Arizona State football picked as an “under-the-radar” team

TEMPE, Ariz. — Kenny Dillingham and Arizona State football are flying under the radar after the Sun Devils’ disappointing 2022-2023 campaign. On Wednesday, a Bleacher Report article ranked Arizona State as one “under-the-radar” college football team that could potentially “alter 2023 championship races.”

Arizona State football could alter the 2023 Pac-12 championship race

Dillingham inherited a program that was in a rough spot, to put it gently. Arizona State football is still awaiting potential sanctions from the Herm Edwards staff. The football program illegally hosted on-campus visits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last season the Sun Devils were a staggering 3-9, with their worst loss being at home to Eastern Michigan. It’s safe to say Dillingham had his work cut out for him with the program.

In his first offseason, he’s done about as good as possible considering the conditions. Arizona State and Dillingham’s new staff has been lighting it up on the recruiting trail, and they were extremely active in the transfer portal.

All of the roster turnover provides many questions, but it’s hard not to get excited, especially about the offense.

Last season at Oregon, Dillingham reignited Bo Nix and helped them string together a successful 10-3 season. Nix went from a struggling Auburn transfer to entering his name into the Heisman, and NFL Draft, conversations.

Arizona State’s schedule is full of opportunities

Dillingham is the youngest Power 5 coach in college football (by four years), but he has a successful track record. It wouldn’t be surprising if Arizona State overachieves this season, and Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon recognizes this. The Sun Devils also have a schedule that could allow them to cause some upsets and spark chaos in the Pac-12 championship race.

“Arizona State begins the campaign with four straight home games, closing that run opposite USC. Although the Sun Devils travel to Washington October 21, that contest happens after an idle Saturday—and UW will have played Oregon on the weekend prior. Then in November, ASU heads to Utah and hosts the Ducks,” Kenyon writes. “Since that quartet is all part of the Pac-12’s perceived top tier, ASU can throw a wicked twist into the conference standings with any upset.”

Arizona State football could surprise some folks, and the national media agrees.

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