Arizona State football knocks off No. 16 Utah

TEMPE, Ariz—On a night when the nation’s eyes were on Arizona State football, the team delivered an upset win against No. 16-ranked Utah, winning 27-19. This is easily the most impressive and best win of the Kenny Dillingham era. Against a team like Utah, which he has consistently praised for how they have built their program, his team goes out and secures the win.

Just a few short months ago, ASU was picked to finish dead last in the Big 12, and Utah was picked first. Now, ASU just beat the favorite to win the conference to improve to 5-1 on the year. A team that was given no chance before the season has now played itself into the conversation of being a top-25 team in the country.

The Sun Devils played a game that showed what they missed in last year’s 55-3 loss. They played with greater physicality, toughness, and a winning mentality. A major win like this can go a long way in shaping the future of a program and putting your program on a map.

Looking ahead for Arizona State football

After a big win on the national stage, with many recruits in attendance, this type of win can open eyes across the country and help with recruiting. Since arriving in Tempe, Dillingham has wanted to bring in the best recruits he can and as well as keeping the best recruits from Arizona, to stay home. After a potential program-changing win, Dillingham reflected on how this win could help in that regard.

“Local guys,” Dillingham began. “I mean that’s on them, I don’t know. We’re going to recruit really good players here. There’s a lot of really good players who want to be here and (are) from here. I’m born and raised here. I would love for these local guys who are committed elsewhere to come here, but at the end of the day, we are going to win here. You’re either going to be a part of it or you’re not, you’re either going to be like Jake Smith (Scottsdale native) and you’re going to be able to run off that field and go see your family after the game. You’re either going to be able to accomplish something in your own state that you can be proud of or you’re not.”

The win could easily open some recruits’ eyes a little more, witnessing success in their own backyard. The type of players that are being recruited won’t change but the chance of landing some of the best might.

Prioritizing Sun Devils

“I’m worried about getting passionate [players] to be Sun Devils,” Dillingham said. “whether that means they are from California, Hawaii, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah or Florida. I don’t care, I want people who are passionate that when they show up on campus they say, ‘Dang, this is awesome.’ This is the way I felt that growing up so I know there’s kids out there right now that are committed to bigger programs, that are committed to cooler programs, the programs that have won longer, and we haven’t won yet. But at the same token, the challenge is we’re going to go sign good players here… The best players in this state, if they want to be a part of this, they have that opportunity, but we’re going to sign really good players and I hope it’s the kids in the state but at the end of the day that’s on them.”