Cardinals and Sun Devils start a November to remember

Saturday, Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo scored three touchdowns and rushed for 274 yards in the Sun Devils’ 42-21 blowout of Oklahoma State. Sunday, the Cardinals’ backfield of James Connor, Emari Demercado, and Trey Benson steamrolled the Chicago Bears for a combined 213 yards in a dominating 29-9 performance. 

The Cardinals’ defense, depleted by injury, allowed just three field goals and four first downs in the second half to Chicago. 

It’s shaping up to be a November to remember. The Sun Devils are going bowling in just Year Two of Kenny Dillingham, and the Cardinals are sitting atop the NFC West standings after a dominating win over Chicago. 

Both teams have been great stories in their way. ASU picked to finish last (which was a joke, to begin with), and while the Cardinals’ upward trajectory was more pronounced, the 5-4 record isn’t shocking.  

Face it: by this time of year, we usually have turned the page to the Suns and what the Cardinals might do in the upcoming draft. Now, we have two Valley programs that are playing entertaining football. Two head coaches who are likable, rather than just trying to get by with PR (Kliff sitting in a condo during the draft or Herm giving Herm-isms). 

Skattebo is closing in on becoming one of the most memorable Sun Devils in the program’s history. He still has work to do this season before bringing him into the elite company of Arizona State lore. Beat Arizona and win the bowl game, and we will revisit this.

6-sacks(Cardinals could’ve had 10-12). For the most part, the Cardinals played a clean game, even when they were blowing out Chicago. Impressive. On to next weekend…