Playing crucial roles in the 27-19 win over Utah, ASU running back Cam Skattebo and linebacker Caleb McCullough both received honors from the Big 12 for how instrumental they were on Friday night.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!For the third time this season, Skattebo was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week after scoring two touchdowns and rushing for 158 yards from 22 carries. In his first start of the season, McCullough collected 12 tackles and two interceptions to become the conference’s Defensive Player of the Week.
Skattebo does its again ????
Cam Skattebo named @Big12Conference offensive player of the week for the third time this season! #ForksUp /// #ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/N7HHEehf5L
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) October 14, 2024
Big Honors ‼️
Caleb McCullough named @Big12Conference defensive player of the week! #ForksUp /// #ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/m65ZwoP9z1
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) October 14, 2024
Skattebo shared the honor with Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks after beating Kansas last game and was the outright winner of the award following the Week 2 victory over Mississippi State. The California native had 33 carries and recorded a career-high in rushing yards (262) in the 30-23 win against MSU and 186 rushing yards and a touchdown from 25 carries vs. Kansas.
The 5-foot-11, 215-pound running back ran through the middle of the field, miraculously stayed up through a tackle and burned past another Ute defender for a 50-yard touchdown. He would eventually get the game-deciding TD with a 47-yard score in front of the wild student section late in the fourth quarter.
ASU Touchdown | Arizona State 20-16 Utah
Cam Skattebo gets on the board in style, evading multiple tackles and staying within bounds for a 50-yard touchdown.#ASU #SunDevils #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/mJpQHL2C1p
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) October 12, 2024
Skattebo is only 16 rushing yards away from surpassing his total last year of 788, as he already has 773 with six games remaining this season. He has 133 carries, eight touchdowns, an average of 5.8 rushing yards per carry and 128.8 per game.
Starting in place of Keyshaun Elliott, McCullough made a massive impression when he received his opportunity, setting career highs in interceptions and tackles. Before facing Utah, McCullough had just one pick throughout his five-year career, last coming in 2020 at Arizona.
With the Utes nearing the end zone, McCullough jumped up to corral a pass by Utah quarterback Cam Rising in the first quarter and sealed the victory by running in front of an opposing receiver for another interception.
ASU Interception | Arizona State 13-6 Utah
Just when Utah were threatening to score, Caleb McCollough intercepted Cam Rising pass and ASU has the ball now.#ASU #ForksUp #SunDevils pic.twitter.com/YVom4aQ6cG
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) October 12, 2024
The longtime Sun Devil defender has played 37 games, tallied 91 tackles and broke up five passes from 2020-24.
Multiple players have talked about instilling a next-man-up mentality this year and with McCullough taking over for Elliott, it is another example of how ASU can call on anyone and the team doesn’t miss a beat. Elliott was forced to miss the first half vs. Utah after receiving a targeting penalty against Kansas.
ASU improved to 5-1 on the season and moved up to fourth in the Big 12. Before the Sun Devils go on their second bye week of 2024, Arizona State will go up against Cincinnati on Saturday at 9 a.m. AZT.
ASU remains unranked despite being 5-1 and shocking Utah, Utes drop out after being No. 17
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Mercury, Suns and ASU Athletics for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
