After a humbling 42-10 loss to Utah, Kenny Dillingham set a clear standard for Arizona State moving forward. The absence of Sundevils QB Sam Leavitt created more woes as backup Jeff Sims took on the starting role. Sims’ report card portrayed 18 out of 38 complete passes for 124 yards and zero TDs, as RB Jordyn Tyson’s lone touchdown couldn’t really flip the script.

After a performance like that, one can just assume Dillingham’s dissatisfaction during the post-game presser. Dillingham praised Kyle Whittingham’s execution but used the loss as a rallying point. “They just outcoached us, outplayed us, absolutely whooped our b-tt,” Dillingham said. “I mean, it’s the first time we’ve really gotten whooped like that in a long time.” 

The Utes clearly dominated the run game, piling up 276 rushing yards on 6.6 carries on average. This comes as a major contrast, as the Sun Devils have given up just 78.2 rushing yards per game all season, while the Utes rolled to six touchdowns in seven drives.

Kenny Dillingham’s raw reaction to ASU’s blowout 42-10 loss to Utah:

On Utah’s offensive side of the ball, Dampier didn’t really use his passing prowess, as his legs did all the work. The QB utilized the bye week to heal from lower leg injuries, completing a mere 7 out of 12 passes for 104 yards. His run game clearly topped former QB Travis Wilson’s record since 2005 against Oregon. “(The offensive line) gave me great space to make plays,” Dampier said. “I felt my best for sure.” On top of that, the weather was cold and wet, which played right into Utah’s hands. It let their power-based offensive line take control. “They just ran the ball right at us,” Dillingham kept on praising Utah’s run game.

“We couldn’t stop them. 42 rushes 276 rushing yards, that’s pretty good. When (Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham) says that’s the best offensive line he’s had, that’s all you need to know.” Backup, Jeff Sims, handled himself well in passing and also contributed a bit in the run game, racking up 52 yards on 21 carries. The problem lay in that he never found the end zone or committed a turnover. However, there were flashes, like when he engineered a monster 15-play, 63-yard drive that chewed up more than eight minutes. But then, everything changed with the blocked field goal when Utah flipped it into a quick touchdown.

“I thought he played pretty well,” Dillingham cleared his stance on Sims. “There are throws I’d like to have back, like every quarterback, but he extended plays.” Sims simply didn’t have the explosive ground support or time to engineer the big plays ASU needed.

What needs to be done before the Texas Tech clash

Kenny Dillingham doesn’t really want this loss to define his time for a very long time. Sure, Utah smothered the Sun Devils with their efficient ground attack, but the goal is far ahead as Dillingham clears his thoughts on the next test. “If our guys wanna beat probably a top 5 team in the country in Texas Tech,” Dillingham said in the post-game presser. “Texas Tech played this team (Utah) and they won… We lost. It sucks. Learn from it. And you gotta go to the next game.”

As of now, Texas Tech is cruising undefeated. Plus, they were one of the teams that defeated the same Utes who smothered the Sun Devils defense. During that game, the Red Raiders’ backup QB, Will Hammond, stepped up. He threw for 169 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 61 yards. On the other side of the ball, the Texas Tech defense allowed Utah just 263 total yards and forced four turnovers.

They kept reigning dual-threat QB Devon Dampier in check, limiting his rushing yards to just 27 and picking off two passes. The Red Raiders’ ability to clamp down whenever Utah tried to mount a comeback was key, which was failed to do by the Sun Devils. Now, ASU’s best shot likely hinges on Leavitt’s return and big performances from stars like Jordyn Tyson and Raleek Brown. But the Red Raiders’ high-scoring offense this season makes them slight favourites in this matchup. Plus, it’s a home game for Texas Tech, which increases the edge.