Based on Arizona State’s passing numbers against Mississippi State, it looks like the Devils couldn’t keep up. But the rushing numbers tell a different story.
ASU rushed for 353 yards in a 30-23 win over Mississippi State in a nonconference game on Saturday at Mountain America Stadium. Cam Skattebo rushed for 262 yards on 33 carries – the most he’s ever had in an ASU uniform. His longest run of the night – 39 yards on the final possession – ended with a slide that allowed ASU to run down the clock.
The total number of rushing yards in a game in ASU history is second only to Eno Benjamin’s 312 yards against Oregon State in 2018.
“I’m not as tired as I probably should be,” Skattebo laughed while speaking to the media after the game. “Honestly, I’m OK. I have a few bumps and bruises, but knowing I’m playing on Thursday (against Texas State), I don’t have time to be tired.”
Skattebo, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound battering ram, set a personal best with 137 yards on 15 carries in the first half alone, surpassing his best of 121 yards against Washington State in 2023.
Skattebo did everything for ASU last season, from running the ball to punting, and even lined up as quarterback in certain packages. Due to ASU’s injury problems, Skattebo was used in many ways and was worn out before the season ended.
ASU now has more running backs, so Skattebo didn’t have to carry the load alone. He only had 11 runs in last week’s win over Wyoming. But he got lucky against Mississippi State and coach Kenny Dillingham stuck with him.
Dillingham said he challenged Skattebo in the offseason to get physical and be a team leader. The coach said his player answered everything asked of him, highlighting the play where he ran for 39 yards and then slid, staying in the field and allowing ASU to run down the clock.
Last year, there was a similar situation in a game against UCLA when Skattebo scored a goal instead of lying down first.
This time, ASU’s 30-3 lead was reduced to 30-23 late in the fourth quarter. Skattebo made some crucial third down runs to run down the clock, including the 39-yard run.
“I talked to the O-line on the sideline,” Skattebo said. “I didn’t think anyone was going to stop us at the start of that drive. It didn’t matter who it was, so I put my faith in those guys. They know I’m going to do my job back there behind them, and they created a beautiful gap so we had enough time on the clock to take advantage of it. We won.”
Freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt threw for just 69 yards, but was also involved in the running game with 68 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.
With its first win over an SEC school, ASU improved its record to 2-0 for the first time since the 2021 season.
