TEMPE — Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham spoke to the media on Monday on perspective and accountability from Saturday’s loss against Mississippi State, 24-20.
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Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Raleek Brown (3) runs the ball as Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Jalen Smith (10) makes the tackle during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
ASU was on the verge of winning after scoring 20 unanswered points against MSU to give itself a 20-17 lead in the final moments of the game. Mississippi State made one last push and was able to break through the Sun Devils’ defense to score its game-winning touchdown with 30 seconds left.
Bulldog fans rushed the field after the win to celebrate beating a previously ranked No. 12 Arizona State team.
“It’s a great sign,” Dillingham said on MSU fans rushing the field, according to FOX 10’s Blake Niemann. “I don’t think people would have rushed the field two-and-a-half years ago when we got here for beating Arizona State… It’s pretty cool. You don’t ever want that. That means you lost, but it shows the respect people have for our football team.”
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
After back-to-back games that fell short of high expectations, Dillingham said it’s important not to overreact. Instead, the team will focus on specific aspects of its performance and look to improve, rather than only concentrating on wins and losses.
“I think overreacting is one of the reasons why teams that are really, really good can go on downward spirals,” he said. “That’s the nature of sport. The nature of sport is it’s results-driven externally. So, sometimes you can get lost in the external result… What we’re trying to do is say, like every week, what did we do good? What did we do bad? How do we be better?”
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) looks for an open receiver during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Dilligham also took accountability for not helping quarterback Sam Leavitt find a groove against Mississippi State. In the loss, Leavitt completed 10 of 22 passes for 82 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Despite the performance, the ASU head coach praised how his QB has continued to put in work.
“I wouldn’t trade [Leavitt] for any quarterback in the country,” he said. “That’s the quarterback I want to coach. That’s the quarterback that I have complete faith in… It’s not really him, it’s us as a staff. I gotta do a better job getting him to play up to his potential.”
Dillingham’s focus on growth remains a priority for his team as the season continues, hoping for bounce-back performances from the Sun Devils soon.
Kenny Dillingham on how Sam Leavitt has responded since his performance in ASU’s loss on Saturday:
“He’s come in and gone to work …The dude’s unbelievable. I wouldn’t trade him for any other quarterback in the country. That’s the quarterback I want to coach.” pic.twitter.com/tOPy3DOYlS
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) September 8, 2025
Arizona State returns to Tempe looking for that bounce-back game against Texas State on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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