Cam Skattebo has entered the Heisman Trophy conversation
Have a game, Cam Skattebo.
Arizona State's shifty, punishing running back exploded for two long touchdown runs in the second half to lift the Sun Devils to a stunning 27-19 upset of No. 16 Utah on Friday night. Yes, the same Utah team that beat ASU 55-3 last year and was picked to win the Big 12 this season.
Kenny Dillingham's program is now 5-1 and the biggest surprise of the 2024 college football season. And Skattebo is the centerpiece.
The 5-foot-11, 215-pound senior finished with 22 carries for 158 yards and touchdown runs of 50 and 47 yards. He also caught four passes for 41 yards and played on special teams.
“Coach Dillingham says big-time players may take big-time plays," Skattebo said after the game. "I tell him, like I tell you guys every week, I tell him to give me the ball every play."
Skattebo's first touchdown run was a study in balance. After busting through the line of scrimmage and breaking his third tackle, he nearly went to the ground before steadying himself with his left hand and exploding down the left sideline.
However many guys you think it takes to tackle Cam Skattebo... double it 💪#Big12FB | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/AA0zWJOQUx
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) October 12, 2024
His second touchdown run demoralized Utah's defense as he danced in the backfield then shot through the line untouched and outran the Utes' secondary to give Arizona State a 27-19 lead with 2:41 left in the game.
This is a great view of Skattebo's remarkable lateral quickness from Justin LaCertosa:
Cam Skattebo. Built different.
— Justin LaCertosa (@LaCertosaSports) October 12, 2024
47-yard touchdown to increase ASU’s lead to eight with just over two minutes to play.
156 rushing yards. 41 receiving yards. Two touchdowns. Special talent.@DevilsDigest | @camskattebo5 pic.twitter.com/zIJjA0wSMR
Skattebo entered the game sixth in the nation in rushing attempts (111) and yards (615). Friday's performance should vault him into the top four - and firmly into the Heisman Trophy conversation.
Beyond his running ability, Skattebo is also a skilled receiver (19 catches for 250 yards) and an integral member of the kickoff coverage team. He embodies Dillingham's message of selflessness and toughness.
"The culture we're trying to build here is you do things for other people," said Dillingham.
Nowhere is that more evident than his willingness to sacrifice his body on kickoff coverage.
"I know there's probably a lot of people that think we're crazy for putting him on kickoff," said Dillingham. "Well I'll tell you what, that kickoff play is going to get him drafted. Not just his ability to play football at running back, but when a scout and when a team sees a running back add versatility in more ways than just being a running back ... and they see his toughness, they see his competitive drive. All of that stuff adds up to help you get drafted."
More Arizona State vs. Utah analysis
Ben Sherman has been covering the sports world for most of his journalism career, including 17 years with The Oregonian/OregonLive. One of his favorite memories was covering the 1999 Fiesta Bowl - the first BCS National Championship Game - at Sun Devil Stadium.