Andre Burakovsky snapped a third-period tie, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Utah Mammoth 3-1 on Monday night for coach Jeff Blashill’s first win with his new team. Chicago dropped its first three …
CHICAGO (AP) — Andre Burakovsky snapped a third-period tie, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Utah Mammoth 3-1 on Monday night for coach Jeff Blashill’s first win with his new team.
Chicago dropped its first three games despite being tied at 2 after the second period in each contest. It was outshot by Utah 23-14, but a wide-open Burakovsky beat Vitek Vanecek low on the stick side for the deciding power-play goal with 11:05 left.
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Ilya Mikheyev had two goals for the Blackhawks, including an empty-netter in the final seconds. Spencer Knight made 22 saves.
Blashill, 51, was hired by Chicago in May. It’s his second stint as a head coach in the NHL after he went 204-261-72 in seven seasons with Detroit.
JJ Peterka scored for Utah, which dropped two of three on its season-opening road trip. Vanecek finished with 11 stops.
The Mammoth played without defenseman Sean Durzi, who is expected to miss four weeks with an upper-body injury. Durzi had an assist during Saturday night’s 3-2 overtime win at Nashville.
Looking for the tying goal, Utah got a power-play opportunity when Connor Bedard was sent off for holding with 8:19 to go. But Chicago killed it off.
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Utah controlled the action in the second, outshooting Chicago 13-3 in the period. But the Blackhawks went in front when Mikheyev drove to the net and stuffed it in at 9:21 for his first goal of the season.
Peterka responded 1:02 into the third, tying it at 1 when he beat Knight from the side of the net. It was Peterka’s first goal since he was acquired in a June trade with Buffalo.
Blackhawks forward Jason Dickinson returned to the lineup after missing Saturday night’s 3-2 loss to Montreal with an upper-body injury. He skated with the team Monday morning and said he had bounced back quicker than he had expected.
Up next
Both teams play again Wednesday night. Utah has its home opener against Calgary, and Chicago visits St. Louis.
The 42-10 loss to the Utah Utes was humbling – Devon Dampier and the team’s rushing attack dominated the fabric of the game from the onset of the night. The offense and defense had no answers to Kyle …
The 42-10 loss to the Utah Utes was humbling – Devon Dampier and the team’s rushing attack dominated the fabric of the game from the onset of the night. The offense and defense had no answers to Kyle …
After big wins, are Colorado, Utah, and Kansas State about to get their seasons back on track? Predictions for every remaining 2025 Big 12 game.
Well, that’s more like it.
The Big 12 is what we all thought it would be, to a point. It’s about even from almost top to bottom, Texas Tech leading the pack, Oklahoma State in the basement, and everyone in between beating each other up.
Here are the Big 12 schedules and our picks for every remaining game.
Big 12 Season Outlook and Game-by-Game Predictions Before Week 8
Big 12 Season Calls and Predictions Going into Week 8 – @PeteFiutak
– Kansas and Kansas State both need the win against each other at the end of the month. The winner will likely get to six wins with a bowl game, the loser will struggle to get eligible.
– BYU vs Utah now sets the tone for the rest of the Big 12 season. BYU is battling every week, but it’s still undefeated. A loss, though, and things could crash with road games at Iowa State and Texas Tech next.
– If Utah really is back on track, it should go on a run with four of the next five games in Salt Lake City coming after the BYU showdown.
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Arizona Wildcats
2025 Record: 4-2 CFN Predicted Record: 6-6
Aug 30 Hawaii W 40-6 Sept 6 Weber State W 48-3 Sept 13 Kansas State W 23-17 Sept 20 OPEN DATE Sept 27 at Iowa State L 39-14 Oct 4 Oklahoma State W 41-13 Oct 11 BYU L 33-27 Oct 18 at Houston L Oct 25 OPEN DATE Nov 1 at Colorado L Nov 8 Kansas W Nov 15 at Cincinnati L Nov 22 Baylor W Nov 29 at Arizona State L
Missing: Kansas State, TCU, Texas Tech, UCF, Utah, West Virginia
Arizona State Sun Devils
2025 Record: 4-2 CFN Predicted Record: 9-3
Aug 30 Northern Arizona W 38-19 Sept 6 at Mississippi State L 24-20 Sept 13 Texas State W 34-15 Sept 20 at Baylor W 27-24 Sept 27 TCU W 27-24 Oct 4 OPEN DATE Oct 11 at Utah L 42-10 Oct 18 Texas Tech L Oct 25 Houston W Nov 1 at Iowa State W Nov 8 OPEN DATE Nov 15 West Virginia W Nov 22 at Colorado W Nov 29 Arizona W
Aug 30 Auburn L 38-24 Sept 6 at SMU W 48-45 Sept 13 Samford W 42-7 Sept 20 Arizona State L 27-24 Sept 27 at Oklahoma State W 45-27 Oct 4 Kansas State W 35-34 Oct 11 OPEN DATE Oct 18 at TCU L Oct 25 at Cincinnati W Nov 1 UCF W Nov 8 OPEN DATE Nov 15 Utah L Nov 22 at Arizona L Nov 29 Houston W
Missing: BYU, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas, Texas Tech, West Virginia
Aug 30 Portland State W 69-0 Sept 6 Stanford W 27-3 Sept 13 OPEN DATE Sept 20 at East Carolina W 34-13 Sept 27 at Colorado W 24-21 Oct 3 West Virginia W 38-24 Oct 11 at Arizona W 33-27 Oct 18 Utah L Oct 25 at Iowa State L Nov 1 OPEN DATE Nov 8 at Texas Tech L Nov 15 TCU W Nov 22 at Cincinnati L Nov 29 UCF W
Missing: Arizona State, Baylor, Houston, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State
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Cincinnati Bearcats
2025 Record: 5-1 CFN Predicted Record: 8-4
Aug 28 vs Nebraska (in Kansas City) L 20-17 Sept 6 Bowling Green W 34-20 Sept 13 Northwestern State W 70-0 Sept 20 OPEN DATE Sept 27 at Kansas W 37-34 Oct 4 Iowa State W 38-30 Oct 11 UCF W 20-11 Oct 18 at Oklahoma State W Oct 25 Baylor L Nov 1 at Utah L Nov 8 OPEN DATE Nov 15 Arizona W Nov 22 BYU W Nov 29 at TCU L
Missing: Arizona State, Colorado, Houston, Kansas State, Texas Tech, West Virginia
Colorado Buffaloes
2025 Record: 3-4 CFN Predicted Record: 4-8
Aug 30 Georgia Tech L 27-20 Sept 6 Delaware W 31-7 Sept 13 at Houston L 36-20 Sept 20 Wyoming W 37-20 Sept 27 BYU L 24-21 Oct 4 at TCU L 35-21 Oct 11 Iowa State W 24-17 Oct 18 OPEN DATE Oct 25 at Utah L Nov 1 Arizona W Nov 8 at West Virginia L Nov 15 OPEN DATE Nov 22 Arizona State L Nov 29 at Kansas State L
Aug 30 Stephen F Austin W 27-0 Sept 6 at Rice W 35-9 Sept 13 Colorado W 36-20 Sept 20 OPEN DATE Sept 27 at Oregon State W 27-24 Oct 4 Texas Tech L 35-11 Oct 11 at Oklahoma State W 39-17 Oct 18 Arizona L Oct 25 at Arizona State L Nov 1 West Virginia W Nov 8 at UCF L Nov 15 OPEN DATE Nov 22 TCU W Nov 29 at Baylor L
Aug 23 vs Kansas State (in Dublin) W 24-21 Aug 30 South Dakota W 55-7 Sept 6 Iowa W 16-13 Sept 13 at Arkansas State W 24-16 Sept 20 OPEN DATE Sept 27 Arizona W 39-14 Oct 4 at Cincinnati L 38-30 Oct 11 at Colorado L 24-17 Oct 18 OPEN DATE Oct 25 BYU W Nov 1 Arizona State L Nov 8 at TCU L Nov 15 OPEN DATE Nov 22 Kansas W Nov 29 at Oklahoma State W
Missing: Baylor, Houston, Texas Tech, UCF, Utah, West Virginia
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Kansas Jayhawks
2025 Record: 4-3 CFN Predicted Record: 6-6
Aug 23 Fresno State W 31-7 Aug 30 Wagner W 46-7 Sept 6 at Missouri L 42-31 Sept 13 OPEN DATE Sept 20 West Virginia W 41-10 Sept 27 Cincinnati L 37-34 Oct 4 at UCF W 27-20 Oct 11 at Texas Tech L 42-17 Oct 18 OPEN DATE Oct 25 Kansas State W Nov 1 Oklahoma State W Nov 8 at Arizona L Nov 15 OPEN DATE Nov 22 at Iowa State L Nov 29 Utah L
Aug 23 vs Iowa State (in Dublin) L 24-21 Aug 30 North Dakota W 38-35 Sept 6 Army L 24-21 Sept 13 at Arizona L 23-17 Sept 20 OPEN DATE Sept 27 UCF W 34-20 Oct 4 at Baylor L 35-34 Oct 11 TCU W 41-28 Oct 18 OPEN DATE Oct 25 at Kansas L Nov 1 Texas Tech W Nov 8 OPEN DATE Nov 15 at Oklahoma State W Nov 22 at Utah L Nov 29 Colorado W
Missing: Arizona State, BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, UCF, West Virginia
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Oklahoma State Cowboys
2025 Record: 1-5 CFN Predicted Record: 1-11
Aug 30 UT Martin W 27-7 Sept 6 at Oregon L 69-3 Sept 13 OPEN DATE Sept 20 Tulsa L 19-12 Sept 27 Baylor L 45-27 Oct 4 at Arizona L 41-13 Oct 11 Houston L 39-17 Oct 18 Cincinnati L Oct 25 at Texas Tech L Nov 1 at Kansas L Nov 8 OPEN DATE Nov 15 Kansas State L Nov 22 at UCF L Nov 29 Iowa State L
Missing: Arizona State, BYU, Colorado, TCU, Utah, West Virginia
TCU Horned Frogs
2025 Record: 4-2 CFN Predicted Record: 8-4
Sept 1 at North Carolina W 48-14 Sept 6 Abilene Christian W 42-21 Sept 13 OPEN DATE Sept 20 SMU W 35-24 Sept 27 at Arizona State L 27-24 Oct 4 Colorado W 35-21 Oct 11 at Kansas State L 41-28 Oct 18 Baylor W Oct 25 at West Virginia W Nov 1 OPEN DATE Nov 8 Iowa State W Nov 15 at BYU L Nov 22 at Houston L Nov 29 Cincinnati W
Aug 30 Arkansas-Pine Bluff W 67-7 Sept 6 Kent State W 62-14 Sept 13 Oregon State W 45-14 Sept 20 at Utah W 34-10 Sept 27 OPEN DATE Oct 4 at Houston W 35-11 Oct 11 Kansas W 42-17 Oct 18 at Arizona State W Oct 25 Oklahoma State W Nov 1 at Kansas State L Nov 8 BYU W Nov 15 UCF W Nov 22 OPEN DATE Nov 29 at West Virginia W
Aug 28 Jacksonville State W 17-10 Sept 6 North Carolina A&T W 68-7 Sept 13 OPEN DATE Sept 20 North Carolina W 34-9 Sept 27 at Kansas State L 34-20 Oct 4 Kansas L 27-20 Oct 11 at Cincinnati L 28-22 Oct 18 West Virginia W Oct 25 OPEN DATE Nov 1 at Baylor L Nov 8 Houston W Nov 15 at Texas Tech L Nov 22 Oklahoma State W Nov 29 at BYU L
Aug 30 at UCLA W 43-10 Sept 6 Cal Poly W 63-9 Sept 13 at Wyoming W 31-6 Sept 20 Texas Tech L 34-10 Sept 27 at West Virginia W 48-14 Oct 4 OPEN DATE Oct 11 Arizona State W 42-10 Oct 18 at BYU W Oct 25 Colorado W Nov 1 Cincinnati W Nov 8 OPEN DATE Nov 15 at Baylor W Nov 22 Kansas State W Nov 29 at Kansas W
Aug 30 Robert Morris W 45-3 Sept 6 at Ohio L 17-10 Sept 13 Pitt W 31-24 Sept 20 at Kansas L 41-10 Sept 27 Utah L 48-14 Oct 3 at BYU L 38-24 Oct 11 OPEN DATE Oct 18 at UCF L Oct 25 TCU L Nov 1 at Houston L Nov 8 Colorado W Nov 15 at Arizona State L Nov 22 OPEN DATE Nov 29 Texas Tech L
Missing: Arizona, Baylor, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas State, Oklahoma State
Two children are in critical condition after a family got stranded overnight after being reported missing while on a hike in a canyon in Utah, according to reports.
Two children are in critical condition after a family got stranded overnight after being reported missing while on a hike in a canyon in Utah, according to reports.
“Should be a great matchup,” Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said following the Utes win over Arizona State on Saturday. “I would say it’s shaping up to be a biggest event in the state of Utah, …
“Big Noon Kickoff” is coming to Provo this week.
BYU will host FOX’s premier college football pregame show beginning at 8 a.m. MDT Saturday, ahead of the highly anticipated BYU vs. Utah rivalry contest at 6 p.m.
This will be the second time the program has come to Utah this season. Three weeks ago the Utes and Salt Lake City played host to show before the Utes lost 34-10 to No. 7 Texas Tech on Sep. 20 in Rice-Eccles Stadium.
“Should be a great matchup,” Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said following the Utes win over Arizona State on Saturday. “I would say it’s shaping up to be a biggest event in the state of Utah, sporting event like it is most years.”
The “Big Noon Kickoff” pregame cast includes host Rob Stone, former Heisman Trophy winners Brady Quinn, Mark Ingram II and Matt Leinart.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Fox and Barstool personalities on the set of Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff before Utah plays Texas Tech in Salt Lake City, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy and former Utah head coach Urban Meyer are also on the show. The last time Portnoy was in town, he led anti-BYU chants with Ute fans and tried several local pizza joints in downtown Salt Lake City.
Both programs are coming into the matchup ranked inside the AP Top 25 — with BYU at No. 15 and the Utes at No. 23 — after their respective wins this weekend.
Note to readers •This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.
The next installment of the Holy War rivalry will also be a top-25 matchup between a pair of Big 12 contenders. Utah and BYU will head into next Saturday’s cont …
The next installment of the Holy War rivalry will also be a top-25 matchup between a pair of Big 12 contenders.
Utah and BYU will head into next Saturday’s contest as members of the Associated Press Top 25 poll after both came away victorious in Week 6, setting up a pivotal matchup in Provo, Utah, that’ll feature more than just bragging rights at stake.
Following their dominant win over Arizona State, the Utes earned a spot as the No. 23-ranked team in the country in the latest edition of the media poll that was released Sunday afternoon.
The Cougars, meanwhile, ascended three spots to No. 15 following their come-from-behind win on the road over Arizona, in which they overcame a double-digit deficit for a 33-27 double-overtime win in Tucson, Arizona.
Utah’s Week 7 contest didn’t include nearly as much drama, as the Utes pummeled the Sun Devils in the trenches to pull away for a 42-10 victory at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Devon Dampier had 120 of his team’s 276 rushing yards, gashing the Big 12’s No. 2 run defense all night, while Utah’s defense sacked backup quarterback Jeff Sims five times to hold Arizona State to just 259 total yards of offense.
Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) throws the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. / Rob Gray-Imagn Images
The Sun Devils, who didn’t have Sam Leavitt for that 32-point loss, dropped out of the poll after checking in at No. 21 last week. Iowa State, previously ranked No. 23, also fell out of the top 25 after its 24-17 setback to Colorado.
Texas Tech led the Big 12 pack as the No. 7-ranked team in the land. The Red Raiders improved to 6-0 over the weekend with a 42-17 triumph over Kansas.
The matchup at LaVell Edwards Stadium between Utah and BYU is set to be the only ranked matchup in the Big 12 on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. local time on Fox.
“Should be a great matchup,” Whittingham said of the BYU game. “I would say it’s shaping up to be the biggest event in the state of Utah, sporting event [wise], like it is most years.”
Here’s the rest of the AP Top 25 poll.
Ohio State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) [50 first-place votes]
Miami (5-0, 1-0 ACC) [13]
Indiana (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) [3]
Texas A&M (6-0, 3-0 SEC)
Ole Miss (6-0, 3-0 SEC)
Alabama (5-1, 3-0 SEC)
Texas Tech (6-0, 3-0 Big 12)
Oregon (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten)
Georgia (5-1, 3-1 SEC)
LSU (5-1, 2-1 SEC)
Tennessee (5-1, 2-1 SEC)
Georgia Tech (6-0, 3-0 ACC)
Notre Dame (4-2)
Oklahoma (5-1, 1-1 SEC)
BYU (6-0, 3-0 Big 12)
Missouri (5-1, 1-1 SEC)
Vanderbilt (5-1, 1-1 SEC)
Virginia (5-1, 3-0 ACC)
South Florida (5-1, 2-0 AAC)
USC (5-1, 3-1 Big Ten)
Texas (4-2, 1-1 SEC)
Memphis (6-0, 2-0 AAC)
Utah (5-1, 2-1 Big 12)
Cincinnati (5-1, 3-0 Big 12)
Nebraska (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten)
Dropped out
Florida State (No. 25), Iowa State (No. 22), Arizona State (No. 21), Illinois (No. 17), Michigan (No. 15)
Pregame analysis and predictions of the San José State Spartans vs. Utah State Aggies NCAAF game to be played on October 17, 2025 on ESPN.
San Jose State (2-4) at Utah State (3-3), Oct. 17 at 9 p.m. EDT.
How to watch: CBS Sports Network
Key stats
Utah State Offense
Overall: 423.0 yards per game (42nd in FBS)
Passing: 254.7 yards per game (50th)
Rushing: 168.3 yards per game (53rd)
Scoring: 34.7 points per game (37th)
Utah State Defense
Overall: 435.2 yards per game (123rd in FBS)
Passing: 257.2 yards per game (121st)
Rushing: 178.0 yards per game (112th)
Scoring: 32.7 points per game (125th)
San Jose State Offense
Overall: 411.7 yards per game (53rd in FBS)
Passing: 310.8 yards per game (9th)
Rushing: 100.8 yards per game (122nd)
Scoring: 24.0 points per game (96th)
San Jose State Defense
Overall: 420.2 yards per game (116th in FBS)
Passing: 292.7 yards per game (132nd)
Rushing: 127.5 yards per game (49th)
Scoring: 29.2 points per game (102nd)
Utah State ranks 131st in third down percentage, converting 28.8% of the time. San Jose State ranks 36th on defense, allowing its opponents to convert at 33.3%.
Utah State ranks 132nd in FBS in red zone defense, allowing opponents to score on 96.0% of trips.
Utah State ranks 123rd in the FBS with an average time of possession of 27:01.
Rushing: Jabari Bates, 192 yards on 27 carries, 2 TDs
Receiving: Danny Scudero, 851 yards on 50 catches, 8 TDs
Last game
Utah State lost 44-26 to Hawaii on Sunday, Oct. 12. Barnes led Utah State with 175 yards on 14-of-26 passing (53.8%) for one touchdown and one interception. He also carried the ball 12 times for 64 yards. Davis had 102 rushing yards on 15 carries and one touchdown, adding three receptions for 12 yards. Pegan had three receptions for 84 yards.
San Jose State fell to Wyoming 35-28 on Saturday, Oct. 11. Eget threw for 295 yards on 23-of-37 attempts (62.2%) with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Lamar Radcliffe carried the ball seven times for 29 yards. Scudero recorded 180 yards on 10 catches with four touchdowns.
Next game
Utah State plays at New Mexico on Oct. 25. San Jose State hosts Hawaii on Nov. 1.
That was ugly. There is no other way to put ASU’s 10 to 42 loss to the Utah Utes. Now, credit to Utah, it was a game that they completely dominated from start t …
That was ugly. There is no other way to put ASU’s 10 to 42 loss to the Utah Utes. Now, credit to Utah, it was a game that they completely dominated from start to finish. Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham did a great job and his team, but there are reasons why ASU fans should be concerned.
Sep 27, 2025; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham talks to several officials during the third quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images / Ben Queen-Imagn Images
Brian Ward’s unit had their worst game of the season by far as they allowed over 42 points. It was the first time this season that they allowed 30-plus points in a game. Now, Utah started the game hot as they had 21 points. However, ASU’s bend but don’t break defense that was prevalent in the Big 12 wins they had this season, against Baylor and TCU, was not present as Utah continued to produce points.
Defensive coordinator Brian Ward instructs his players during ASU fall camp practice on Aug. 2, 2024, at Verde Dickey Dome in Tempe. / Cheryl Evans/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
One of the elements that stood out the most was the bad tackling on display. Utah had so many runs that were extended due to ASU’s poor tackling angles and pursuit. This was especially prevalent with Quarterback Devon Dampier, who looked like the Baltimore Ravens‘ Lamar Jackson on the field with how well he was able to run the ball at the quarterback position.
Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) runs the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images / Rob Gray-Imagn Images
This is especially concerning, especially since ASU is coming off of their bye week, a week of preparation and rest. For the defense to look this sloppy is a huge concern moving forward. Brian Ward’s unit simply did not play well and it is something that they need to fix, especially with a great offense in Texas Tech next week.
Another reason that Dampier was able to run so well was because of ASU’s lack of line play. Going to this game, ASU had a big challenge, to face Utah’s amazing line and they struggled.
Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes offensive lineman Spencer Fano (55) celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the third quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images / Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Devon Dampier did not get sacked once and he had plenty of time back in the pocket. On the opposite side, ASU’s Jeff Sims was under pressure pretty constantly throughout the game. ASU’s line play has been good so far outside of this game, but the concern starts with the fact that their next opponent, the Texas Tech Red Raiders, is great in the trenches.
When it was known that Jeff Sims was going to start, it was said by ASU’s coaching staff that the game plan was not going to change from what they had with Sam Leavitt. Now, Sims was not bad in this game, but the game plan should have been changed with Sims starting. A lot of the passing plays were longer developing, which is just not Sims’s strength.
Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes safety Tao Johnson (5) pressures Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (2) during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images / Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Sims has talent, and it was good for ASU to go deep on the first play or two to show that Marcus Arroyo had confidence in Sims. However, as the game went on, the team should have focused on the middle and short areas of the field.
If Sam Leavitt were starting, there is a high chance that ASU would not win. However, if Sims is starting next week against Texas Tech, then Arroyo needs to change the playbook.
Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo answers questions during media day for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. / Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
This game was bad; there are no positives about it. However, this is a big rebounding point for ASU. Coach Dillingham has established a strong culture and it will be up to him and the rest of the team to hopefully get back on track this season. So, even though things look dire, there is hope.
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Arizona State traveled to Salt Lake City and had to play Utah without starting quarterback Sam Leavitt. It did not go well.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Arizona State Sun Devils returned to Rice-Eccles Stadium, where they have had forgettable games against Utah in recent years. Now another can be added to the list of those, as the No. 21 Sun Devils were manhandled by the Utes 42-10 in Big 12 play on a cold and wet night.
It marks the fifth time in six years ASU has lost to Utah, with three of those coming on the road.
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“I feel like this is deja vu.” Arizona State coach Keny Dillingham said, referring to the last time his team was in the same venue and lost 55-3. That was in 2023. This one wasn’t quite that bad, but it was close.
Senior quarterback Jeff Sims got the call for the injured Sam Leavitt, who made the trip but had his right foot in a walking boot. Junior running back Kyson Brown was listed as questionable but did not play. He aggravated the ankle injury suffered at Mississippi State. They were among half a dozen key players who were missing.
What went wrong
Special teams faltered: Jesus Gomez has been solid as a placekicker, but he had a 29-yard field goal attempt in the first half blocked. The snap was well off the mark, which interrupted the timing of the play. That miscue spelled the end of a drive that took 8 minutes. There was also a bad snap on a punt attempt by Matthew McKenzie in the third quarter, although he was able to get the kick off. Kanyon Floyd was unable to punt due to a quad injury, leaving the inexperienced McKenzie to hold down that job.
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Run defense was not up to par: ASU entered the game ranked second in the Big 12 and eighth among all FBS teams, allowing just 78.2 yards per game on the ground. The Utes ended up running for 276 yards, with 183 of that in the first half. The Sun Devils had a particularly difficult time containing Utah quarterback Devon Dampier, who had 120 yards and three touchdowns in the game, despite not playing much of the fourth quarter. He is the first Utah quarterback to rush for 100 yards in a game since Travis Wilson did so against Oregon in 2015.
Offensive line struggled: A change was made this week with Wade Helton going in at center and Ben Coleman returning to right guard, the position he played last season. Helton had worked some there late in fall camp, but ASU opted to go with Coleman there to start the season. Coleman was injured with 4:02 left in the first and did not return. He was replaced by Jimeto Obigbo, who was called for holding on his first play in the game. The Sun Devils ended up settling for a field goal on that possession. Obigbo was also called for a false start in the third quarter. LT Josh Atkins was called for a holding in the second quarter, and RT Max Iheanachor was called for another, although Utah took the play rather than having the penalty marched off because it resulted in a fourth down.
A bad start: We have seen this in many games this season: down 17-0 in the first half at Mississippi State, and down 17-0 in their last outing against TCU. The Sun Devils were down early again, trailing Utah 21-3 at the half. It didn’t get any better. Utah got the first score in the third quarter to lead 28-3. There was no coming back from that.
Pass rush nonexistent: The Sun Devils had come in with 11 sacks in the previous two games, with the pass rush one of the more improved areas of the team. The front group was facing a formidable challenge, though, with Utah boasting two of the top offensive linemen in the country, Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu. ASU did not manage even one sack and was dominated in the trenches. ASU had only one tackle for a loss after managing 13 in its last game.
What went right
Nothing: Rarely is there a game where there isn’t one thing that can be singled out as a bright spot, but that was indeed the case here.
Arizona State Sun Devils running back Raleek Brown (3) runs against Utah Utes cornerback Smith Snowden (2) and linebacker Johnathan Hall (7) during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, on Oct. 11, 2025.
Personnel
QB Sam Leavitt, RB Kyson Brown, LB Zyrus Fiaseu, and S Xavion Alford were the most notable players who did not see action due to injuries. Sims got his first start of the season in place of Leavitt, while Adrian “Boogie” Wilson continued occupying Alford’s spot . . . True freshman TE A.J. Ia had his first career catch, which went for 10 yards in the second half.
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Grades
Offense (F): The Sun Devils managed 259 yards, well under the 423 they had been averaging. Sims was only 18-for-38 for 124 yards, but did run for 52 yards, and that included sack yardage losses. Raleek Brown was held to 67 on 14 carries. The normally dangerous Jordyn Tyson was held to 40 yards on eight catches despite being targeted 16 times and was a non-factor. The offensive line had a lot of issues (see above).
Defense (D): The defense came in, giving up an average of 78.2 on the ground and 248 through the air. In this game, the Sun Devils gave up 276 yards on the ground and 136 passing for a total of 412 yards. Dillingham also noted how poorly his team tackled, something that had not been a problem previously. Wilson and LB Keyshaun Elliott each had seven tackles while Myles Rowser had six. There were no takeaways or sacks, and just one tackle for a loss.
Special teams (D+): Gomez made a field goal from 38 yards and had one from 29 yards out blocked after a bad snap. McKenzie averaged 41 yards on three punts, none downed inside the 20. The Sun Devils allowed a 24-yard kickoff return. Jaren Hamilton had a kick return for 23 yards, which was a positive.
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They said it
“We trust those boys up front. That front five, I trust those guys over anybody. We take whatever that defense gives us, and our run game was moving. We were moving the ball efficiently and stuck to it.” — Utah quarterback Devon Dampier on the run game
“They got us physicality-wise. They outphysicaled us. We were thinking too much. Once you start doing that too much, that throws you off your game. They got us tonight. We have to go back to the drawing board and get back to the process.” — Arizona State defensive tackle C.J. Fite
“They beat us as a whole program. They just beat us top to bottom. The best part of football, it’s it’s only worth one. They don’t add up the scores at the end of the year and say, `What was your total score? They just put one L. Now we have to let them beat us twice.” — ASU coach Kenny Dillingham on getting beat and trying to bounce back
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Next up
The Sun Devils return home for an Oct. 18 matchup against No. 9 Texas Tech (6-0, 3-0), which defeated Kansas 42-17.
Four teams started the night tied at the top of the Big 12 with 2-0 records, but it is the Red Raiders who have steamrolled the competition. Texas Tech has outscored its six opponents 285-73. Included in that tally was a 34-10 win over Utah.
The music video for his breakthrough hit “ Beautiful Things ‚” which has over 800 million views on YouTube, was filmed in St. George. The singer also filmed the music video for the song “ Mr. Electric …
Update: This story was published earlier in the day, before weather conditions affected Post Malone’s show at RedWest Fest. On Saturday at 9:40 p.m., the festival announced that Post Malone’s show was canceled.
“For the safety of our fans, artists, and staff, we are unable to continue with today’s programming,” the festival shared in a statement on Instagram. “Conditions at the festival site are currently unsafe to proceed. We’re truly sorry and appreciate your patience and understanding. Please stay tuned to our social channels and check your email for further updates and next steps.”
It’s a big night for music in Salt Lake City.
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On Saturday, Benson Boone wraps up the North American leg of his “American Heart” tour with his third and final sold-out show at the Delta Center — the only venue on his massive tour where he’s playing three times.
At the same time, a little over a mile to the west at the Utah State Fairpark, another superstar with strong Utah ties is headlining the RedWest country music festival: Post Malone.
Boone and Malone, who both call Utah home at least part-time, are two of the biggest superstars based in the Beehive State.
Here’s a look at their ties to Utah — and what to expect from their Saturday night shows.
Benson Boone’s 3-night stint in Salt Lake City
Boone’s world tour sold out in a staggering nine seconds, but the demand was extra high in Salt Lake City.
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The extra love the “Beautiful Things” singer is showing his Utah fans is fitting, as the state has played a meaningful part in his rapid rise to fame.
The music video for his breakthrough hit “Beautiful Things‚” which has over 800 million views on YouTube, was filmed in St. George. The singer also filmed the music video for the song “Mr. Electric Blue,” from his second album, in Utah, as the Deseret News reported.
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Although he grew up in Washington state, a recent profile in Rolling Stone magazine notes that Boone has a home about 30 minutes south of Salt Lake City, in “a sharp-angled, industrial-gray luxury fortress with towering windows atop a cliff” that overlooks Utah Lake.
The Grammy-nominated artist has attended a few Utah Jazz games, rubbing shoulders with the Jazz Bear at the Delta Center.
Benson Boone performs during the first weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club on Friday, April 11, 2025, in Indio, Calif. | Amy Harris
Now, he is concluding his North American “American Heart” tour at that same venue.
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And the thousands and thousands of fans at the Delta Center are cheering him on — loudly.
“Throughout the show, friends and families — particularly moms and their young daughters — seemed to be serenading each other as they sang along,” as I wrote after attending the first of three shows Wednesday night. “Sometimes, Boone being on the stage felt of secondary importance.
“The show often felt like a massive singalong, and it could sometimes be hard to hear Boone over the crowd. But there were moments when his vocals really cut through.
“While Boone has absolutely nothing to prove, he made a strong case for any of the doubters that his voice can stand on its own and that he’s a lot more than his flips (although there were also plenty of those).”
Benson Boone, top, performs onstage during the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. | Kevin Winter
Post Malone headlines RedWest Fest
Post Malone calls Cottonwood Heights home — and has been vocal about his love for living in Utah.
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“Moving here to this amazing state was one of the best things I’ve done in my life, besides have a baby girl,” Malone told his cheering fans at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre last fall, according to a video shared by Salt Lake-based country radio stationThe Bull on TikTok. “I moved to L.A. when I was a kid, and I was like, ‘Hey this is not kind of where I want to be.’ So I did a show here right on the Salt Flats, and I was like, ‘This place rocks.’ … Like a week later we bought a house here. I gotta say, Utah is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and I’m so grateful and so honored to be a resident here, ladies and gentlemen.”
Six months ago, Malone kicked off his first stadium tour with a hometown show at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. While the show covered hits from throughout his career, it was when Malone performed country music from his latest album, “F-1 Trillion,” that the crowd really came to life, as the Deseret News reported.
That country music will be on full display at RedWest.
Post Malone performs “America the Beautiful” during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. | Steve Luciano
“Like Beyonce, Malone traded in his beats for boots with the release of his album ‘F-1 Trillion,’ marking his move into country. Onstage, he wove his new twang-heavy tracks into a set list that still honored the hits that built his name,” Madeline Thorpe wrote for Deseret News. “But when he leaned into the country, something shifted. The former SoundCloud artist seemed to come more alive.
“The crowd matched his energy, not just following along, but really leaning in — singing louder, kicking up dust and getting loose,” Thorpe continued. “And though they still cheered for the decade of hip-hop, rock and rap anthems, it was the country songs that drew the loudest response.”
