Skattebo Shines as Arizona State Tops Kansas 35-31 in Thrilling Showdown

Arizona State football fans got exactly what they came for this past Saturday night—a thrilling victory and a powerhouse performance by their star running back, Cam Skattebo. Head coach Kenny Dillingham had been preaching all week that the team needed to get more backs involved in the offense. However, when the Sun Devils needed those crucial yards, Skattebo was the one to carry them to the finish line in a hard-fought 35-31 win over Kansas.

In front of a roaring sellout crowd of 54,639 at Mountain America Stadium, Skattebo stole the show, yet again. His dominance on the field wasn’t just in flashes—this man was the Sun Devils’ workhorse. Skattebo took matters into his own hands, especially in the pivotal moments of the game, and delivered when it mattered most. His 1-yard touchdown run in the early seconds of the fourth quarter, off a direct snap, gave the Sun Devils a 21-17 lead. That crucial score seemed to light a fire under the team, and it’s no surprise the crowd exploded in cheers.

Let’s be clear—Skattebo’s been shouldering the load for the Sun Devils for a while now, and it's paying off big time. He came into this game with 30 more carries in the first four games than he had all of last season. His ability to push through the grind has been critical this year, especially with key injuries sidelining other players. The most notable absence? Raleek Brown, the explosive back with speed to burn, who has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury since early in fall camp. Brown finally saw some action this week, making a few solid plays, but it was Skattebo who had to do the heavy lifting.

Let’s take a look at the numbers because they paint the picture of just how vital Skattebo has been this season:

• 25 carries for 182 yards and a touchdown on Saturday night alone.
• Entering this game, Skattebo led all FBS running backs with a whopping 86 carries over the first four games.
• Brown, just back from injury, chipped in with seven carries for 40 yards. A respectable performance, but it’s clear he’s still easing back into full game shape.

Dillingham’s game plan had been to diversify the offense and spread the ball around more, but there’s no denying who the go-to guy is right now. Skattebo has taken that challenge in stride, and he’s been nothing short of a bulldozer in the backfield, grinding out tough yardage week after week.

One of the most exciting aspects of this game was watching Skattebo show off his ability to not only break tackles but also make defenders miss entirely. He runs with power and purpose, but there’s a finesse to his game as well. Whether he’s smashing through a linebacker or slipping past the secondary, this guy knows how to move the chains.

However, we can’t overlook the fact that Raleek Brown's return to action adds another layer of excitement to the Sun Devils' offense. Even though Brown is still shaking off the rust after missing time due to his hamstring injury, the flashes he showed in this game were a reminder of the type of explosive plays he’s capable of delivering. Fans have been waiting to see him back in the lineup, and while he didn’t get a ton of opportunities on Saturday, his presence on the field adds a dynamic element that could become a game-changer as the season progresses.

Key Takeaways from the Game:

1. Cam Skattebo is the Sun Devils' MVP right now – No question about it. With other backs still on the mend, Skattebo has taken over the running game and done it with style and grit.

2. Raleek Brown’s return adds depth – Having Brown back means that the Sun Devils won’t have to rely solely on Skattebo moving forward. If Brown can get fully healthy and into a rhythm, this could be a dangerous one-two punch in the backfield.

3. Dillingham’s vision of a multi-back system is still in play – While Skattebo carried the load on Saturday, the idea of getting more running backs involved in the offense is still on the table. The return of Brown only makes this a more intriguing possibility.

4. Sun Devils’ offense is coming together – With Skattebo in top form and Brown working his way back, this team is starting to build an offensive identity. If they can continue to execute like they did against Kansas, we could be looking at a team ready to make some noise in the Big 12.

The atmosphere inside Mountain America Stadium was electric, and for good reason. This wasn’t just a regular-season game—this was a statement win for the Sun Devils. The team has had its share of challenges early in the season, particularly with injuries and inconsistent play. But Saturday’s win showed that Arizona State is finding its groove, and they have the weapons to compete at a high level.

The crowd knew they were witnessing something special with Skattebo’s performance. Every time he touched the ball, you could feel the anticipation rise, and more often than not, he delivered in a big way. It wasn’t just the yards he gained but the way he did it—running through tackles, refusing to go down, and constantly churning his legs to pick up those extra yards.

Moving forward, if the Sun Devils can keep their key players healthy and continue to execute on both sides of the ball, they have a real shot at making waves in the Big 12. The return of Brown will only bolster their chances, and Skattebo’s continued dominance makes Arizona State a team that no one should overlook.

At the end of the day, football is about moments, and Saturday night’s win over Kansas was full of them. The Sun Devils are showing signs of being a team that thrives under pressure and rises to the occasion. Skattebo's been leading that charge, and with Brown back in the fold, the sky’s the limit for this offense.

So, while Dillingham’s plans to get more backs involved in the offense is exciting, for now, it’s safe to say this is still Cam Skattebo’s show. And if he keeps running like he did on Saturday, Arizona State fans are in for one exciting season.