Instant takeaways from Utah's 27-19 loss to Arizona State

TEMPE, Ariz. – Utah football lost its second straight game, this time with a 27-19 loss to the Arizona State Sun Devils.

After a bye week, this was seen as an opportunity for the program to get back on track. Unfortunately, the problems seem to be increasing.

With its second conference loss, Utah's 2024 season is now at a crossroads.

Utah Football falls to Arizona State 27-19 at Sun Devil Stadium. #GoUtes #Big12FB #CFB https://t.co/yc7BWhbmvX

– KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 12, 2024

The excitement of Cam Rising's return evaporated before it even took hold

When quarterback Cam Rising led the offense onto the field for the game's first possession, it seemed like Utah had finally got it done.

Their star quarterback had actually returned to the field to lead Utah's offense once again. Considering what the offense looked like before his injury, there was plenty to be excited about.

Then, on the third play, Rising made a throw under duress. He was wrapped up and thrown to the ground with his leg pinned underneath him.

He got up from the field with a noticeable limp. After a few games the limp was still there. As Utah entered its second and third possessions, the limp continued. He was clearly disabled and limited in his abilities.

The throws always fell short of the target. He could maneuver in the pocket, but not much else. It was not possible to throw throws across the field at any speed.

Perhaps the most costly point for Utah tonight was the decision to keep him in the game. He looked like a shell of his former self.

The injury cost Utah its offensive balance

Unfortunately, Rising's injury had a major impact on the passing game. Continuously climbing to the left will result in short throws, missed throws off target, or without the required speed.

His problems were reflected in his statistics: 16 of 37 for 209 yards, 0 touchdowns and 3 interceptions

It also meant a much more aggressive ASU defense. This manifested itself in constant pressure on Rising and a loaded box against the run.

Utah ultimately had more success in both phases of the game, but it wasn't easy.

Missed tackles continue to plague Utah's defense

Missed tackles have been a problem all season, and tonight it reared its ugly head for the Utes.

Credit goes to Cam Skatteboo, he is an absolute unit at running back. His game is based on running hard and breaking tackles. However, Utah's tackling was absolutely terrible in this game.

Skatteboo sparked a 50-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter. On this play alone, he broke through on five tackle attempts.

It seems like a simple solution, the guys just need to play a more fundamental sound instead of chasing the big hit. But we are now six games into the season and it continues to be a problem.

Don't question Micah Bernard's heart

He has been the most consistent point of attack this season. Bernard runs as physically as he does dynamically. He was a source of explosive plays and tough distance gains.

Bernard broke the 100-yard mark on Utah's seventh possession of the third quarter. He also hit it into the end zone for Utah's first touchdown of the game on the same possession.

Bernard's status as an RB1 is hard to deny, but he's also now clearly Utah's best playmaker. He gave everything he could for the team tonight. Appreciate him and what he does for this team.

He finished the night with 129 rushing yards and a touchdown, as well as 61 receiving yards on five receptions. He gave it his all tonight.

They kept picking up the points until they made it in a completely surprising decision

Utah found some groove in the second half. They found ways to produce in both phases of the offense.

After the touchdown drive in the 3rd quarter, Utah got another good possession that put them in scoring position.

Utah faced a 4th-and-8 down to the ASU 20-yard line. It seemed like an easy decision to kick the field goal and make it a one-point game, 20-19.

Instead, Utah tried, getting well below the required yard line and turning the ball over on downs.

Had they made the field goal there, Utah would have taken a 22-19 lead on their next possession, which also ended in a field goal.

Utah's 2024 season is at a crossroads

Six games into the season and it's nowhere near the experience many expected for Utah. There's no denying it: With two conference losses, Utah's title hopes appear bleak.

The incessant injury problems caused one blow after another. It's been a painful experience so far.

Perhaps it is time to assess how much investment needs to be shifted into the future.

Coaches will certainly continue to make the “here and now” a priority, but is it the best decision for the program’s well-being in the years to come?

With Rising's ever-growing health and injury reports, it might be in everyone's best interest to hand the ball to true freshman Isaac Wilson.

That's a tough pill to swallow six games into the season, but many will start clamoring for it.

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts the Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to beat the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

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