Sun Devils Reach Nine Wins in Bold Fashion

“Fortune favors the bold.”

That’s not a quote from Kenny Dilligham’s postgame press conference, but it might as well be. 

There were questions about decisions the Sun Devils made in their 28-23 win over BYU, especially in the second half. Dillingham gave multiple explanations for why the Sun Devils did what they did. The answers could be boiled down to one thing: They’re trying to win.

Playing it safe was a staple of Herm Edwards’ squads. Live to fight another day. Well, series. 

It was risk-averse. It careful. In losses, it left fans wanting more. They wanted the team to go for broke to slam the door shut. 

Dillingham has shown in just under two full seasons that he will not follow that path.

Did ASU slam the door shut on Saturday?

Not exactly.

But it wasn’t for lack of trying. 

In the fist half, Arizona State was rolling. Running back Cam Skattebo found the end zone three times, and the Sun Devils entered halftime with a 21-0 lead. 

They had two short drives to work with and struck quickly. But they also had a methodical, 95-yard drive – the longest of the season. 

Aside from an interception that Sam Leavitt threw off a BYU defensive lineman’s helmet, the Sun Devils really could not have asked for a better start to the game. 

In the second half, the Sun Devils continued to throw some haymakers. 

X Guillory capped off his senior day with a big touchdown catch to go up 28-9.

.@GuilloryXavier making a big play on his Senior Day 🔱

📺 ESPN
📻 https://t.co/0CMltGlRNn pic.twitter.com/49MTO5qeh0

— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) November 23, 2024

But BYU is a good team, and good teams don’t roll over. They found they made it a game as their offense found a rhythm. 

With 2:34 left in the game, Dillingham opted to go for it on 4th down rather than take a chip-shot field goal that would have extended the lead to eight. 

After ASU was not able to convert, Javan Robinson stepped up huge and had what was thought to be a game-sealing interception. 

The offense was in striking distance to score, but Dillingham opted to try to control the rest of the game and run out the clock. 

It worked. Until it didn’t. 

On fourth down, Sam Leavitt heaved a pass that would have been eye-level with the fans watching the game from A mountain.

There was just one problem: after a lengthy review and clearing the fans who have stormed the field to the sidelines, it was deemed there was one second left. BYU would take over at midfield with a chance to win.

The heave came up short, and ASU escaped. 

It felt a heck of a lot harder than it needed to be. But in a Big 12 conference that has proven no game is a gimme and no lead is safe, ASU found a way to win. 

And that’s all you can ask for in November. 

This shouldn’t be a surprise. Whether you like it or not, Dillingham and crew are going to be aggressive. He also has shown a willingness to adjust his approach in certain situations. 

If he’s faced with a situation where he’s up five against Arizona with a chip-shot field goal on the table, will he go for it?

Maybe. Maybe not. 

But the majority of these decisions will come down to one simple thing:

He’s trying to win the game rather than try to not lose it.

Dillingham, his staff and his players met the moment head-on. The biggest home game in a decade wasn’t met with a whimper. 

It’s why Parker Lewis pulled off a perfect squib kick that deflected off a member of the BYU return team and ASU recovered, setting up Skattebo’s third touchdown. 

It’s an attitude that has helped the Sun Devils, picked to finish last in the preseason, grab hold of a wide-open Big 12 and control their destiny with one game left to play. 

When the Sun Devils look to officially clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship, an absolutely wild thought even a month ago, ASU will look to grab that opportunity with a win, not with trying to avoid a loss.