-12 teams will be looking to make a statement, as this is their first conference game of the season.
The Utah Utes are coming into this one after taking down San Diego State Aztecs, 35-7. The Utes could do whatever they wanted on the offensive side of the field and their defense also showed up. They will be looking to carry that momentum over into this game.
The Arizona State Sun Devils are entering this one after falling to Eastern Michigan, 30-21. The Sun Devils struggled to move the ball consistently on offense and their defense couldn't stop the run. Their front seven has to be better if they want to avoid another crushing loss to Utah.
Utah has started this season strong, despite their loss to the Florida Gators. According to Sports Reference, they are scoring 44.7 points per game and they are averaging 482 total yards. This is the 15th most points scored per game and the 28th most yards averaged. They have shown that they can consistently move the ball up and down the field. They are led by Cameron Rising, as the Junior quarterback has been solid to begin the year. He has already thrown for 694 yards, 8 touchdowns, and only one interception. The Utes are also averaging 264 passing yards per game, which is the 43rd most in the nation. They will be looking to get the ball to Brant Kuithe, as he has been the leading receiver for Utah this season. He has already recorded 191 yards and three touchdowns. Utah will also look to keep the ball on the ground, as they are running for 218 yards per game, which is the 29th most. Tavion Thomas and the running backs for Utah are tough runners and they aren't afraid of contact. Thomas is averaging 4.4 yards per rush and he has already racked up four touchdowns.
On defense, the Utah Utes have held their own. They are allowing 14.4 points per game and 236.7 yards, as it isn't easy to move the ball on them. This is the 28th least amount of points given up per game and the ninth least amount of yards. Moving the ball has been a challenge for Utah's opponents this season. Especially against the pass, as the Utah secondary has continued to lock down their opponents. They are only surrendering 90 passing yards per game, which is the second least in the country. The Utes are also allowing 146.7 rushing yards per game, which is the 76th most. Their front seven has to show up in this one, as well. Last week Utah gave up 60 passing yards and 113 rushing yards. I would watch for Cole Bishop in this one. The sophomore safety has already recorded 13 solo tackles this season, which leads his te am.